What is gestational surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy is when a woman carries and gives birth to a child to whom she is not genetically connected. This is possible when a fertilized egg that is not hers is implanted into her womb. She carries the child, but she is not the biological mother.
This is an option for couples whose female partner is unable to maintain a healthy pregnancy. This may be due to:
- Advanced age
- Inability to maintain pregnancy
- Previous hysterectomy
- Uterine or cervical abnormalities
- Advanced fertility treatments have failed
- Chronic health conditions
Another possibility is that a female partner is not present, as with same-sex relationships or when a single man desires to be a parent. Whatever your situation, Dr. Rodriguez and his staff offer compassionate support for gestational surrogacy.
How does using a gestational surrogate work?
Medically speaking, gestational surrogacy has three main steps. Dr. Rodriguez provides experienced care in each area, supporting these important aspects of this process.
Preparation
If you use your own eggs, your ovaries are stimulated to release a number of mature eggs. Dr. Rodriguez extracts the eggs, as well as sperm from the male partner.
If you use your own eggs, your ovaries are stimulated to release a number of mature eggs. Dr. Rodriguez extracts the eggs, and the sperm from the male partner is collected.
Egg fertilization
Using in vitro fertilization, an egg and sperm are combined to establish a fertilized egg, or embryo. The egg and sperm may be from you and your partner, or may be from an anonymous donor.
Embryo implantation
The embryo is implanted in the uterus of the gestational carrier. Once your gestational carrier is pregnant, you may be active in every part of her care straight through delivery with the obstetrician of your choice.
What is my role if I use a gestational carrier program?
Using a gestational surrogate is an emotionally intense and legally complex process. Support will be very important as you navigate the in and outs of this process.
As a person or couple using a gestational surrogate, you:
- Find a willing surrogate
- Secure legal counsel
- Establish a contract
- Cover all legal and medical costs
- Provide the egg or sperm used
- Actively participate in every aspect of pregnancy
- Are present for birth
The gestational surrogacy program at Texas IVF offers the medical support you need and helps to connect you to resources to make this a viable option for having your own biological child.
If you are interested in discussing gestational surrogacy, call Texas IVF or book your appointment online today.
