IVF for Surrogacy and Egg Donation
Around 1,000,000 babies were born via IVF (or other assisted reproductive technologies) in the United States between 1987 and 2015. That number is tremendous, and the annual rate is only growing. For many intended parents, understanding IVF and how it used for gestational surrogacy can be challenging, especially when there is so much conflicting information on the internet. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about IVF for surrogacy.
What is IVF?
In the simplest terms, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the process of extracting eggs, receiving a sperm sample, and mixing them together in a laboratory dish. Then, a doctor transfers an embryo into the uterus (womb). IVF is commonly used for surrogacy and egg donation.
How Do We Use IVF for Surrogacy and Egg Donation?
In the case of egg donation, egg donors will take medication to stimulate her ovaries and produce eggs. We will then collect these eggs, take sperm from the male partner or donor, and fertilize the eggs in the lab. We then place a fertilized egg (embryo) into the womb of the carrier to improve the chances of pregnancy.
In the case of surrogacy, the intended mother or an egg donor will receive the medication and have her eggs fertilized in the lab. Then, the embryo will be placed in the womb of the surrogate mother.
What is the IVF Process Like? How Long Does It Take?
Doctors have used IVF since the 1980s, so this isn’t a new technology. The process is relatively simple, and further technological advancements over the last 30 years, such as the introduction of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, have made it even easier. Regardless, it can still be a deeply emotional experience for everyone involved.
Typically, from sign-up through to completion, surrogacy takes between 12-18 months. Paperwork, medical exams, and legal work take about three months and, if IVF is successful, the pregnancy itself will take nine months. However, every case is different, so we always suggest that you plan for an additional six months, should anything unexpected come up that would prolong this process.
How We Can Help
We provide IVF to parents using surrogacy and egg donation through our reputable clinic partners. Our team can guide you through the IVF surrogacy process and provide you with the support you need. If you have always wanted to start or expand your family, you have come to the right place. We pride ourselves on the highest-quality service at all times.
Looking for more information about surrogacy? Click here. Alternatively, click here to find out more about IVF. If you have specific questions and would like to speak with a member of the California Surrogacy Center team, please send us a message using the form below. We are always happy to speak with intended parents, surrogates or egg donors!
