If you want to help others build their families through surrogacy, an endometriosis diagnosis might feel like a roadblock to your dreams. Because you likely know firsthand how reproductive health can impact your life, you can empathize deeply with parents who are pursuing surrogacy due to infertility.
It is important to know that a diagnosis doesn’t automatically disqualify you from surrogacy. Many women with endometriosis can carry healthy, full-term pregnancies. Ultimately, whether you can be a surrogate with endometriosis depends on the severity of your diagnosis and your previous pregnancy history.
In this guide, we’ll explore how endometriosis affects the surrogacy process, what fertility clinics look for during medical screening and how we support you every step of the way. If you’re ready to see if you qualify, you can fill out our online form.
The short answer is: Yes, it is possible. Because endometriosis is a complex condition that varies significantly from person to person, eligibility is always determined on a case-by-case basis. For instance, a woman with mild endometriosis could become a surrogate if her uterus is healthy and free of scarring. Surrogacy is a significant physical and emotional commitment, and our highest priority is protecting your health and well-being. That is why closely review your pregnancy history and medical records during the screening process. We want to be certain that your body can safely and comfortably handle a gestational pregnancy.Can You Be a Surrogate With Endometriosis?
Do You Meet the Other Surrogate Requirements?
Your endometriosis diagnosis is just one part of your overall health profile. Before we dive into the specifics of your diagnosis, it’s helpful to see if you meet the other requirements for gestational surrogacy.
When you’re trying to conceive on your own, endometriosis can stand in the way by affecting egg quality or blocking fallopian tubes. But in gestational surrogacy, you won’t be using your own eggs. Instead, an embryo created by the intended parents will be transferred directly into your uterus. Because your eggs and fallopian tubes are not part of the equation, the fertility clinic’s main focus is the health of your uterine lining. In some cases, endometriosis can cause inflammation or the growth of adhesions (scar tissue) that can affect the interior of the uterus. If this tissue is present, it can make it difficult for the embryo to successfully implant and grow. However, many women have external endometriosis — where tissue grows on the outside of the uterus or on the ovaries — that doesn't affect the inside of the uterine cavity at all. In these cases, someone with endometriosis can carry a pregnancy safely without any increased risk to the baby or themselves.How Endometriosis Affects Pregnancy and Surrogacy
What Fertility Clinics Look for During Medical Screening
Fertility clinics might accept surrogates with endometriosis once they can confirm that your uterus is a healthy environment for an embryo.
After completing the pre-screening process and matching with intended parents, you’ll need to receive medical clearance from the intended parents’ fertility clinic. The specialists there will perform a few tests to get a clear picture of your reproductive health. These usually include a Saline Infusion Sonogram (SIS) or a hysteroscopy.
Specifically, the medical team is looking for three key indicators:
-
Smooth Uterine Lining: For an embryo to successfully implant and grow, the lining of the uterus needs to be healthy and even.
-
Absence of Scar Tissue: The clinic will verify that the uterus is free of any significant scarring that might compromise the pregnancy or your physical comfort.
-
History of Healthy Births: The specialist will review your previous OB-GYN records to see how your body has handled pregnancy in the past.
It’s possible that endometriosis might disqualify you from being a surrogate. While that news is difficult to hear, it always comes from a place of care for your health and well-being. If a screening reveals extensive uterine scarring or if you have a history of high-risk, a clinic may decide that the risk is too high. Additionally, surrogacy involves intense hormonal medications (like estrogen) that can, in some cases, cause endometriosis symptoms to flare up painfully. If a doctor believes that the process would cause you significant physical pain or long-term health issues, they will not clear you to proceed. Our commitment is to your well-being first; we want to ensure the gift of surrogacy never comes at the expense of your health. If you aren't cleared to be a surrogate right now, don't lose hope. Depending on the doctor's findings, there may be medical follow-ups or minor procedures that can clear up scar tissue, allowing you to re-apply in the future once your body has had time to heal.When Endometriosis May Disqualify You
What if You’re Not Approved Right Away?
Talk to a Surrogacy Specialist About Your Diagnosis
Depending on your situation, you could you be a surrogate with endometriosis. We’re here to help you determine the best path forward — our surrogacy specialists can answer your questions and provide personalized guidance.
You don't have to navigate these questions alone. Contact us today to get free information and start your journey with a team that truly cares.