American Surrogacy Blog

When you’re creating embryos for surrogacy, every decision feels high-stakes—including what you eat.

Many intended parents consider the paleo diet for IVF as a way to boost embryo quality before transfer to a surrogate. It’s a natural instinct—to optimize every variable you can.

Embryos ready or in progress? We can help you get started with your surrogacy journey. Get started now.

In this guide, we’ll break down what the research says about nutrition and embryo development, explore the emotional weight of “optimizing everything,” and show how American Surrogacy can help you take the next step.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical or nutritional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian or fertility specialist, before making dietary changes related to IVF or fertility treatment.

Does the Paleo Diet for IVF Improve Embryo Quality for Surrogacy?

If you’re creating embryos for surrogacy, you’re probably looking at every possible way to improve success—including what you eat. The paleo diet for IVF is often promoted as a way to support egg quality and reduce inflammation before retrieval.

While evidence is mixed, there’s logic behind the approach: nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods may help create a healthier environment for eggs and embryo development.

Just know that no diet is a silver bullet—but your efforts to optimize do matter.

And when your embryos are ready, you don’t have to figure out the next step alone.

Learn more about how you can prepare for your egg retrieval and ensure the best chances of success for your IVF and surrogacy journey.

What is the Paleo Diet for IVF?

The Paleo diet gets its name for aiming to mimic Paleolithic ancestors eating habits. The diet consists of consuming foods like:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Lean meats
• Fish
• Eggs
• Nuts, and seeds

The goal of the paleo diet is to remove the consumption of processed foods, grains, legumes and dairy products.

What the Research Really Says About the Paleo Diet and Embryo Quality

If you’re considering the paleo diet for IVF as part of your surrogacy plan, it’s important to separate hype from evidence.

While clean eating can support general fertility health, there’s limited research tying paleo specifically to better embryo outcomes.

That said, diets rich in antioxidants, healthy fats and low-glycemic foods may contribute to egg quality and embryo development, especially for older intended mothers or those with hormonal imbalances.

Nutrition is one part of a bigger picture. The right surrogacy team ensures your embryos have the best possible chance—from lab to life.

Pros and Cons of the Paleo Diet

Like most diets, there are several benefits to choosing the Paleo diet for IVF, but there are also some concerns.

Pros of the Paleo Diet for IVF

• Improved blood sugars: The limitation of carbohydrates and refined sugars creates improved blood sugar control, this is essential for healthy ovulation and implantation.
• Weight management: Keeping and managing a healthy weight is a key component to overall health. This correlates to a positive impact on fertility.
• Inflammation reduction: The focus on lean proteins and healthy fats helps limit inflammation. Systemic inflammation is linked to being problematic during IVF, as it has negative impacts on the uterus, cervix, and placenta. Limiting these risks improves fertility success rates.

Cons of the Paleo Diet for IVF

• Nutrient deficiencies: Because of the limitations on what you should consume, such as cutting out dairy completely, there can be calcium, vitamin D, fiber, and other vitamin deficiencies.
• Saturated fat intake: With such a high intake of saturated fat, this can negatively impact heart function, blood flow/circulation, which has direct ties to negatively impacting fertility.
• Limited fiber: When you eliminate foods like grains and legumes, you are limiting your fiber intake. This can potentially cause gut health and other digestive problems.
• Cost: Whole foods are proven to be more expensive than processed foods. Budgeting for groceries can become a challenge with ever changing prices.

Why Surrogacy Is a Powerful Step for Parents Creating Embryos

If you’re exploring the paleo diet for IVF as you create embryos or you already have embryos from previous IVF attempts, you’re doing everything you can to support this process.

That same intention and care is what makes surrogacy such a strong next step. You can still use your own eggs and embryos—but give them the best chance to thrive in a healthy, well-supported surrogate.

With professional guidance, emotional support and a legally protected process, American Surrogacy helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.

When Traditional IVF Isn’t Working: The Mental Toll of Trying Everything

Following the paleo diet for IVF, or any strict fertility regimen, can offer a sense of control. But over time, the pressure to “optimize everything” can lead to diet fatigue, guilt and emotional burnout.

When you’ve endured failed transfers, poor embryo quality or a uterus that just won’t respond despite doing everything right, it’s normal to feel defeated.

Here’s the truth: this isn’t the end of your journey, just a turning point. Surrogacy offers a new way forward. Your embryos can still be used, but carried by ascreened surrogate in a healthy, supportive environment.

If cycles have failed or your doctor recommends a different approach, explore how surrogacy could be your next empowering step. Talk to a surrogacy specialist.

How to Know If You’re Ready for Surrogacy

You may already be preparing your body with the paleo diet for IVF, freezing embryos or scheduling retrievals. But when it comes to moving forward with surrogacy, how do you know you’re truly ready?

Ask yourself:

• Do you feel confident in your embryo quality or fertility plan?
• Are you focused on outcomes over carrying the pregnancy yourself?
• Are you emotionally ready to trust someone else with this part of your journey?             
• Do you want expert help coordinating the legal, medical, and emotional side of this process?

If your answer is “yes” to any of these, then you may be more ready than you think. And we’re here to walk with you, every step of the way.

Your Next Steps

Whether you’re just beginning to explore surrogacy or you’re ready to match with a carrier for your embryos, we’re here. Trusted by hundreds of families, American Surrogacy offers:

• Personalized matching based on your needs
• Legal and emotional support throughout the journey
• A proven, compassionate team by your side

 Let’s build your family together. Fill out our form for a free consultation.

What if you could still have a biological child—even if you can’t carry the pregnancy yourself?

For intended parents who’ve faced medical setbacks, impossible risks or are an LGBT couple, needing a surrogate can feel like losing control. But one powerful truth brings hope back into focus: You may not be able to carry—but you can still be genetically connected to your baby.

Whether you’re planning to pursue surrogacy using your own egg or exploring donor options, you don’t have to figure it out alone. American Surrogacy can connect you with trusted fertility clinics and reputable egg donor programs near you.

Let us help you build your care team—starting with a simple conversation. Reach out today to begin.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about whose egg and sperm is used in surrogacy, including.

Whose Egg Is Used in Surrogacy? Maintaining Genetic Connection

In gestational surrogacy, either your egg or a donor egg is used, meaning the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child. The embryo is created using either the intended mother’s egg or an egg donor and then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus through IVF.

For those pursuing surrogacy with your own egg, this means you can maintain a full biological connection to your child while still receiving the support of a surrogate.

In contrast, traditional surrogacy involves the surrogate using her own egg, making her the child’s biological mother. This path is rarely used today due to legal and emotional complexities.

Are Surrogates Related to the Baby?

No. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is not the egg provider. She carries the pregnancy but shares no genetic connection with the baby.

Instead, the embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended mother’s egg, a donor egg, or a combination with sperm from one of the intended parents or a donor.

If you are pursuing surrogacy with your own egg, the process typically begins with fertility evaluations and egg retrieval. Once eggs are collected and fertilized, one or more embryos are transferred to a carefully screened surrogate.

This distinction between egg source and pregnancy carrier is a defining feature of modern surrogacy, providing intended parents greater control and biological connection—especially appealing to those who are able to use their own eggs.

Can a Surrogate Carry Another Woman’s Egg?

The surrogate does not carry someone else’s egg, but rather an embryo created from either your egg or a donor egg.

If you’re an intended mother pursuing surrogacy with your own egg, your eggs will be retrieved and fertilized in a lab through IVF. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the surrogate, who will carry the pregnancy to term but will not share a genetic connection with the child.

This arrangement offers a beautiful way for women who cannot carry a pregnancy to still be genetically linked to their child. It’s also common in cases involving egg donors, where the surrogate has no biological tie but is an essential partner in the journey to parenthood.

Can I Use My Own Eggs in Surrogacy? Understanding Egg Retrieval

Yes, you can absolutely pursue surrogacy with your own egg, and many intended mothers do.

If you are medically able to produce healthy eggs but cannot safely carry a pregnancy, using your own eggs in a gestational surrogacy arrangement is often the preferred path.

The process typically begins with ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and IVF. Your eggs are fertilized in the lab, and the resulting embryos are transferred to your chosen surrogate.

This option allows for a full genetic connection to your child, offering emotional reassurance and continuity, especially for individuals who may have faced pregnancy loss or medical complications in the past.

Learn more about egg retrieval for surrogacy and what to expect.

Whose Sperm Is Used in Surrogacy?

In the process of surrogacy with your own egg, the sperm can either come from the intended father or you may use donor sperm in cases where the intended father’s sperm is not viable or involving single mothers or same-sex female couples.

Regardless of origin, all sperm used for IVF must be screened to ensure healthy embryos and safe outcomes. American Surrogacy coordinates with fertility clinics and sperm banks to manage this process, giving you control and clarity at every step.

When is Surrogacy with an Egg Donation Necessary?

While surrogacy with your own egg is ideal for many intended mothers, there are situations where using an egg donor becomes necessary. This could include:

• Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)
• You’re an LGBT couple
• Previous IVF failures
• Genetic conditions
• Advanced maternal age

When using an egg donor, you can still pursue surrogacy with the help of your selected surrogate.

Donors are carefully screened for medical and psychological health, and intended parents often have the ability to select a donor whose profile aligns with their personal values or desired traits.

If you’re unsure whether you’ll need an egg donor, a fertility workup can help assess your eligibility for surrogacy with your own egg and clarify the path that’s best for your family-building journey.

Finding an Egg Donor for Surrogacy

If you’re not pursuing surrogacy with your own egg, or if fertility testing reveals the need for donor eggs, your next step may be to find an egg donor. This is a deeply personal process and one that American Surrogacy and our clinic partners can help you navigate.

Here’s how the process typically works:

Find an Egg Donor Program That Meets Your Needs

Begin by identifying whether you want to work with:

• A fertility clinic’s in-house donor program
• An independent egg donor agency
• An egg bank offering frozen donor eggs

Each option has different timelines, costs, and levels of choice. American Surrogacy can refer you to vetted partners depending on whether you prefer fresh vs. frozen embryos, known vs. anonymous donors, and your desired level of involvement in the match process.

Decide What You’re Looking for in a Donor

Before viewing profiles, reflect on what matters most to you. Consider factors like:

• Ethnicity, cultural background or religion
• Education, career or creative talents
• Physical resemblance or family traits
• Medical and genetic history
• Personality and values

Some families want a donor who mirrors the intended mother; others prioritize medical history. There’s no right or wrong, only what feels right for you.

By understanding your preferences upfront, you’ll feel more confident as you review donor options later in the process.

Review Donor Profiles

Profiles often include:

• Medical and genetic history
• Education and personal background
• Photos (childhood and adult)
• Personality traits and interests

You’ll work with a fertility clinic or egg bank to view approved profiles and select the donor that aligns with your family values and preferences.

If you’re unsure whether you need a donor or can pursue surrogacy with your own egg, a fertility evaluation will provide clear answers and we’ll help guide you forward from there.

How American Surrogacy Supports Your Egg Source Choice

Once your embryos are created, whether through surrogacy using your own egg or with the help of a donor, our team is here to guide you through what comes next.

From helping you find a donor egg program to matching you with a thoroughly screened, compassionate surrogate, American Surrogacy provides the personalized support and ethical care you need to confidently move forward.

Start your surrogacy journey today by contacting us for a consultation. Together, we’ll build the path to your future family one step at a time.

Making the right nutritional choices during IVF can influence everything from hormone balance to embryo quality.

By understanding how different dietary approaches impact IVF outcomes, you can make informed decisions that support embryo health and long-term family-building success.

If you’re creating embryos now, we can help you prepare for what’s next—matching you with a fully screened surrogate. Ready to plan ahead? Contact our surrogacy specialists.

In this guide, we’ll explore the keto diet for IVF, what the research says, potential risks, smarter alternatives, and what to do when IVF doesn’t go as planned.

Disclaimer:This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical or nutritional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian or fertility specialist, before making dietary changes related to IVF or fertility treatment.

Should You Try the Keto Diet During IVF?

The keto diet for IVF is gaining attention for its potential to regulate blood sugar and support hormone balance—especially in people with PCOS or insulin resistance. In some cases, low-carb diets may improve ovulation and egg quality.

However, for many intended parents, particularly those creating embryos for surrogacy, the risks may outweigh the benefits. Keto’s restrictive nature can increase inflammation, reduce key nutrients like folate and magnesium and add stress during a critical phase of embryo development.

Most fertility experts recommend a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet that supports cellular health and embryo viability. Working with a fertility nutritionist can help you choose a plan that fits your body and your IVF goals.

Learn more about how you can prepare for successful egg retrieval.

Is Keto Good for PCOS?

For people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of infertility, the keto diet may offer short-term benefits.

By significantly reducing carbohydrate intake, keto can help stabilize blood sugar, lower insulin levels and reduce circulating androgens, which may improve ovulation and hormonal balance in some individuals.

However, most fertility specialists caution that keto’s effectiveness depends on the individual and that it’s not always appropriate during IVF. Keto’s restrictive nature may compromise nutrient intake during the critical preconception window.

A moderate, balanced approach—often modeled after the Mediterranean diet—may offer similar metabolic benefits for PCOS, with fewer risks and greater nutritional support for embryo development.

What is the Keto Diet for IVF?

The Ketogenic diet, most commonly known as the keto diet, is a low-carb, high healthy-fat diet that forces the body to burn fat for energy instead of using carbohydrates.

Many people choose the keto diet, because it includes more of the high-fat foods people tend to prefer, and has less restrictions on what they cannot eat.

Some of the most common foods consumed on the keto diet for IVF include:

• Beef, pork, lamb, and other fatty meats
• Tuna, Mackerel, salmon, and other fatty fish
• Nuts and seeds
• Full-fat cheeses
• Olive oil
• Berries and tomatoes
• Non-starchy vegetables such as kale, collard greens, broccoli, zucchini, and peppers
• And more

 What the Research Says About the Keto Diet and IVF Success

While small studies suggest low-carb diets may help people with PCOS improve ovulation and hormone balance, these benefits are more relevant to natural conception than embryo creation for surrogacy.

When looking at direct IVF outcomes like egg quality or embryo development, evidence supporting keto over balanced diets is lacking. In fact, overly restrictive eating may reduce key nutrients essential to successful fertilization and embryo viability.

That’s why most fertility experts recommend balanced, anti-inflammatory diets rich in greens, grains and healthy fats, over extreme plans. For intended parents using IVF, especially those preparing embryos for surrogacy, working with a fertility nutritionist ensures your diet supports your goal, not complicates it.

Risks of the Keto Diet During IVF

The keto diet for IVF may seem like a promising way to regulate hormones and support fertility, but it comes with important risks—especially for intended parents creating embryos for surrogacy.

• Inflammation: High saturated fat intake, common in poorly balanced keto plans, can trigger inflammation, which may disrupt the hormonal environment IVF relies on.
• Hormonal instability: Dietary changes, especially when carb intake drops, can send signals that the body is under stress. This can suppress key reproductive hormones, affect ovarian stimulation outcomes and potentially lower estrogen levels.
• Micronutrient deficiencies: Keto often lacks essential IVF-supportive nutrients like folate, magnesium, iron and vitamin D. These play vital roles in egg maturation, fertilization and early embryonic development.

While some patients with PCOS may benefit from low-carb strategies, keto is not a one-size-fits-all solution. For IVF and embryo creation, especially in preparation for gestational surrogacy, a balanced, nutrient-dense approach is usually safer and more effective.

 Better Alternatives: Fertility Nutrition That Supports IVF

While the keto diet for IVF is gaining popularity, it may not be the best fit for most intended parents—especially those creating embryos for surrogacy.

Keto can support hormone balance in some patients with insulin resistance, but its restrictive nature poses risks like inflammation and nutrient gaps that could impact embryo quality.

Instead, fertility experts often recommend the Mediterranean diet or other balanced, anti-inflammatory approaches.

These diets prioritize whole foods like leafy greens, fish, legumes and healthy fats, offering steady energy, blood sugar stability and vital nutrients such as folate, antioxidants and omega-3s that support egg and embryo development.

Research links these nutrient-rich diets to better egg quality, fertilization outcomes and embryo morphology. Working with a fertility nutritionist can help tailor a plan that enhances your results without unnecessary restrictions.

What to Do If IVF Isn’t Working

After multiple IVF cycles, even with adjustments to medication or trying the keto diet for IVF, many intended parents still face disappointment—and the emotional and financial toll can be significant.

Repeated failure is more common than it seems, often due to factors like embryo quality or implantation issues. At some point, it’s natural to ask: Is it time for a different path?

If you’ve already created embryos, surrogacy may offer a way forward—allowing you to build your family without further physical strain. It’s not giving up; it’s choosing a new, empowered direction.

 This isn’t giving up. It’s choosing a new way forward.

Why Surrogacy May Be a More Reliable Path to Parenthood

If IVF hasn’t gone as planned, surrogacy may offer a more dependable and emotionally sustainable way forward, especially if you’ve already created embryos.

With surrogacy, a fully screened surrogate carries your genetic embryo, offering greater control, fewer medical unknowns, and a professionally managed process from transfer to delivery. It also gives you space to heal from the emotional and physical strain of repeated IVF attempts.

For many intended parents, particularly those who’ve tried options like the keto diet for IVF or face medical barriers to pregnancy, surrogacy is not a last resort, but a clear path to parenthood.

How American Surrogacy Can Help

If you’re ready to move forward, American Surrogacy is here to walk that path with you—step by step. We’ve helped thousands of intended parents turn uncertainty into clarity and dreams into growing families.

Our team handles everything: from matching you with a fully screened surrogate, to coordinating legal and medical requirements, to offering emotional guidance throughout the process.

Whether you’ve just started exploring surrogacy or have frozen embryos ready for transfer, we’ll help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.

If you’re creating embryos through IVF, American Surrogacy can help you plan your next step. Fill out our form for a free consultation—we’re ready when you are.

Research suggests that following the Mediterranean diet for IVF and surrogacy may improve egg quality, resulting in more, high-quality embryos. When your body is nourished, your embryos have a better chance of thriving.

Optimizing your health before IVF is one of the most powerful steps you can take as an intended parent pursuing surrogacy.

If you’re beginning IVF for surrogacy, we can help you complete the necessary forms now so you’re fully prepared to be matched with a surrogate when your embryos are ready. Contact us today to get started.

In this guide, you’ll learn how the Mediterranean diet for IVF can support egg development, reduce inflammation, and help you prepare for a successful embryo creation process.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical or nutritional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian or fertility specialist, before making dietary changes related to IVF or fertility treatment.

The Mediterranean Diet and IVF Success: Improving Embryo Viability for Surrogacy

What you eat in the months leading up to IVF can affect more than just your own health. It also impacts the viability and quality of the embryos created, which directly influences the success of the transfer to your surrogate.

One study found that eating more vegetables and fruit, limiting red meat and sodas and maintaining a healthy weight may improve ovarian reserve.

Key Benefits:

• Reduces inflammation: Chronic inflammation can interfere with egg quality and hormonal balance. The Mediterranean diet is often called an anti-inflammatory diet because it is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats.
• Enhances egg quality: Nutrients like Omega-3s and vitamin E (found in nuts and olive oil) help protect eggs from oxidative stress, which is particularly important for intended mothers creating embryos for surrogacy.
• Balances hormones: A diet low in processed foods and high in whole grains can help regulate insulin levels, which affects reproductive hormones crucial for successful egg retrieval.

While you can’t control every variable, your pre-IVF nutrition is one factor that’s within your hands.

Learn more about how you can prepare for your egg retrieval and ensure the best chances of success for your IVF and surrogacy journey.

Considering the Mediterranean Diet for IVF and Surrogacy? Here’s What to Know

The Mediterranean diet is based around following traditional dietary patterns of countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. These countries put an emphasis on whole, natural foods and heart-healthy fats.

Examples of some of the foods typically consumed when following the Mediterranean diet for IVF include:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
• Whole grains (like quinoa, oats, barley)
• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans)
• Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
• Nuts and seeds
• Fresh fruits

For fertility, this style of eating is beneficial because it’s:

• Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation can interfere with ovulation and embryo implantation.
• Rich in antioxidants: These protect egg cells from oxidative stress and age-related decline.
• Supportive of hormonal health: Healthy fats and fiber help balance estrogen and other reproductive hormones.

Before beginning the Mediterranean diet for IVF, consult with your doctor or a qualified nutritionist.

Foods to Prioritize and Avoid Before Egg Retrieval

As you prepare for egg retrieval, certain foods can actively support egg development, while others may hinder your progress:

Prioritize:

• Dark leafy greens, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts
• Avocados and olive oil
• Berries, citrus, and pomegranate
• Wild-caught salmon, sardines
• Quinoa, oats, farro
• Water and herbal teas

Avoid or Limit:

• Processed meats and fast food
• Refined sugars and high-glycemic carbs
• Soda, excessive caffeine, and alcohol
• Trans fats (found in packaged snacks and fried foods)

A nutrient-rich approach helps reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar and set the stage for healthier hormone function—vital during the stimulation phase of IVF.

Creating a Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan for IVF

A well-balanced Mediterranean diet for IVF can be easy to follow with the right meal plan. Below are some fertility-boosting meal ideas:

Breakfast:

• Greek yogurt with walnuts, chia seeds, and honey
• Oatmeal with berries and flaxseeds

Lunch:

• Quinoa salad with grilled salmon, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil
• Chickpea and spinach wrap with hummus

Dinner:

• Grilled chicken with roasted vegetables and hummus
• Lentil soup with a side of whole-grain bread

Snacks:

• Almonds and dried apricots
• Sliced cucumbers with tzatziki

By following this diet, you provide your body with the key nutrients it needs to support IVF success, whether you are preparing for pregnancy yourself or creating healthy embryos for surrogacy.

Try These Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes for IVF

With so many different dietary blogs, websites, influencers and more, finding a diet plan that fits your preferences and goals is easier than ever.

You may consider the following articles and diet plans to find the best fit as you begin adhering to the Mediterranean diet for IVF.

• 7 Day Mediterranean Meal Plan for Beginners – Eatingwell.com
• Mediterranean Diet: Food List and Meal Plan – Cleavland Clinic
• Mediterranean Diet Food for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner – Fox News

Taking Your Next Steps

Ready to take the next step? While you focus on creating embryos, our team can assist you in completing the necessary paperwork for your surrogacy journey.

We’ll walk you through every requirement so that you’re ready to be matched with a surrogate as soon as your embryos are. Fill out our simple form today.

Adderall during IVF stimulation is a major consideration for intended parents creating embryos for surrogacy—and making informed decisions early can protect both your embryo quality and your mental health.

By coordinating closely with your fertility and psychiatric providers, you can pursue IVF with clarity and confidence, knowing that your emotional wellness and reproductive goals are being supported together.

If you’re still searching for a fertility clinic or wondering what happens once your embryos are created, American Surrogacy can help. Fill out our form now to begin your surrogacy journey.

This article walks you through what to know about taking ADHD medications like Adderall during IVF stimulation, how they may (or may not) impact your embryo creation and what role American Surrogacy can play in your surrogacy journey.

Can You Take Adderall During IVF Stimulation When Creating Embryos for Surrogacy?

The short answer: it depends—and it should be a coordinated medical decision.

While research on Adderall and IVF outcomes is limited, most clinics recommend reviewing all medications with your care team before starting stimulation.

Stimulants may affect hormone regulation or interact with anesthesia during egg retrieval, prompting some providers to suggest a temporary pause.

What matters most is that you disclose your medication use early in your IVF planning.

Key considerations:

• Timing: Most tapering plans (if needed) begin 1–2 weeks before stimulation starts.
• Half-life: Adderall has a relatively short half-life, meaning it typically clears the system quickly, often within 48 hours.
• Egg quality: Current evidence does not confirm that Adderall during IVF stimulation degrades egg quality, but long-term studies are lacking.
• Mental health: Discontinuing ADHD meds can impair emotional regulation, focus and energy you’ll need for managing IVF stress.

Does Adderall Affect Egg Quality and IVF Outcomes?

Stimulant medications work on the central nervous system, leading some theorize that stimulants could influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which plays a critical role in regulating hormone signals throughout the IVF cycle.

That said, there is no current clinical evidence confirming that the use of stimulants like Adderall during IVF diminishes egg quality, fertilization rates or blastocyst development.

Most fertility clinics base their recommendations on precaution rather than proven harm.

For intended parents creating embryos for use in surrogacy, ensuring the highest possible embryo quality is a top priority, so it’s common for providers to suggest pausing Adderall during IVF stimulation.

Should You Stop Taking Adderall Before Egg Retrieval?

Fertility clinics may recommend stopping ADHD medications like Adderall during IVF stimulation, particularly as you near the date of your egg retrieval.

This recommendation is generally based on three concerns:

1. Hormonal sensitivity: During the final stretch of stimulation, hormone levels peak. Providers may want to eliminate anything that could influence estrogen levels, stress response or the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis.
2. Anesthesia safety: Adderall is a stimulant that can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Since egg retrieval involves light anesthesia, your clinical team may prefer you to be stimulant-free for safety.
3. Embryo development caution: While not supported by conclusive evidence, many IVF protocols take a conservative approach. Some believe that removing medications with unknown reproductive effects is the safest course.

If stopping Adderall during IVF stimulation is advised, tapering gradually (rather than quitting abruptly) is often recommended to reduce side effects like mood swings, fatigue and brain fog. This tapering should ideally begin 1–2 weeks prior to your retrieval date.

Learn how you can prepare for your egg retrieval to ensure the best possible outcomes.

For Those Undergoing IVF Only: Should You Stop Adderall Before Embryo Transfer?

 If you’re undergoing IVF to carry a pregnancy yourself, most fertility clinics recommend caution during this phase because early pregnancy can be affected by anything that may alter blood flow, uterine receptivity or hormone regulation.

As always, this decision should be made in close coordination with your fertility doctor and mental health provider.

If you’ve experienced difficulties with embryo implantation, are facing repeated IVF failure or are simply feeling overwhelmed, know that surrogacy is an option.

American Surrogacy works with hopeful parents at every stage, including those who started with IVF but are now exploring alternative paths to parenthood.

Can ADHD Meds Affect Embryo Development or Surrogacy Success?

The good news: taking stimulant medications like Adderall during IVF stimulation are highly unlikely to have a direct impact on the DNA, chromosomal integrity or long-term health of embryos.

What could be affected:

• Egg quality: If stimulant use disrupts hormone balance, it could theoretically affect follicle development—but evidence here is weak.
• Embryo grading: There’s no data showing that ADHD meds negatively affect blastocyst quality or grading.
• Implantation success: Embryo quality is only one factor. Uterine environment (in your surrogate) matters more at this stage.

Even if the science says there’s little to no risk, many intended parents want to be absolutely certain they’re doing everything possible to ensure a successful outcome. That includes choosing caution around any medication that could even theoretically complicate the journey.

While there’s no clinical evidence linking Adderall during IVF stimulation to embryo complications, it’s still worth discussing with your team. You deserve both peace of mind and a care plan that reflects your values.

Balancing Mental Health and IVF: What Intended Parents Need to Know

IVF is a process that tests every part of you physically, emotionally and financially.

For intended parents with ADHD or other mental health challenges, managing this stress without medication can feel overwhelming. That’s why creating a mental health strategy is just as important as selecting your clinic or IVF protocol.

Non-medication support options:

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
• ADHD coaching or executive functioning strategies
• Mindfulness practices
• Peer support from other IPs or infertility groups

Agency Support Matters

At American Surrogacy, we understand that your mental clarity is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. We work with clients every day who are managing neurodiverse needs alongside their surrogacy journey.

We can also help you begin the paperwork process for your surrogacy journey while you’re creating embryos—and match you with the right surrogate when you’re ready to move forward. Contact us today.

If you’ve been navigating the ups and downs of fertility treatment, you know that sometimes the right clinic, the right care — and even the right legal support — might not always be nearby.

Whether you’re facing restrictions where you live, looking for better success rates or preparing for a future surrogacy journey, traveling for IVF could be the path that brings you closer to parenthood.

Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including legal, logistical and emotional considerations.

If you’re just beginning to look into surrogacy, or you’re already planning your journey and need help coordinating IVF across state lines, our surrogacy specialists can provide you with the resources and support you need to feel confident and prepared. Contact us today.

Can You Travel Out of State for IVF?

Yes, you can travel out of state for IVF. Some of the common reasons families travel out-of-state for IVF include:

• Cost differences: You are pursuing IVF and surrogacy in a state with more affordable IVF programs.
• Access to specialized treatment and higher success rates
• State-specific legal restrictions:  Some states place limits on embryo transfers, gamete donation or surrogacy. It’s important to verify the reproductive laws where you live and where you’re planning treatment.
• Success rates: IVF clinics are required to report success rates to the CDC and SART, which can influence patients to travel to higher-performing centers.

But if you do choose to travel out of state for IVF, there are several considerations you should take into account.

How to Do IVF Out-of-State: Your 5-Step Roadmap

If you’re considering traveling for IVF, here’s a simplified overview of how the process usually works — whether you’re just starting or already working with a surrogate.

1. Research and compare clinics: Look for clinics with strong success rates (check CDC or SART data), patient reviews, and services that match your needs — especially if you’re using donor eggs and/or sperm or pursuing surrogacy.
2. Understand legal requirements: State laws can impact IVF and surrogacy. Before you begin, make sure you’re familiar with legal considerations in both your home and destination state. A fertility attorney or surrogacy specialist can help guide you through this.
3. Coordinate local and out-of-state care: You may be able to handle some testing and monitoring close to home. Many clinics will coordinate with local providers to help minimize travel when possible.
4. Plan travel around key appointments: You’ll likely need to travel for procedures like egg retrieval or embryo transfer. If a surrogate is involved, careful timing and communication are essential to keep the cycle on track.
5. Prepare for the logistics: Think ahead about lodging, medication management and how long you may need to stay. Some clinics offer extra support for traveling patients, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Learn more about surrogacy laws in your state.

Important Considerations for Traveling for IVF: Plan for Success

If you’re going out of state for IVF, here are some of the important factors you should plan for:

• Time commitment: Scheduling multiple appointments and procedures can take time, so you may need to travel for a longer time or take multiple trips
• Travel and lodging costs: Budgeting for extended stays
• Time zone differences: Managing appointment schedules and medication timing
• Coordination between clinics: If you’re working with both a local OB/GYN and an out-of-state fertility clinic, you’ll need to manage shared records, results and timelines.
• Insurance variations: IVF coverage can vary drastically from state to state, so review both in- and out-of-network policies in advance.

Additionally, if you’re travelling during IVF treatment, you may need to travel with IVF medications and injections.

If you are going through airport security or don’t have access to refrigeration, you may need to take extra steps to assure that your medications travel safely.

Checklist for Out-of-State IVF Success

• Research fertility clinics and compare reported success rates
• Verify state laws around IVF and surrogacy
• Check insurance coverage for out-of-network treatments
• Plan your travel and lodging ahead of time
• Coordinate medical records between local and destination clinics
• Understand embryo storage and transfer logistics
• Consult a surrogacy professional if you’re working with a surrogate

How to Travel with IVF Meds

Many intended parents worry about getting through airport security, handling needles in public or keeping medications safe without refrigeration.

These are normal concerns and with the right preparation, traveling with IVF meds can be done confidently and securely.

Can I travel with my IVF injections?

Yes, generally you can travel with your IVF medications.

It’s always best to consult your fertility specialist ahead of your trip, but here are some key things to know:

Carrying Refrigerated Medications

Some IVF medications must stay cold. Use an insulated cooler, insulated insulin travel case, or gel ice packs to maintain the correct temperature while in transit. You can also ask your clinic for recommendations or sample kits.

TSA Regulations

Bringing injectable medications through TSA can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’ve never flown with medical supplies. To reduce stress:

• Carry all medications and syringes in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
• Label everything clearly with pharmacy labels.
• Tell the TSA officer that you’re carrying medically necessary items.
• Print and carry a doctor’s note or prescription summary if available.

TSA does allow sharps, syringes, and refrigerated meds as part of their medical exemptions. You can review the latest TSA medication guidelines here.

Managing Medication Schedules Across Time Zones

Some medications have time-sensitive dosage times, and if you are travelling it is important to stay consistent with your schedule and account for time zone changes.

Consider setting alarms on your phone or using a medication tracking app to stay consistent.

Tip: Stick to your original time zone for the first few days of travel, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

Shipping and Transferring Embryos to Another Clinic

Embryo shipping is especially common when intended parents are pursuing out of state surrogacy or when coordinating care across clinics for legal or medical reasons.

Can you transfer embryos to another clinic?

Yes, you can transfer embryos to another clinic in many cases.

Embryo shipping can be required if you are having embryos made in one place and transferred in another place, if you move, if you have embryos created and want to store them in a state with friendlier embryo laws or if you change clinics during the IVF process.

Providers like Cryoport and IVF Couriers offer secure cryogenic transport for frozen embryos, using temperature-controlled tanks designed to keep your embryos safe throughout the journey.

Is shipping frozen embryos harmful to the embryos?

Not usually. While there is always a risk of embryo loss throughout the process of IVF, there are many safeguards in place to keep your embryos safe during the process.

Reputable shipping providers maintain strict protocols for handling and temperature regulation, and your clinic will help ensure proper coordination to avoid any disruptions.

How Much Does Embryo Shipping Cost?

Embryo shipping costs can range anywhere from $400 to $5,000+.

These costs can depend on a variety of factors including:

• Distance (local, domestic, international)
• Cryo tank rental
• Handling and courier fees
• Insurance coverage for the shipment

Why Working with a National Surrogacy Agency Matters

Traveling for IVF — especially with surrogacy involved — can get complicated fast. Every state has different laws, clinic protocols and timelines. American Surrogacy can help you manage all of it in one place.

Here’s how:

• Legal guidance across states: Surrogacy laws vary, and a national agency can help you understand the legal landscape wherever you or your surrogate. We can also help you find a trusted surrogacy attorney to make sure your parentage is protected from day one.
• Clinic recommendations: If you’re planning on out of state surrogacy, your agency can help you find a reputable clinic and coordinate between providers so your care is seamless.
• Surrogate matching where it makes sense: Once your embryos are created, we will match you with a surrogate who lives in the right state or can travel to your clinic for transfer, and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Working with a national agency takes the guesswork and stress out of out-of-state IVF and surrogacy so you can focus on what matters most: becoming a parent.

Need help navigating IVF and surrogacy across state lines? We’re here to guide you through every step. Contact us today to get the support you need — no matter where your journey takes you.