The journey to parenthood is deeply personal, and for some, the path involves both egg donation and surrogacy. Whether due to medical reasons, age-related fertility decline, or same-sex family-building, combining egg donation with surrogacy offers intended parents a remarkable opportunity to fulfill their dream of having a child.
Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh, founder and medical director of EggDonorsSanDiego.com, explains, “This process is a collaborative effort between the intended parents, the egg donor, and the surrogate. Understanding the steps involved ensures that intended parents can make informed decisions about their fertility journey.”
What is Egg Donation with Surrogacy?
Egg donation with surrogacy is a multi-step assisted reproduction process that helps individuals or couples who cannot conceive using their own eggs. The journey involves:
- Consult with an Expert: Meet with the doctor, egg donor, and surrogacy team.
- Egg Donor Selection: Work with experts to find a qualified egg donor you feel excited about.
- IVF & Embryo Creation: Eggs from a healthy donor are fertilized with sperm through IVF. The embryos are grown to the blastocyst stage and then frozen.
- Surrogate Selection: Find a healthy, qualified surrogate to carry the pregnancy.
- Embryo Transfer: The embryo is placed into the uterus of the surrogate.
- Hope & Celebration: The opportunity to fulfill your greatest wish of parenthood.
This method is commonly used by:
- Women with diminished ovarian reserve or premature ovarian failure.
- Individuals with genetic conditions that may be passed on.
- LGBTQ+ families and individuals interested in building a family.
- Those who have had medical procedures such as a hysterectomy.
- People with medical conditions that prohibit pregnancy.
How Does the Process Work?
1. Egg Donor Selection and Screening
The first step is choosing an egg donor. EggDonorsSanDiego.com, led by Dr. Hosseinzadeh, offers an in-house donor program that ensures high-quality candidates with thorough screening.
- Medical and genetic screening to rule out hereditary conditions.
- Psychological assessment to ensure the donor is emotionally prepared.
- Lifestyle and health review to confirm optimal health for egg retrieval.
Dr. Hosseinzadeh notes, “Choosing an egg donor is a crucial step. Intended parents often look for specific traits, but the most important factor is the donor’s reproductive health and ability to produce viable eggs.”
2. Creating the Embryos (IVF Process)
Once the egg donor has completed ovarian stimulation and retrieval, the eggs are fertilized in a lab using sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor. The embryos are then monitored for development before the highest-quality ones are selected for transfer to the surrogate.
3. Selecting the Surrogate Mother
A gestational carrier plays an essential role in the process. Unlike traditional surrogacy, a gestational surrogate has no genetic link to the baby.
- Medical screening to confirm a healthy uterus for pregnancy.
- Legal agreements to ensure all parties understand their roles and rights.
- Psychological evaluation to verify the surrogate’s emotional readiness.
4. Embryo Transfer and Pregnancy
The final stage is the embryo transfer into the surrogate’s uterus. If implantation is successful, the pregnancy is monitored closely, and the intended parents prepare to welcome their child.
Why Choose Egg Donation with Surrogacy?
This process offers a path to parenthood when natural conception is not an option. Key benefits include:
- High success rates with advanced fertility treatments.
- Genetic connection for intended parents using their sperm.
- Comprehensive medical oversight from leading fertility clinics.
- Legal protection through surrogacy and egg donation agreements.
Dr. Hosseinzadeh explains, “This journey is about more than medical procedures—it’s about creating families. With the right team in place, intended parents can feel confident every step of the way.”
Risks and Considerations
While egg donation and surrogacy offer a promising solution, there are factors to consider:
- Emotional challenges that can be demanding for all involved.
- Legal complexities as surrogacy laws vary by state.
- Financial investment, often ranging from $100,000 to $150,000.
Despite these challenges, the outcome—a child to call your own—makes the journey worthwhile.
FAQs About Egg Donation with Surrogacy
Your Path to Parenthood Starts Here
Egg donation with surrogacy provides a viable and fulfilling path to parenthood for individuals and couples who need assisted reproductive support. From selecting an egg donor to partnering with a surrogate, the process is complex yet rewarding, offering the opportunity to build a family with expert medical guidance.
If you’re ready to begin your egg donation and surrogacy journey, schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh today.
Citations
American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). (2024). Assisted Reproductive Technologies.
Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). (2024). IVF and Surrogacy Success Rates.
