Can You Mix Sperm for IVF?

You and your partner may both want to share a genetic connection with your child, leading to issues of deciding whose sperm to use for IVF or questions around whether it’s possible for both of your sperm to be used.

it is not possible for gay couples to mix sperm samples during IVF for surrogacy but there are other avenues you can take that can give you both an equal chance at being genetically linked to your baby.

Learn more about creating embryos here, or keep reading to learn more about why mixing sperm is not practiced in IVF.

Once you have an embryo, you can get matched with a surrogate in an average of 1 - 6 months. Get help from a professional to create an embryo and find a surrogate now.

Can You Mix Sperm for a Surrogate?

No, in traditional IVF procedures for gay men, sperm from one or both of the intended fathers and donor eggs are used  to create embryos. However, sperm is not “mixed” into a single sample because clinics are required to keep records of genetic parentage.

Split Cycle IVF for Surrogacy

Split cycle IVF can provide an equal opportunity for either you or your partner to be the biological father of your baby.

• Step 1. Division and Fertilization of Eggs: The donor eggs are divided in half and your sperm will be used to fertilize one half and your partner’s sperm will be used to fertilize the other. In the case of an odd number of eggs, the clinic may ask you which sperm will be used for fertilizing the remaining egg.
• Step 2. Embryos are graded: After fertilization, the embryos will develop for 5-6 days and are graded based on their likelihood of implanting.
• Step 3. The highest-grade embryo is chosen: Your fertility specialist will choose the best-quality embryo for transfer to the surrogate, regardless of which sperm was used.

This means that you and your partner do not have to decide which one of you will be genetically related to your child.

The decision on which embryo to transfer focuses on the likelihood of successful implantation rather than the genetic relationship to each father. This approach maximizes the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Other Possible Genetic Links

If you and your same sex partner both want to be genetically tied to your embryo, in some cases it may be possible to get an egg donation from another family member of one partner rather than use a sperm sample, although this option can create complicated family dynamics and should be discussed thoroughly.

Considering Twins

Some couples wonder if it is possible to transfer one embryo created from each partner’s sperm at the same time. This means that one embryo would be genetically related to one father and the other to the second father. However, this approach poses the risk of twins, which can complicate the pregnancy and delivery.

Due to the inherent risks associated with multiple births, we generally advise against intentionally aiming for a multiples pregnancy. The health and safety of both the surrogate and the babies should always be the top priority.

Get Help Creating Embryos

For gay couples considering IVF, understanding the limitations of sperm mixing and the processes involved is crucial. While both partners can have genetic ties to their children through split IVF or a genetically related egg donor, the mixing of sperm samples is not possible.

Each decision, from fertilization to embryo transfer, is made with the aim of achieving a healthy pregnancy. Always consult with a knowledgeable fertility clinic to explore the best options tailored to your family-building journey.

A surrogacy professional can help you get local fertility clinic recommendations and begin creating embryos, and once you have embryos ready, you can get matched with a surrogate in an average of 1 - 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mix two sperms together?

No, sperm cannot be mixed together. Each sperm sample is kept separate and is used to fertilize different eggs.

Can you combine two eggs for IVF?

While combining two eggs is not a standard practice in IVF, clinics can retrieve multiple eggs from an egg donor and fertilize them with different sperm samples.

What is the best way to give sperm for IVF?

The best way to provide sperm for IVF is to follow the clinic’s guidelines for collection, which often includes producing a fresh sample through masturbation or using a collection device.

Can you select male sperm for IVF?

Yes, sperm selection can be performed, including choosing male or female sperm based on the intended parents’ preferences, although this may involve additional cost, and does not guarantee the outcome of a particular gender.