Gestational Surrogacy
A surrogate is a woman who carries another couple's baby to term, and once delivered, gives it to the parenting couple. A candidate for surrogacy is:
- A woman born without a functional uterus or vagina
- A woman who has undergone surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) and has functioning ovaries
- A woman whose uterus is diseased and nonfunctional
- A woman who is incapable of bearing a child because of chronic ill health
Sometimes a woman may not be physically able to carry a pregnancy to term. Her uterus may be damaged and unable to support implantation and embryonic development. She might also have health problems, such as heart disease, that would place her at risk if she were to become pregnant. Surrogacy is an option for many of these women.
Process For Gestational Carrier
A gestational carrier cycle can be performed in one of two ways.
The first method is similar to an egg donation cycle. The gestational carrier serves as the "recipient". The couple attempting to have a child serves as the egg and sperm "donors".
Medications are used to synchronize the menstrual cycles of both women. The intended parent uses fertility medication to stimulate the development of eggs. The gestational carrier takes medication to prepare her uterus. At the appropriate time, the eggs are removed from the "donor" female, and are fertilized with her partner's sperm. The surrogate's cycle normally includes Lupron injections, oral estrogen, and intra-muscular progesterone injections.
The embryos created are cultured in the laboratory and then placed into the uterus of the gestational carrier.
An alternative method uses cryopreservation of embryos. In this technique, the couple trying to have a baby goes through a standard IVF cycle. All of the embryos are cryopreserved (frozen). These embryos are then thawed and placed into the uterus of the gestational carrier after hormonal preparation.
Gestational Carrier Pregnancy Rates
The chance for success is dependent mostly upon the couple who are attempting to produce the child, and NOT on the carrier. It is presumed that an acceptable carrier candidate has been found. The age of the female partner who provides the eggs is of utmost importance. In addition, the number of embryos transferred, the ovarian reserve, and whether fresh or frozen embryos are used are all important considerations.
Surrogate Selection
Most women volunteer to be surrogates for altruistic reasons and many times may be related to the couple. The process of surrogacy is complex from both the physical and psychological standpoints. Selection of a suitable surrogate, who understands the process and its ramifications, and is supported by her family, is paramount to the success of the program. A surrogate is usually an extremely diligent and devoted person who wishes to endow a special gift to another woman, and many of these women have their own children.
Women who are willing to act as surrogates are often friends or are recruited through the media or surrogacy agencies. We have helped patients recruit suitable women to serve as surrogates.
Some of the agencies include:
SSA/ Parenting Options (surrogacy and donor egg)
10777 Westheimer., Suite 350
Houston, Tx 77042
Contact Kathy Stern, M.A.
Phone: (713)952-4772
Website: www.ssa-agency.com
The Egg Donation Center of Dallas, Inc (donor egg)
P.O. Box 740636
Dallas, Tx 75374
Contact Carol Littleton
Phone: (214) 503-6553
Website: www.eggdonorcenter.com
E-Mail: Info@eggdonorcenter.com
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DFW Gestational Carriers
Phone: (214) 226-4969
Website: www.dfwgc.com
Email: gayla.wilson@dfwgc.com
Surrogate Screening
Once a suitable surrogate has been selected, the following steps are mandatory:
- Medical evaluation, including evaluation of lifestyle and previous pregnancies.
- Psychological evaluation
- Blood testing and cultures of the surrogate per FDA guidlines
- Hysteroscopy and trial transfer to insure that the uterine cavity is prepared for the embryo or embryos and that the transfer will go smoothly
Legal Issues
It is imperative that the intended parents and surrogate sign a legal contract outlining the responsibilities and obligations of each party. Surrogacy laws vary widely between states, and a lawyer experienced in reproductive law must be consulted.