Protective Relational Factors of Lesbian Couples Navigating the Fertility Process

Little research about lesbian couples' experiences with fertility treatment exists in the counseling literature. While there is an increase in lesbian couples exploring fertility options to expand their families, it is important to understand their experiences during this stressful process. This research seeks to understand these experiences using Moustakas' Imaginative Variation method with seven lesbian couples. Results include feelings of isolation, psychological and physical stress. Despite myriad difficulties associated with assisted reproductive technology, participants' experiences show the presence of strong relationship factors, divided into three categories: connectedness, mutuality, and resilience. The use of Relational Cultural Theory may be helpful to lesbian couples looking to expand their families through reproductive methods.

Automated summary

There is little research on lesbian couples' experiences with fertility treatment in counseling literature. However, as more lesbian couples are exploring fertility options to expand their families, it is important to understand their experiences during this stressful process. This study used Moustakas' Imaginative Variation method to investigate the experiences of seven lesbian couples. The results revealed feelings of isolation, psychological and physical stress. Despite the challenges associated with assisted reproductive technology, the participants' experiences also highlighted strong relationship factors, including connectedness, mutuality, and resilience. The use of Relational Cultural Theory could be beneficial for lesbian couples seeking to expand their families through reproductive methods.