Growing Your Family Through Surrogacy with Frozen Embryos

For many intended parents struggling with infertility, surrogacy with frozen embryos offers an empowering pathway to finally achieving that dream of having a biological child.

As embryo freezing technology continuously improves and more patients have embryos cryopreserved from prior treatments, using frozen embryos in a gestational carrier surrogacy journey is growing ever more viable and accessible. This guide explores how it works, the costs involved, finding a surrogate for frozen transfers, key steps, and more critical aspects of surrogacy with frozen embryo transfers (FET).

However, a lesser-known aspect of surrogacy is the use of frozen embryos. This process, known as “surrogacy with frozen embryos,” involves the transfer of previously frozen embryos from a donor or intended parent to a surrogate for gestation and delivery. While traditional surrogacy involves the surrogate’s own egg being fertilized, this form of surrogacy allows for a genetic connection between the child and the intended parent(s).

As the demand for surrogacy with frozen embryos continues to grow, it is important to understand the legal, ethical, and medical considerations involved. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of surrogacy with frozen embryos and explore the benefits, challenges, and potential impact of this unique form of surrogacy.

Choosing surrogacy with frozen embryos: Benefits.

1. One of the main benefits of choosing surrogacy with frozen embryos is the higher success rate compared to other methods. Frozen embryos have been shown to have a higher likelihood of implantation and successful pregnancy. This is because frozen embryos have already gone through the process of fertilization and development, allowing for the selection of the healthiest embryos for transfer.
2. Additionally, frozen embryos can be stored for future use, offering couples the opportunity to have multiple attempts at pregnancy without the need for additional egg retrieval or stimulation cycles.
3. Another advantage of surrogacy with frozen embryos is the potential cost savings. By utilizing frozen embryos, couples can avoid the expenses associated with repeated cycles of IVF and the need for additional medications. This makes surrogacy with frozen embryos a more affordable option for couples seeking to build their families through surrogacy.

What is a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) Surrogacy Journey?

Frozen embryo transfer through surrogacy involves having embryos previously created through IVF using an egg donor or intended mother’s eggs, later thawed and transferred into the uterus of a gestational carrier surrogate. The embryos were created during a past IVF cycle and cryopreserved for future family planning. This route helps make the most of extra viable embryos and expands options for building families down the road.

Some key defining points of FET surrogacy using previously frozen embryos:

• Embryos were created during a different IVF cycle, not the surrogate’s
• IVF occurred either using the intended mother’s eggs or those from a donor
• Only embryos determined genetically normal/viable got frozen
• Frozen embryos get thawed and transferred into the gestational surrogate

So rather than undergoing simultaneous IVF and transfer, the embryos already exist frozen, awaiting a surrogate’s perfectly prepped uterus for nourishment and growth. This helps improve flexibility and comfort in family planning while protecting precious embryos’ viability outside the body.

Success rate with frozen embryos: Factors to consider.

When considering the success rate of frozen embryos in the context of surrogacy, several factors should be taken into consideration.

Firstly, the quality of the frozen embryos plays a crucial role. Embryos that have been cryopreserved using advanced techniques, such as vitrification, have shown higher rates of survival and implantation compared to slow-freezing methods.

Additionally, the age of the female partner at the time of egg retrieval can impact the success rate, as younger women tend to produce healthier embryos.

The uterine environment of the surrogate also plays a significant role, as a receptive uterus with optimal thickness and hormonal balance increases the chances of successful implantation.

Furthermore, the expertise and experience of the fertility clinic, the skill of the reproductive endocrinologist, and the overall health and lifestyle choices of both the surrogate and intended parents can all impact the success rate.

It’s important to consult with a reproductive specialist who can assess these factors and provide personalized guidance for couples considering surrogacy with frozen embryos.

The process of surrogacy with frozen embryos.

The process of surrogacy with frozen embryos involves several steps to ensure a successful outcome. Initially, the intended parents undergo the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF), where the eggs from the female partner are retrieved and fertilized with sperm from the male partner or a donor. Once the embryos are formed, they are carefully assessed and selected for cryopreservation. These frozen embryos can be stored for future use, allowing flexibility in the timing of the surrogacy journey.

When the intended parents are ready to proceed with surrogacy, they collaborate with a reputable fertility clinic to find a suitable surrogate. The surrogate undergoes a comprehensive screening process to ensure her physical and psychological readiness for the procedure. Once a surrogate is selected, the frozen embryos are thawed, and the most viable ones are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus during a carefully timed procedure.

Throughout the surrogacy process, close monitoring of the surrogate’s reproductive health is conducted to assess the success of the embryo implantation. Regular check-ups and ultrasounds are performed to ensure the development of a healthy pregnancy. Once a successful pregnancy is confirmed, the surrogate receives comprehensive prenatal care to ensure the well-being of both the surrogate and the developing baby.

While the process of surrogacy with frozen embryos offers a viable option for intended parents, it’s important to note that it can come with a significant financial investment. Costs can vary depending on factors such as the fertility clinic chosen, legal fees, and compensation for the surrogate. However, the emotional reward of welcoming a child into the family is often immeasurable and makes the surrogacy journey with frozen embryos a worthwhile endeavor for many couples.

Step By Step Embryo Transfer Process with a Surrogate

What does surrogacy look like when working with frozen embryos? Here is an overview of the key steps:

1. Frozen embryos belong to intended parents from a previous IVF cycle
2. Gestational carrier surrogate is carefully screened and matched
3. Surrogate’s uterine lining is prepared via hormone therapy
4. Frozen embryos are thawed without damage shortly before transfer
5. Clinician transfers embryo(s) into surrogate’s uterus via catheter
6. Surrogate continues hormones and support during the implantation window
7. Pregnancy test determines if transfer works and embryo implants

At about the five-day mark post-transfer, a pregnancy test gives the first indication of whether the embryo successfully attached. From here, standard prenatal care and support continue to nurture the surrogate and baby through the thrilling pregnancy journey until birth!

Cost of Surrogacy with Frozen Embryos

Good news for intended parents – eliminating redundancies in IVF procedures saves substantially on surrogacy costs with FETs. While legal guidance, surrogate fees, and support retain similar pricing, avoiding extra IVF drops total costs to ~$90,000 to $100,000+. Typical FET surrogacy cost breakdown:

• Legal Contracts/Services – $15,000+
• Surrogate Compensation – $35,000+
• Frozen Embryo Transfers – $7,000 to $10,000
• Agency Matching/Support – $15,000 to $25,000

So while still a major investment, using those precious frozen embryos makes surrogacy more affordable for intended parents for whom new IVF finances would be prohibitive. This can make all the difference in making dreams of having a baby come true.

The frozen embryo surrogacy cost can vary from $95,000 to $110,000 based on the location of the surrogacy process and the compensation of the surrogate mother. If you are looking for surrogacy costs with frozen embryos abroad, then it vary from $40,000 to 50,000.

Surrogacy with frozen embryos can provide a viable option for individuals or couples looking to expand their families. However, it is important to consider the financial aspects associated with this process. The cost of surrogacy with frozen embryos can vary depending on various factors such as the location of the fertility clinic, legal fees, medical expenses, and the specific services required. It is crucial to work with a reputable agency or clinic that can provide transparent information about the overall cost and potential additional expenses that may arise throughout the surrogacy journey.

The cost of surrogacy with frozen embryos typically includes the medical procedures involved in the IVF process, such as the retrieval and fertilization of the eggs, embryo cryopreservation, and the eventual transfer of the embryos to the surrogate’s uterus. Additional expenses may include the surrogate’s compensation, which can vary based on factors like geographic location and individual circumstances. It is important to have a clear understanding of all potential costs and to budget accordingly to avoid any unexpected financial burdens.

While the cost of surrogacy with frozen embryos can be significant, it is crucial to consider the potential success rate associated with this method. The use of frozen embryos in surrogacy has shown promising results, as the embryos have undergone thorough screening and have already reached a certain stage of development. This can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy and reduce the need for multiple attempts, potentially offsetting some of the financial investment.

Why Choose Frozen Embryo Surrogacy

Frozen embryo surrogacy offers a unique and promising path toward making your surrogacy dream a reality. By utilizing frozen embryos, the success rate for surrogacy can be significantly increased. Frozen embryos have a higher likelihood of implantation, as they have already undergone the critical stages of development during the IVF process. This increases the chances of a successful pregnancy and ultimately, the birth of a healthy baby.

Choosing frozen embryo surrogacy also provides additional benefits such as increased flexibility and convenience. With frozen embryos, there is no need to synchronize the cycles of the intended parent and the surrogate, allowing for a smoother and more efficient process. Additionally, frozen embryos can be stored for extended periods, giving individuals or couples greater control over the timing of their surrogacy journey.

In terms of cost, surrogacy with frozen embryos can be a more affordable option compared to fresh embryo transfers. The reduced need for repeated IVF cycles and medication costs can lead to significant cost savings. However, it is essential to consult with a reputable fertility clinic or surrogacy agency to fully understand the specific costs and financial considerations associated with frozen embryo surrogacy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, surrogacy with frozen embryos offers a unique and often successful option for couples struggling with infertility or looking to expand their family. While there are legal and ethical considerations to take into account, the advancements in reproductive technology have made this process more accessible and safe.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue surrogacy with frozen embryos is a personal one, and consulting with medical and legal professionals can help ensure the best possible outcome for all parties involved.

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.

Surrogacy with Frozen Embryos FAQ

What is surrogacy with frozen embryos?

Surrogacy with embryos is a process in which frozen embryos created via IVF (In vitro fertilization) are transferred to a surrogate who carries the pregnancy to term for the intended parents.

How does the embryo transfer procedure work in surrogacy with frozen embryos?

The embryo transfer procedure involves the placement of frozen embryos into the surrogate’s uterus in preparation for implantation and pregnancy.

What are the steps involved in the surrogacy process with frozen embryos?

The process typically includes finding a surrogate, thawing the frozen embryos, and transferring them into the surrogate’s uterus pregnancy through blood tests and ultrasound.

What is the process of surrogacy with frozen embryos and how does it differ from traditional surrogacy?

 In the process of surrogacy with frozen embryos, the intended parents create embryos through in vitro fertilization (IVF), which are then cryopreserved for future use. A surrogate mother is then chosen and undergoes a process called embryo transfer, where the frozen embryos are thawed and transferred into her uterus. The surrogate carries the pregnancy to term and gives birth to the child.

What are the legal considerations and regulations surrounding surrogacy with frozen embryos?

The legal considerations and regulations surrounding surrogacy with frozen embryos vary greatly depending on the country and jurisdiction. In some countries, such as the United States, the legality of surrogacy with frozen embryos is determined on a state-by-state basis, with some states allowing it while others prohibit or restrict it.

Other countries may have specific laws and regulations governing the use of frozen embryos in surrogacy arrangements. Additionally, there may be requirements regarding the consent of all parties involved, the screening and eligibility of surrogates and intended parents, and the legal parentage and custody of the child born through surrogacy. It is essential to consult with legal experts to navigate the specific laws and regulations in each jurisdiction.

Are there any ethical concerns or controversies associated with surrogacy using frozen embryos?

Yes, there are ethical concerns and controversies associated with surrogacy using frozen embryos. These concerns revolve around issues such as informed consent, the commodification of women’s bodies, and the rights and welfare of the child.

Critics argue that the use of frozen embryos raises questions about the autonomy and agency of the individuals involved, as well as the potential for exploitation and unequal power dynamics.

Additionally, there may be debates around the disposition of unused embryos, the potential for selective reduction or termination of pregnancies, and the long-term emotional and psychological effects on all parties involved.

What are the success rates and potential risks involved in surrogacy with frozen embryos?

The success rates of surrogacy with frozen embryos can vary depending on various factors such as the quality of the embryos, the age and health of the surrogate, and the expertise of the fertility clinic.

Generally, frozen embryo transfer success rates range from 25% to 50%. As for potential risks, there is a slightly increased risk of complications such as ectopic pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, and preterm birth. However, overall, the risks associated with surrogacy using frozen embryos are relatively low compared to other fertility treatments. It is important for individuals considering surrogacy to consult with a fertility specialist to discuss their specific circumstances and risks.