Same-Sex Couples
Dr Khashaba is committed to helping people in same-sex relationships have a family. There are a number of ways to go about it. Make an appointment to talk about your personal situation, medical history and what fertility choices are available to you.
If you are in a same-sex relationship and want to start a family, Dr Khashaba can assist you.
Every adult that desires to build a family has the right to do so. The LGBTQI+ community face different physiologic and logistical fertility challenges. For this reason, Dr Khashaba provides family building services to same-sex, same-gender and transgender individuals and their partners.
Pregnancy using donated gametes (sperm, eggs, embryos) and surrogacy can be complex and requires several steps to be taken prior to conception. We have streamlined those steps and are able to offer you a one-stop-shop to cover all you needs.
If you are considering your options, I welcome you to book an appointment to learn more about the range of fertility treatments and services available to you, in order to decide which offerings are the best fit.
Lesbian & Same-Gender Female Couples
In most cases, lesbian and same-gender female couples use IUI or IVF to get pregnant.
For female couples, the option of conceiving through the use of donor sperm is available. Donor sperm may be obtained from a known donor (friend or non-biologically related family member) or sourced from a sperm bank. Conception may occur through intra-uterine insemination (IUI) or by utilising In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
Egg sharing through IVF
Egg sharing is a type of IVF for lesbian couples that lets both partners become physically involved in the conception of their baby.
In this option, one partner provides the eggs, which are fertilised with donor sperm, and the other carries the pregnancy.
Partner IVF is a very appealing concept for many lesbian couples. Some couples may also use this type of treatment to conceive their second child, with their original sperm donor and carrier roles reversed.
Gay & Same-Gender Male Couples
Gay and same-gender male couples typically use sperm from one (or both) of the partners, an egg from a known or clinic recruited egg donor and surrogacy.
Male couples will require the use of an egg donor and a surrogate in order to conceive. Commercial surrogacy is not permitted in Australia.
There are two options for obtaining donor eggs. You may choose to utilise a known donor, such as a friend or non-biologically related family member, or a clinic-recruited donor.
Seeking surrogacy overseas may also be an option. However, according to Australian law, this is only legal if it is altruistic. Be aware that this can be an expensive route and you will need to plan to potentially be overseas for a few months after your baby is born to organise their entry into Australia.
FAQ
You can use sperm donated by someone you know, or select one of our de-identified donors that we have recruited locally and from overseas.
If you decide to use a de-identified clinic recruited sperm donor, you will be given access to a database of all the donors currently available to choose from. Here you will be able to view in-depth questionnaires completed by the donor about themselves and their families including physical attributes and a detailed family medical history.
Under the NSW Assisted Reproductive Technology ACT, effective from the 1st January 2010, all sperm donors are required to make their identity available to the children conceived from their sperm donation when the child turn 18 years of age. They must also give written informed consent to their name being included on the NSW Central ART donor registry. Sperm donors are only allowed to create a maximum of five families, including the family/s of the donor. All overseas donors are required to meet the same legislative requirements.
Medicare will only provide a rebate for fertility treatment if there is a medical problem. If you are considering accessing the donor program as same-sex parents, it is recommended that you consult with Dr Khashaba for a full investigation to understand if you are eligible for a rebate and to understand the fertility treatment costs. There are also costs involved in the preparation of sperm donors.
Dr Shadi Khashaba is a sub-specialised fertility and reproductive medicine specialist. He is formally trained as a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist, however he now focuses his clinical practice exclusively on fertility medicine.
Dr Khashaba has undertaken multiple sub-specialised training fellowships both domestically and internationally at renowned institutions in the areas of reproductive endocrinology, infertility, andrology and reproductive endocrinology.
He consults from the Sydney CBD, Alexandria, Kogarah and Miranda.
Get In Touch
If you have a fertility question or wish to make a booking, please contact us to find a convenient time and date. A GP referral is required.