CMV (cytomegalovirus) is a common yet often misunderstood virus that can directly affect your fertility timeline, your embryo transfer plans, and the safety of pregnancy.

Whether you’re actively undergoing IVF, considering donor options or exploring surrogacy as a next step, understanding the role of CMV is essential.

If you’re exploring other family-building options due to CMV-related IVF delays, our team at American Surrogacy is here to help. Fill out our quick form to learn how surrogacy could fit your unique journey.

This guide breaks down how CMV intersects with IVF, what your test results mean, how it may impact your plans—and how American Surrogacy can help you move forward when delays or risks arise.

What is CMV and Why Is It Risky During Pregnancy?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that affects most adults by middle age. While generally harmless in healthy individuals, CMV can cause serious complications during pregnancy, especially when infection occurs in the first trimester.

Why CMV matters:

• Congenital CMV Risk: If transmitted to the baby, CMV can result in lifelong health issues.
• Silent Symptoms: Many adults don’t realize they’ve had CMV because it often causes no symptoms.
• Pregnancy Timing: CMV infections during conception or embryo transfer are the most concerning.

Understanding CMV’s risks is critical to making informed decisions about fertility treatments.

Why Does CMV Status Matter for IVF or Embryo Creation?

CMV is a common virus that affects up to 85% of adults by age 40. While it rarely causes symptoms in healthy individuals, CMV status becomes critically important during IVF and pregnancy because of potential risks to developing embryos and babies.

Your CMV status affects several aspects of your IVF journey:

• Embryo Transfer Timing: Active CMV infections may delay embryo transfers to prevent transmission risks during early pregnancy.
• Donor Selection: When using donor eggs or sperm, CMV status compatibility becomes a key matching criterion.
• Pregnancy Safety:CMV transmission during pregnancy can cause serious complications for developing babies.
• Medical Clearance: Fertility clinics have specific protocols for managing patients with different CMV statuses.

Understanding these factors helps explain why CMV and IVF protocols exist and how they protect both you and your future baby.

When Do Fertility Clinics Test for CMV?

Most fertility workups include CMV screening blood test early in the process. Testing may also be required when using donor eggs, donor sperm or working with a gestational carrier.

Timely testing allows clinics to adapt your IVF or embryo transfer plan to maximize safety.

What If I’m CMV Positive? Understanding CMV Testing Results

Fertility clinics test for CMV IgG and IgM antibodies:

• CMV IgG Positive: This indicates past exposure to CMV and means you have developed immunity. Being IgG positive is generally favorable for IVF, as you’re unlikely to contract a new CMV infection during pregnancy.
• CMV IgM Positive: This suggests a recent or active CMV infection. IgM positive results typically require waiting periods before proceeding with embryo transfers to ensure the infection has resolved and reduce transmission risks.
• CMV Negative: Having no previous CMV exposure means you’re susceptible to new infections, requiring careful donor selection and monitoring during pregnancy.

Your fertility clinic will interpret these results alongside other factors to determine the safest approach for your specific situation.

How Long Should You Wait After a CMV Infection to Try IVF?

If you test CMV IgM positive, most clinics recommend waiting 6-12 months before embryo transfer to ensure the infection has cleared.

What happens during the wait:

• Repeat antibody testing to confirm immunity
• Clearance from your reproductive endocrinologist
• Proceeding with egg retrieval and embryo freezing if desired

This approach minimizes the risk of CMV transmission to the baby.

If a long CMV clearance timeline feels discouraging, talk to us about how surrogacy can help you keep your family-building momentum.

Can I Move Forward with IVF with an Active CMV Infection?

Yes—but with limitations. While you may proceed with egg retrieval and embryo creation, most clinics advise waiting 3–6 months post-infection before transferring embryos.

This waiting period serves several important purposes:

• Allows your immune system to fully clear the active infection
• Reduces risk of CMV transmission during early pregnancy
• Ensures optimal conditions for embryo implantation
• Minimizes potential pregnancy complications

While waiting can feel frustrating, this approach significantly improves your chances of a healthy pregnancy outcome.

CMV and Pregnancy Risks

CMV and pregnancy risks are particularly concerning when infection occurs during conception or early pregnancy. Congenital CMV transmission can lead to:

• Hearing loss in newborns
• Developmental delays
• Vision problems
• Microcephaly (smaller than normal head size)
• Intellectual disabilities

These risks explain why fertility clinics take CMV status seriously when planning IVF treatments and why timing matters so much for safe embryo transfers.

Can Surrogacy Help If You’ve Had a Recent CMV Infection?

If you’ve recently had a CMV infection that delays your IVF timeline, surrogacy may offer a faster and medically safer path to parenthood.

Rather than waiting months for medical clearance for personal pregnancy, you can move forward with embryo creation and transfer to a healthy surrogate.

Advantages of Surrogacy After Recent CMV Infection:

• Faster Timeline: Surrogacy eliminates personal waiting periods required after CMV infection, allowing you to proceed with your family-building goals sooner.
• Reduced Risk: Your surrogate’s CMV immunity status is screened, ensuring optimal safety for embryo transfer and pregnancy.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing your surrogate is medically cleared and monitored provides emotional relief during your fertility journey.

CMV and Sperm Donors: Choosing the Right Match

When using donor sperm, CMV status compatibility becomes a crucial selection criterion. Sperm banks routinely test donors and provide detailed CMV status information to help you make informed choices.

CMV Positive Sperm Donors:

• Safe for recipients who are CMV IgG positive
• Typically more abundant in donor banks

CMV Negative Sperm Donors:

• Preferred for CMV negative recipients
• Lower risk but potentially fewer match options

Need help navigating donor options? American Surrogacy can coordinate with your clinic to simplify the process. Contact us today.

When to Select a CMV Positive Sperm Donor

People generally choose a CMV positive sperm donor when:

• You are CMV IgG positive (immune from past exposure)
• Your partner is CMV positive
• Your fertility clinic recommends CMV positive matching
• You want access to a broader donor pool (more options available)

CMV positive donors are often in higher supply, potentially offering more choices in physical characteristics, education, and other desired traits.

When to Select a CMV Negative Sperm Donor

Choose a CMV negative sperm donor when:

• You are CMV negative (no previous exposure)
• Your fertility clinic specifically recommends avoiding CMV exposure
• You want to minimize any infection risk during pregnancy
• Your surrogate (if using one) is CMV negative

CMV negative donors may be in shorter supply, potentially limiting selection options but providing the safest match for CMV negative recipients.

How American Surrogacy Supports Families Navigating CMV and IVF for Embryo Creation

Dealing with CMV complications during IVF can feel overwhelming, especially when medical hurdles delay your path to parenthood.

American Surrogacy can act as your compassionate guide through these complex fertility challenges, and surrogacy can be a flexible solution when CMV status complicates personal pregnancy attempts.

Our support includes:

• Clinic Coordination: We liaise with your fertility clinic to understand your medical clearance status.
• Surrogate Matching: We can match you with a surrogate in an average of 1-4 months.
• Surrogate Screening: Our surrogates have been thoroughly pre-screened, minimizing the chance of complications, saving you time and money.

We’re not just a service—we’re your partner in building the family you’ve dreamed of.

When CMV Makes Surrogacy the Preferred Path

Surrogacy becomes particularly valuable when:

• Recent CMV infection delays your personal pregnancy timeline by 6+ months
• Previous CMV-related pregnancy complications make future pregnancies inadvisable
• You want the fastest path to parenthood despite CMV complications

Remember, choosing surrogacy doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams—it means finding the safest, most efficient route to holding your baby.

Ready to Move Forward? Let American Surrogacy Help You Navigate CMV and IVF Challenges

If you’re facing delays due to CMV, American Surrogacy can help you explore surrogacy as a faster, safer alternative.

Fill out our simple form to discuss how surrogacy might fit your unique situation and timeline.

We’re here to support your next step toward parenthood.

After experiencing a termination for medical reasons (TFMR), the question of whether to pursue fertility treatments again isn’t simple. The thought of IVF after TFMR can feel overwhelming, even when your heart still yearns for parenthood.

If you’re not sure you can go through that again right now, you’re not alone. Many hopeful parents feel stuck between their desire to grow their family and their fear of experiencing another loss.

If you’re already wondering whether IVF is still right for you, or you’re open to other possibilities, fill out our form today to explore a path that protects your hope and your heart.

This article explores the realities of pursuing IVF after TFMR, and an alternative that honors your healing process while preserving your dreams of parenthood.

Should I Try IVF Again After TFMR?

After a TFMR, you may find yourself questioning if you can or should pursue another pregnancy. Ask yourself:

• Am I physically healed from my last pregnancy and any complications?
• How does the idea of another round of IVF make me feel emotionally?
• Do I feel prepared for both the best- and worst-case outcomes?

These questions don’t have right or wrong answers, but they can help guide conversations with your doctor, partner, or a counselor. Whether you pursue IVF again or choose a different path, the decision is deeply personal — and yours alone to make.

What Are My Chances of Success with IVF After TFMR?

According to the Mayo Clinic, the risk of miscarriage after experiencing one pregnancy loss is about 20%. However, this statistic doesn’t account for the various factors that influence success rates or the specific circumstances surrounding TFMR.

Maternal age remains one of the most significant predictors of IVF success, regardless of previous pregnancy experiences. Any underlying fertility conditions that may have contributed to your initial conception challenges will likely continue to affect your chances of success.

However, if your TFMR was due to a genetic condition or a fetal abnormality, you may be a candidate for advanced testing like PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy).

Genetic Screening After TFMR

PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy) can screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. It may reduce the risk of implanting embryos with known issues.

But not all conditions that necessitate TFMR can be detected through testing. Some fetal anomalies develop during pregnancy and cannot be identified at the embryonic stage.

Additionally, PGT-A testing focuses primarily on chromosomal abnormalities and doesn’t detect all genetic conditions or structural problems that might emerge later in pregnancy.

If you’re considering PGT-A for a future IVF cycle or for embryos you’ll use with a surrogate, learn how how this process fits into your journey.

What to Ask Your Fertility Doctor About IVF After TFMR

When you’re considering IVF again after a TFMR, your fertility doctor can help guide you. Here are some important questions to ask:

• How does my TFMR history affect my chances of success with IVF?
• Are there any additional risks I should be aware of?
• Should I consider PGT-A or other genetic screening?
• Could surrogacy be a safer option for my circumstances?

These conversations can help you clarify your goals and identify the family-building path that best fits your emotional and medical needs.

The Hidden Risks of IVF After TFMR: Are You Prepared?

Recovery time varies significantly based on individual circumstances. While some people feel physically ready to pursue IVF after TFMR within a few months, others require longer healing periods.

Here are some risks and complications to consider:

• Recovery time may depend on the gestational age and method of delivery. Late-term terminations, especially those requiring cesarean delivery, can lead to uterine scarring or other complications.
• Hormonal fluctuations after pregnancy termination can persist for several months, potentially impacting fertility treatment.
• Irregular menstrual cycles or ovulation patterns may follow TFMR, requiring medical monitoring and adjustments to treatment.
• Physical healing may require several normal menstrual cycles before your body is ready for another round of IVF.

Your fertility specialist will likely recommend waiting for several normal cycles to ensure your body has returned to baseline function and it’s safe to try IVF again after a TFMR.

The Emotional Impact of IVF After TFMR —When Your Heart Isn’t Ready

Even if your body is “ready,” your heart may not be.

Fertility treatments can feel especially stressful after pregnancy loss. Hormone shots, frequent appointments and the wait for embryo transfer can increase anxiety.

Milestones like embryo transfer or the first ultrasound can reawaken grief. Some people describe feeling emotionally numb or fearful of feeling any hope.

These reactions don’t indicate weakness or lack of readiness; they represent normal responses to trauma that deserve acknowledgment. Working with providers who understand the specific support needed after pregnancy loss can significantly improve your treatment experience.

Emotional Support Resources for IVF After TFMR

Finding the right emotional support can make all the difference. Here are a few trusted communities and resources:

• TFMR Mamas offers various support groups
• Through the Unexpected focuses on post-pregnancy loss healing
• Subreddits like r/IVF offer forums for peer support
• Trauma-informed counselors can help with reproductive grief and pregnancy loss

Financial Considerations of IVF After TFMR

IVF can be expensive, especially if your care now requires genetic testing, additional monitoring or specialized procedures. Insurance may not cover repeat attempts or testing, depending on your provider.

Beyond direct medical costs, IVF after TFMR can be emotionally draining. The possibility of treatment failure after previous pregnancy loss can make each cycle feel like a significant risk.

This pressure may influence treatment decisions or create additional anxiety during already stressful procedures.

Some families find that alternative paths like surrogacy prove more cost-effective over time by reducing the likelihood of repeated failed attempts. You may want to consider what works best for your family.

Surrogacy may offer greater peace of mind and financial predictability. If you’re recovering financially from previous IVF failures, learn about why financing surrogacy after IVF failure is worth it.

What if IVF Feels Too Risky? Exploring Surrogacy as a Path Forward

Feeling scared, exhausted or disconnected from the idea of IVF after TFMR? Your body and mind have endured significant stress, and hesitation doesn’t indicate weakness. Sometimes the bravest decision involves acknowledging when you need a different approach.

You don’t have to abandon your dreams of becoming a parent. Gestational surrogacy offers hope without requiring you to physically carry another pregnancy.

It can be a safer path after multiple losses. You can still use your embryos or create new ones, and your surrogate will carry the pregnancy on your behalf.

This option allows you to pursue parenthood at your own pace, with additional support throughout the process. You deserve a family-building option that respects your grief and protects your hope.

Surrogacy vs. IVF After TFMR: What’s Safer?

Here’s how surrogacy compares to IVF after TFMR:

IVF:

• Physical Demands: High
• Emotional Control: Often feels fragile
• Timeline: Shorter, but unpredictable
• Cost: Lower per attempt
• Safety: May carry risks for certain conditions

Surrogacy:

• Physical Demands: None for intended parents
• Emotional Control: Shared support throughout
• Timeline: More structured once matched
• Cost: Higher upfront, but may reduce cumulative cost from failed cycles
• Safety: Safest path for those with health risks

How American Surrogacy Supports Families After Loss

American Surrogacy understands that families pursuing surrogacy after pregnancy loss may be struggling with hesitation and fear. Our comprehensive screening process ensures that the surrogates we work with are physically, emotionally and mentally prepared to carry a pregnancy.

When you’re ready to explore IVF alternatives after TFMR, contact us online for more information.

There’s no “right” timeline for healing after pregnancy loss, and we’re prepared to meet you wherever you are in your journey.

Experiencing multiple failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) transfers can leave you wondering if you’ll ever hold your baby. You’ve done everything right, yet it seems like your body continues to work against your dreams of parenthood.

Many hopeful parents discover that their repeated IVF failures stem from Asherman’s syndrome (uterine adhesions) that went undiagnosed for months or even years.

If you’re ready to explore family-building alternatives, we can help. Contact us today for more information about gestational surrogacy.

This article explores why IVF with Asherman’s presents unique challenges and what treatment options exist.

What Is Asherman’s Syndrome? – and How Does it Affect IVF?

Asherman’s syndrome is a condition in which scar tissue (also called intrauterine adhesions) forms inside the uterus. This scarring can significantly affect fertility by disrupting the natural function of the uterine lining.

For those experiencing IVF with Asherman’s, this condition often explains persistent implantation failure despite high-quality embryos. Understanding this underlying condition can be the first step toward reclaiming control over your fertility journey.

Why Does IVF Fail With Asherman’s?

When someone has Asherman’s syndrome, scar tissue interferes with the way the uterine lining builds up and functions. For IVF to succeed, the endometrium must be thick, healthy and receptive to the embryo.

Unfortunately, in many people with Asherman’s, the lining remains too thin or irregular, making successful implantation much less likely.

Even when your embryos are chromosomally normal and considered high quality by your fertility team, they may struggle to implant. This can lead to emotional exhaustion and financial strain for many families.

Still unsure why IVF isn’t working? Here are questions you can ask your doctor if you suspect Asherman’s might be affecting your results

What Causes Uterine Adhesions?                                   

Uterine adhesions often develop after procedures like dilation and curettage (D&C), typically following a miscarriage or childbirth. They can also form after C-sections, fibroid removal or other uterine surgeries.

In some cases, untreated infections or chronic inflammation from conditions like endometriosis can cause adhesions to develop over time.

These adhesions aren’t always obvious. As a result, many people don’t know they exist until they try getting pregnant with Asherman’s syndrome.

If your diagnosis was delayed, it’s understandable to feel frustrated, but it’s never too late to explore a new path forward.

Can You Do IVF After Treating Asherman’s? Your Options Explained

Yes, in mild or moderate cases, doctors may recommend hysteroscopic adhesiolysis, a procedure that carefully removes scar tissue from the uterus.

This minimally invasive outpatient surgery typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Your fertility team may place an intrauterine device (IUD) or prescribe estrogen therapy afterward to prevent the adhesions from reforming as your uterine lining heals.

However, the success of surgical treatment varies significantly based on the severity and location of your adhesions.

When multiple surgical attempts don’t fully restore your uterine environment, your care team may recommend exploring alternative approaches.

Support and Resources for Those Struggling with IVF with Asherman’s Syndrome

• r/IVF: A subbredit for patients undergoing IVF to share their struggles and experiences.
• Asherman’s Syndrome Awareness and Support: A Facebook group created by the International Asherman’s Association for women to share their experiences and receive peer support.

When IVF Fails with Asherman’s: Signs You’re Ready for Surrogacy

If you’ve experienced multiple failed embryo transfers, it may be time to consider surrogacy as your next step. This decision isn’t about giving up on your dreams; it’s about finding another option if your uterus can’t carry a baby.

Wondering if it’s the right time to consider surrogacy? Consider these signs:

• You’ve experienced two or more unsuccessful IVF cycles, even with high-quality embryos.
• Doctors suspect persistent implantation issues despite previous treatments.
• You’re feeling emotionally exhausted from ongoing attempts without results.
• You’re concerned about how continued treatments will affect your finances and long-term goals.

Recognize yourself in these signs? Surrogacy might be the compassionate next step forward. Learn more about surrogacy after failed IVF.

How Surrogacy Solves the IVF Challenges Caused by Asherman’s Syndrome

Surrogacy allows you to use your own embryos and transfer them into the uterus of a gestational carrier. This approach completely bypasses the implantation challenges caused by Asherman’s syndrome while still allowing you to have a biological connection to your child.

Your surrogate will be carefully screened by both medical professionals and our agency to ensure they’re prepared to carry a pregnancy. With the right support team in place, you can focus on building your family in a way that works for your situation and your future.

Why Work with a Surrogacy Agency After IVF with Asherman’s Syndrome?

If you’re dealing with uterine adhesions and IVF failure, a surrogacy agency can help make your journey smoother and more successful. Here’s how:

• Expert coordination between your fertility clinic, legal team and surrogate to streamline every step of the process
• Thorough screening of surrogates to ensure they are medically qualified and emotionally prepared
• Personalized emotional support to help you process grief or trauma from past IVF failures

You don’t have to figure this out alone. The right agency can offer clarity, guidance and reassurance during a time that feels uncertain.

Surrogacy After IVF with Asherman’s: A Hopeful Next Step

Surrogacy after failed IVF isn’t a last resort. It’s a hopeful, proactive choice many families make when their uterus can’t safely carry a pregnancy.

You don’t have to go through another failed cycle. You don’t have to keep wondering if this time will be different. Like many families affected by Asherman’s, you deserve to explore a path that brings lasting hope.

Our team is here to help you explore your next steps with clarity and compassion.

Contact a surrogacy specialist today to learn more about surrogacy.

World IVF Day is a moment to honor the countless intended parents who have bravely navigated the highs and heartbreaks of fertility treatments. Whether you’re just beginning IVF or are in the midst of your journey, this day is about your story and your dreams of building a family.

For families whose IVF path hasn’t led to the outcome they hoped for, we’re here to help you explore a new, empowered way forward.

If you’re ready to take the next step beyond IVF, we’re ready to guide you. Let’s find a path to parenthood that works. Fill out our simple form today to get connected with a surrogacy specialist. 

What Is World IVF Day? 

World IVF Day, observed annually on July 25, commemorates the birth of Louise Brown in 1978, the world’s first baby born through in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Since then, World IVF Day has become a global acknowledgment of the millions of families who have grown through assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Whether you’re just beginning IVF or have been through multiple cycles, this day symbolizes resilience and hope.

Why IVF Is Both a Hopeful and Hard Journey 

World IVF Day isn’t just a celebration, it’s a complex emotional marker for many intended parents. IVF brings immense hope, but it also often comes with failed cycles, physical tolls, emotional burnout and significant financial costs.

Some couples see success early, while others endure years of procedures, losses, and uncertainty. World IVF Day shines a light on the resilience of those who persist in the face of repeated heartbreak, reminding us that every attempt reflects deep love and determination to build a family.

What Happens If IVF Doesn’t Work? 

World IVF Day shines a light on the resilience of those who persist in the face of repeated heartbreak, reminding us that every attempt reflects deep love and determination to build a family.

Some couples see success early, while others endure years of procedures, losses and uncertainty. The natural question becomes: what now?

For families who have already created embryos through IVF, surrogacy can be the next step forward offering a renewed chance at parenthood without starting over.

Wondering what comes next after IVF? Explore how surrogacy could be the next step for your family.

When Is It Time to Consider Surrogacy? 

For many intended parents, the decision to pursue surrogacy only comes after years of trying to conceive on their own or through IVF treatments. But how do you know when it’s time to shift your focus? 

Here are some common signals: 

• You’ve had multiple failed IVF cycles with no clear medical explanation. 
• Your doctor has advised against carrying a pregnancy for health reasons. 
• You’ve experienced recurrent pregnancy loss. 
• IVF treatments have become emotionally or financially exhausting

World IVF Day is an ideal moment to reflect not just on where you’ve been—but where you want to go. If you feel like you’ve done everything possible and still aren’t closer to holding your baby, surrogacy may offer the next right step.

How Surrogacy Complements the IVF Journey  

Many people don’t realize how deeply connected IVF and surrogacy really are.

For those who’ve undergone IVF and created viable embryos, those embryos can be used in your surrogacy journey to be transferred to a surrogate—someone who carries the pregnancy but has no genetic link to the child. 

On World IVF Day, it’s important to recognize that surrogacy isn’t giving up, so much as an extension of your fertility efforts.

Already created embryos through IVF? Reach out to day to be matched with a surrogate quickly and fast track your path to parenthood.

IVF vs. Surrogacy: Comparing Cost, Success and Time to Parenthood

World IVF Day is a time to celebrate how far fertility treatments have come—but also to take an honest look at where your own journey stands.

Here’s how IVF and surrogacy compare when it comes to three of the most important factors: cost, efficacy and time to parenthood.

Cost: What You’re Really Spending 

IVF: One IVF cycle can cost $15,000–$25,000, and many families undergo 3–5 cycles before achieving pregnancy, often totaling $60,000–$100,000 or more. Costs can rise with medications, genetic testing, and embryo storage.

Surrogacy: A full surrogacy journey through an agency typically ranges from $100,000-$200,000 including surrogate compensation, medical expenses, legal work and agency coordination.

While the upfront cost may seem higher, many intended parents find that surrogacy avoids the emotional and financial toll of repeated IVF failure.

Worried about affording surrogacy after costly IVF cycles? Learn how American Surrogacy helps families find financial clarity.

Efficacy: What Are the Chances It Will Work? 

IVF Alone: IVF success rates depend on age and fertility diagnosis, but average around 30–50% per cycle. Many intended parents face unexplained failures or implantation issues that remain unresolved even after multiple attempts. 

Surrogacy: When using healthy embryos with a thoroughly screened gestational carrier, success rates may be higher, particularly with agency-managed matches with highly-qualified surrogates. This makes surrogacy more efficient and more predictable after failed IVF.

Time: How Soon Can You Hold Your Baby? 

IVF: Each cycle takes 6–8 weeks, with weeks of prep and follow-up. Failed cycles mean starting over. The timeline can stretch to years with uncertain outcomes. 

Surrogacy: With an agency like American Surrogacy, you may match with a surrogate in as little as 1-4 months, and move directly to embryo transfer (especially if you already have frozen embryos). For many, it’s the quickest path to parenthood after years of trying.

World IVF Day is about honoring your journey, but also about being honest with what comes next. Surrogacy may offer a clearer, faster and ultimately more successful path forward.

Why Some Families Choose Surrogacy After IVF 

For many families, surrogacy becomes a life-changing decision after IVF has failed or is no longer medically advised.

Conditions like uterine abnormalities, recurrent pregnancy loss, or health concerns can make carrying a pregnancy unsafe or unsuccessful, even with healthy embryos.

Surrogacy offers intended parents the opportunity to have a biologically related child, even if they cannot carry the pregnancy themselves.

It’s a decision that involves trust, emotional surrender and courage, but for many, it leads to the joy and closure they’ve been longing for.

How American Surrogacy Can Help You Grow Your Family—Faster and Safer 

At American Surrogacy, we specialize in turning fertility frustration into forward motion. Here’s how we make a difference: 

• Pre-screened surrogates ready for matching 
• Legal, medical, and emotional coordination under one roof 
• Transparent pricing and cost-efficiency compared to repeat IVF rounds 
• Support for using your existing embryos via gestational surrogacy 

You’ve already invested so much into becoming a parent—we’re here to help you reach that goal sooner.

Your Family Journey Isn’t Over—It’s About to Begin 

At American Surrogacy, we understand the emotional cost of IVF—and we know how exhausting it is to keep trying without answers. If you’re ready to stop cycling and start moving forward, we’re ready to help. 

Talk to a surrogacy specialist today. 

Let’s create a plan that’s built around your embryos, your vision, and your timeline—so you can grow your family with confidence, not exhaustion. 

With the rise of advanced fertility technologies, many hopeful parents are asking: Can you choose genes with IVF, and if so, how much?

IVF allows for detailed genetic screening, but not genetic engineering. Knowing which traits can be selected (and which cannot) helps you make empowered, ethical and medically sound choices for your journey.

In this article, we’ll explain:

• What you can and cannot choose through IVF
• How preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) works with surrogacy
• When and why genetic screening may be recommended

If you’re searching for an IVF clinic that provides genetic screening for embryos, we can connect you with a reputable clinic in your area. Fill out our easy form today.

Can You Choose Your Baby’s Genes With IVF?

The short answer is no. At least, not in the way pop culture often suggests. While modern fertility treatments offer powerful genetic insights, they don’t let you pick traits like eye color, intelligence or personality.

Instead, many IVF programs incorporate preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), a tool that helps identify embryos with specific genetic conditions before they are transferred to a gestational surrogate. There are two common types:

• PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy): Screens for chromosomal abnormalities that could impact development or lead to failed implantation.
• PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic/Single Gene Disorders): Detects inherited diseases like cystic fibrosis or Tay-Sachs.

These tests don’t change or edit an embryo’s genes. Rather, they provide a detailed look at the genetic makeup that’s already present when sperm and egg combine.

Think of PGT like reading a book, not rewriting the story. You can choose which embryo to transfer based on that information, but you cannot modify or select specific traits beyond medical screening.

Have questions about IVF and genetic screening? Learn more about pre-implantation genetic testing for IVF and surrogacy.

What Can You Choose With IVF?

Most of the traits people imagine choosing, such as eye color, hair color, intelligence or athleticism are polygenic, meaning they are influenced by multiple genes and complex environmental factors.

These traits involve thousands of genetic interactions that science is still learning to decode. Current IVF technology cannot detect or select for these traits, and no test can guarantee them.

What IVF can do is help screen for certain inherited conditions and chromosomal abnormalities, allowing you to prioritize embryo health and pregnancy success. Below is a breakdown of what’s possible and what isn’t.

Can You Choose Eye Color With IVF?

No, you cannot choose eye color with IVF. Although eye color is genetic, it’s influenced by multiple genes that control pigmentation.

IVF clinics do not screen for these cosmetic traits. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is focused on identifying serious medical conditions, not selecting for appearance.

Can You Choose Hair Color With IVF?

No, hair color selection is not possible with IVF. Like eye color, hair color involves multiple genes and can change over time.

IVF with PGT doesn’t include analysis of pigmentation genes and cannot guarantee any particular hair color in a child.

Can You Choose the Sex of Your Baby With IVF?

Yes — to a degree. When using PGT-A, the sex chromosomes of each embryo are visible during testing. This means if you have multiple healthy embryos of different sexes, you can choose which embryo to transfer first.

However, you can only choose from the embryos you already have. There’s no guarantee you’ll produce viable embryos of both sexes, and selection doesn’t influence the creation of future embryos.

Concerned about sex-linked conditions? Learn more about IVF and embryo sex selection.

Can You Remove Certain DNA Through IVF?

No, IVF cannot remove or change an embryo’s DNA. This is a common misconception.

While PGT allows you to analyze the DNA of embryos, it does not modify them. The embryo’s genetic makeup is fixed at the moment of fertilization.

Removing, editing, or altering DNA, such as through CRISPR gene-editing, is not part of any standard IVF or surrogacy process and is not legally permitted in clinical practice in the U.S.

Can IVF Avoid Autism?

No, IVF cannot be used to prevent autism. Autism spectrum disorder is influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors, and no single genetic marker determines whether a child will be autistic.

There is currently no test that can screen for or eliminate autism through IVF, and reputable clinics will not make such claims.

Can IVF Avoid Down Syndrome?

Yes, IVF combined with PGT-A can screen for chromosomal abnormalities like trisomy 21, the cause of Down syndrome. If an embryo has an extra copy of chromosome 21, it will be identified during genetic screening. This allows intended parents to avoid transferring affected embryos, reducing the risk of a Down syndrome diagnosis.

Can You Use IVF to Avoid Cystic Fibrosis?

Yes, IVF can screen for cystic fibrosis (CF) using PGT-M, which looks for mutations in the CFTR gene. If both genetic contributors are carriers, PGT-M helps determine which embryos inherited the faulty gene.

Intended parents can then choose to transfer only unaffected embryos — a crucial option for families with a history of genetic conditions.

How Does Sex Selection Work with IVF and Surrogacy?

Sex selection is one of the few traits you can choose during the IVF process but it’s important to understand how and why.

When you undergo preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), embryologists analyze the chromosomes of each embryo.

As part of this process, they can determine whether each embryo carries XX chromosomes (female) or XY chromosomes (male). If you have healthy embryos of both sexes, you can choose which one to transfer first.

For intended parents pursuing IVF with surrogacy, this may offer a degree of choice, but only within the limits of what your embryo pool allows.

Pros of Sex Selection through IVF

• Family balancing: Can help shape desired family composition
• Medical necessity: May help prevent sex-linked genetic diseases
• Planning flexibility: Gives intended parents more choice in embryo selection

Cons and Considerations

• Ethical concerns: Raises questions about gender preferences and fairness
• Limited embryo options: You can only choose from the embryos available, if none match your preferred sex, you cannot “create” one
• Cultural and societal pressures: May unintentionally reinforce gender stereotypes or biases

So while sex selection is one small area where IVF gives you limited control, it’s not equivalent to choosing or changing your baby’s genes. It fits within the broader context of informed embryo selection, not genetic engineering.

Should I Pursue Genetic Screening With IVF for Surrogacy?

Deciding whether to pursue PGT-A or PGT-M involves weighing several factors.

Factors to Consider

Cost is a major consideration. These tests are often paid out-of-pocket:

• PGT-A: ~$2,000 to $5,000 per IVF cycle
• PGT-M: ~$7,000 to $12,000+ per condition

Insurance coverage varies significantly, and many intended parents must plan for these expenses independently.

However, the potential to avoid a failed transfer or a genetic condition may outweigh the cost, depending on your personal circumstances.

When Genetic Screening May Be Recommended

Your fertility specialist may recommend PGT if any of the following apply:

• Maternal age of 35 or older
• History of recurrent pregnancy loss
• Known genetic conditions in your family
• A previous child with chromosomal abnormalities
• Male factor infertility tied to chromosomal issues

For those using donor gametes or gestational surrogates, screening may help ensure that only viable, genetically healthy embryos are transferred, an important step in maximizing success and minimizing risk.

The Role of Genetic Counselors

One of the best resources available during this decision-making process is a genetic counselor. These professionals can:

• Review your medical and family history
• Explain the scope and limitations of testing
• Clarify what conditions PGT may detect in your case
• Help you weigh the cost vs. benefit of testing

You might ask your genetic counselor:

• What specific conditions would testing identify in our case?
• How could the results influence our embryo transfer decisions?
• What’s the accuracy of PGT for our situation?

What Genetic Screening Means for Surrogacy

In the context of surrogacy, genetic screening is not just a medical tool, it’s a key part of the planning process. For intended parents wondering can you choose genes with IVF, the real power lies in understanding genetic information before embryo transfer, especially when a gestational carrier is involved.

Why Timing Matters

Most intended parents complete embryo creation and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) before matching with a surrogate. This timing is important for several reasons:

• Informed embryo selection: You’ll know which embryos are genetically viable
• More predictable outcomes: You reduce the risk of failed transfers or medical complications
• Clearer communication: Everyone,  including the surrogate, understands what to expect

This upfront clarity allows for smoother planning and can ease the emotional toll of later-stage complications or surprises.

Emotional Support During a Complex Process

At American Surrogacy, we understand that genetic testing can reveal difficult realities such as fewer viable embryos than anticipated or the presence of inherited conditions. These moments can be emotionally intense and may affect your decisions about how to move forward.

That’s why our team is committed to walking with you through every step, offering both practical guidance and empathetic support.

Whether you’re interpreting test results, making decisions about embryo transfer, or just looking for reassurance, we’re here to ensure you feel confident and informed.

Genetic Screening Helps You Prepare — Not Control

Ultimately, while you cannot choose or change your baby’s genes with IVF, you can choose how much information you want before proceeding with a transfer. That information helps shape your surrogacy journey with intention and peace of mind.

Ready to Learn More About IVF and Surrogacy?

Building a family through IVF and surrogacy is about love and intention. You deserve clarity and support as you navigate the possibilities of genetic testing.

We’re here to help you build your family in an informed, ethical way. Whether you’re just beginning to explore surrogacy or ready to move forward, having the right support makes all the difference.

Fill out our form to get free information and connect with a surrogacy specialist today.