Who Should Use A Gestational Surrogate In IVF Treatment?
Gestational surrogacy is a technique used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) to fertilize eggs from the mother and sperm from the father and place the embryo in the uterus of a gestational surrogate. The gestational surrogate, also known as the birth mother, carries the baby until birth. Women can pursue gestational surrogacy for many valid and personal reasons.
1. Medical issues with the uterus
Medical problems with the uterus can prevent some women from conceiving a child naturally. Uterine problems such as recurring fibroids or uterine scarring can make pregnancy painful and unsuccessful time and time again. Uterine issues prevent an embryo from implanting properly in the uterus.
2. Women who have had a hysterectomy
Women who have had a hysterectomy due to cervical cancer or women who were born without a uterus are unable to have children naturally. Women with a hysterectomy can still produce eggs, especially when stimulated with hormone medication. Women with a hysterectomy can consider gestational surrogacy or adoption as alternatives to the traditional way of starting a family.
3. Medical conditions that can worsen with pregnancy
Some medical conditions, such as kidney, heart disease, or diabetes, can put a pregnant woman’s life at risk. Gestational surrogacy can remove the threat of complications or death. Some women also require medication for a condition that can be detrimental to the fetus’s health.
4. Same-sex couples
Same-sex couples that want to start a family can turn to gestational surrogacy to overcome the inability to produce a child naturally. Couples should consider a state’s unique laws on completing the gestational surrogacy process.
Other reasons to consider a gestational surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy can be a worthwhile option for a large number of situations apart from the considerations listed above. Women who have had repeated complications during pregnancy, such as a miscarriage or severe preeclampsia, can consider gestational surrogacy. Couples who don’t want to consider adoption, but still want a biological child should consider gestational surrogacy.
Starting a family with surrogacy
A gestational surrogate could be a friend, family member, or stranger. When considering a stranger as a gestational surrogate, couples can visit a reproductive endocrinologist or a surrogacy agency to evaluate the parent and the surrogate throughout the gestational surrogacy process. For more information about surrogacy and infertility treatment options, speak with a fertility specialist.
