Navigating Infertility Treatments and Surrogacy Process

In an era where healthcare and lifestyle challenges are in the spotlight, one issue often overlooked and shrouded in silence is infertility. The journey becomes even more emotionally and financially draining when couples turn to Third-Party Reproductive services like egg donation and surrogacy. This blog aims to shed light on the rising concerns of infertility treatments and surrogacy process.

With every passing year, the issues related to healthcare and lifestyle are gaining attention. Among many healthcare hurdles, infertility treatment is less popular and lesser talked about. On top of that, if a childless couple needs a Third-Party Reproductive service like egg donation and surrogacy process, the conditions become more emotionally and financially draining. 

In current times infertility is rising, and more and more couples are finding it difficult to have babies naturally than ever before. 

Understanding Infertility Treatment:

Infertility is not a disease but a condition requiring timely medical attention and emotional support. Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) has significantly advanced, offering hope to many couples. The common ART procedures include:

Infertility is a common problem owing to our sedentary lifestyle and other medical issues.  As per the CDC, around 8% of married women in the USA are unable to get pregnant even after one year of trying naturally.

For a long time, it was thought that infertility is related to a woman.    

But both men and women can be equally responsible for infertility.  It is seen that when a couple is unable to conceive, a man can be 35% responsible for it.  Fortunately, male infertility is a bit easy to tackle as compared to female infertility.

In the female, fertility drops sharply after the age of 35.  Thus, women should seek the consultation of a reproductive endocrinologist as soon as they become aware of their fertility issues.  In male-related infertility, age is not such an alarming factor but seeking guidance from a fertility expert can help profusely.

Factors such as hormonal imbalances, age, smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, and stress can all play roles in infertility.

What Causes Infertility? 

1. In a woman, it can be a hormonal imbalance.  The condition like PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and endometriosis is commonly associated with infertility.
2. Age can be an important factor for a woman, who is unable to have babies.  Fertility is at the top in the twenties but drops gradually after 35 years.  After 40 years of age, there is a sharp drop in fertility in women.
3. Long-time smoking behavior increases infertility in both males and females.
4. Overconsumption of alcohol reduces fertility both in males and females.
5. A sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits make it difficult to conceive.
6. Overweight is mostly associated with infertility both in males and females.
7. The stressful environment in families or offices.
8. Priority over professional commitment can push the ideal age of having offspring to a later stage.

 How infertility can be treated? 

Although infertility is rising, the good news is that it can be managed.  Infertility is not a disease, but a condition that needs medical attention at the right time and emotional support. 

The medical procedure success rate of Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) has improved a lot. It means, more and more couples are getting the benefit of medical advancement and fulfilling their dream of parenthood.  However, infertility treatments come with a huge financial cost and emotional turmoil.  

The common Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) are: 

IUI- Intrauterine Insemination 

Intrauterine inseminating is the first line of treatment for couples who are struggling to have babies.  It is less invasive and less costly as compared to other advanced treatments like IVF or surrogacy.  In IUI, the sperm sample is washed and processed before insemination in the female partner. 

IVF- ICSI (In-vitro Fertilization) 

IVF is a process in which eggs are fertilized with sperm outside the body.  In this process, the female partner is stimulated under the strict protocol to produce many eggs in her ovaries.  The process of stimulation can take up to 12 days.  

Once ova are fully developed up to 18mm, eggs are retrieved from her body and fertilized with the male partner’s sperm.  The fertilized eggs are known as embryos and embryo transfer is done in the female partner’s uterus in the hope of implantation.  

An IVF Cycle is a costly and invasive fertility treatment.  The cost of IVF varies as per the case, but it is, in general, a costly process.  The cost of a typical IVF Cycle including the stimulation medication can be between $5,000 to $15,000 depending upon the country and IVF Clinic where IVF is done.  

Even with current modern technology, IVF does not guarantee a 100% positive outcome.  The success rate of a typical IVF Cycle can be around 40% (it depends on many factors).  

The success rate of the IVF procedure depends on many factors: 

• Female partner age
• Male partner sperms quality
• Number of eggs retrieved
• The fertilization rates
• The grade of embryos 

IVF with Egg Donor

 In some cases, especially for elderly women, who are unable to produce good and fertile eggs, IVF can be done with a younger and healthier egg donor.  The egg donor is another lady, who can donate her ova to couples who find it difficult to conceive.   The baby is genetically linked with the egg donor as she is contributing half of the genetic material for fertilization. 

It is seen that with good ova from a young and proven egg donor, the success rate of IVF can be improved.  Nowadays, almost 40% of IVF cycles are done with the help of donor eggs. 

In the case of IVF with an egg donor, the overall cost of the IVF Cycles is increased as the cost of the egg donor is added on top of the IVF cost. The cost of IVF with an egg donor can range from 2,50,000 to 300,000 INR. 

IVF with Surrogacy 

Although most of the couples can have babies with lifestyle changes.  Sometimes, a medical procedure like IVF or IVF with an egg donor is needed.  

However, to a few couples, surrogacy can be the only way to achieve parenthood. 

What is gestational surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy is a relatively complex and long process where a woman carries a baby/babies to full term and delivers for another couple who are unable to have babies.  This is known as gestational surrogacy and the surrogate mother is a gestational carrier.

The gestational surrogate mother is just a carrier of the baby and she is not genetically linked with the baby.

The surrogacy arrangement is legally available in many countries, meaning commercial surrogacy is allowed there.

Who Needs Surrogacy Services?

1. The most common reason for a woman to hire a surrogate mother in the absence of the uterus. This may be absent from the birth or may have been removed surgically (hysterectomy)
2. Women who had multiple miscarriages or who had unexplained or unknown failed repeated IVF cycles.
3. Gay men or single men becoming a parent via surrogacy is sometimes the only means of becoming a father.
4. Other complex medical-related reasons like high blood pressure, chronic diabetes, thyroid issues, and obesity. This can be due to a stressful and sedentary lifestyle.  

Due to a lack of information about the surrogacy process, there are myths about surrogate pregnancy.

Type of surrogacy and how to find a surrogate mother?

·      Commercial surrogacy

When a surrogate mother is compensated with money for her time and effort/discomfort while carrying a baby, this is known as commercial surrogacy.

·      Traditional surrogacy

In this surrogacy arrangement, the surrogate Mother is both a carrier and biologically related to the baby. She is half genetically linked with the baby. This form of surrogacy is not common.

·      Altruistic surrogacy

Here, the surrogate mother carries and delivers the baby for the infertile couple without monetary compensation for her time and effort.  She gets all medical-related expenses.

·      Independent surrogacy

In Independent surrogacy, the commission parents themselves manage their full surrogacy process without involving any surrogacy agency.

What is the controversy related to the surrogacy process?

The gestational Surrogacy process is surrounded by controversial and negative feedback from the different strata of society. In some societies, it is still a taboo.  Lack of knowledge and less awareness toward the topic, contribute to questions and doubts about the surrogacy process.  On top of that surrogate pregnancies are not easy to achieve.

But the good news is that now more and more people are becoming aware of it and taking the route of surrogacy to have babies.  There are more resources and advanced technology for them. 

The other limiting factor for opting for surrogacy is the high surrogacy cost.  The cost of surrogacy depends on which country you wish to do a surrogacy program.

In European countries like Surrogacy in Ukraine and Surrogacy in Georgia, the typical surrogacy cost is $45,000.   In the USA the cost varies stateside, but in surrogacy surrogacy-friendly states like California, the cost can be $115,000 to $140,000. 

Which countries offer Legal commercial surrogacy procedures? 

AUSTRALIA– Only Altruistic surrogacy only available. No donor or surrogate matching is available.

CANADA– Only Altruistic surrogacy is available and both local Canadian and foreigners can do surrogacy in Canada.

GREECE– Heterosexual couples and single females are eligible. For foreign nationals, a prior court order.

GEORGIA– Commercial surrogacy in Georgia is only allowed for heterosexual couples.  Commission parent’s name comes on the baby’s birth certificate.  Legally protected and affordable options.  Georgia is becoming a new hub of surrogacy due to adequate surrogacy laws.

UKRAINE-  Commercial surrogacy in Ukraine is only allowed for heterosexual couples. The rights of the Intended Parents as well protected as per surrogacy laws.

INDIA– Commercial surrogacy in India is only allowed for Indian citizens.

LAOS– Compensated Surrogacy in Laos is available to foreigners, but it is not regulated.  Mostly Asian same-sex couple opts for surrogacy, but there is no legal protection of any sort for the parents and surrogate mothers.

THAILAND– Only available altruistically to Thailand heterosexual couples.  Surrogacy in Thailand was banned in mid-2014.

The UK– Only Altruistic surrogacy in the UK is available to the intended parent.

The USA– Many States allow commercial surrogacy in the USA–  like California.  A gay and heterosexual couple can enroll for surrogacy based on the States where surrogacy is allowed.

Conclusion

Infertility challenges can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. Seeking the right guidance and being aware of available options is crucial.

The lack of resources and awareness makes it more difficult for childless couples.  The huge cost of infertility treatment with no guarantee of success, makes it frustrating and depressing as well.  For the female partner, the overall experience can be more physically draining and emotionally exhausting. 

However, you need to know that you are not alone and that the right help is available.  The first step is to consult an experienced and compassionate expert.  With the right guidance and awareness, you can make an informed decision.  

If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website at Complete Surrogacy. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.

Our team has over 13 years of experience facilitating surrogacy arrangements, egg donation, and serving as an advocacy resource for infertile couples and LGBTQ individuals seeking to build families.

Our founder and chief surrogacy consultant, Neelam Chhagani, passionately helps couples struggling with fertility challenges. Since starting our surrogacy consulting agency in 2013, we’ve helped welcome over 500 babies for intended parents nationwide.

Our team includes experts from diverse backgrounds with leading reproductive attorneys, professionally trained top fertility doctors, former surrogacy case managers, experienced and kind surrogate mother and egg donor coordinators, mental health professionals specializing in infertility counseling, and a logistic support team to assist you in your chosen surrogacy country.

For more resources on IVF and Surrogacy, browse our other web page- IVF Conceptions.

FAQs on infertility treatments and the surrogacy process

1. What causes infertility in couples?

Infertility can result from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, age, lifestyle choices such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, and medical conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.

2. Is infertility only a concern for women?

No, infertility can affect both men and women. Around 35% of infertility cases can be attributed to male factors. Both partners need to undergo fertility assessments.

3. At what age does fertility decline in women?

Female fertility begins to decline after the age of 35, with a more significant drop after 40. Seeking the guidance of a reproductive endocrinologist early on is crucial for addressing fertility issues.

4. What are the common assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for treating infertility?

Common ART procedures include Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), In-vitro Fertilization (IVF), IVF with Egg Donor, and Surrogacy. The choice depends on individual circumstances.

5. How successful is IVF, and what factors influence its success?

The success of an IVF cycle depends on factors like female partner age, male partner sperm quality, number of eggs retrieved, fertilization rates, and embryo grade. Success rates can vary, and it’s essential to consult with a fertility expert.

6. What is gestational surrogacy, and who might need surrogacy services?

Gestational surrogacy involves a woman carrying a baby for another couple. Those who might need surrogacy services include individuals with the absence of a uterus, repeated IVF failures, or medical conditions hindering pregnancy.

7. What are the types of surrogacy, and how do they differ?

Types of surrogacy include commercial, traditional, altruistic, and independent surrogacy. Commercial surrogacy involves financial compensation, while altruistic surrogacy is without monetary compensation.

8. Are there legal and ethical concerns with surrogacy?

Legal considerations vary by country. Countries like Ukraine, Georgia, and the USA have regulations supporting commercial surrogacy. Cross-border surrogacy requires careful consideration of legal and ethical aspects.

9. How much does surrogacy cost, and why does it vary by country?

Surrogacy costs vary globally, with factors such as legal regulations, medical expenses, and agency fees contributing to the overall cost. Countries like Ukraine and Georgia may offer more affordable options than the USA. The cost of surrogacy in the US is in the range of $150,000 and above.  On the other hand, surrogacy abroad costs almost 70% less than the US cost.  A typical surrogacy cost in Mexico, Colombia, and Georgia is around $60,000.

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