Assisted reproduction in a cohort of same-sex male couples and single men

To date, there is limited published data on same-sex male couples and single men using assisted reproduction treatment to build their families. The objective of this retrospective study was to better understand treatment considerations and outcomes for this population when using assisted reproduction treatment. A total of 37 same-sex male couples and eight single men (seven homosexual and one heterosexual) who attended the CReATe Fertility Centre for assisted reproduction services were studied. There was a 21-fold increase in the number of same-sex male couples and single men undergoing assisted reproduction treatment since 2003. The mean age was 46 years (24–58). Twenty-eight couples (76%) chose to use spermatozoa from both partners to fertilize their donated oocytes. Most men (32 same-sex male couples and seven single men; 87%) obtained oocytes from an anonymous donor, whereas five couples and one single man (13%) had a known donor. Anonymous donors who were open to be contacted by the child after the age of 18 were selected by 67% of patients. Of all 25 deliveries, eight (32%) were sets of twins. All of the twins were half genetic siblings.There is a lot of information known on the needs and options of lesbians seeking parenthood; however, data is limited on the needs and challenges that gay men face. The goal of this study is to better understand the demographics, treatment considerations and outcomes of gay men choosing to have children with the help of fertility treatment. This is a retrospective study of same-sex male couples or single men that have attended our clinic over the past 9 years. Since 2003, 37 same-sex male couples and eight single men (seven homosexual and one heterosexual) have attended the clinic in order to have children. There was a large increase in the number of same-sex couples or single men attending the clinic from 2003–2006 to 2007–2011. The men’s age range was 24–58 years, with an average of 46 years. Most of the same-sex male couples who attended the clinic chose to use spermatozoa from both partners. We found that the majority of the couples in this study were successful in their goal to have children with the help of fertility treatment.