IVF Surrogacy: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Infertility is a common and often debilitating condition. In the early years, many couples were unaware of the availability of fertility treatments like surrogacy that could help them overcome their infertility issues because it was often shrouded in secrecy and legal red tape. But today, advances in medicine, law, and general awareness have allowed IVF surrogacy to become a popular routine option for many people who might otherwise never have the chance to have a baby who shares their genetic features.

In recent years, IVF surrogacy has produced thousands of healthy births, and well-known celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Kardashian, and Nicole Kidman have been open about using this method to start their families. Patients frequently have concerns about how surrogacy functions and whether it is the best option for them.

In this blog post, we will explore the basics of IVF surrogacy and why have many couples turned to this method of conceiving their baby so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for you. We will also debunk some of the myths surrounding this process.

Read on to learn more about IVF surrogacy.

What is IVF Surrogacy?

There are a few different types of surrogacy, but in general, surrogacy is when someone other than the intended mother carries and gives birth to a child for another person or couple. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother is artificially inseminated with the intended father’s sperm through a process known as intrauterine insemination (IUI). In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is implanted with an embryo that has been created using the intended mother’s egg and the intended father’s sperm through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The resulting child is genetically related to both the intended parents.

IVF surrogacy is quickly becoming one of the most popular forms of surrogacy because it offers many benefits over traditional surrogacy, including increased success rates and reduced risk of complications. IVF also allows for more control over the genetic makeup of the child. By using IVF, couples who are struggling to conceive on their own can have a baby that is biologically their own.

If you’re considering IVF surrogacy, it’s important to work with a qualified fertility specialist who can help you create a custom treatment plan. You’ll also need to find a surrogate who is willing to carry your child and meet all legal requirements. Once you have everything in place, you can begin the process of creating your family through IVF surrogacy.

The process of IVF surrogacy

IVF surrogacy is a process whereby a woman agrees to carry and deliver a baby for another couple or individual. The surrogate mother is typically implanted with an embryo that has been created via in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the egg and sperm of the intended parents. The surrogate then carries the pregnancy to term and delivers the baby for the intended parents, who then raise the child.

The process of IVF surrogacy can be divided into three main stages: first, the creation of the embryo via IVF; second, the implantation of the embryo into the surrogate mother; and third, the pregnancy and delivery.

1. Creation of Embryo via IVF

The first stage of IVF surrogacy involves creating an embryo using IVF. This is typically done using the egg and sperm of the intended parents, though donor eggs or sperm may also be used. The eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish, where they fertilize and form embryos. Once formed, one or more embryos are then selected for transfer to the surrogate mother.

2. Implantation of Embryo into Surrogate Mother

The second stage of IVF surrogacy involves implanting the embryo(s) into the surrogate mother’s womb. This is typically done through a procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), wherein a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to fertilize it. Once fertilized, one or more embryos are transferred back into their original home (the uterus of their surrogate mother) where they develop further and hopefully result in a healthy baby boy or girl!

3. The Pregnancy And Delivery

The third stage of IVF surrogacy involves the pregnancy and delivery. The surrogate mother is monitored closely during this period to ensure that she is not suffering any complications, such as bleeding or infection. Once the baby has been born, it is handed over to the intended parents for care, and the surrogate mother is released from her contract. The surrogate mother has no legal rights or responsibilities for the child. The child is considered to be the full legal responsibility of the intended parents from birth.

How To Find A Surrogate

For those who are not familiar with the process, finding a surrogate can be a daunting task. There are many things to consider when choosing a surrogate, such as their age, health, and lifestyle. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the surrogate is comfortable with the idea of carrying another person's child and is willing to follow all of the medical guidelines set forth by the fertility clinic or doctor.

There are a few different ways to find a surrogate:

1. Surrogacy Agency: There are several agency that specializes in matching surrogates with intended parents and making arrangements. Just select an agency that will connect you to a potential surrogate.

2. Referral From Friends And Family: You can ask friends or family members if they know anyone who might be interested in serving as a surrogate. 

3. Online Resources: There are many online resources available that can help connect surrogates with intended parents.

Who is a good candidate for IVF surrogacy?

The ideal candidate for IVF surrogacy is between the ages of 21 and 45, has had no more than five previous pregnancies, and has had no history of drug abuse or STDs. Additionally, the surrogate must undergo a psychological evaluation and medical screening to ensure that she is mentally and physically prepared for the surrogacy process.

Once you have found a potential surrogate, it is important to have an initial meeting to get to know each other and discuss expectations for the surrogacy arrangement. If both parties are comfortable moving forward, the next step will be to sign a contract about their role and responsibilities in the pregnancy, such as prenatal care and agreeing to give you the baby after birth.

The benefits of IVF surrogacy

There are many benefits to IVF surrogacy, including:

1. It allows couples who cannot conceive naturally to have a biological child.

2. It can be less expensive and less emotionally taxing than traditional surrogacy.

3. The surrogate mother has no legal rights to the child, so the couple is guaranteed to be the child's parents.

4. The couple can choose the surrogate mother and have more control over the pregnancy and birth process.

5. There is a lower risk of complications during pregnancy and birth because the surrogate mother is carefully screened and monitored throughout the process.

6. IVF surrogacy also provides couples with the opportunity to choose the gender of their child and to have a say in their medical care.

Drawbacks Associated With IVF surrogacy

There are some drawbacks associated with IVF surrogacy, as with any medical procedure. These drawbacks include:

1. The risk of complications during the IVF process itself, which can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, or even miscarriage.

2. The surrogate mother may develop a strong emotional attachment to the child, which can be difficult for the intended parents to deal with.

3. The financial cost of IVF surrogacy is a very expensive process, and there is no guarantee that it will be successful and that it will be covered by insurance.

4. There is also the legal risk that something could go wrong during the surrogacy arrangement, and either the surrogate or the child's parents could end up in a difficult legal situation.

5. Finally, surrogacy is not currently legal in all states, so couples may have to travel to another state to find a surrogate.

Conclusion

There you have it, IVF surrogacy is a fantastic option for couples who are struggling to conceive. It allows them to have a child that is biologically their own, without having to go through the traditional surrogacy process. The IVF surrogate mother carries the couple's embryo and gives birth to their child, making it possible for them to have the family they've always wanted. If you're considering IVF surrogacy, be sure to do your research and work with a reputable agency or clinic so that you can have the best experience possible.