Trying to cover everything about conceiving a child for us in the LGBT community over a couple of pages is, I’ve realised, pretty impossible. From the emotional commitment to the financial one. From assisted insemination to full IVF. From married couples to best friends. From the so-called “turkey baster” to the clinic! There are just too many things to consider. So I decided to write about why my wife Ellie and I did it the way we did: IVF through a clinic.
When we embarked on our journey to parenthood we looked at many options. I don’t know that I’d have considered everything so closely had it not been for my meticulous wife. I’m a bit gung-ho. I like to go with the flow and see where that takes me. My usual approach was not advisable in this particular area of my life as the consequences of making the wrong decision are huge and forever.
That’s why we chose to go to the clinic. We used the Agora, near where I live in Brighton & Hove. We initially approached them, as a local service, because friends had told me to expect a huge number of appointments, tests and scans. I’m also of the opinion, though it may not be scientifically proven, that being relaxed can be hugely helpful when trying to get pregnant. Travelling to London on Southern Rail with its infamous delays was never going to reduce the stress levels.