One question often asked is—are IVF and surrogacy the same? No, they are not. IVF, also known as in vitro fertilization and surrogacy are the two most common treatments for infertility, but often couples are confused about which option is best for them.
IVF is a type of assisted reproductive technology used to help couples or individuals who are having difficulty getting pregnant conceive a child.
During IVF, eggs are surgically retrieved from the woman’s ovaries and combined with sperm in a laboratory dish, where fertilization occurs. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus, where they may implant and grow into a pregnancy. In some cases, the embryos may be frozen and stored for future use.
IVF is used to treat various fertility issues, including ovulation disorders, fallopian tube damage or blockages, male infertility, and unexplained infertility. It can also be used in cases where other fertility treatments, such as medication or artificial insemination, have not been successful.
IVF is a complex process that involves multiple steps, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, sperm collection, fertilization, embryo development, and embryo transfer. The process is typically done in several cycles, each taking several weeks to complete.
While IVF can be an effective treatment for infertility, it is not without risks and can be expensive. The success rate of IVF depends on the age of the patient, as usually, the success rate of IVF treatment declines with subsequent age. It is important for individuals and couples considering IVF to discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider and to carefully consider their options before proceeding with treatment.
Surrogacy is the next logical step if the IVF procedure fails. Surrogacy is where a woman (the surrogate) carries a pregnancy for another person or couple (the intended parents). The intended parents may use their own sperm and/or eggs or use a donor’s sperm and/or eggs to create an embryo that is then transferred to the surrogate. The surrogate carries the pregnancy to term and gives birth to the baby, who is then handed over to the intended parents.
There are two types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate is inseminated with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor, and she carries the pregnancy and gives birth to the baby. The baby is biologically related to the surrogate. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate carries an embryo that is created using the intended parents’ or donors’ sperm and/or eggs. The baby is not biologically related to the surrogate.
You can learn more about surrogacy, the process, or FAQs by visiting the pages on our website located under the ‘Parents’ tab. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss starting the surrogacy process, please call Shared Conception today or contact us here.
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