You can significantly reduce your risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) through proven prevention strategies, proper hydration and working with experienced fertility clinics that use modern protocols.

With these precautions, most patients undergo egg retrieval safely without serious complications.

American Surrogacy can help you find fertility specialists who prioritize OHSS prevention while maintaining excellent success rates for your family-building journey. Contact us today.

Understanding OHSS prevention empowers you to make informed decisions, recognize early warning signs and work effectively with your medical team throughout the egg retrieval process.

What is OHSS and Why It Matters for Your Surrogacy Journey

OHSS occurs when the ovaries become overstimulated by fertility medications, causing them to swell and leak fluid into the abdomen and sometimes the chest cavity.

This condition can range from mild discomfort to serious medical complications requiring hospitalization.

When you’re working with fertility medications to stimulate egg production, your ovaries can sometimes respond too enthusiastically, leading to swelling, fluid retention and other concerning symptoms.

The good news is that modern fertility medicine has developed highly effective strategies to minimize this risk while maintaining excellent success rates.W

Learn more about the medications involved in ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval preparation.

OHSS Risk Factors You Should Know About

Understanding your personal risk factors helps you and your medical team creates the most effective prevention strategy.

• Higher risk factors include:
• Women under 35 years old
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis
• High estradiol levels during stimulation
• Large numbers of developing follicles (typically over 20)
• Previous history of OHSS
• Lean body mass or low BMI

The emotional impact: Beyond physical symptoms, OHSS can create anxiety and stress during an already emotionally challenging process. Understanding prevention strategies helps you feel more confident and in control of your journey.

Medical Prevention Strategies Your Doctor May Use

Your fertility specialist has multiple tools to prevent OHSS while maintaining treatment effectiveness.

• Medication protocol adjustments: Your doctor may use lower doses of stimulation medications, switch to different drug combinations, or use GnRH antagonist protocols that reduce OHSS risk compared to traditional approaches.
• Trigger shot modifications: Instead of using hCG to trigger final egg maturation, many clinics now use GnRH agonist triggers, which significantly reduce OHSS risk while maintaining good egg quality.
• Coasting technique: If estradiol levels become too high, your doctor may temporarily stop stimulation medications while continuing monitoring, allowing hormone levels to decrease before proceeding with egg retrieval.

How much water should I drink after egg retrieval to prevent OHSS?

Proper hydration plays a vital role in preventing OHSS after egg retrieval and is something you can actively control.

Optimal hydration guidelines:

• Drink 2-3 liters (8-12 cups) of fluid daily following your procedure
• Start increasing fluid intake immediately after egg retrieval
• Focus on water, but electrolyte drinks can also be beneficial
• Monitor your urine color – it should be light yellow
• Continue increased hydration for at least one week post-retrieval

Adequate fluid intake helps your kidneys process fertility medications more efficiently and reduces the concentration of hormones that can trigger OHSS.

Proper hydration also helps maintain healthy blood pressure and reduces the risk of blood clots.

Activities and Foods to Avoid After Egg Retrieval

Certain activities and substances can increase your OHSS risk or worsen existing symptoms.

Activities to avoid for one week:

• Intense exercise or heavy lifting
• Sexual intercourse until cleared by your doctor
• Hot baths, saunas, or hot tubs that cause dehydration
• Long periods of immobility that increase blood clot risk

Dietary modifications:

• Limit sodium intake, which can worsen fluid retention
• Avoid alcohol, which interferes with recovery and hydration
• Reduce caffeine consumption to prevent dehydration
• Skip gas-producing foods that worsen abdominal discomfort

Medications requiring medical approval:

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) may affect kidney function
• Any new medications should be approved by your fertility team

Learn more about what you can expect during your egg retrieval recovery.

Recognizing OHSS Symptoms: When to Contact Your Clinic

Early recognition of OHSS symptoms allows for prompt treatment and can prevent progression to severe complications.

Mild OHSS symptoms:

• Abdominal bloating and discomfort
• Mild nausea
• Weight gain of 2-5 pounds
• Mild pelvic or abdominal pain
• Moderate OHSS symptoms:
• Increased abdominal pain and bloating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight gain of 5-10 pounds over 3-5 days
• Difficulty eating normal amounts

Severe OHSS – seek immediate medical attention:

• Severe abdominal pain and significant bloating
• Persistent nausea and vomiting preventing fluid intake
• Weight gain of more than 10 pounds
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Decreased urination despite adequate fluid intake
• Dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or rapid heartbeat

Understanding OHSS Timing and Triggers

Knowing when OHSS is most likely to occur helps you stay vigilant during critical periods.

Early OHSS (3-7 days post-retrieval): Related to stimulation medications and fertility drugs still circulating in your system. This type responds well to supportive care and hydration.

Late OHSS (10-14 days post-retrieval): Usually triggered by pregnancy hormones if conception occurs. This is why freeze-all cycles are often recommended for high-risk patients.

The role of pregnancy: If pregnancy occurs after egg retrieval, the resulting hCG production can worsen existing OHSS or trigger late-onset symptoms. Your clinic will monitor you closely if fresh embryo transfer is planned.

How OHSS Could Affect Your Surrogacy Timeline

While OHSS prevention strategies are highly effective, understanding potential impacts helps you plan realistically.

Most cycles proceed normally: The vast majority of egg retrieval cycles proceed without significant OHSS, especially when working with experienced clinics that use modern prevention protocols.

Potential timeline adjustments:

• Prevention strategies like coasting may add 2-3 days to stimulation
• Freeze-all approaches typically delay embryo transfer by 1-2 months
• Recovery from mild OHSS usually takes one week
• Moderate cases may require 2-3 weeks of careful monitoring

Future cycle planning: If OHSS occurs, your clinic will adjust protocols for future attempts to minimize recurrence risk while maintaining effectiveness. This experience helps create an even safer approach for subsequent cycles.

Learn more about what to expect after egg retrieval and how proper planning supports your journey.

How American Surrogacy Can Help You Find the Right Fertility Clinic

Even with excellent prevention strategies, having comprehensive support systems ensures everyone receives appropriate care if complications arise.

• Clinic selection guidance: American Surrogacy helps you identify fertility clinics with strong OHSS prevention protocols and low complication rates in your area.
• Coordination assistance: We help facilitate clear communication between you, your fertility clinic, and any
• Journey continuity: Even if OHSS causes temporary delays, our support systems help maintain momentum toward parenthood once recovery is complete.

Choosing the Right Fertility Clinic for OHSS Prevention

Not all fertility clinics have equal expertise in OHSS prevention.

Questions to ask potential clinics:

• What is your OHSS rate compared to national averages?
• How do you modify protocols for high-risk patients?
• What trigger options do you offer beyond traditional hCG?
• How quickly can you adjust medications based on monitoring results?
• What after-hours support do you provide for complications?

Moving Forward Safely with Confidence

Understanding OHSS prevention empowers you to work with experienced professionals who prioritize safety while maintaining excellent success rates.

American Surrogacy helps you find experienced fertility clinics that prioritize safety, and once your embryos are ready, we can match you quickly with a qualified surrogate.

Start building your family with the right medical team and surrogate support – reach out today.

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For many trans men, IVF and gender dysphoria often intersect when hormone therapy must be paused, or when fertility procedures trigger physical changes and clinical experiences that feel misaligned with one’s identity.

Whether you’re early in your transition or already on testosterone, you deserve options that support your well-being, not just your biological goals.

The path is yours to define—we’re here to walk it with you. Contact us today to learn more about how surrogacy can be a self-affirming option to grow your family.

This guide is here to help you understand what to expect from IVF as a trans masculine parent and how surrogacy and egg donation can help lessen the burden of gender dysphoria.

Can IVF Cause Gender Dysphoria?

Yes, IVF and gender dysphoria often intersect for trans men.

Stopping testosterone for egg retrieval can trigger the return of unwanted physical changes, while procedures like ultrasounds and hormone injections may intensify dysphoria, especially in gendered medical settings.

For many, the experience can feel emotionally disorienting—but with affirming providers and support, IVF is still possible.

Learn more about the egg retrieval process for IVF and surrogacy.

Options Beyond Traditional IVF: How Surrogacy Can Support Trans Masculine Parents

For many trans men, IVF and gender dysphoria are deeply intertwined. Creating embryos—whether for personal IVF or surrogacy—still requires egg retrieval and a temporary pause in testosterone, which can trigger significant physical and emotional discomfort.

The process may involve invasive procedures and time spent in clinical settings that feel misaligned with one’s identity.

Depending on your needs and comfort level, there are affirming paths forward:

• Donor egg IVF: You might consider using donor eggs, which allows you to avoid the dysphoria associated with hormone stimulation and retrieval while still building a family through IVF.
• Surrogacy: If you’re comfortable with egg retrieval but not with pregnancy, surrogacy may be an ideal fit, allowing you to create embryos with your own eggs while a surrogate carries the pregnancy.
• Donor egg surrogacy: If you want to avoid both the IVF process and pregnancy, donor egg surrogacy removes both the physical and psychological stressors while still allowing you to become a parent.

At American Surrogacy, we understand that every path to parenthood is personal. We’re here to help you explore your options with care, clarity, and compassion—so you can make the decision that’s right for you.

Need help deciding what feels right? Reach out today to explore paths that align with your emotional well-being, family goals and identity.

Should You Pause Testosterone for IVF? What to Know

If you intend to use your own eggs for IVF or surrogacy, most fertility clinics require trans men to pause testosterone to support a successful egg retrieval process.

Pausing HRT, often for several weeks, can lead to the return of physical traits tied to one’s assigned sex at birth, which may intensify IVF and gender dysphoria symptoms.

Knowing what to expect can make a major difference. Emotional shifts, body changes and discomfort with medical procedures are common—but they’re not unmanageable.

Working with affirming providers and preparing mentally and physically ahead of time can help ease this process.

Talking to Your Clinic: How to Advocate for Gender-Affirming Fertility Care

Navigating IVF and gender dysphoria starts with choosing a clinic that respects your identity. Not all fertility providers are experienced in working with trans men, and many environments can unintentionally trigger dysphoria through misgendering, invasive procedures or lack of inclusive language.

Before starting treatment, ask about the clinic’s experience with LGBTQ+ patients, their approach to trauma-informed care, and whether staff are trained in gender-affirming practices. Your emotional well-being matters as much as your medical outcome.

At American Surrogacy, we help intended parents connect with supportive clinics that prioritize comfort, respect and affirming care—because every step of your journey should feel like it belongs to you.

Need help finding a gender-affirming fertility provider? Reach out to start your journey with support you can trust.

When IVF Isn’t Right: Why Some Trans Men Choose Surrogacy First

For some trans men, IVF and gender dysphoria are too closely linked to pursue comfortably. The idea of stopping HRT, undergoing invasive procedures, or facing a pregnancy that feels misaligned with their identity can be overwhelming.

In these cases, surrogacy isn’t a last resort, it’s a deliberate, affirming choice.

Surrogacy offers a path to biological parenthood without compromising emotional safety. At American Surrogacy, we support trans intended parents in choosing what feels right for them whether that means IVF or surrogacy.

Fertility Planning for Trans Men Considering Surrogacy: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re exploring surrogacy as a path to parenthood, here’s what you need to know, especially when navigating IVF and gender dysphoria along the way:

Step 1: Decide If You Want a Genetic Connection

Surrogacy can allow you to have a biological child using your own eggs. If you haven’t started testosterone, egg retrieval may be easier to schedule without interruption.

Step 2: Consider Your HRT Timeline

If you haven’t started testosterone yet, freezing your eggs now may reduce the risk of unsuccessful egg retrieval, and may allow you to avoid the need to pause HRT later.

If you’re already on HRT, plan for a pause—often 1–3 months—to allow your body to resume egg production.

Step 3: Coordinate With a Fertility Clinic

Schedule an initial consult with a clinic to evaluate your fertility and discuss egg retrieval logistics.

Step 4: Prepare for IVF and Gender Dysphoria

The IVF process includes hormone injections and an invasive procedure. If pausing HRT, undergoing ovarian stimulation or completing the egg retrieval process feels too dysphoric, or is unsuccessful, egg donation remains a viable and affirming alternative.

Step 5: Choose a Surrogacy Agency That Affirms You

Partner with an agency (like American Surrogacy) that understands the needs of trans intended parents. Once you have embryos ready, we can match you with a surrogate who is excited to work with you and your partner.

Your Next Step: Compassionate, Personalized Support

Whether you’re early in your transition, already managing IVF and gender dysphoria, or considering surrogacy as a more affirming option, your path to parenthood deserves care and support.

At American Surrogacy, we guide LGBTQ+ intended parents through every step—with trusted clinics, inclusive professionals and surrogates who honor your identity and goals.

You’re not alone in this journey and you don’t have to navigate it without a team that understands.

Connect with a surrogacy specialist today to explore the options that align with your identity, timeline and dreams of building a family.

Check out our surrogacy programs for LGBT parents.

Parenthood may be part of your vision for the future. But if you’re currently on testosterone, you may not be sure what’s possible when it comes to fertility.

You deserve information that affirms your identity and gives you real choices. In this guide, we’ll cover how testosterone affects fertility and provide options for next steps. We can help you find the right path that aligns with your identity, comfort and goals.

If you’d like more information, fill out our form to connect with one of our surrogacy specialists.

Can a Trans Man Get Pregnant While on Testosterone? What to Know

Technically, yes, a trans man getting pregnant while on testosterone is possible, but unlikely. Testosterone generally suppresses ovulation and may affect an embryo’s ability to implant in your uterus.

Because of this, the chances of a trans man on hormones getting pregnant are very low. However, with fertility preservation and temporarily stopping hormones, pregnancy may be possible.

Does Fertility Change in Trans People With Hormone Treatment?

Yes, testosterone impacts both the consistency and quality of egg production. Over time, it suppresses ovulation and usually stops periods altogether.

The effect depends on how long you’ve been on testosterone, your age and your reproductive health.

Because egg quality naturally declines with age, and testosterone can add complexity, early planning matters.

In addition to impacting egg production, testosterone may also affect the uterine lining, which can make it more difficult for an embryo to implant successfully.

Can a Trans Man Do IVF? How it Works At Different Stages of HRT

Yes, IVF is a viable option for many trans men, but it involves important considerations depending on where you are in your hormone journey.

If You Are Pre-HRT

If you have not yet started hormone therapy, it is typically recommended to freeze your eggs before beginning testosterone. This helps preserve your fertility at its current baseline.

 If you decide to pursue pregnancy later, you will still need to pause testosterone during the embryo transfer phase of IVF.

If You Have Already Started HRT

If you are already on HRT and haven’t preserved your eggs, you’ll need to stop testosterone prior to starting ovarian stimulation and remain off it through the egg retrieval process, and possibly through the embryo transfer as well.

Additionally, the effects of testosterone on the ovaries and reproductive system may make egg retrieval more complex for those who have been on HRT long term.

Research from Boston IVF found that trans men who paused testosterone for around four months had similar egg retrieval outcomes to cisgender women undergoing IVF.

This pause can be physically and emotionally difficult, particularly for a trans man on hormones getting pregnant.

Why Do Trans Men Need to Stop Testosterone to Get Pregnant with IVF?

In addition to suppressing ovulation, testosterone may also thin or destabilize the uterine lining, which can make it more difficult for an embryo to implant successfully.

For a trans man on hormones getting pregnant, stopping testosterone may improve the chances of a healthy implantation, which is critical for pregnancy.

What to Expect from IVF as a Trans Man

1. If currently undergoing HRT, you’ll pause testosterone under medical supervision
2. Begin ovarian stimulation with hormone injections
3. Monitor egg development via ultrasounds and bloodwork
4. Undergo egg retrieval with light sedation.

Given the emotional and physical demands of IVF, it’s important to work with providers who affirm your identity. Some fertility clinics offer mental health support and gender-affirming care as part of the treatment process.

Fertility Preservation Before or After Starting HRT

If you’re thinking about starting testosterone or are considering pausing HRT to grow your family, fertility preservation can help you keep biological options open.

Here are two common methods:

• Egg Freezing: Involves harvesting eggs and freezing them unfertilized. This is often done before starting testosterone, but in some cases, it’s possible after stopping.
• Embryo Freezing: Embryos are created by combining your eggs with a partner’s or donor’s sperm. The resulting embryos are frozen for later use. This may be ideal if you know you want to pursue surrogacy later.

While outcomes are usually better before starting HRT, some trans men have preserved fertility even after hormone use.

Learn more about how embryos are frozen for surrogacy.

IVF Limitations After Long-Term Hormone Use

It’s important to acknowledge that long-term testosterone use can affect the success of IVF.

While many trans men have successfully completed IVF after pausing HRT, the effects of prolonged testosterone therapy on egg quality and uterine receptivity may lower the chances of implantation and overall IVF success.

For trans men who have been on hormones for several years, the reproductive system may respond less robustly to stimulation medications and the endometrial lining may not easily return to a state conducive for implantation.

Even with egg retrieval and fertilization, embryo transfer may not result in a pregnancy.

This is one reason why surrogacy may be a more effective and emotionally supportive path to parenthood, especially for a trans man on hormones getting pregnant or preserving fertility.

Why Surrogacy for Trans Men May Be a Better Option

If IVF is not successful after HRT or it doesn’t feel right for your body or identity, surrogacy is an option..

Higher Chances of Successful Implantation

From a medical perspective, surrogacy may offer a higher chance of success for trans men who have been on HRT long term. Testosterone can affect both egg quality and uterine receptivity, which can make pregnancy or embryo transfer more complex.

With surrogacy, these barriers are removed, and the embryo is transferred to a gestational surrogate whose body is fully prepared to carry a pregnancy.

You Won’t Have to Pause HRT for the Embryo Transfer

If you froze your eggs in advance or use donor eggs, surrogacy allows you to maintain your HRT regimen without interruption, avoiding the physical changes and emotional challenges that may come with pausing treatment for the embryo transfer or pregnancy.

Even if you pause testosterone for egg retrieval, that’s still less time that you have to pause treatment than if you carried the pregnancy yourself.

Avoiding Potential Gender Dysphoria Caused by Pregnancy

Surrogacy can help you avoid dysphoria that may arise from the hormonal shifts, body changes, sensations and psychological stress of pregnancy or childbirth.

This makes it an emotionally safer choice for a trans man on hormones getting pregnant or planning a family.

Surrogacy comes with emotional, financial and legal considerations, but for many, it provides a path that honors their identity and offers greater comfort.

Learn more about our LGBTQ+ surrogacy programs designed specifically for trans and queer families.

Can a Trans Man Use His Eggs in a Surrogacy Journey?

Yes, a trans man can use his own eggs to create embryos.

If you have frozen eggs or are willing to pause testosterone for egg retrieval, IVF allows your eggs to be fertilized with your partner’s sperm or a donor’s sperm. The resulting embryos can then be transferred to a surrogate.

Pausing HRT for the egg retrieval process can bring up dysphoria for some trans men, as it may involve temporary physical changes and emotional stress. Having a supportive and affirming care team can make a significant difference.

To support your well-being:

• Work with gender-affirming fertility providers.
• Request mental health support throughout treatment.
• Be prepared for side effects like bloating or hormonal shifts.
• Lean on your support system—friends, partners, therapists, and LGBTQ+ healthcare providers.

Using Donor Eggs: When Your Own Eggs Aren’t an Option

If using your own eggs doesn’t feel right for you, or if it isn’t possible, egg donor surrogacy is a valid and empowering alternative.

Many trans men choose this path for comfort, medical reasons or simply personal preference. Working with a surrogacy agency can help you explore egg donor options that align with your values and goals.

Your Family-Building Plan Starts Here

Family-building is a personal journey. Every trans man deserves options that honor and affirm who they are. We’re here to help. Reach out to connect with a surrogacy specialist and begin planning your future on your terms.

As more families seek low-intervention options, natural cycle surrogacy has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional, hormone-heavy protocols.

These protocols promise fewer hormones and a more “in sync” experience, but are they as reliable as they sound?

Contact us today to speak with a surrogacy specialist about your embryo transfer options. We’re ready to support you whichever path you choose.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about natural cycle surrogacy, including how it works, how it compares to medicated cycles and what success rates really look like.

What Is Natural Cycle Surrogacy?

Natural cycle surrogacy refers to a type of frozen embryo transfer (FET) in which the surrogate’s own natural menstrual cycle is used to guide the timing of the embryo transfer, rather than manipulating her cycle entirely with synthetic hormones.

This approach can feel more intuitive and less invasive for many surrogates, though it still involves some medical support, such as:

• A trigger shot (typically hCG) to precisely time ovulation
• Progesterone supplementation post-ovulation to support the endometrial lining

At American Surrogacy, we work closely with fertility clinics to determine if this low-intervention method is right for your surrogate and your goals.

Learn more about the embryo transfer process during your surrogacy.

Do Surrogates Have to Take Hormones? Here’s the Truth

It’s easy to assume that natural cycle surrogacy means no medications—but that’s not the full story. While often promoted as a “low-intervention” alternative, a natural frozen embryo transfer still involves hormonal support.

Even in a natural cycle, most surrogates will need:

• A trigger shot to force ovulation at the right time
• Progesterone supplementation to maintain a uterine lining suitable for implantation

Bottom line: Even in natural protocols, surrogates still take some hormones, but much less than in medicated protocols.

Reddit users share their experiences with medication protocols in natural surrogacy throughout this thread.

Natural vs. Medicated Embryo Transfer: What’s the Difference?

While natural cycle surrogacy offers lower hormone exposure, it also introduces more complexity, unpredictability and potential for disruption. Here’s how the two approaches compare:

Natural Cycle Surrogacy:

• Relies on the surrogate’s body, introducing unpredictability and a higher chance of rescheduling
• Minimal hormone use; requires ovulation trigger and progesterone
• Requires intensive tracking with bloodwork and ultrasounds; small deviations can derail the cycle
• Low flexibility; timing can be thrown off by natural variability

Medicated FET

• Fully controlled by the clinic, offering precise timing and fewer surprises
• High hormone use with consistent dosing of estrogen and progesterone for controlled results
• Predictable protocol with fewer monitoring demands once the schedule is set
• High flexibility for coordinating schedules across all parties

Natural cycle surrogacy often demands more time, vigilance and patience without guaranteeing better outcomes. Always consult with your clinic to determine which protocol offers the most reliability for your unique case.

Why Natural Cycle Surrogacy Isn’t Always the Simpler Option

For some intended parents and surrogates, the appeal of a natural frozen embryo transfer lies in its lighter medication load and alignment with the body’s natural rhythm.

But despite the name, natural cycle surrogacy is far from hands-off and its benefits can come with tradeoffs that aren’t always obvious at first.

Pros:

• Fewer synthetic hormones than a medicated protocol
• Potentially lower medication costs
• May feel more “natural” or emotionally intuitive for some surrogates
• Some surrogates report fewer side effects and a smoother physical experience

Cons:

• Requires frequent, precise monitoring (blood draws, ultrasounds)
• Offers limited flexibility—timing depends on the surrogate’s body, not the calendar
• Higher risk of cancellation or delay if ovulation is missed or mistimed
• Not suitable for surrogates with irregular cycles, hormonal imbalances, or inconsistent responses to triggers

Natural cycle surrogacy can seem like a simpler or more holistic route, but in practice, it often demands more vigilance, tighter coordination and an openness to uncertainty.

Still unsure? American Surrogacy helps you evaluate your surrogate’s eligibility to make the right choice for your family-building plan. Fill out our easy form today.

Natural Frozen Embryo Transfer Success Rates: How Effective Is It Really?

Success rates for a natural frozen embryo transfer are often described as comparable to medicated protocols but that comparison comes with caveats.

While some studies do show similar pregnancy outcomes, those results typically apply to a narrow set of ideal conditions.

Natural cycle surrogacy may deliver strong results when:

• The surrogate has highly predictable ovulation
• Endometrial thickness reaches the clinical threshold
• The embryo quality is excellent

However, these factors are harder to control in a natural cycle. Slight variations in timing or hormone levels, things a medicated cycle is designed to regulate, can have an outsized impact on outcomes.

At American Surrogacy, we help you weigh the real-world success rates alongside your personal priorities so you can make the choice that aligns with both your values and your outcome goals.

This guide explains embryo transfer success rates in greater detail.

Why Some Intended Parents Choose Natural Cycle Surrogacy

Intended parents may be drawn to natural cycle surrogacy for a variety of reasons:

• Minimizing hormone exposure for the surrogate
• Positive past experiences with natural frozen embryo transfer
• A desire for a more holistic process aligned with the body’s rhythm
• A sense of greater emotional balance throughout the cycle

Surrogates often report feeling more in tune with their body and experiencing fewer side effects, which can lead to a smoother emotional journey overall.

Making the Decision: Which Protocol Is Right for You?

The decision to pursue natural cycle surrogacy should be made collaboratively with your agency, fertility clinic and surrogate. This approach can offer a more natural experience but requires:

• A surrogate with regular menstrual cycles
• Willingness for intensive monitoring
• Comfort with the possibility of schedule shifts or delays

At American Surrogacy, we support both natural and medicated embryo transfer protocols, ensuring that your journey is medically sound and emotionally supported every step of the way.

If Natural Cycle Surrogacy Is the Path, Our Surrogates Meet the Standard

While natural cycle surrogacy isn’t right for every journey, there are cases where fertility clinics will recommend it, especially if the surrogate has a consistent history of ovulation and previous success with frozen embryo transfers.

If your clinic supports this path, you can feel confident knowing American Surrogacy is fully prepared to match you with a highly-qualified surrogate.

Every surrogate in our program undergoes:

• Pre-screening and a review of her medical history
• A physical assessment conducted by a fertility clinic
• Confirmation of at least one previous successful pregnancy

We work closely with your clinic to ensure that any surrogate recommended for a natural cycle protocol is medically qualified, emotionally prepared and logistically reliable. That means no guesswork, just a clear, coordinated plan built around your family’s goals.

That means no guesswork, just a clear, coordinated plan built around your family’s goals.

Your Next Step: Talk to American Surrogacy

Whether you’re curious about natural frozen embryo transfer or need guidance on hormone protocols for your surrogate, American Surrogacy is here to help.

Contact us today to explore the best embryo transfer option for your family.

If you’ve experienced intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in a previous pregnancy, you know the emotional and physical toll it can take. Facing the possibility of future pregnancy complications can feel overwhelming.

But you’re not out of options. Surrogacy offers a safe path to expanding your family.

If you’re seeking a safer way to grow your family, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way. Fill out our contact form to learn more about how surrogacy can help you have the family of your dreams.

In this guide, we’ll explore what IUGR means for your health, how it may impact future pregnancies and why surrogacy might be the safest, most empowering choice for your family-building journey.

Will IUGR Happen Again in Future Pregnancies? The Recurrence Risk of IUGR

Having IUGR in a previous pregnancy increases your risk of it happening again. Studies show the recurrence risk of IUGR is over 70% more likely in future pregnancies.

In some cases, complications become even more severe over time.

Facing this reality can be heartbreaking. It’s natural to grieve the idea of carrying a pregnancy yourself. But choosing an alternative path like surrogacy after IUGR is not giving up — it’s choosing a safer, hopeful future for you and your child.

Why Some Parents Consider Surrogacy After IUGR in a Previous Pregnancy

For many parents who have experienced the emotional and physical toll of IUGR in a previous pregnancy, the thought of enduring another high-risk pregnancy can be overwhelming.

The fear of recurrence, compounded by concerns for both maternal and fetal health, often leads families to consider alternative paths to parenthood.

Surrogacy offers a powerful solution. By working with a gestational surrogate, intended parents can maintain a biological connection to their child while significantly reducing the health risks associated with pregnancy.

For parents who have faced the trauma of pregnancy complications, surrogacy after IUGR provides an opportunity to expand their family with greater peace of mind and emotional healing.

The Possible Complications of IUGR in Future Pregnancies

IUGR carries severe risk for mother and child alike.

For mothers, IUGR brings a higher risk of:

• Preeclampsia
• Sepsis
• Preterm birth
• Emergency C-section

For babies, IUGR increases the risk of:

• Stillbirth (up to 46%)
• Hypoxia (lack of oxygen)
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Neurological delays
• Issues keeping or losing weight

Experiencing IUGR doesn’t just affect one pregnancy — it can shape your future fertility journey.

How Surrogacy Can Help You Grow Your Family Safely

Surrogacy after IUGR allows intended parents to experience the joys of family-building without facing the medical risks that could jeopardize their health or the baby’s well-being.

In a gestational surrogacy arrangement, the surrogate carries an embryo created from the intended parents’ (or donors’) genetic material, ensuring a biological bond without requiring the mother to undergo another high-risk pregnancy.

After living through the anxiety of IUGR in previous pregnancies, surrogacy offers a pathway filled with hope, safety and expert support.

Partnering with an experienced agency ensures that the surrogate undergoes thorough health screenings, and the entire journey is managed with the utmost care, professionalism and compassion.

When Is Surrogacy Recommended?

For women who’ve had IUGR in previous pregnancy, surrogacy can offer a path forward for their child with minimal risk. You might benefit from surrogacy if:

• Experienced IUGR in a previous pregnancy
• Suffered a pregnancy loss linked to IUGR
• Have a medical condition increasing IUGR risk (e.g., lupus, kidney disease)
• Must take medications linked to fetal growth restriction
• Have a history of preeclampsia or other severe pregnancy complications

If you’re planning a pregnancy but are unsure about your risk of IUGR, contact your OB-GYN.

A consultation with a trusted surrogacy agency can help you explore these considerations and determine the best path forward for your family.

 A Path Forward with Surrogacy: 5 Steps

With American Surrogacy, your path to parenthood is simple, supported and personalized:

Step 1: Contact a Surrogacy Agency

The first step in your family building journey is quick and easy. Reach out to our specialists for a free consultation. We’ll talk to you about your family goals and answer any questions you may have.

Step 2: Match with a Surrogate

 We’ll help you fill out our surrogacy planning questionnaire to get an idea of what you want your journey to look like, including what you’re looking for in a surrogate.

You’ll be able to review and select from a pool of pre-screened surrogates who align with your hopes, values and preferences.

Step 3: Finalize the Legal Agreements

Establish clear, compassionate legal contracts that protect your parental rights and outline expectations. We can help you find a surrogacy attorney near you that specializes in your state’s surrogacy laws.

Step 4: Begin the Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy Journey

Start the IVF process, stay connected with your surrogate and celebrate key pregnancy milestones together.

Step 5: Welcome Your Baby and Complete Finalization

Celebrate the birth of your child, finalize the necessary legal documents, and bring your new baby home.

How American Surrogacy Supports Parents After Pregnancy Challenges

At American Surrogacy, we understand the complex emotions and difficult decisions that come after experiencing pregnancy complications like IUGR.

• Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, knowledgeable support at every stage of your surrogacy journey.
• We offer quick, personalized surrogate matching to ensure the right fit for your family’s needs.
• Our partnerships with leading fertility specialists, legal experts and counselors ensure that your journey is managed with professionalism and care.

When you choose American Surrogacy, you’re choosing a partner that understands the sensitivity and significance of this next step in your family’s story.

To hear more stories from families like yours, join our Instagram, or explore the fertility stories of people who became parents through surrogacy. To take the next step in your own story, contact us online today.