Your family, built your way.
At RMA of Michigan, we proudly support the many paths to parenthood taken by LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. Our team provides inclusive, affirming care — guiding you through the options and helping you build a plan that fits your family.
How can LGBTQ+ individuals and couples build a family? There are several paths, including intrauterine insemination (IUI) with donor sperm, in vitro fertilization (IVF), reciprocal IVF (where one partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy), and surrogacy with a gestational carrier — often using donor eggs or sperm. At RMA of Michigan in Troy, our team provides inclusive, affirming care and helps you choose the path that fits your family.
Building your family at RMA of Michigan
At RMA of Michigan in Troy, we support the diverse paths to parenthood taken by LGBTQ+ individuals and couples — whether you're a same-sex couple, a gay male couple exploring surrogacy, or a transgender or non-binary individual planning for a family.
Our team provides inclusive, affirming care tailored to your identity, partnership, and goals. We'll help you understand the options and build a plan around your health, your timeline, and what matters most to you.
Many of these paths build on the same core treatments — IUI, IVF, donor eggs or sperm, and a gestational carrier. We'll walk through which combination fits your situation.
Paths to parenthood for LGBTQ+ families
There's no single path to building a family. These are the most common options, and your team will help you choose the one — or the combination — that fits.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
A minimally invasive option that places donor sperm into the uterus around ovulation. A common starting point for many lesbian couples, single parents by choice, and trans individuals. Learn about IUI →
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Combines eggs and sperm in the laboratory and transfers an embryo. IVF is also the foundation for reciprocal IVF and surrogacy. Learn about IVF →
Reciprocal IVF
One partner provides the eggs and the other carries the pregnancy, so both partners are part of the experience in a deeply shared way.
Surrogacy (Gestational Carrier)
For those who can't carry a pregnancy, embryos created through IVF are carried by a gestational carrier — often the path for gay male couples and some trans parents. Learn about surrogacy →
Sperm & Egg Donation
Screened donor sperm and a diverse pool of egg donors, with options for known or anonymous donors. Known donors involve legal and medical screening for everyone's clarity and safety.
Preservation & Gender-Affirming Care
Egg, sperm, and embryo freezing, including for those undergoing gender-affirming treatment or planning to build a family later. Learn about preservation →
An affirming place to build your family
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build a family — regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationship status. Our team works to create a welcoming environment where you feel supported at every step.
- Inclusive, individualized care that honors your identity and partnership.
- Dr. Jenny George is listed in the national LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory of inclusive providers.
- Clear guidance at every step, from donor selection through treatment.
- Serving the LGBTQ+ community across Troy and Southeast Michigan, including Birmingham, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, and Ferndale.
Your journey, step by step
Every family-building journey is different. This is a general sequence to help you picture the path ahead.
Consultation
You'll meet with your RMA team to talk through your goals and the paths available to you, and to ask any questions.
Choosing Your Path
Together you decide on the approach — IUI, IVF, reciprocal IVF, or surrogacy — along with any donor needs.
Donor & Legal Steps
If donor sperm or eggs, or a gestational carrier, are part of your plan, those arrangements and any legal steps are set up with your chosen partners.
Your Cycle
Your chosen treatment proceeds, with monitoring and a team available for support along the way.
Early Pregnancy & Beyond
After a transfer or insemination, your team supports you through early pregnancy and the transition to your OB.
LGBTQ+ family building, answered
What paths are available for LGBTQ+ family building?
Common paths include IUI with donor sperm, IVF, reciprocal IVF, and surrogacy with a gestational carrier — often using donor eggs or sperm. Your team will help you choose the option, or combination, that fits your family.
What is reciprocal IVF?
Reciprocal IVF is a form of IVF in which one partner provides the eggs and the other partner carries the pregnancy. It allows both partners to be part of the journey in a deeply shared and meaningful way.
How do we choose between IUI and IVF?
IUI is often the first option for those using donor sperm without known fertility challenges, while IVF is considered for reciprocal IVF, surrogacy, or when a more involved approach fits your situation. Your physician will help you weigh the options.
Can we use a known sperm or egg donor?
Yes. We work with both known and anonymous donors. Known donors involve legal and medical screening to ensure clarity and safety for everyone involved.
What options exist for gay male couples?
Surrogacy with a gestational carrier, using donor eggs and IVF, is often the path for gay male couples. Our team coordinates with agencies and legal professionals throughout the process.
Does RMA support fertility preservation before gender-affirming care?
Yes. We offer egg, sperm, and embryo freezing for those undergoing gender-affirming treatment or planning to build a family later. Reaching out early gives your team time to coordinate with your other care.