Intended Parents | American Surrogacy Blog

One Frozen Embryo Left: Your Options After Failed IVF

Having one frozen embryo left after failed IVF doesn’t mean the end of your family-building journey. Surrogacy can be your path to parenthood.

For many intended parents, the journey to parenthood through IVF can be challenging, especially when faced with having only one frozen embryo left after a failed IVF cycle. There are options available and your dreams of becoming parents are still within reach.

If you have one frozen embryo left and want to explore surrogacy, contact us online now or get help coping with having one embryo left.

Each option carries its own advantages and considerations, but surrogacy, in particular, can offer unique benefits for families in this situation.

Only One Embryo Left to Transfer [Your Options]

When faced with only one frozen embryo after a failed IVF cycle, you may be wondering what to do next. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions when you have just one frozen embryo left.

After the emotional rollercoaster of IVF, you may feel anxiety, grief, or even hope about what’s next. Know that you’re not alone, and there are options available.

1. Surrogacy

For intended parents who have experienced multiple IVF failures or have concerns about carrying a pregnancy themselves, surrogacy can be an ideal solution, especially when you have one frozen embryo left.

Surrogacy generally offers higher success rates than traditional IVF, largely because the gestational carrier’s body is carefully screened and prepared for the embryo transfer. This gives your remaining embryo the best chance of becoming a successful pregnancy.

At American Surrogacy, we specialize in helping intended parents complete their family with a highly qualified gestational carrier. Our surrogates undergo comprehensive pre-screening to ensure they are medically and emotionally ready to carry your embryo to term.

To learn how many embryos you need for surrogacy, check out this article.

2. Proceeding with Another Transfer

For some intended parents, trying another embryo transfer might seem like the natural next step.

However, it’s important to carefully consider your overall health and past IVF experiences before moving forward. If you’re still feeling optimistic about carrying the pregnancy yourself, you’ll need to work closely with your fertility specialist to learn more about your chances of success with only one embryo left.

3. Embryo Donation

Donor embryos provide an opportunity to increase your chances of success without starting a new IVF cycle from scratch. This option can be especially beneficial if you’re emotionally and financially drained from multiple attempts.

With donated embryos, you gain access to additional embryos that can be implanted, giving you renewed hope for pregnancy and a growing family.

Surrogacy with One Embryo Left

Surrogacy can be an alternative path to parenthood and offers a lifeline to those struggling with infertility. With American Surrogacy, you’ll be on the right track toward experiencing the best version of the surrogacy process.

If you have one embryo left, then surrogacy can be an option for you.

Candidates for surrogacy often experience:

Uterine Health Concerns: If you’ve faced difficulties with your uterus or have been advised against further pregnancies, surrogacy allows your embryo to develop in the healthy uterus of a surrogate.
Past IVF Failures: Repeated failed IVF cycles can be emotionally exhausting. With surrogacy, you get a fresh start with the same embryo.

Surrogacy provides a reliable path forward, giving your embryo the best possible chance in a carrier who meets the highest health standard guidelines set by the Assisted Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

At American Surrogacy, we match you with a highly qualified surrogate in just 1-6 months, so you can move forward without delay.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward surrogacy, contact us online now to create a personalized plan with a specialist or check out our list of available surrogate situations to get a head start on your journey to parenthood.

Preparing for Surrogacy With One Frozen Embryo Left

If you choose surrogacy as the next step, here are some important things to keep in mind as you prepare for the process:

1. Legal Aspects

Surrogacy involves specific legal processes to ensure parental rights and responsibilities are properly established. It’s crucial to work with an experienced surrogacy attorney to draft a clear and enforceable contract. We can help you navigate the legal aspects, ensuring your rights are fully protected.

2. Financial Planning

Surrogacy can be a financial investment, but American Surrogacy offers financial protection and transparency to safeguard your budget. Be sure to review all costs upfront, including surrogate compensation, agency fees and any medical expenses.

With our two inclusive fee structures, you’ll always be certain what you’re paying for.

3. Emotional Readiness

Surrogacy is a life-changing journey, and it’s essential to prepare emotionally for the experience. Connect with other intended parents, read personal surrogacy stories and ensure you have a strong support system in place.

When faced with the reality of a one frozen embryo left after a failed IVF cycle, it can feel overwhelming. Surrogacy offers a promising path forward, especially for intended parents who have experienced IVF challenges.

By working with a reputable agency like American Surrogacy, you gain access to highly qualified surrogates, financial protection and a fast matching process to help you achieve your goal of becoming a parent sooner than you ever thought was possible.

If you’re ready to explore surrogacy with your remaining frozen embryo, contact us online now. Let us help you take the next step toward the family you’ve always dreamed of.

PCOS and IVF Failure: What’s Next?

Learn how PCOS can impact IVF success rates and explore alternative paths like surrogacy or adoption if IVF fails. Understand your options with PCOS and IVF failure.

If you’re an intended parent with PCOS, you may have already faced the unique challenges it brings to your fertility journey.

While IVF is a common fertility treatment for women with PCOS, it may not always lead to success. Understanding how PCOS affects your IVF outcomes and knowing when to explore other options can help you find the right path to parenthood.

If you’re ready to explore surrogacy as a path to parenthood, contact us online now to get started.

In this article, we’ll explore PCOS and IVF failure, the challenges it brings and when it may be time to consider alternative family-building options such as surrogacy or adoption.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age. It is often diagnosed by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen (male hormone) levels and polycystic ovaries.

Common symptoms include:

Irregular or absent periods
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Excess facial or body hair
Acne or oily skin
Thinning hair
Difficulty conceiving due to irregular ovulation

These symptoms often lead women to pursue fertility treatments, with IVF being one of the most common solutions. But, PCOS can also complicate the IVF process, making success less likely for some patients.

PCOS and IVF Failure: How PCOS Impacts IVF Success Rates

One of the key reasons behind PCOS IVF failure in women is hormonal imbalance, particularly an excess of androgens and insulin resistance. These issues can often lead to irregular or absent ovulation, making it harder for healthy eggs to be retrieved during an IVF cycle.

Women with PCOS generally have lower IVF success rates compared to those without the condition. Studies show that while IVF can work for women with PCOS, the chances of success are reduced. According to The National Library of Medicine, women with PCOS have an IVF success rate of about 20% to 35% per cycle, while women without PCOS have rates between 40% and 50%.

I have PCOS and can’t get pregnant with IVF: Is it time to move on?

If you have PCOS and are struggling to get pregnant with IVF, you might be wondering if it’s time to consider other options. IVF can be challenging for women with PCOS, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other paths forward. Understanding your options can help you decide what’s best for your family-building journey.

Moving on from IVF can mean exploring options like surrogacy. Before making any decisions, it’s essential to consult your doctor and discuss the reasons IVF may not be working for you.

If you’re ready to move on, we’re here to guide you through other family-building options. Our agency specializes in supporting couples exploring options beyond IVF, and we can provide personalized advice to help you choose the best path forward.

Challenges of Failed IVF With PCOS

1. Egg Quality and Quantity

While PCOS can result in a higher number of eggs during IVF stimulation, the quality of those eggs may be at risk. Poor egg quality can lead to lower fertilization rates and result in poor embryo development, ultimately reducing the cances of a successful pregnancy.

2. Insulin Resistance

Many women with PCOS experience insulin resistance, which can affect their body’s response to IVF medications. Insulin resistance is associated with higher levels of inflammation and can further impact egg quality, leading to PCOS IVF failure.

3. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

Women with PCOS are more high risk for developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) during IVF. OHSS occurs when the ovaries respond too strongly to fertility medications, causing swelling and fluid buildup in the body. This can lead to complications such as severe pain, nausea, and hospitalization, which can impact the outcome of an IVF cycle.

If you’re experiencing repeated PCOS IVF failure, it may be time to speak with your fertility specialist about other family-building options like surrogacy. Explore surrogacy after failed IVF today.

Exploring Surrogacy

While IVF can be effective for many women with PCOS, repeated failures can often take an emotional and financial toll. If you’ve experienced multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles, it might be time to consider alternatives such as adoption or surrogacy. Both options can provide you with the opportunity to grow your family, even if PCOS continues to impact your fertility.

Surrogacy can offer a new path to parenthood when other treatments haven’t succeeded. While PCOS can affect your ability to carry a pregnancy, surrogacy allows another person to carry your biological child. American Surrogacy prioritizes finding highly qualified surrogates, who are thoroughly pre-screened to ensure the best possible outcomes. We ask that are surrogates:

Be 21-40 years old
Have a BMI of 19-32
Have had at least one successful pregnancy
No major complications with pregnancy or delivery

In addition to these preliminary requirements, all of our surrogates are medically screened by a fertility clinic and psychologically screened by a mental health professional.

Learn more about our surrogate screening process or view our available surrogates now.

Tips for Preparing for Surrogacy

If you’ve decided to pursue surrogacy after IVF failure, here are a few tips to help you prepare:

Work with a Reputable Agency: We can guide you through every step, from finding a surrogate to managing the legal aspects.
Understand Your State’s Laws: Surrogacy laws vary by state, so it’s important to work with a professional, like American Surrogacy, who can help you get a better understanding of the legal steps involved in the process.
Plan Financially: Surrogacy can be expensive, but with our clear fee structure, you’ll be able to be able to plan accordingly knowing what to expect every step of the way.

While PCOS and IVF failure can feel like a setback, it doesn’t have to mark the end of your family-building journey. Whether through surrogacy or other options like adoption, there are alternative paths that can still make parenthood possible.

Ready to explore surrogacy as a family-building option? Contact our surrogacy specialists today to learn more about how we can support you through this life-changing journey.

IVF & Surrogacy in Judaism: A 2024 Guide

With Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur approaching, learn more about Jewish law’s stance on fertility treatments and surrogacy, and how to find Jewish egg donors and surrogates that align with your values.

For many Jewish intended parents, the path to parenthood can sometimes involve assisted reproductive technologies like IVF or surrogacy.

As Rosh Hashana begins, it’s natural to reflect on what you want this new year to bring. Understanding Judaism’s perspective on IVF and surrogacy can provide clarity as you navigate your family-building journey. We’ll explore Jewish views on IVF and surrogacy, and offer guidance on finding egg donors and Jewish surrogacy agencies that align with your values.

Ready to find a Jewish surrogate? Contact us online now and we can help you find an experienced, pre-screened candidate who shares your values.

IVF in Judaism

Judaism, particularly under Orthodox and Conservative interpretations, generally views IVF as a permissible method of fulfilling the commandment to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). The primary concerns within Jewish law, or Halacha, center on the sanctity of lineage and ensuring the child is born within the moral framework of Jewish values.

According to most rabbinic authorities, IVF is allowed as long as the sperm used is from the husband and that the child is raised in a Jewish family. This perspective can provide a sense of relief for many couples navigating infertility, knowing that Jewish teachings can support their journey toward parenthood.

Is Surrogacy Allowed in Judaism?

Surrogacy is a more complex issue within Jewish law. While many rabbis permit the practice, there are different views on the Halachic status of the surrogate and the child. One of the key questions in Jewish surrogacy is who is considered the mother—the egg donor or the gestational surrogate.

Many authorities hold that the surrogate mother, as the one who gives birth, is the Halachic mother, while others argue for the egg donor’s status as the mother. Regardless of the debate, Jewish law generally allows surrogacy, especially when natural conception is not possible, as long as the arrangement maintains the integrity of Jewish familial lineage.

Finding Jewish Egg Donors and Surrogates

For Jewish intended parents, maintaining a connection to Jewish heritage can be an important factor in choosing an egg donor or surrogate. Fortunately, there are agencies that specialize in working with Jewish donors and surrogates, ensuring that your family-building journey remains within the framework of your faith.

When looking for a Jewish egg donor or surrogate, it’s important to work with a reputable agency that understands Jewish laws and values. Some intended parents prefer a Jewish donor or surrogate to ensure their child inherits Jewish identity, while others may look for those who share their cultural background. In either case, the right surrogacy agency can make all the difference.

IVF and surrogacy are life-changing options for Jewish intended parents seeking to build their families. While navigating the complexities of Jewish law may feel overwhelming, the good news is that some rabbinic authorities support assisted reproductive technologies.

Whether you’re looking for a Jewish egg donor, surrogate or simply needing guidance through the process, you don’t have to walk this journey alone.

Endometriosis and IVF Failure

The challenges of endometriosis effects IVF success rates, including how it impacts egg quality, quantity and uterine lining health. There are alternatives like surrogacy and adoption for intended parents experiencing repeated IVF failure due to endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition that affects millions of women worldwide, causing a range of symptoms that go beyond pain and discomfort. For many, it can be a challenge to their fertility journey—especially when considering vitro fertilization (IVF).

If you want to learn more about surrogacy as a path to parenthood, contact us online now or check out this article.

We’re here to explore what endometriosis is, how it affects the reproductive system and why endometriosis and IVF failure may go hand in hand. We’ll also provide insights into alternative paths to parenthood, like adoption and surrogacy, that may offer a higher success rate if you’re struggling with implantation issues due to endometriosis.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus (endometrium) begins to grow outside the uterus. This misplaced tissue can cause severe pain, inflammation and even the formation of scar tissue, or adhesions, which can distort the pelvic anatomy.

According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis is linked to infertility in 30-50% of affected women. The growths that occur in and around the reproductive organs can damage the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and even the uterine lining, making conception difficult.

If you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis and can’t get pregnant, consulting with a fertility specialist is the first step in understanding how this condition may impact your journey.

Can Endometriosis Cause IVF Failure?

IVF is a commonly recommended fertility treatment for women with endometriosis. However, studies show that endometriosis can significantly reduce the chances of IVF success. The severity of the condition plays a crucial role, with moderate to severe cases posing greater challenges.

Here’s how:

Egg Quality and Quantity: Endometriosis can affect the ovarian reserve, meaning fewer eggs are available for retrieval. Additionally, the inflammation caused by endometriosis may lead to poorer egg quality, making it more difficult to fertilize eggs or produce healthy embryos.
Uterine Lining and Implantation: The uterine lining in women with endometriosis can be compromised, making it harder for a fertilized embryo to implant successfully. In cases of deep infiltrating endometriosis, the chances of implantation failure are even higher.

A 2023 study published in the National Library of Medicine reported that women with endometriosis undergoing IVF had lower implantation rates, higher miscarriage rates and reduced overall success compared to women without the condition.

If you have endometriosis and IVF failure, now may be the time to speak with your fertility specialist about how endometriosis could be impacting your success rates and what alternative options may be available.

Dive deeper into why IVF fails.

Alternative Options: Exploring Surrogacy

If endometriosis IVF failure continues to affect your ability to conceive, you may want to explore other family-building options. Surrogacy is a path that can offer hope to intended parents.

At American Surrogacy, we help couples and individuals overcome the obstacles of infertility, like endometriosis, and realize their dreams of parenthood. Here are some of the benefits of working with our agency:

Short Wait Times: One of the most frustrating parts of fertility treatments is waiting. But with American Surrogacy, you won’t have to wait long to be matched with a surrogate. We offer some of the shortest wait times in the industry, typically 1-6 months, so you can move forward in your journey to parenthood sooner.
Highly Qualified Surrogates: We take great care in selecting surrogates who are not only passionate about helping you but who also meet our thorough pre-screening requirements. All surrogates undergo thorough medical, psychological and background screenings to ensure the highest likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.
Utilizing Quality Embryos: Individuals with endometriosis may produce fewer viable eggs or face difficulties with embryo implantation. Through surrogacy, you can work with a surrogate to use embryos created through IVF with a donor egg or your own eggs, ensuring that you are starting with the highest quality embryos possible.
Higher Success Rates for Some: For certain individuals with endometriosis, the likelihood of a successful pregnancy may be lower due to various factors. Surrogacy can sometimes provide a higher chance of success compared to repeated IVF attempts, especially when using a surrogate with a proven track record of successful pregnancies.
Financial Protection: Budgeting for surrogacy can feel overwhelming, but American Surrogacy offers financial protection that safeguards your investment and gives you peace of mind throughout the process.

If you’re considering surrogacy, reach out to a trusted agency to discuss your options and prepare for the next steps or read more about surrogacy after failed IVF.

Tips for Preparing for Surrogacy

Find a Reputable Surrogacy Agency

An experienced surrogacy agency, like American Surrogacy, will guide you through every step of the process, from matching with a surrogate to handling legal contracts. With American Surrogacy, you’ll be on the quickest path toward having the family you’ve always dreamed of.

Budget Accordingly

Surrogacy can be expensive, so it’s essential to create a financial plan that includes surrogacy fees, medical expenses and insurance coverage for the surrogate. At American Surrogacy, you can find confidence in your budget with our clear fee structure.

Understand the Legal Process

Surrogacy laws vary by state and country, so working with an agency like American Surrogacy can help connect you with a professional who specializes in surrogacy to avoid complications later.

Endometriosis and IVF failure can be a heartbreaking obstacle. But, by understanding how this condition affects fertility and discussing alternative options like surrogacy and adoption, you can find a path to parenthood that’s right for you.

Take the next step—whether it’s reassessing your IVF strategy or exploring surrogacy, the journey to parenthood is still within reach.

Olivia Munn On Surrogacy : “I knew I had found a real-life angel”

John Mulaney and Olivia Munn embraced surrogacy to grow their family. Learn how a surrogate can make your dreams of parenthood possible.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, actress Olivia Munn announced on Sunday that she and her husband, comedian John Mulaney, welcomed their daughter Mei June Mulaney into the world on September 14^th 2024.

The photo shows the pair, all smiles, holding their newborn baby girl. But they didn’t get here on their own.

In the caption, Munn candidly spoke about their journey of parenthood through surrogacy and the connection she felt with her gestational surrogate.

“Words cannot express my gratitude that she kept our baby safe for 9 months and made our dreams come true.”

We believe that every intended parent deserves to experience that same happiness. Surrogacy offers a unique opportunity to build your family, and working with the right surrogate can make all the difference. Learn more about the surrogacy process today.

Is Surrogacy for Me?

You don’t have to be an A-list celebrity to use surrogacy to grow your family. Every intended parent has their unique journey, but at the center of it all is the desire for family.

For many couples, the decision to pursue surrogacy stems from various personal circumstances:

Infertility
LGBTQ+ couples
Single individuals
Medical conditions
Maternal age
Failed IVF

If you’re considering surrogacy, know that you’re not alone. As witnessed in the photo in Munn’s post, finding the right surrogate can transform that journey into one filled with gratitude and joy.

Finding the Right Surrogate

In the caption of her Instagram post, Munn touched on her connection with her surrogate.

“When I first met our gestational surrogate we spoke mother to mother. She showed me so much grace and understanding,” Munn wrote, calling her surrogate a “real-life angel.”

Working with a reputable agency to find a surrogate simplifies the process and gives you peace of mind that the surrogacy journey will be managed smoothly, from start to finish. Here’s how it works:

Step 1. Contact an Agency

When you’re ready you can fill out our quick and easy form to get connected with a surrogacy specialist. If you already have embryos created, you can begin the matching process right away. If you have not created your embryos, you can reach out to get a head start on creating your intended parent profile.

Step 2. Create an Intended Parent Profile

You will work with your surrogacy specialist to create an intended parent profile. This profile will detail your goals, preferences and expectations for the surrogacy journey as well as information about yourself that can help prospective surrogates to get to know you.

Step 3. Profile Review

Your surrogacy specialist will present potential surrogate profiles to you based off of your preference. These profiles include information about the surrogate’s medical history, lifestyle, motivations for becoming a surrogate and personal more.

View our highly qualified surrogates now.

Step 4. Meeting the Surrogate

Once you have found a surrogate you’re interested in, a zoom call is arranged. This gives both parties a chance to connect, discuss expectations, and determine if you’re comfortable moving forward together.

Step 5. Finalize the Match

If both you and the surrogate feel that it’s a good match the agreement can be finalized.

When you work with our agency, we prioritize matching you with a surrogate who shares your values and vision for your family. With our thorough screening and matching process, we can match you with a surrogate in an average of 1-6 months.

Parenthood is Possible for You

With our experience and expertise in creating families, we can help you can find a surrogate who aligns with your family-building goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can turn your dreams of parenthood into a reality.

4 Questions about Surrogacy for Infertile Couples

Surrogacy for infertile couples can be a turning point in their journey to parenthood. We want to help you achieve those goals.

Infertility creates a long and emotional journey for many couples. From doctor appointments to infertility treatments to money spent, we know there are so many hurdles you’ve overcome to try to create the family you’ve always dreamed of.

To get more information about how the surrogacy process can benefit you in your unique situation, reach out to a surrogacy professional today.

Deciding on surrogacy for infertile couples can be a turning point in their journey to parenthood. The choice to go through the surrogacy process may be a big decision, but we’re here to help you choose if surrogacy is right for you. If you’ve been struggling to decide what the best next steps are for you and your family, we urge you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is surrogacy right for you and your partner?

Making decision to move on to a new chapter can be difficult. It may mean giving up on another way of trying to have a child that you had put a lot of hope into. Surrogacy for infertile couples may be something to pursue on their journey to parenthood. Deciding to begin another route to becoming parents can be challenging both emotionally and physically. If you’ve been going through fertility treatments and shots and constantly checking in with your body, it can sometimes feel like a relief to move on from strict and strategic treatments. Talk with your partner and discuss if this feels like the right move for you.

2. Are you ready for someone else to carry your child?

This can be difficult, especially for intended mothers, and that is 100% understandable. Know that however you feel about it is valid. If you’ve been going through infertility struggles, talking to a therapist may be something you’re already doing. But talking out these thoughts with a professional can help if you are choosing to pursue surrogacy. Discuss what surrogacy options for infertile couples can do to help you achieve your goals.

3. Do you have embryos left over from fertility treatments?

A large decision intended parents have to make when it comes to surrogacy is whether they are going to use their own egg and sperm or a donor’s. If you have already been through fertility treatments like IVF and you have embryos left over, you can use those for surrogacy. This also means that your treatment for the IVF process can still help you achieve your goals. Choosing to transfer one of these embryos to a surrogate can give you a potentially higher chance of a positive outcome.

4. Is becoming a parent more important than being pregnant?

If being pregnant is your goal, surrogacy may not be right for you. Talking to your doctor will help you understand if that is a possibility you can keep trying for, or if you should pursue other routes. Depending on the circumstance, some doctors may recommend surrogacy for infertile couples. If you are at a point in your infertility struggles where you just want to have a baby and be a parent, surrogacy can be a great option.

Surrogacy is a huge commitment, and one we do not take lightly. We want to help you achieve your goals of starting a family through surrogacy for infertile couples. You’ve been through enough and we want to be the last stop on your journey to parenthood. Choosing surrogacy after infertility is a big step and we’re ready to help you get started. Reach out to a surrogacy specialist today.

Deciding Between Surrogacy Vs Adoption

Discover the pros and cons of surrogacy vs adoption to help you create the family you’ve been dreaming of.

The choice to have a family is always exciting, but deciding how to have a family can be hard.

To get more information about your family-building options, fill out our online form.

For couples and hopeful individuals who cannot have a family on their own, you may be considering alternatives to starting a family. This can likely include surrogacy vs adoption as potential options.

The Pros and Cons of Surrogacy vs. Adoption

Navigating the pros and cons of surrogacy vs. adoption can lead you to your ultimate choice between the two. Learn more about the major points that can help people decide which one to pursue.

Genetics

A gestational surrogate will not share any genetics with your child. The embryo used will either use your egg/sperm or a donor’s. This would mean the child could be biologically yours depending on the egg and sperm you use.

A birth mother will share genetics with the child, which can cause emotional implications as you go through the process. This can make the birth mother feel more attached to the child, possibly having trouble letting go.

Genetics can often play a determining factor in choosing between adoption vs surrogacy. For intended parents who feel strongly about having a genetic link to their child, surrogacy is sometimes the better option. However, if genetics are not something you feel you need to share with your child, adoption can be a great option.

Cost

The cost of surrogacy vs. adoption can be a big determining factor. Adoption can cost intended parents anywhere from $20,000-$50,000 on average. This can be a more affordable option in comparison to surrogacy. Surrogacy can cost an average of $150,000. This includes surrogate pay, agency fees, legal fees and more. Surrogacy is definitely far more expensive than adoption.

Finances can definitely be a deciding factor between surrogacy vs. adoption, but it’s important that you feel confident in your finances. Raising a child has plenty of costs involved in the process, so being aware of how much you may spend to have a child is imperative. Asking an agency to be upfront about their costs of surrogacy can help you financially prepare.

Matching

The matching process for adoption vs. surrogacy is slightly different. The matching process for adoption generally relies heavily on the birth mother and her decision. During the surrogacy process, you will create a profile when you put together your surrogacy plan. This will be advertised to prospective surrogates and your surrogacy specialist will help you connect with your perfect match. We strive to match intended parents and surrogates in 30 to 90 days.

For adoption, the birth mother will choose the parents. You will put together a profile and video to give a little insight into your family and lifestyle so a birth mother can get to know you. Your adoption specialist will help advertise your profile and video to reach a potential birth mother.

Legal Process

The legal process tends to vary between surrogacy vs. adoption. In surrogacy, legal contracts are signed before the medical process can begin. In adoption, the birth parents must give written consent and their rights must be legally terminated after the baby is born. A birth mother also has the option to change her mind at any time until she legally executes her consent. Because the birth mother has the option to change her mind during the pregnancy and after giving birth, it can be an emotionally difficult road to take.

Benefits of Surrogacy vs. Adoption

The benefit of surrogacy vs. adoption is that you will end up with a child, growing the family you’ve always wanted. The choice to grow your family and how you grow your family is ultimately up to you. With surrogacy, you have the opportunity to have a child who is genetically related to you.

You can also be part of the entire pregnancy and be more in control of the situation. With adoption, you get to create a family for a child who needs one. You can create a relationship with the birth mother where everyone is comfortable and create an environment where your child is able to thrive.

No matter which option you choose to create your family, we can help you. Our surrogacy specialists are ready to assist you with the process. Our sister company American Adoptions can also help you get started in your adoption journey. Don’t wait to create the family you’ve always wanted. Contact us today.

Choosing Between IVF and Surrogacy

The process of in vitro fertilization or IVF and surrogacy often come up together. We explain the difference and how you can achieve your dreams of parenthood.

The process of in vitro fertilization or IVF and surrogacy often come up together. And for anyone new to the process, you might have a lot of questions. We have the answers you need

To get more information about IVF and surrogacy, fill out our online form and one of our specialists will help you evaluate your infertility options.

Struggling With Infertility

For anyone struggling with infertility, you may be looking for alternative routes to parenthood. Many people turn to IVF in the beginning of their journey. The IVF process includes:

Take fertility drugs
Pre-retrieval
Sperm sample analysis
Insemination
Embryo transfer
Pregnancy results

This process is a generally effective fertility treatment for those going through infertility. IVF is often times a good option if you have certain health conditions, fallopian tube damage/blockage, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or are experiencing unexplained infertility. The downside to IVF is that it can be a lengthy, expensive and emotional process. The success rate of IVF attempts for people under 35 is 50%, while attempts at ages 42 and over are only at 3.9%

The Difference Between Surrogacy and IVF

One of the main differences between surrogacy and IVF is the carrier of the baby. When people are using IVF, the intended mother is the one carrying the child. The IVF treatments allow her body to prepare to carry a child in ways it otherwise would not be able to. In surrogacy, a surrogate will carry the child. However, the egg of the intended mother may still be used.

If you’ve been working through IVF and are beginning to feel defeated, don’t give up. Your goal to have a family can still be achieved. This is the part of the journey many people may choose to start looking into surrogacy. There are a number of reasons people may choose surrogacy over IVF, including:

They’re ready to move on from IVF treatments.
They’re more interested in becoming a parent than they are in being pregnant.
They’re concerned about the continued cost of IVF.
They only have a few embryos left.
They’ve done their research.

How Surrogacy and IVF Can Work Together

IVF is used in the surrogacy process. Throughout the process you will use IVF to assist in having a healthy surrogacy. They will go through the same IVF process as mentioned above, but through gestational surrogacy, you will help to create the embryo. This will include:

The surrogate will undergo IVF to carry and deliver your child
You and your partner’s gametes will be used to create the embryo
A sperm donor, an egg donor, or both will help create the embryo
A fertility clinic will help create the embryo to be transferred to the surrogate
The baby will not be related to the surrogate.

How American Surrogacy Can Help

For couples and individuals who dream of becoming parents but face significant challenges in conceiving, surrogacy offers a pathway to realize their dreams. By partnering with American Surrogacy, these intended parents gain access to a network of compassionate and qualified surrogates who selflessly offer to carry and nurture a child on their behalf.

This process not only offers a chance at biological parenthood but also fosters a deep sense of emotional connection and shared purpose between the intended parents and surrogates. American Surrogacy’s comprehensive support, including legal guidance, medical expertise and emotional assistance, helps alleviate the burdens that infertility often brings, allowing intended parents to focus on the joyous journey of parenthood that IVF and surrogacy can make possible.

Start you parenthood journey today. Contact us to get more information about IVF and surrogacy.

Do Surrogate Mothers Share DNA With The Baby?

Do surrogates share DNA with the baby? We answer our most asked questions about genetics and surrogacy.

As you go through the surrogacy process you, and maybe even family members and friends, may have questions about the DNA of your child. Many people may choose surrogacy due to the genetic factor. But people still have questions about DNA and the genetic process. Common questions we get asked include:

Does the surrogate mother share DNA with the child?
Will the baby look like the surrogate mother?
Do surrogates share blood with the baby?
Does a gestational surrogate have a right to the baby?

To get answers to these questions and more, you can contact a surrogacy specialist today by filling out our online form or call 1-800-875-BABY.

Use this easy guide to understand the difference between traditional surrogacy vs. gestational surrogacy, and help those with questions understand your surrogacy process as well.

Traditional Surrogacy

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate contributes her own egg to the in-vitro process. Once her egg is artificially inseminated by the intended father’s or donor’s sperm, an embryo is created which she will then carry to term in her uterus. In this form of surrogacy, the surrogate mother is the biological mother of the child. This genetic relationship can come with unique challenges. Due to the higher level of legal risk with traditional surrogacy, it is rarely done today.

Gestational Surrogacy

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate and baby do not share any genetics. An embryo is created from the intended parents’ and/or donor’s egg and sperm. Once the embryo is created, it is transferred to the surrogate’s womb and she then carries the baby to term. This process is the most common form of surrogacy today, and the only form of surrogacy American Surrogacy completes.

Now, let’s answer those questions from above. We understand that many of the questions may be from well-meaning family members and friends who have a ton of thoughts on the process. However, we are here to offer you the information to make it clear that your child will not be genetically related to the surrogate.

Does the surrogate mother share DNA with the child?

Many people may think of traditional surrogacy when it comes to the surrogate process. They assume it’s her egg being used. This, of course, is not the case. You will use your egg or a donor’s egg to create the embryo that will be carried by the surrogate. The DNA will come from the egg that was used in the embryo. It will have nothing to do with the surrogate.

Will the baby look like the surrogate mother?

Again, the appearance of the baby comes down to who provided the sperm and the egg to create the embryo that results in a child.

Do surrogates share blood with the baby?

When people talk about “blood relation” they may be thinking of literal blood. While yes, a surrogate’s blood is used to help grow your child, they are not of “blood relation.”

Does a gestational surrogate have a right to the baby?

No. With gestational surrogacy, the surrogate mother does not have any rights to the child. There will be a legal process that will allow you the legal rights of parenthood while the baby is in the womb.

When people ask if the baby is related to the surrogate mother, the answer is simply no. You will share the genetics with your child through your egg or sperm, or you can choose to use a donor if using your own is not an option for you.

If you want more information on surrogacy, contact us today at 1-800-825-2229 (BABY) or fill out our online form.

Choosing an Egg Donor or Sperm Donor [5 Things to Consider]

If you’re looking for a sperm or egg donor (or maybe even both) to help you complete your surrogacy process, you’re choosing more than a photo out of a pile – you’re choosing the person who will be 50% of your child’s biological origin.

Once you’ve found a donor, you’ll be able to talk to your fertility clinic about creating your embryos via IVF. The sooner you begin the embryo creation process, the sooner we can help you find a surrogate. You can reach out to us when you’re ready.

Whether you’re considering asking someone you know to be your donor, or you’re thinking about working with a professional donor clinic, there are 5 important things you always need to look for when choosing a gamete donor:

1. Someone Willing to Sign a Donor Contract

Even if your donor is your most trusted friend, legal protection through a donor contract is necessary for everyone involved. Having this important document will ensure that you, your donor, and your child are all protected from potential legal complications that could cost you no small amount of money, time, or tears.

Many family law attorneys; in particular, attorneys who have experience with surrogacy and A.R.T. law will be able to create a donor contract for you. If you have any questions about donor contracts or if you need an attorney referral, your American Surrogacy specialist can help.

2. Someone Willing to Be Identified

If our roots in open adoption have taught us anything, it’s that children should know their history. While you will always be your child’s parent, your child’s donor still represents a very important part of their identity and history. Losing or even hiding that biological link would be detrimental to your child.

Instead of choosing an anonymous donor, we strongly encourage intended parents to consider working with a known donor or to choose an identified donor through a donor bank or clinic. Many donor clinics have exclusively moved toward working with donors who are willing to be identified, because in today’s world of at-home DNA tests and ancestry websites, there is no such thing as true anonymity.

Having a donor who is willing to answer your child’s questions someday can be invaluable.

3. Someone with an In-Depth Profile

Again, because donors today aren’t truly anonymous, it’s standard practice to provide a complete profile. When looking at a potential donor’s profile, it should include:

Their social and medical history.
Family medical history.
Details about their education and occupation.
Their interests and hobbies.
Their marital status.
Information about any children they’re raising, or any children conceived through their contributions as a donor.
Photos of themselves as an adult and a child.
Details about whether or not they’d be open to contact from donor-conceived children.
Details about whether or not they’d be open to helping families have biologically connected siblings.
And more.

Intended parents commonly focus on the physical appearance of the donor first. But remember that a child can inherit much more than looks from a donor. Personality, quirks and traits can also be genetically inherited, to a degree.

Nobody can precisely predict how their child will look or what their child will be like — regardless of whether that child is conceived “the old fashioned way” or via donor gametes. However, a donor’s profile can give some insight into 50% of your child’s genetic heritage.

4. Someone Who Understands the Responsibilities of Being a Donor

If a donor is willing to sign a legal contract, willing to be identified and is also willing to provide an in-depth profile full of information, they probably understand the responsibility of being a donor! Whether you’re looking for a donor through a clinic or you’re considering taking a friend up on their offer to be your donor, the right donor will understand that this is a big responsibility. Whenever you’re considering a potential donor, look for someone who understands:

Your child may one day have questions about their biological roots.
Their willingness to receive contact from you and/or your child if medical or personal questions ever arise can be incredibly beneficial.
They have no parental responsibilities – legal, financial, emotional or otherwise, but they will still be an important aspect of this child’s history.
The importance of updating you and/or your child if they learn of any new medical concerns that could affect a donor-conceived child.

5. Consider If You Might Like Biologically Related Siblings Someday

Maybe you’re thinking about having more than one child with the assistance of a donor and/or gestational carrier, this is something you’ll want to specify in your search. Some intended parents like the idea of their children being either full- or half-biological siblings. This is an entirely personal decision, but some intended parents opt for this route because:

They don’t want to have to search for a donor more than once.
It may make medical updates or potential communication with the donor a bit easier.
They want their children to have a biological connection within the family.

Some donors only contribute to a clinic once, while others will donate many times. If genetically related siblings are something that you might want, you can specify this preference with a gamete bank. If you’re accepting a donated gamete from a personal acquaintance, you may first want to ask if they’d be willing to donate more than once.

Already found a donor? Ready to begin the surrogacy process? Then it’s time to find a gestational carrier. We can help. Contact us now to get more information.