Infertility is a deeply emotional and challenging journey for couples who dream of having children. The inability to conceive naturally can lead to stress, anxiety, and even feelings of isolation. Fortunately, advancements in reproductive medicine, including surrogacy, provide hope for those facing reproductive challenges.
Understanding Infertility and Its Causes
Infertility is medically defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse, or after six months for women over the age of 35. This condition affects millions of individuals and couples worldwide, making it a widespread yet often deeply personal and emotionally challenging experience. While infertility is commonly associated with reproductive health issues in women, it can also be caused by male factor infertility, unexplained conditions, or a combination of both partners’ health factors. Due to its complexity, infertility often requires medical evaluation, lifestyle adjustments, and, in many cases, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) to improve the chances of conception.
Common Causes of Infertility in Men and Women
Infertility can result from various medical and lifestyle factors affecting both men and women. Understanding these causes can help guide treatment options and lifestyle adjustments.
Causes of Infertility in Women:
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder that affects ovulation.
- Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, impacting fertility.
- Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Often caused by infections, scarring, or previous surgeries, preventing fertilization.
- Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A lower number of healthy eggs due to age or other medical conditions.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Irregular hormone levels can disrupt ovulation and menstrual cycles.
Causes of Infertility in Men:
- Low Sperm Count: Reduced sperm production can make conception difficult.
- Poor Sperm Motility: Sperm that do not move effectively may struggle to reach and fertilize an egg.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Low testosterone or other hormonal issues can affect sperm production.
- Structural Abnormalities: Conditions such as varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum) can impact fertility.
Other Contributing Factors:
- Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, drug use and poor diet can reduce fertility.
- Obesity: Weight-related hormonal imbalances can affect reproductive health in both men and women.
- Chronic Illnesses & Medications: Conditions like diabetes and certain medications may interfere with fertility.
Surrogacy for Infertile Couples
For couples who have exhausted other fertility treatments or face medical conditions that make pregnancy impossible or too risky, gestational surrogacy provides a hopeful and viable path to parenthood. This process allows intended parents to have a biological child with the help of a surrogate, who carries the pregnancy on their behalf. By using in vitro fertilization (IVF), an embryo created from the intended parents’ or donors’ genetic material is implanted into the surrogate’s uterus, ensuring a biological connection to the child while providing a solution for those unable to carry a pregnancy themselves.
Who Qualifies for Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is often considered for individuals who:
- Have medical conditions preventing them from carrying a pregnancy.
- Have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss.
- Have undergone multiple failed IVF cycles.
Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Choosing Surrogacy
Choosing surrogacy is a significant emotional journey that comes with a wide range of feelings. Intended parents often experience a mix of hope, excitement, anxiety, and deep gratitude as they navigate the complexities of the process. The emotional ups and downs can be overwhelming, especially as they place their trust in a surrogate to help bring their child into the world. Seeking guidance through counseling, connecting with others who have gone through surrogacy, and joining support groups can provide reassurance, emotional stability, and a sense of community during this transformative experience.
What Is Gestational Surrogacy?
A definition of this life-changing process:
Definition of Gestational Surrogacy and How It Differs from Traditional Surrogacy
Gestational surrogacy involves a surrogate carrying a baby that is genetically related to the intended parents (or donors) but not to herself. This differs from traditional surrogacy, where the surrogate’s egg is used, making her the biological mother.
Why Gestational Surrogacy Is the Preferred Option
Gestational surrogacy helps minimize legal and ethical complexities, as the surrogate has no genetic ties to the baby she carries. Since the embryo is created using the intended parents’ or donors’ genetic material through in vitro fertilization (IVF), the surrogate is not biologically related to the child. This distinction simplifies parental rights and reduces potential legal disputes, making the process more straightforward for all parties involved.
Process Overview:
- IVF to Create Embryos: The intended mother’s eggs (or donor eggs) are fertilized with the intended father’s sperm (or donor sperm) to create embryos.
- Embryo Transfer to the Surrogate: A selected embryo is transferred into the surrogate’s uterus.
- Pregnancy and Delivery: The surrogate carries the pregnancy to term and delivers the baby for the intended parents.
For a detailed guide, visit IVF and Surrogacy.
What Are the Alternatives to Gestational Surrogacy for Infertile Couples?
A look at options for starting or growing your family:
IVF with Donor Eggs or Sperm
For couples facing severe infertility, donor eggs or sperm can be used in IVF treatments. Factors to consider include success rates, genetic connections, and ethical considerations.
Adoption
Adoption provides a path to parenthood without the need for medical intervention. Options include:
- Domestic Adoption: Adoption within one’s home country, often through agencies or private arrangements.
- International Adoption: Adopting a child from another country, which involves additional legal and cultural considerations.
Read more in our guide to surrogacy vs adoption.
Fertility Treatments & Medications
For some individuals and couples struggling with infertility, additional fertility treatments, hormone therapies, or alternative medical interventions may help improve their chances of conception before turning to options like surrogacy or adoption. Procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), or ovulation-stimulating medications can sometimes lead to a successful pregnancy. Consulting with fertility specialists and exploring all available medical advancements can provide hopeful alternatives before making the decision to pursue third-party reproductive options.
Legal Considerations in Surrogacy
What to understand from a legal perspective before starting this journey:
Surrogacy Laws Vary by State and Country
Surrogacy laws differ widely from state to state and country to country, so intended parents must thoroughly research and understand the laws governing surrogacy in their location. Some places have clear legal frameworks that support and protect all parties involved, while others have restrictions or even outright bans on the practice. Consulting with an experienced surrogacy attorney can help intended parents navigate these legal complexities and ensure a smooth process.
Essential Legal Documents for Surrogacy Agreements
Key legal aspects include:
- Establishing parental rights before birth, a pre-birth order, to ensure the intended parents are legally recognized as the child’s guardians as soon as the baby is born.
- Ensuring the surrogate receives fair compensation for her time, effort, and commitment, along with comprehensive medical coverage to protect her health throughout the pregnancy.
- Defining expectations and responsibilities of both parties in a clear legal contract, covering aspects such as medical decisions, communication, and the overall surrogacy journey to prevent misunderstandings and protect everyone involved.
How to Ensure a Legally Protected Surrogacy Journey
To avoid legal complications, working with an experienced surrogacy attorney is essential for drafting comprehensive agreements that outline the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of all parties involved. A knowledgeable attorney can also help intended parents and surrogates navigate jurisdictional differences, ensuring compliance with local, state, or international laws. Legal guidance is crucial in establishing parental rights, protecting the surrogate’s well-being, and preventing potential disputes, ultimately making the surrogacy process smoother and more secure for everyone.
Is Surrogacy By Faith Right For You?
Surrogacy can be a transformative path to parenthood. If you are considering surrogacy, it is essential to explore options that align with your personal, medical, and financial circumstances. If you’re considering surrogacy, it’s important to choose a trusted partner. Surrogacy By Faith provides guidance and support to intended parents and surrogates alike. Our surrogates and staff are motivated by family values and a desire to help intended parents build their perfect families. If you’re interested, fill out a surrogate form or an intended parent form today!
Sources:
CDC. “Reproductive Health”. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/women-health/index.html
Mayo Clinic “Infertility”. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354317