So Confused. Thinking about getting pregnant is already causing fights - god help us

[Phteven]

I have just deleted a number of posts from this thread. BellyBelly prides itself on being a supportive community. This means that if you don't agree with someone's choices you either don't post or express your disagreement in a tactful manner. Please remember that flaming is against the forum guidelines and will be met with infractions.

[Indadhanu]

Alicia,

Your best bet is to contact the fertility clinics themselves, as each clinic does things a little differently. All in all though the process for straight and lesbian couples going through fertility treatment is essentially the same, so the reason you can't find any specific information is that there really isn't any. If you wish to use a sperm donor then most clinics have information like that on their websites, it usually refers to straight couples but like i said the process is the same. If you find a clinic that does things differently for lesbian couples then I'd reconsider using that clinic because to be honest theres no reason for it to be any different (for example one clinic wanted us to have a waiting period of 6 months, but i rang back a few days later and pretended to be in a straight relationship needed a sperm donor and no waiting period...).

[briggsy's girl]

i agree with Leasha - contact the clinics directly. you'll need to meet with a GP or gyne to get a referral to the clinic - at that point, they should be able to confirm your diagnosis. you've not mentioned what that diagnosis is, but the diagnosis can make a huge difference to what sort of treatment you're need. Leasha and i both have PCOS - so are technically "subfertile" not infertile - we can ovulate just need a bit of extra help to get there! if your diagnosis is something like this, you may only require IUI (insemination - with help to ovulate) as opposed to full IVF.

either path is going to be emotionally, physically, and financially draining. i would speak to a gp first about what options you have, and get them to refer you to a fertility clinic. check out their websites about sperm donors etc. something to keep in mind - sperm donors are few and far between if you get an Au donor - not sure about buying in sperm from overseas - so there can be a significant wait to access donor sperm. policy will also vary from state to state, clinic to clinic. do your research, contact the clinics and talk to them about your circumstances - they're generally pretty open about costs and associated processes.