Utilization of fertility treatment and reproductive choices by lesbian couples.
OBJECTIVE
To describe intentions and outcomes of lesbian couples requesting reproductive assistance; and report number of cycles needed to achieve a live birth.


METHODS
Retrospective chart review.


METHODS
University-based fertility center.


METHODS
A total of 306 lesbian couples who sought reproductive assistance between 2004 and 2015.


METHODS
Intrauterine insemination or IVF using donor sperm.


METHODS
Mean age, relationship status, family size, preconception goals, conception attempts, number of cycles to achieve a live birth.


RESULTS
Preconception plans were available for 233 couples: 76.4% planned for one partner to conceive and carry (single partner conception); 23.6% planned for both partners to eventually conceive and carry (dual partner conception). Of 306 couples who presented, 85.1% attempted single partner conception, and 68% of these achieved a live birth. Dual partner conception was attempted by 14.9% of couples, and 88.9% achieved a live birth. Of those who conceived with IUI, a mean (±SD) of 3 ± 1.1 cycles were completed. Of those who conceived with IVF, a mean of 6 ± 1.4 IUI and 1.7 ± 0.3 IVF cycles were completed.


CONCLUSIONS
Lesbian couples may improve their likelihood of a live birth if both partners attempt conception. Further studies are needed to understand why one-fifth of patients did not pursue treatment.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut.
Olivia J
OJ
Carpinello
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut; The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, Farmington, Connecticut.
Mary Casey
MC
Jacob
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut; The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, Farmington, Connecticut.
John
J
Nulsen
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut; The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, Farmington, Connecticut. Electronic address: Benadiva@uchc.edu.
Claudio
C
Benadiva
D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007316:Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D050498:Live Birth; D011247:Pregnancy; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000072339:Sexual and Gender Minorities / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors; D061685:Time-to-Pregnancy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Fertility; lesbian; therapeutic donor insemination; treatment