CCRM FERTILITY CLINIC IN MENLO PARK, CA
Reciprocal IVF in the San Francisco Bay Area
Serving the Palo Alto & Menlo Park Areas
At CCRM Fertility of San Francisco, we proudly support LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in their family-building journey. Reciprocal IVF offers a deeply meaningful path for same-sex female couples who want to share in the experience of creating a child both emotionally and biologically.
This method allows one partner to provide the eggs, while the other carries the pregnancy, giving both partners a unique and active role in the IVF process. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or ready to take the next step, our San Francisco Bay Area team is here to support you with compassion, clarity, and leading-edge fertility care.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Reciprocal IVF Process
Reciprocal IVF works much like a traditional IVF cycle but with an intentional collaboration between partners. Here’s how it works at our San Francisco Bay Area clinic:
- One partner undergoes egg retrieval following ovarian stimulation
- The eggs are fertilized using donor sperm in our state-of-the-art lab
- The resulting embryo is transferred to the other partner, who will carry the pregnancy
This beautiful process allows you to grow your family in a way that celebrates both partners’ roles. We’re here to walk with you every step of the way—offering clarity, support, and personalized care.
Curious about how you and your partner can both be involved? Schedule a consultation in the San Francisco Bay Area with our team.
Preparing for Reciprocal IVF
Deciding on Roles: Who Provides the Eggs and Who Carries the Baby?
Our fertility specialists in the San Francisco Bay Area will help guide your decision based on medical history, fertility testing, and personal goals.
Factors to Consider
- Age and ovarian reserve
- Uterine health and medical history
- Emotional considerations
- Personal connection to the role of genetic or gestational parent
There’s no right or wrong choice—only what feels right for your journey as a couple.
The Importance of Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
PGT can screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer, helping improve pregnancy success rates and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
Synchronizing Cycles and Egg Retrieval
Our San Francisco Bay Area care team uses hormone therapy to synchronize both partners’ cycles, making sure the uterus is ready to receive the embryo once egg retrieval and fertilization are complete.
Fertilization: Using Donor Sperm
We work with top sperm banks and guide you through the donor selection process with care and confidentiality. Our lab adheres to FDA guidelines for sperm screening and safety.
From Embryo Freezing to Transfer: What to Expect
Embryos can be transferred during a fresh cycle or frozen for later use. Our team will determine the best timing for your transfer based on your treatment plan and personal preferences.
Success Rates at CCRM Fertility of San Francisco
When considering IVF treatment, it’s essential to be aware of the clinic’s success rates because they can provide valuable insights into your potential for a successful outcome, and working with CCRM of the San Francisco Bay Area is no different. Our commitment to excellence, backed by world-renowned scientific research, ensures that our patients receive the best possible care.
Learn about CCRM Fertility of the San Francisco Bay Area’s IVF Success Rates
Meet our fertility specialists
Finding the right fertility doctor is not always an easy task when you are looking for a fertility clinic near Palo Alto that can accommodate your needs. The doctors at CCRM have a great deal of experience with different fertility issues, and we feel confident that we can find a solution that will be best for you.
IVF Costs and Considerations in the San Francisco Bay Area in California
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) can be a costly medical procedure when all the factors are added together. The cost of IVF treatment can vary widely depending on the type and complexity of the treatment, as well as other factors such as location and insurance coverage.
On average, one round of IVF costs between $14,000 and $24,000. This cost does not include medications, tests, and procedures associated with the cycle. CCRM Fertility of San Francisco participates with numerous insurance and fertility benefit providers, and we also partner with financing providers and offer multi-cycle packages to help make treatment more affordable.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Reciprocal IVF in California
Accessing family-building care as a same-sex female couple is becoming more inclusive in California, thanks to expanded insurance protections. Beginning early 2026, many large group insurance plans will be required to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility—including in vitro fertilization (IVF)—under California’s Senate Bill 729. This update ensures coverage applies not only to heterosexual couples but also to LGBTQIA+ individuals, including those pursuing Reciprocal IVF.
Under the new law, coverage includes:
- Up to three completed egg retrievals
- Unlimited embryo transfers (in alignment with ASRM guidelines)
- Inclusive definitions of infertility that recognize the need for medical assistance to achieve pregnancy, regardless of sexual orientation, marital status, or gender identity
These benefits may apply if you’re insured through a large employer plan or are a member of CalPERS (with coverage beginning January 1, 2027). While small group and self-funded plans are not required to include IVF, some may choose to offer infertility benefits. Additionally, fertility preservation services such as egg or sperm freezing before cancer treatment may be considered basic health benefits under California law.
Every plan is different, and our financial counselors are here to help. If you’re exploring Reciprocal IVF at CCRM San Francisco, we encourage you to contact our team at (650) 646-7500 to review your insurance benefits and financing options. We’re committed to making your journey to parenthood as informed and supported as possible.
Accepted Fertility Insurances at CCRM Fertility of San Francisco
- Aetna*
- Assure
- Carrot**
- Cigna
- Evicore
- Livestrong
- Maven**
- MOREHealth
- Optum Fertility Solutions
- Progyny**
- Stork Club*
- United Healthcare*
- WINFertility**
Coverage varies based on your specific insurance plan. Please verify with your insurance company and/or employer to confirm if infertility services are covered under your plan.
*CCRM Fertility of San Francisco is proud to be designated as both an Aetna and United Center of Excellence/Optum.
**Carrot, Maven, Stork Club, WINFertility, and Progyny fertility benefits vary based on your employer. All Progyny patients (new or existing at a clinic) must first call their Progyny Patient Care Advocate (PCA) for authorization before scheduling an appointment at CCRM. Please reach out to your care navigator with these companies before scheduling with CCRM Fertility.
Partially in-network insurance plans
Insurance plans that are partially in-network with CCRM only cover physician consults, in-office procedures, and ultrasounds. Partially in-network plans DO NOT cover services provided by Fertility Labs of Colorado, CCRM’s IVF Lab and Surgery Center, which include blood work, semen testing, IVF/Embryology procedures, and Surgery Center fees.
- Anthem
- Blue Shield of California
CCRM Fertility of San Francisco is also proud to partner with Future Family. They offer flexible financing options to help pay for treatment, allowing you to pay over 3 to 60 months. Future Family financing is also a smart alternative to high-interest credit cards. Prequalifying is easy and won’t affect your credit score.
Choosing the Right Clinic for Your Reciprocal IVF Journey
At CCRM Fertility of the San Francisco Bay Area, we combine compassionate, inclusive care with world-class science to support LGBTQ+ family-building.
What Makes CCRM the San Francisco Bay Area Different?
- Experienced physicians and embryologists
- Inclusive care tailored to same-sex female couples
- On-site IVF lab and advanced technology
- Personalized treatment planning
- Financial support and insurance guidance
At CCRM Fertility of the San Francisco Bay Area, we’re more than a clinic—we’re your partner in this journey.