IVF and surrogacy can be confusing for those exploring options to start or grow their families. IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is the process of fertilizing an egg outside the body and can lead to a pregnancy carried by the intended parents or a surrogate. Surrogacy always involves a gestational carrier who carries the child to term for intended parents who may not be able to do so themselves.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key aspects of each and help you understand which option may best suit your family-building journey.
What is IVF?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a widely used medical treatment for infertility that can help individuals and couples conceive a child. It involves combining an egg from an intended parent (or a donor) and sperm from an intended parent (or a donor) outside of the body in a laboratory setting. The resulting fertilized egg, called an embryo, is then transferred into a woman’s uterus (either an intended parent or a gestational surrogate).
The key steps involved in IVF include:
- Ovarian Stimulation: The woman providing the eggs takes hormone injections to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This increases the chances of creating viable embryos.
- Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are ready, a minor surgical procedure is done to retrieve the eggs from the ovaries.
- Fertilization: The eggs are fertilized with sperm in a lab. In cases of male infertility, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be used to inject a single sperm directly into an egg.
- Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs are monitored for development. Once viable embryos are formed, one or more are selected for transfer or frozen for preservation.
- Embryo Transfer: During transfer, the best embryo is implanted into the uterus of an intended parent or a gestational surrogate, where it may implant and develop into a successful pregnancy.
For same-sex couples, IVF is often part of the surrogacy process. For male couples, IVF can involve the use of the sperm of one partner and an egg donor. For female couples, it can involve using one partner’s eggs and sperm from a donor.
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a method where a woman (the surrogate) carries a pregnancy for another individual or couple, known as the intended parents. Surrogacy is commonly used when the intended parents cannot carry a pregnancy themselves due to medical reasons, infertility, or other factors.
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is not genetically related to the child. The eggs and sperm of the intended parents (or donors) are used to create embryos, which are then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. The surrogate simply carries the pregnancy to term and gives birth to the child.
Difference Between IVF and Surrogacy
While IVF and surrogacy are often used together, they serve different purposes and have distinct roles in the reproductive process.
- IVF is a procedure for fertilizing eggs and creating embryos.
- Surrogacy is the process of implanting the created embryo into a carrier who will then carry it to term for another person or couple.
In other words, IVF is the procedure used to create embryos (whether for use by the intended parents or a surrogate), while surrogacy is the process of having someone else carry the pregnancy. IVF can be used independently of surrogacy, but surrogacy usually requires IVF to create the embryos that will be implanted into the surrogate.
Utilizing IVF and Surrogacy to Make Family Dreams a Reality
Both IVF and surrogacy provide invaluable support for family-building and often work in tandem. IVF helps to create embryos and surrogacy offers a solution for those unable to carry a pregnancy themselves. At Village Surrogacy, we specialize in matching intended parents who use the process of IVF with gestational carriers. We understand that this decision can be complex, and we guide you every step of the way to ensure that the surrogacy process is as smooth and supportive as possible.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue surrogacy depends on your specific needs, medical situation, and family goals. If you are considering surrogacy, it’s essential to consult with experts in reproductive medicine and surrogacy law. At Village Surrogacy, we offer a comprehensive approach to surrogacy, matching intended parents with qualified and caring gestational carriers and connecting you with the legal expertise to match with confidence. Contact us today to know more.
