Reciprocal IVF: How it works

Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — September 2025.

Advances in reproductive medicine have made it easier than ever for people to build their families. One option for partners who both have eggs and a uterus is reciprocal in vitro fertilization (IVF). This process is also called co-IVF, co-maternity, or reception of oocytes from partner.

With reciprocal IVF, one partner provides the eggs, and the other carries the pregnancy. Many partners choose this option because it allows both people to have a physical role in bringing their child into the world. The partner providing the eggs contributes genetic material, while the partner who has the embryo transfer carries the pregnancy and delivers the baby.

How reciprocal IVF works

Like other fertility treatments for partners with ovaries and a uterus, one of the first steps is choosing a sperm donor. Once you’ve chosen a donor, you can begin the treatment cycle.

There are two main approaches: frozen embryo transfer or fresh embryo transfer. For clarity, this article uses “Partner A” and “Partner B.”

Frozen embryo transfer

1. Partner A takes injectable fertility medications for about 10 to 14 days to grow multiple eggs. When the eggs are ready, they are retrieved in a minor outpatient procedure.
2. The retrieved eggs are fertilized in the lab with donor sperm. The embryos grow for five to seven days until they reach a stage of development that has a higher chance of resulting in pregnancy.
3. If you choose preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), a small sample is taken from each embryo at this stage, and then the embryo is frozen. PGT-A checks for extra or missing chromosomes.
4. Partner B prepares for the transfer, sometimes with medication to make the uterine lining ready for implantation.
5. Once the genetic testing results are available, a chromosomally normal embryo is thawed and transferred into Partner B’s uterus.
6. About 10 days after the transfer, a blood test checks for pregnancy. If positive, there are usually follow-up human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) blood tests and an ultrasound. hCG is a hormone that signals pregnancy and is produced by the cells that form the placenta.

Fresh embryo transfer

1. Both partners synchronize their menstrual cycles by taking birth control pills.
2. Partner A takes injectable medications to stimulate multiple eggs to mature.
3. Partner B may also take medications to help prepare for transfer.
4. After about 2 weeks on medication, eggs are retrieved from Partner A and fertilized with donor sperm in the lab.
5. After about 5 days, an embryo is transferred into Partner B’s uterus.
6. Partner B returns to the clinic about 10 days after the transfer for the pregnancy test.

Considerations with reciprocal IVF

Talk with your reproductive endocrinologist (REI) to make sure you understand the process and its success rates.

Depending on your state, your clinic may recommend that you speak with a family law attorney. They may suggest a second-parent adoption for the partner not carrying the pregnancy.

Some partners choose to switch egg donor and carrier roles in a second pregnancy so that each person experiences both pregnancy and a genetic connection. Only you and your partner know what your priorities are in building your family. It’s helpful to understand your options and make an informed decision with your REI.

If you have questions or concerns, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.