Types Of Surrogacy
Surrogacy is the pathway towards parenthood for millions of couples across the globe. We, at IVF Centre Hyderabad, offer consultation for several different types of surrogacy services to couples across age groups.
Surrogacy is an agreement between a woman for carrying and delivering one or multiple babies for another individual or couple who fail to conceive. Surrogacy arrangements can vary based on the different specifications of the prospective parents and surrogate mothers. It is important to make a well-informed decision regarding surrogacy to have a favorable experience and potentially reducing costs.
Relying on a surrogate mother can be necessary if –
1. A female partner is missing a uterus or has an abnormal one.
2. A woman has gone through multiple failed in-vitro fertilization treatments.
3. A woman has experienced multiple pregnancy losses or has been affected by unexplained medical conditions.
4. A female partner is afflicted by chronic health conditions that make it challenging to become pregnant safely. These include issues such as heart ailments, drug consumption for mental health conditions, high blood sugar, and thyroid.
5. A gay couple wants to become parents.
Prospective parents, who want to bring a new member to their family through surrogacy, usually have these questions?
- What is surrogacy?
- What is the definition or meaning of surrogacy?
- What are the different types of surrogacy?
- What is surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a widely-popular option availed by individuals or couples who are struggling to achieve pregnancy naturally and safely. Under this arrangement, a woman who is the surrogate mother carries a child in her womb and gives birth to him/her, on behalf of childless couples or intended parents (single males). Surrogacy is supported by the legal surrogacy agreement.
Surrogacy Definition
Surrogacy is fundamentally a technique of Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) that enables would-be parents to rely on a third party for ensuring the continuity of their future generation. The baby is linked to the couple biologically but carried throughout the pregnancy term and delivered by another woman, who is referred to as a gestational carrier.
Main Types of Surrogacy
Surrogacy is generally a lengthy and complicated process that can be completed across several modes. All aspects of the process can be fine-tuned, from which individuals will be genetically related to a child to the nature of relationships intended parents wish to have with surrogates.
Gaining information regarding the different types of surrogacy can be quite vital for couples and intended parents. You can consult directly with our professionals to know more regarding all surrogacy types and modes. We can help you choose the right type of surrogacy agreement for your needs.
The approach to surrogacy can vary greatly depending on the preferences of prospective parents. A surrogacy professional can help them choose services that are best-aligned with their expectations and wishes.
The information given below gives you a deeper look into the different types of surrogacy, to help you gain clarity regarding the process. We hope that it can guide you towards making the right surrogacy decision.
Gestational and Traditional Surrogacy
Surrogacy types based on the Genetic Relationship of the surrogate mother and surrogacy baby – Gestational and Traditional Surrogacy.
An embryo can be created by two main methods of surrogacy: traditional and gestational.
Gestational Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy involves the surrogate mother being the only baby carrier and there is no genetic link with the baby. Both biological parents provide gametes for fertilization, and the resulting embryos exist within the surrogate mother’s uterus.
Gestational surrogacy is a widely used method and preferred by intended parents. This method gives intended parents a greater sense of security and more control over the surrogacy pregnancy, due to the parent being linked genetically with the baby.
Gestational surrogacy involves both parents creating an embryo by using their own sperm and egg, or by using a donated egg or sperm.
Gestational surrogacy is a more popular approach and has been so for the last ten years.
Gestational surrogacy is more popular as –
1. Gestational surrogacy enables both parents in a heterosexual relationship to have a biological relationship with their baby.
2. It helps to take away several legal and emotional struggles related to a surrogate mother being genetically related to the baby being carried by her.
Gestational surrogacy is the ideal choice in cases where –
When a woman intends to utilize her eggs or wishes to use a preferred egg donor.
The intended parents want greater control over surrogacy pregnancy.
Biological parents are wary of both the emotional and legal concerns related to surrogacy.
Traditional Surrogacy
Traditional surrogacy is a surrogacy arrangement where a surrogate mother is linked with the baby. The gametes of the surrogate mother are utilized for fertilization. Traditional surrogacy is banned in most countries around the world.
Traditional surrogacy is a difficult proposition for a surrogate mother as she is carrying the baby and is also genetically linked to it. She might find it quite challenging to give the baby away to another couple, and her experience can be painful.
Most couples and intended parents tend to lack clarity about the right kind of surrogacy for them. This is where the expertise of our surrogacy consultants and doctors proves to be invaluable.
Consulting with our skilled and experienced surrogacy professionals can help you understand the pros and cons of both gestational and traditional surrogacy.
Experts at IVF Centre Hyderabad can understand your particular requirements and concerns to suggest the best way forward. Traditional surrogacy is a suitable option for intended parents –
Traditional surrogacy can create a genetic link when a surrogate is related to an intended parent. This type of relationship cannot be possible with a donated egg.
Traditional surrogacy is ideal if the parents prefer not having an anonymous donor.
Surrogacy costs can be reduced with traditional surrogacy.
Home insemination kits can be used, thereby ensuring successful surrogacy without IVF.
Commercial and Altruistic Surrogacy
Commercial and altruistic surrogacy are two types of surrogacy based on a surrogate mother being compensated.
The compensation provided to a surrogate mother also outlines different surrogacy options prospective parents can opt for.
Commercial Surrogacy
Compensated surrogacy is the process where a surrogate mother is compensated with a base payment for carrying a fetus.
Under a compensated surrogacy agreement, a gestational carrier gets paid for carrying a child in their womb. Many nations across the globe support this surrogacy method legally.
Commercial surrogacy can be a suitable option –
When the parents and surrogates do not know each other before a surrogacy procedure
The rights of both the surrogate mother and commissioning parents are protected.
Altruistic Surrogacy
Altruistic surrogacy is a process where the surrogate mother agrees to carry a baby without receiving any payments additionally. The surrogate mother does not gain any financial benefit for the pregnancy under this arrangement.
Surrogates receive expenses such as the medical costs related to pregnancy care, work off allowance, and clothing allowance. The overall expenses of altruistic surrogacy can be low for intended parents as surrogates are unpaid.
Altruistic surrogacy can be an ideal option for intended parents:
If a state outlaws compensate surrogacy the intended parents can carry on with their surrogacy altruistically.
When compensated with surrogacy becomes illegal in a surrogate state, the surgery can be completed altruistically.
Compensated surrogacy does not make sense for parents and surrogates who are members of the same family or close associates. In such a case, altruistic surrogacy is preferred.
Domestic or International Surrogacy
Surrogacy can also vary based on where the process takes place. The two types are – Domestic surrogacy or international surrogacy
Domestic Surrogacy
Domestic surgery is a surrogacy approach in which the entire surrogacy process happens locally in the country where the intended parents reside. The surrogate mother also has to be based locally but can be from a different state.
International Surrogacy
International surrogacy is a method where the commissioning parents have to travel to a location outside their country of residence to complete their surrogacy services.
As many countries across the globe have stringent surrogacy laws. Going down the path of worldwide surrogacy is quite practical in many cases. It is the right option if a couple or an intended parent opting for surrogacy resides in a country where it is illegal.
The key motivations for choosing domestic surrogacy include
Domestic surrogacy is a suitable option if the practice is legal and regulated in one’s country of residence.
Domestic surrogacy can cost less and is potentially safer.
This surrogacy approach enables the meeting between parents and surrogates, connect with them, and choose to stay in touch throughout the surrogacy process.
Opting for domestic surrogacy eliminates the legal processes involved in bringing a baby born overseas to the country of its parents.
International surrogacy is a preferred option for parents
- who live in a country where surrogacy is restricted or illegal
- who can find and get surrogacy done in an international location where the process is regulated legally.
- who find surrogacy cost to be less for international programs compared to those in their own country.
At IVF Centre Hyderabad, we can provide couples and intended parents information and guidance about the surrogacy process through our professionals. You also have the option of performing the surrogacy without relying on a surrogacy professional
Agency Surrogacy
Hiring an agency or consultancy can be a suitable option when the surrogate mothers and intended parents are not familiar with each other. We can help you discover the right surrogacy match based on your requirements.
Agency surrogacy benefits
Agency surrogacy is beneficial for parents and surrogates who are incapable of handling all the steps involved in the process. An agency takes care of all aspects of surrogacy.
Surrogacy and IVF consultants like us can help couples and intended parents manage costs and prevent unnecessary expenses.
Independent Surrogacy
Independent surrogacy is a process where intended parents choose surrogates themselves, usually a family member or a friend. Certain individuals may feel more comfortable without the involvement of an agency. Independent surrogacy may require applicants to avail the services of a fertility clinic and surrogacy lawyer for taking care of all medical and legal surrogacy aspects.
Independent surrogacy perks
Intended parents can reduce the costs of surrogacy by opting for independent surrogacy. So, it can be suitable for those who are focused on saving costs.
Couples or intended parents who have already had one or multiple babies by surrogacy may find it convenient to follow the independent method.
Surrogacy Options Based on Intended Patents Type
Single parents surrogacy
Single parents’ surrogacy is an arrangement where the intended parent is a single parent. In some countries, only married couples are allowed to opt for surrogacy services. Any single parent who wants to hire a surrogacy agency should consult with a surrogacy agency to know what options they have.
Hetero couple surrogacy
Hetero couple surrogacy can be availed by commissioning parents are married hetero couples.
Stepwise IVF Guide for Surrogacy
Every IVF cycle encompasses multiple steps that happen at specific times within the duration of four to six weeks. The information given below sheds some light on the entire IVF procedure. It starts during the month before an IVF cycle. The IVF cycle generally consists of these steps:
Step 1. Inhibiting a natural monthly hormone cycle
The first step of the IVF process is administering a drug for suppressing a woman’s natural monthly hormonal cycle. This treatment is carried out usually through a daily self-administered injection, or through a nasal spray method. The process goes on for a period of approximately two weeks.
Step 2. Increasing the egg count
A woman undergoing IVF treatment is given a hormone named FSH (or Follicle Stimulating Hormone) after their natural cycle is suppressed. The daily injection has to be taken for a period of 10 – 12 days. The hormone increases the number of eggs that can be produced, which results in more eggs being available for fertilization with semen and more embryos for the implantation process. A clinic has more embryos to choose from during the treatment process with a larger number of fertilized eggs.
Step 3. Progress monitoring
A fertility clinic monitors the progress of an IVF process at all stages of the drug treatment. Vaginal ultrasound scans and blood tests are used for checking progress. A hormone trigger is administered approximately around 34 to 36 hours before the eggs are expected to be collected. Then the retrieval process can begin.
Step 4. Eggs/semen sample collection
During the IVF process eggs are collected under a state of local anesthesia and ultrasound guidance. A needle is inserted into each of the woman’s ovaries through a scanning probe, and egg pick-up happens. Some individuals undergoing treatment may experience minor vaginal bleeding and cramping following the process.
Collecting sperm
The male partner of a woman going through egg collections has to produce a fresh sperm sample during her treatment phase. The sample is stored for a brief period of time, following which the sperms get washed and spun. This process is required so that the most active and healthy sperms are selected. Donated sperm (not from the male partner) is first removed from frozen storage, followed by thawing and preparation.
Step 5. Fertilizing eggs with sperms
At this stage, the eggs of a woman going through IVF are mixed with her partner’s sperm or that of a donor. The next step is culturing the mixture for about 16 to 20 hours, after which the eggs are checked to see if any are fertilized. Fertilized eggs or embryos are then grown in an incubator for a few days and evaluated again. In some cases, a fertility professional can perform manually assisted fertilization or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). It is a technique where a single live sperm gets injected into a single egg and is particularly useful in cases where a couple is affected by acute male factor infertility. The technique can also be useful for couples who have already experienced a failure in the Vitro fertilization process. IVF-ICSI is one of the most widely preferred options for couples that have been affected by male infertility, due to issues such as low live sperm count, low sperm count, morphology, and sub-optimal sperm motility.
Step 6. Transferring Embryo
Following fertilization, one or two of the best embryos are selected for transfer through a thin catheter placed within a female partner’s uterus. This process is referred to as the embryo transfer, does not need anesthesia, and is a simple process. Embryo numbers are limited at this stage as there are many risks related to multiple births. The other embryos can be preserved through freezing for future IVF attempts. Blastocyst transfer may also be undertaken by some clinics, through which fertilized eggs can be left to mature for up to six days before a transfer.
Step 7. Embryos Transfer Follow-up
Following embryo transfer, a recipient has to rest for two days and avoid any physically taxing activities. The female partner undergoing IVF also has to continually take progesterone supplements following their implantation process. After about two weeks following embryo transfer, pregnancy is confirmed through blood tests.
Step 8. Follow-up stage
After the confirmation of pregnancy through blood tests, the IVF participant female gets continuous hormone support for a period of approximately 10 to 12 weeks. Natural pregnancy follows the treatment and if there is no pregnancy, other options can be offered to the person. A frozen embryo transfer (FET) process can be utilized if you have stored frozen embryos before. The process has to be redone for those who do not have any frozen embryos. A doctor may suggest an IVF donor for a treatment participant who has undergone multiple failed IVF cycles.
The surrogacy process can vary based on your own circumstances. As experienced IVF and surrogacy consultants, we acknowledge that you have to make a decision regarding the best option.
We offer complete transparency through our consultation services for those interested in availing of effective IVF and surrogacy services from leading clinics. Both couples and intended single parents can expect the highest degree of clarity regarding what they can expect. Our objective also includes helping couples find surrogacy options that are available at reasonable rates. Professionals at our agency work closely with reputed doctors and fertility specialists across the globe to help our clients. You can rely on us for qualified advice and gaining access to all you need for realizing your parenthood aspirations.
Getting to the root of the issue is our number one priority when dealing with couples that are struggling to reach pregnancy. Consulting with us helps you get in touch with clinics with cutting-edge fertility equipment and testing procedures for IVF. We can help you get a clear idea about the reason why you are not getting pregnant, and what your options are realistic. We hope to see you become a parent with our assistance regarding surrogacy and IVF methods. Increasing your chances of pregnancy can be just what you need to enhance the happiness in your life. If you are a single parent looking for surrogacy services, we have got you covered.
Our surrogacy consultant professionals can guide you in the right direction prior to the surrogacy process. We can help you make the best decision to ensure the best outcome. Consult with our experts directly and seek a professional opinion to understand the prospects of parenthood in your life.
As a leading surrogacy and IVF agency, we have gelo countless couples and intended parents navigate through the complexity of surrogacy processes. We can do the same for you and lead you on the way to successful parenthood.
Have a look at the surrogacy consultation services provided by IVF Centre Hyderabad and gain more information about egg donation, IVF, and other surrogacy aspects. We are relied upon as experienced professionals providing a wide range of cost-effective and legally safe surrogacy consulting services for our clients.
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