Proudly part of the City Fertility Network
Proudly part of the City Fertility Network
Partner IVF, also known as reciprocal IVF, is a special type of IVF treatment that allows both partners in a same-sex female couple to share a biological and physical connection to their baby.
In a Partner IVF cycle, one partner undergoes an egg collection, and her eggs are fertilised in the lab using donor sperm. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the other partner’s uterus, allowing her to carry the pregnancy.
Partner IVF is a deeply meaningful option for couples who want to be equally involved in the process of conception. It’s also a popular choice for those planning multiple children, with partners often choosing to reverse roles so each can experience pregnancy and have a biological link to a child. Partner IVF is not only a beautiful way to share the journey to parenthood, but also one that creates a strong sense of connection between both parents and their growing family.
Rainbow Fertility has a range of donor sperm available NOW, with no waitlist.
Browse Addam Donor Bank to find your ideal donor today or call our team at 1300 222 623 to learn more.
The Partner IVF process is very similar to standard IVF, with the key difference being that both partners are actively involved with one providing the eggs, and the other carrying the pregnancy.
The key differences between IVF and Partner IVF are:
Browse the full process below:
Before starting treatment, you and your partner will need to decide who will contribute the eggs and who will carry the pregnancy. This shared decision can be both emotional and practical, so it’s worth considering the pros and cons of each role and aligning expectations from the outset.
You’ll also need to choose and reserve a sperm donor before starting treatment. You have the option of using a known donor (such as a friend or someone you know personally) or choosing a clinic-recruited donor from the Addam Donor Bank , Australia’s leading donor program.
The partner providing the eggs then starts a course of daily hormone injections (FSH) from Day 2 or 3 of their cycle to stimulate the ovaries and encourage the growth of multiple follicles (each containing an egg). At the same time, the partner carrying the pregnancy will take medication to prepare the uterine lining (endometrium) for embryo transfer.
Some couples may also synchronise their menstrual cycles to allow for a fresh embryo transfer, adding an extra layer of coordination that supports both medical and emotional connection.
The egg-providing partner is closely monitored throughout the stimulation phase using ultrasounds and/or blood tests. This helps your fertility specialist track follicle development and adjust medication if needed to support optimal egg growth.
Once the follicles have reached the ideal size, the egg-providing partner receives a “trigger injection” of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) to help the eggs mature and prepare for collection.
Approximately 35–38 hours after the trigger injection, the egg-providing partner undergoes egg retrieval under light sedation. The procedure is guided by ultrasound. It is important to note that not every follicle will contain an egg, and not every egg will fertilise.
If you are using a known donor, you will be asked to produce his semen sample on the day. If using frozen donor sperm (from either a known or clinic-recruited donor), the sample will be thawed on the day.
The sperm sample is washed and concentrated, then added to the eggs. If your specialist has recommended Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), one sperm will be injected directly into each mature egg. ICSI is usually recommended for male factor infertility or previous suboptimal outcomes with standard IVF insemination.
The inseminated eggs are placed in an incubator and checked for fertilisation 16-18 hours after insemination. You will receive an update from the embryologists at this time. The normally fertilised embryos are then grown for five days. It is important to note that not every egg will fertilise, as several factors may affect the fertilisation ability of an egg and/or sperm.
Five days following egg retrieval, the embryos are assessed by the embryologists for development and quality. The best embryo is selected for transfer into the uterus of the partner intending to carry the pregnancy using a fine plastic tube (transfer catheter). Usually, only one embryo is transferred. If more than one embryo is to be transferred, this must be discussed with your clinician prior to the transfer taking place. Embryo transfer is a relatively quick procedure and discomfort should be minimal.
Alternatively, you may decide not to do a fresh embryo transfer, and instead vitrify and store the embryos to be used at a later date using a Frozen Embryo Transfer.
Any remaining embryos that meet the requirements in terms of development and quality will be frozen. These frozen embryos are then stored until required for a subsequent transfer. The vast majority of frozen embryos survive the freezing process and pregnancy rates are comparable with the transfer of fresh embryos.
The final stage of IVF is called the luteal phase and it’s the two weeks between the egg collection and the pregnancy test. Many people find this to be the most difficult time to endure. Whilst it’s an exciting and optimistic time of the treatment cycle, it can often be emotionally charged with expectation and anxiety. You will be encouraged to limit your activity for 24 hours after the embryo transfer, eat well, stay hydrated and keep busy while you wait for your pregnancy blood test.
Want to learn more about the Partner IVF process? Book an appointment with one of our fertility specialists to discuss your options.
We understand that every IVF journey is different. At Rainbow Fertility we tailor your quote to your individualised treatment plan, created for you by your Fertility Specialist. You can visit our Treatment Costs page for a broad overview of our costs.
Egg retrieval
Egg retrieval is a minor procedure performed using an ultrasound-guided needle, which is carefully passed through the top of the vagina to collect eggs from the ovaries. The procedure typically takes 15–20 minutes and follows these steps:
Mild cramping, discomfort, and light vaginal spotting or bleeding are common after egg retrieval.
Following the procedure, you may begin medication to support the development of the uterine lining in preparation for embryo transfer.
Semen collection
If applicable, your partner will be asked to provide a semen sample on the day of the procedure. A private collection room is available at our clinic, or in some cases, the sample may be collected at home and brought to the clinic—this can be discussed at the start of your cycle. If you have any concerns, we encourage you to discuss them with us before your cycle begins.
Three to five days after egg retrieval, an embryo is carefully transferred into the uterus using a fine plastic tube called a catheter. The procedure is quick, typically taking just a few minutes, and is generally not uncomfortable. Many patients describe it as similar to having a pap smear.
The embryo transfer steps are:
The best-quality embryos—those with the highest chance of implantation—are prioritised for transfer. To be viable for transfer or freezing, embryos should show minimal or no fragmentation (cell breakdown) and no signs of abnormal development. If there are additional high-quality embryos, they may be frozen (vitrified) for future use.
Gender selection is not permitted in Australia unless it’s for medical reasons, such as preventing genetic conditions.
IVF stands for “In Vitro Fertilisation,” a fertility treatment where an egg is fertilised with sperm in a laboratory and then the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy.
Pain perception varies from person to person. For most patients, the injections taken during an IVF cycle are easy to use and relatively painless. Our experienced IVF nurses will guide you through the injection technique to help minimise any discomfort.
The egg retrieval procedure is a minor surgical procedure performed under either inhaled sedation or intravenous sedation. This means you will be either drowsy or asleep while the eggs are collected. Some patients experience mild cramping afterwards, which typically resolves within a few hours. Pain relief is provided as needed.
Embryo transfer is a simple procedure that usually does not require sedation. Patients often describe it as similar to a pap smear, with only mild cramping (if any) afterward. If needed, Panadol is generally sufficient to ease any discomfort.
Potential risks and side effects associated with IVF procedures include:
IVF injections typically begin on day two or three of your period. However, the exact timing may vary based on your fertility specialist’s personalised treatment plan.
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