For many intended parents, the path to surrogacy is a bumpy one that includes coping with infertility. Find the resources you need to make the transition.
Struggling with IVF costs? Discover why surrogacy might be more financially achievable than you realize, plus practical funding strategies.
If you’ve found yourself at the point where yet another round of IVF seems financially impossible, you’re not alone.
After years of appointments and treatments that have gone nowhere, it’s understandable to feel like you’ve hit a wall. Our role is to help you see your next steps clearly and find a direction that feels right.
Can’t Afford Another Round of IVF? You’re Not Alone
By now, you’ve already done everything you could with IVF.
That effort matters, and it’s okay to look for something that finally gives you
results.
Surrogacy provides a path forward that doesn’t require
starting from scratch—some families use embryos they already have, while others
explore new options with guidance from professionals who understand where
you’re coming from.
Enough waiting and wondering. Now it’s about taking the next
step that brings you closer to the outcome you’ve been working toward.
Why Repeated IVF Failure Can Become Financially Unsustainable
Let’s talk about the money piece first, because it’s
probably on your mind.
IVF costs add up fast. A single cycle can cost $15,000–$25,000, not including medications or additional procedures.
Even if insurance helps, most families still cover a large portion themselves. After a few rounds, you’re looking at surrogacy-level costs anyway. But here’s the difference: Surrogacy usually offers a clearer path to success.
It’s not just about money, though. Each attempt takes time,
emotion, and energy. Using that same energy on something more predictable can
make all the difference. Instead of wondering if this
next transfer will finally work, you can follow a defined plan—one that
leads toward parenthood.
If your doctor has started suggesting more tests or experimental treatments, it might be time to pause. Take a breath. Reassess what’s truly worth your effort and what will move you closer to your dream.
How Surrogacy Helps You Grow Your Family While Keeping a Genetic Connection
One of the most common questions about surrogacy comes down to genetics. In gestational surrogacy, your surrogate carries an embryo created from your own egg and sperm. That means your baby is biologically yours—the journey just takes a different route.
If you have embryos
from earlier IVF cycles, this could be your next step. No need to go
through another full round of treatment. Every surrogate is carefully screened
for health and emotional readiness, and that attention to detail gives you
peace of mind and a stronger sense of control.
Questions about the process? Connect
with our team—we can explain what it looks like and help you decide if it’s
right for you.
What If You’ve Run Out of Embryos?
Running out of embryos can feel discouraging, but it’s not
the end of the road. There are still ways forward, and you don’t have to figure
it out alone.
Using Donor Embryos in the Process
Some families move ahead using donor
embryos that are already created, screened, and ready for transfer. It’s
faster and can reduce
overall costs—a quicker route to parenthood for those ready to focus on the
next stage.
Others choose double donor IVF, using both donor eggs and sperm to create new embryos for surrogacy. It’s flexible and has strong success rates. For many, it’s a way to move beyond the frustration of failed cycles and toward something new.
Coordinators can walk you through both paths and connect you
with clinics that fit your goals. You’ll know what to expect, and you’ll have
the support to make it happen.
Need to understand your options better? Explore
donor options—take it one step at a time and see what feels right for you.
Finding Hope After IVF: How Surrogacy Can Be a More Certain Path to Parenthood
So how is surrogacy different from what you’ve been through? Surrogacy can feel like a big step.
But for many, it brings more structure and reassurance than years of IVF uncertainty. Success rates for gestational surrogacy often reach 70–80%, and that predictability gives families something they haven’t had in a long time—hope that feels solid.
The process is organized, transparent, and supported by
professionals who know how to keep it moving. Step by step, you’ll understand
what’s next. Each milestone brings you closer to your goal.
Financing Options That Make Surrogacy More Accessible
Now let’s talk about making this work financially.
The cost of surrogacy can seem intimidating at first glance,
but it’s often more doable than people think. We work with trusted
lenders and nonprofit organizations that offer flexible options for
financing. Once you explore what’s out there, the path becomes easier to see.
Here are some common ways families manage costs:
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and tax write-offs for eligible expenses
You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. We
can even help you create a plan that works for your family.
Finding Support and Taking the Next Step
After several IVF attempts, most people want something that
feels calmer and more certain. Surrogacy gives you a structured way forward and
a team that’s ready to guide you when you’re ready to begin.
Families often describe this point as a turning moment—the
place where things finally start to make sense again. You’ll have time to
think, ask, and plan. No pressure, no rush. Just guidance and steady progress.
Even strong embryos may fail in IVF. Discover hidden reasons why and how surrogacy can provide renewed hope for your path to parenthood.
After multiple IVF cycles, you’ve heard all the hopeful
phrases. “These embryos look promising.” “Your numbers are good
this time.” “We’re optimistic about this transfer.”
You might be wondering: if the embryos are supposedly fine,
why isn’t this working?
You’re not alone in asking this question. Even with
high-quality embryos, IVF can fail for reasons that have nothing to do with the
embryos themselves. Understanding why can help you make informed decisions
about your next steps, including whether surrogacy might offer the path to
parenthood you’ve been searching for.
We’re here to help you understand what might be happening and explore how surrogacy after failed IVF can offer renewed hope. Contact us today to speak with a specialist about your options.
Why Does IVF Fail Even With Good Embryos?
When fertility specialists talk about “good”
embryos, they’re typically referring to embryos that look healthy under a
microscope and may have passed genetic testing. But how an embryo looks represents
only one piece of a complex puzzle.
The frustration you’re feeling is completely understandable.
When you’ve invested so much hope, time, and resources into creating these
embryos, it can be heartbreaking to learn that other factors may be preventing
success.
IVF success depends on many different things working
together perfectly:
How healthy the embryo is
Whether your uterus is ready to accept it
Your hormone levels
Countless other factors that happen inside your
body
Even if an embryo appears perfect in the lab, it still needs
the right environment to attach, get a blood supply, and continue growing.
Many intended parents don’t realize that repeated implantation failure affects up to 10% of couples undergoing IVF. You may feel isolated in your experience, but medical professionals regularly see cases where excellent embryos fail to implant despite multiple attempts.
“Good Embryos”
in IVF: What That Really Means And Why It’s Not the Whole Story
When lab specialists evaluate embryos, they assess various
factors to determine quality grades. These evaluations help determine which
embryos are most likely to result in successful pregnancy.
However, even embryos that appear perfect under the
microscope and pass genetic screening may not result in pregnancy. Current
assessment methods examine only what’s visible or testable with today’s
technology.
Many factors that affect embryo success remain invisible to
current testing methods. Even the most sophisticated genetic screening examines
only a small sample of cells, which may not represent the entire embryo.
This is why even embryos that receive excellent grades and
pass all available testing may not result in pregnancy. The assessment tools we
have today, while helpful, don’t capture every aspect of what makes an embryo
successful.
Uterine Factors That Can Undermine IVF Success
When high-quality embryos repeatedly fail to implant, the
focus often shifts to your uterine environment. Your uterine lining must be
perfectly timed and ready for the embryo to attach.
Endometrial Receptivity Issues
There’s a narrow window when your uterine lining is ready to
accept an embryo. If this timing is off by even a day or two, implantation may
fail. Some women have different timing that doesn’t match standard IVF
protocols.
Structural
abnormalities include:
Uterine fibroids
Polyps
A condition called adenomyosis
Uterine shape differences you were born with
These conditions can interfere with implantation or early
pregnancy development. Even small fibroids or polyps that don’t cause symptoms
in daily life can significantly impact IVF success rates.
Chronic Endometritis
Low-grade inflammation of the uterine lining often goes
unnoticed because it doesn’t cause obvious symptoms. However, it can create an
environment that’s hostile to implantation. Studies suggest this affects 15-25%
of women with repeated implantation failure.
Blood Flow and Vascular Issues
Good blood flow to the uterine lining is essential for
supporting an implanting embryo. Conditions affecting blood flow to the uterus,
including certain autoimmune conditions or clotting disorders, can prevent
successful implantation even with perfect embryos.
Hormonal Imbalances
Subtle hormone issues that don’t prevent embryo development
in the lab can still interfere with the complex hormone coordination required
for implantation and early pregnancy.
Beyond the Lab: The Immune and Genetic Reasons IVF Fails Again and Again
Reproductive
immunology is an emerging field that explores how your immune system might
be preventing pregnancy. Think of your immune system as your body’s security
team. During pregnancy, it faces a unique challenge.
Your immune system needs to:
Welcome and protect the embryo (which is
genetically half from your partner)
Continue fighting off infections and other
threats
When this delicate balance goes wrong, it can prevent
embryos from implanting or cause early pregnancy loss.
HLA
Compatibility: Sometimes partners can be too genetically
similar in certain ways, which can prevent successful pregnancy. This is rare
but may require special treatment approaches.
Thrombophilia:
Mild blood clotting problems that don’t affect your daily life can prevent
proper blood flow during early pregnancy, causing implantation to fail.
Complement
System Dysfunction: Your immune system might be working too
hard during pregnancy attempts, inadvertently attacking the developing
pregnancy.
Many doctors don’t routinely test for these immune-related
issues during fertility evaluations. They may explain why some couples
experience repeated failures despite having good embryos and no obvious fertility problems.
Issues that are often missed include:
Overactive immune cells in the uterus
Hidden autoimmune problems
Mild blood clotting tendencies
Immune system imbalances
When To Stop Trying IVF and Start Considering Surrogacy
Deciding when to transition from IVF to surrogacy is deeply
personal, but certain medical and emotional signs can help guide this difficult
decision. Remember, considering surrogacy isn’t giving up. It’s opening a door
to new possibilities.
Medical Indicators
Most fertility specialists suggest considering other
approaches after 3-4
failed transfers with good-quality embryos, particularly if you’ve
experienced repeated implantation failure. If comprehensive testing has
revealed uterine problems that can’t be successfully treated, or if multiple
interventions haven’t improved outcomes, surrogacy may offer better chances of
success.
When Embryo Quality Isn’t the Issue
If you’re consistently producing good embryos but experiencing implantation
failure, this often indicates that your embryos are healthy but your uterine
environment may not be optimal for pregnancy.
Take heart in knowing that this is actually an ideal
situation for surrogacy, where your genetic material can be carried by someone
with a proven ability to achieve and maintain pregnancy.
Emotional Readiness
The
emotional toll of repeated IVF attempts can’t be underestimated. When the
physical and emotional stress of continued attempts begins outweighing the
potential benefits, it may be time to explore surrogacy as a path that offers
renewed hope and energy for your family-building journey.
What Surrogacy Is
Surrogacy uses your own eggs and your partner’s sperm (or
donor sperm) to create embryos through IVF, then transfers those embryos to a
woman who will carry the pregnancy for you. The baby is 100% genetically yours.
The surrogate provides only the uterine environment.
Can I Use Embryos from Previous IVF Cycles
in Surrogacy?
Yes, in most cases, frozen embryos from previous IVF cycles
can be used in surrogacy. This means your IVF investment hasn’t been lost. It
becomes the foundation for your surrogacy journey. Your previous efforts
weren’t in vain.
Benefits of using existing embryos:
No additional egg retrieval cycles needed
Faster timeline to transfer
Lower overall treatment costs
Familiar genetic material
Your existing embryos can be thawed and transferred to your
surrogate, potentially saving you from additional egg retrieval cycles and
allowing you to move forward more quickly.
The process of using frozen embryos in surrogacy is
typically straightforward. Your fertility clinic will coordinate with your
surrogacy agency to ensure proper handling and transfer of your embryos to the
clinic where your surrogate will receive care.
How Surrogacy Bypasses Uterine Challenges
and Restores Hope
Surrogacy can get around virtually all uterine-related
causes of IVF failure. When your embryos are transferred to a surrogate who has
been thoroughly screened for optimal uterine health, you eliminate concerns
about:
Timing issues with your uterine lining
Physical problems in your uterus
Hidden inflammation or infection
Blood flow problems
Immune dysfunction specific to your uterine
environment
Surrogate
screening advantages:
Proven track record of successful pregnancies
Optimal reproductive health confirmed
More extensive evaluation than typical fertility
patients
What Happens When You Pursue Surrogacy: A Step-By-Step Look
Understanding the surrogacy process can help demystify this
path and show you how achievable parenthood through surrogacy can be.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation where
you’ll discuss your fertility history, previous IVF attempts, and goals for
surrogacy. This is your opportunity to ask questions, understand timelines, and
learn about different program options that might fit your needs.
Step 2: Matching Process
Once you’re ready to move forward, you’ll be presented with
profiles of potential surrogates who match your preferences and medical
requirements. Our surrogate
screening process ensures you’ll only see candidates who have been
thoroughly vetted medically, psychologically, and legally.
Step 3: Legal Process
After you’ve connected with a surrogate and decided to move
forward together, legal contracts are created to protect everyone involved.
These contracts cover medical decisions, financial arrangements, communication
expectations, and all other aspects of your journey together.
Step 4: Medical Coordination
Your fertility clinic will coordinate with your surrogate’s
medical care to prepare for embryo transfer. This includes timing cycles,
preparing the surrogate’s uterus, and scheduling the transfer procedure.
Step 5: Transfer and Pregnancy
Embryo transfer to your surrogate follows the same basic
process as IVF transfer, but with the advantage of a uterine environment that’s
been proven capable of achieving and maintaining pregnancy. Throughout the
pregnancy, you’ll have the opportunity to be as involved as you want to be
while your surrogate carries your genetic child.
Step 6: Birth and Beyond
When your baby is born, legal processes ensure you’re
recognized as the legal parents from the moment of birth. Most intended parents
find the experience of meeting their child for the first time incredibly
emotional and rewarding after their journey to parenthood.
Why Intended Parents Trust American Surrogacy After IVF Failure
When you’ve experienced the heartbreak of failed IVF cycles,
choosing the right surrogacy agency becomes essential for rebuilding confidence
in your path to parenthood.
Short Wait Times
We understand that time feels critical after IVF setbacks. Our process for becoming parents faster typically allows intended parents to be matched with a pre-screened surrogate in an average of months rather than years. We maintain relationships with surrogates across the country, giving you options and reducing wait times.
Thoroughly Screened Surrogates
Our comprehensive
surrogate screening goes far beyond basic health checks. We evaluate
medical history, psychological readiness, social support, lifestyle factors,
and motivation. You’ll only be presented with candidates who have demonstrated
the commitment and capability to help you succeed.
Financial Protection Through Our Limited
Risk Program
After investing significantly in IVF attempts, financial protection becomes a priority. Our Limited Risk Program includes provisions for unlimited matching opportunities if your first match doesn’t work out, and refund options if your journey doesn’t result in a baby and you have no embryos remaining.
This protection allows you to move forward with confidence rather than fear about additional financial loss.
Experience With Complex Cases
We regularly work with intended parents who have navigated multiple
fertility challenges. Our team understands the unique emotional and medical
considerations involved in transitioning from IVF to surrogacy, and we’re
equipped to support you through this process.
Transparent Communication
After experiencing the uncertainty of failed IVF cycles,
clear communication becomes essential. We provide regular updates throughout
your journey and ensure you understand each step of the process. You’ll have
dedicated support staff who understand your history and are committed to your
success.
Ready to Explore Surrogacy? Here’s How to Take the Next Step
Your journey through IVF hasn’t been a failure. It’s been
preparation. The embryos you’ve created, the medical knowledge you’ve gained,
and the resilience you’ve developed through this process all become valuable
assets in a surrogacy journey.
The decision to pursue surrogacy after IVF can actually feel
empowering. You’re taking control of your journey and choosing a path that
addresses the specific challenges you’ve faced.
Childless after IVF? Learn how surrogacy addresses specific IVF failure causes while using your existing embryos for better success rates.
What if being childless after IVF doesn’t mean your journey
to parenthood is over?
After multiple failed cycles, transferred embryos that
didn’t implant, and months or years of hoping each attempt would be “the
one,” surrogacy can offer a renewed path to the family you’ve been
fighting to build.
Connect with our team to learn how surrogacy for childlessness can help you use finally welcome your baby home.
Being childless after IVF doesn’t mean your journey to
parenthood is over—it means you’re ready for a path that actually works
What No One Tells You About Why IVF Keeps Failing
Recurrent implantation failure occurs when genetically
normal embryos repeatedly fail to implant despite optimal laboratory
conditions.
The most common medical reasons include:
Uterine factors like fibroids, uterine scarring,
adenomyosis, or thin endometrial lining that prevent implantation.
Age-related factors significantly impact both
egg quality and uterine receptivity, particularly after 35.
Autoimmune conditions can interfere with
pregnancy establishment, while some cases remain unexplained despite normal
test results.
Many intended parents discover that their embryos were
healthy—they just needed the right environment to grow.
If you’re questioning
whether another IVF attempt is worth it or if it’s time to move on, learn more about
what
to ask your doctor after multiple failed IVF cycles.
The Hidden Emotional Toll of Being Childless After IVF
The transition from active IVF treatment to considering
alternative paths involves complex
emotions that deserve acknowledgment.
Being childless
after IVF creates a unique form of grief—mourning the loss of the
pregnancy experience you envisioned while questioning whether your body has
somehow failed you.
This journey often brings feelings of isolation, as friends
and family may struggle to understand the depth of your loss. Fear creeps in,
making you wonder if any path to parenthood will work for you.
Healthy coping includes seeking professional counseling from
fertility specialists, connecting with support groups, and taking intentional
breaks to process and heal.
Most importantly, focusing on strengthening your partnership
creates a foundation for whatever comes next.
How Surrogacy Solves What IVF Couldn’t
Surrogacy addresses many specific factors that make IVF
unsuccessful while preserving your genetic connection to your child.
Success rates with quality embryos through surrogacy are
often significantly higher than continued IVF attempts for intended parents
who’ve experienced multiple failures.
Medical problems
surrogacy bypasses:
Uterine environment issues like endometriosis, adenomyosis, or thin lining
Recurrent implantation failure with healthy embryos
Age-related uterine receptivity decline
Autoimmune conditions interfering with pregnancy establishment
Medical conditions that make pregnancy dangerous for you
Can You Afford Another Failed IVF Attempt? The Real Cost of Trying Again
After multiple IVF failures, the true cost of continuing
treatment often exceeds surrogacy expenses while delivering diminishing
returns.
Each additional IVF cycle costs $15,000-$40,000 with success
rates that decrease after each failed attempt—meaning you could easily spend
$60,000-$100,000+ on four more cycles with uncertain outcomes.
Surrogacy ranges from $100,000 - $200,000+ total, but offers consistent success rates and opportunities for financial protection.
When you factor in the emotional cost of repeated failures
and the time lost pursuing unsuccessful treatments, surrogacy often represents
better value for reaching your goal of parenthood.
Smart Financial Planning After Your IVF Investment
Many families find that surrogacy represents better value than continued IVF attempts, with higher success rates justifying the investment.
Yes. Many
intended parents find that embryos created during IVF cycles work beautifully
with surrogacy—they just needed the right environment to succeed.
The transfer process mirrors your IVF preparation, with the
surrogate undergoing medical preparation while your embryos are transferred to
her uterus.
High-quality embryos that didn’t implant during IVF often
perform well in surrogacy, with success rates typically matching or exceeding
fresh cycles.
The surrogacy process becomes streamlined when you already
have embryos because no additional egg retrievals are needed and the timeline
from matching to transfer can be shorter.
Why American Surrogacy Gets Your Post-IVF Journey
After the medical complexity of IVF, choosing a surrogacy
agency that understands your journey becomes vital.
At American Surrogacy, we regularly work with intended
parents transitioning from IVF, providing seamless coordination between your
clinic and surrogacy process.
What sets us apart
for post-IVF families:
Staff that understands the unique emotional
landscape of being childless after IVF
Comprehensive screening ensuring all surrogates
have successfully carried pregnancies to term
Quick wait times to help you become parents
faster
You’ve waited long enough to become parents. Learn more about how we can match you in 1 - 4 months, ensuring you have more time spent with the family you’ve been waiting to have.
Your Next Chapter Starts Now
Surrogacy
for childlessness after failed IVF isn’t admitting defeat—it’s choosing
a path that works with your medical reality while honoring your commitment to
parenthood.
Ready to explore how surrogacy can help you become parents? Contact our team today to take the next step toward the family you’ve been fighting to build.
You’ve already proven your dedication to becoming parents.
Now let us help you find the path that finally leads to your baby.
Miscarriage due to incompetent cervix creates fear of trying again. Learn about medical treatments and surrogacy for safer parenthood.
If you’ve experienced a miscarriage due to incompetent cervix, the thought
of trying again can feel overwhelming. The sudden loss between 16-24 weeks
leaves many parents questioning whether they’ll ever safely carry a baby to
term.
You’re not alone in these fears, and there are both medical
interventions and alternative paths like surrogacy that can help you achieve
parenthood safely.
Ready to explore your options with a surrogacy
specialist? Get personalized guidance today when you fill out our
simple form.
What Is Incompetent Cervix and Why Does It Cause Pregnancy Loss?
Incompetent
cervix (cervical insufficiency) occurs when your cervix opens and thins
during pregnancy without contractions or labor pains.
This typically happens during the second trimester, leading
to sudden pregnancy loss without warning signs like bleeding or cramping.
Connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos
syndrome
Unlike early miscarriages, miscarriage due to incompetent cervix often occurs without symptoms, making it particularly traumatic for expectant parents.
Can You Carry a Baby After Incompetent Cervix Loss?
Many women successfully carry babies after cervical
insufficiency, but success depends on individual factors and medical
intervention. Treatment options exist, though they don’t guarantee outcomes.
Medical
interventions include:
Cervical cerclage: Surgical stitches to
keep the cervix closed (75-90% success rate when placed early)
Progesterone supplementation: Hormonal
support to maintain pregnancy
Frequent monitoring: Regular ultrasounds
to measure cervical length
Activity restrictions: Modified daily
activities and possible bed rest
However, even with treatment,
recurrence rates for miscarriage
due to incompetent cervix range from 15-30%, leaving many intended
parents seeking
alternatives.
Why Many Intended Parents Choose Surrogacy After Incompetent Cervix
When medical interventions feel too risky or have failed
before, surrogacy offers a medically safer path to parenthood. Gestational
surrogacy completely bypasses cervical risks by allowing your genetic embryos
to develop in a healthy surrogate’s uterus.
Surrogacy is often
recommended when you’ve experienced:
Multiple losses due to cervical insufficiency
High medical risks with future pregnancies
Severe anxiety about attempting another
pregnancy
Failed cervical procedures or treatments
The emotional relief of knowing your baby is developing
safely often outweighs other considerations for intended parents who’ve endured
miscarriage due to incompetent cervix.
Are you ready to
explore options that feel less uncertain? Learn more about how surrogacy
after failed IVF or pregnancy loss can help you become the parents you’ve
been waiting to be.
Understanding Your Surrogacy Options After Pregnancy Loss
Surrogacyallows
you to maintain a genetic connection while eliminating cervical risks. Your
fertility specialist retrieves your eggs, creates embryos through IVF and transfers
them to your surrogate’s uterus.
The Real Cost of Repeated Pregnancy Attempts vs. Surrogacy
While surrogacy requires an upfront investment of $189,500-$200,000+,
repeated pregnancy attempts after miscarriage due to incompetent cervix can accumulate substantial
costs.
Costs of medical
management per pregnancy attempt:
Cervical cerclage surgery: $3,000-$8,000
High-risk obstetric care: $15,000-$25,000
NICU costs if premature birth occurs:
$50,000-$200,000+
Lost wages from bed rest or complications
Emotional counseling and therapy
Some surrogacy agencies partner with fertility financing
companies, making surrogacy more accessible than many intended parents realize.
American Surrogacy’s Support for Intended Parents After Pregnancy Loss
We understand that starting surrogacy after incompetent
cervix loss requires exceptional care and sensitivity. Our comprehensive
support includes:
Specialized matching services that
connect you with highly-qualified surrogates in an average
of 1-4 months.
Emotional support resources including
counseling referrals, support groups and connection with other intended parents
who’ve walked similar paths.
Financial protection through our Limited
Risk programthat provides
peace of mind after previous pregnancy losses, ensuring your investment is
protected if complications arise.
When you’re ready to move forward, we’ll be here to guide
you through every step with the compassion and expertise you deserve.
Taking Your Next Step Toward Safe Parenthood
You don’t have to choose between your dreams of parenthood
and your peace of mind. Surrogacy offers a path forward that honors both your
desire for a genetic connection and your need for emotional safety.
If you’re ready to explore how surrogacy can help you build
your family after incompetent
cervix loss, we’re here to provide the specialized support you deserve.
Ready to learn more
about surrogacy after pregnancy loss? Connect with
a surrogacy specialist today to take that next step toward holding your
baby in your arms.
Wondering does CMV status matter with IVF? Discover how CMV affects embryo creation, transfer timing, and pregnancy risks. Learn when surrogacy offers safer alternatives.
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
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.
After TFMR, IVF may feel uncertain. Discover risks, recovery, and why surrogacy could be a safer, supported next step to 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:
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.
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.
Struggling with IVF due to Asherman’s syndrome? Learn what causes failure and how surrogacy could help you move forward with hope.
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.
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.
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.
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.
World IVF Day 2025 honors your journey. Learn when IVF isn’t enough—and how surrogacy can offer a faster path to parenthood.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
You can’t choose your baby’s genes with IVF for surrogacy, but PGT helps screen embryos for health to guide safe, informed choices.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ovulating on letrozole but still not pregnant with PCOS? Learn key barriers, treatments, and surrogacy options with American Surrogacy.
If you’re ovulating on letrozole but not getting pregnant,
you’re facing one of the most perplexing—and exhausting—PCOS hurdles.
Letrozole is a powerful medication, especially for women
with PCOS, but ovulation is only part of the story.
Ready to turn the page?Contact a surrogacy specialist today, and let’s map out a path that
finally turns hope into a heartbeat.
Ovulating on Letrozole But Not Getting Pregnant? PCOS May Be to Blame
Letrozole stimulates ovulation, particularly for women with
PCOS. However, successful conception involves more than just ovulation.
Many PCOS patients have perfectly timed intercourse yet still face a blank pregnancy test. Why? Because chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance alter the very genes that make the uterine lining “sticky.”
Research shows PCOS endometrium can express fewer integrins and HOXA-10 proteins, crucial for implantation.
Add a fibroid distorting the cavity, or a partner’s subtle
DNA fragmentation, and the odds shrink further.
In other words, you can be ovulating on letrozole but not getting pregnant simply because the embryo’s landing pad or its chromosomal package isn’t quite right.
Here are some additional reasons letrozole might not lead to
conception:
Luteal
Phase Defect: The second half of your cycle may be too short to support
implantation.
Endometrial
Issues: Letrozole can thin the uterine lining, making implantation harder.
Poor Egg
Quality: Ovulating doesn’t always mean the eggs are viable.
Male
Factor Infertility: A semen analysis may uncover low motility or count.
Tubal
Blockage: HSG tests can reveal whether the tubes are open.
Thyroid
or Prolactin Levels: Hormonal imbalances can quietly interfere with
conception.
If letrozole isn’t working on its own, the next step is
simply about gathering more insight—answers that can help guide you toward a
path that feels right and hopeful.
How Many Cycles of Letrozole Does it Take to Get Pregnant with PCOS?
After the sixth cycle, success curves flatten, leading most reproductive endocrinologists—and the latest ASRM practice guidance—to recommend a strategy shift.
So if you’re ovulating on letrozole but not getting pregnant by cycle four, it’s less about “failure” and more about guarding your calendar, your finances, and your emotional bandwidth before moving to higher-yield options.
When IVF Protocol With Letrozole Is Failing
For some patients who are using letrozole in conjunction with IVF, especially those with a history of thin lining, poor ovarian response or PCOS, letrozole may not deliver the needed hormonal balance or follicular boost when used in antagonist IVF protocols.
In women with PCOS, additional complexities such as insulin resistance, higher baseline LH levels, or impaired endometrial receptivity may further diminish the efficacy of a Letrozole-based approach.
If you’ve experienced recurring implantation failure, it may be time to consider other options like surrogacy, which allows you to bypass the issues contributing to IVF failure.
If you’re utilizing
IVF with letrozole for PCOS but not getting pregnant, learn more about when it
may be time to consider other options.
Turning Frustration into Insight With Testing
A thorough work-up transforms guesswork into data-driven
next steps. Your doctor may start with a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to map your
tubes, follow with a saline sonogram to spot polyps or scar tissue and finish
with an expanded hormone and metabolic panel, including fasting insulin,
thyroid antibodies and prolactin.
Each test asks a specific “why” behind ovulating on
letrozole but not getting pregnant, revealing whether the hurdle lies in
anatomy, metabolism or hormonal imbalances. Armed with answers, you can pivot
confidently instead of circling the same protocol.
Treatment Power-Ups If You’re On Letrozole for PCOS But Not Pregnant
If you’re not pregnant after multiple letrozole cycles,
consider these alternatives:
Donor Eggs/Embryos: A compassionate shortcut when egg
quality—not uterine environment—is the root block.
When the egg quality roadblock just won’t budge, donor eggs or embryos can offer a compassionate and hopeful path forward, especially if the uterine environment is healthy.
Surrogacy Solutions if You’re Ovulating on Letrozole but Not Getting Pregnant with IVF
For some, the issue is no longer the egg—it’s the uterus.
Years of PCOS-related hyperplasia, repeated D&C procedures or adenomyosis
can make carrying a pregnancy medically risky or anatomically impossible.
When you’ve produced healthy embryos yet remain ovulating on
letrozole but not getting
pregnant, surrogacy becomes a logical, evidence-backed next step.
Your genetic or donor embryo is transferred into a carefully
screened carrier whose uterus offers the receptivity yours lacks, turning
decades of reproductive science into tomorrow’s baby shower.
If you’ve experienced
IVF failure using letrozole for PCOS but still not pregnant, learn more about surrogacy after failed IVF.
American Surrogacy’s Blueprint to Growing Your Family
Choosing surrogacy is choosing partnership. We coordinate
directly with your fertility clinic to secure embryo shipment, match
you with a surrogate who has passed medical, psychological and background
clearances and wrap the entire journey in legal and financial transparency.
You receive milestone updates—first heartbeat, anatomy scan,
delivery plan—while your surrogate receives 24/7 support. It’s a dual-care
model that keeps your dream and her wellbeing front and center, ensuring that
being ovulating on letrozole but not getting pregnant is merely a chapter, not
the ending.
Next-Step Action Plan
It’s okay to feel frustrated or exhausted after months (or
years) of trying. But please know, even when letrozole isn’t’ successful, you
still have options.
Whether your next step is more testing, a shift to IVF, or
exploring surrogacy, you have choices—and you have support.
American Surrogacy can guide you through the possibilities surrogacy can bring with care and compassion.
