Surrogacy is when a woman carries a baby for an intended parent or parents. There are two types of surrogacy, traditional and gestational. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s egg is fertilized with sperm from an intended parent. In gestational surrogacy, an embryo is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. Success rates for both forms of surrogacy depend on many factors but are generally relatively high.
What Factors Influence Surrogacy Success Rates?
A successful surrogate pregnancy is influenced by several factors:
- Nutrition
- The health and age of the surrogate
- The quality of the sperm
- The quality of the donor egg
Nutrition and Environmental Factors
Nutrition and environmental factors can impact any pregnancy, and a surrogate pregnancy is no different. Exposure to tobacco, pollution, lead in drinking water, and radiation can negatively impact surrogacy success rates. At Family Creations, surrogates go through a rigorous process to review all health and environmental factors to maximize the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Age and General Health of Successful Surrogates
Surrogates should be between the ages of 21 and 35 and in good physical health. We also require that all surrogates at Family Creations have already had a successful pregnancy, as this helps improve the chances of a healthy surrogate pregnancy.
Egg, Sperm, and Embryo Health
The gestational surrogacy process uses an egg donor to create an embryo, which is then transferred to the surrogate via IVF. The surrogacy embryo transfer success rate is highly dependent on the quality of the eggs and sperm. Both donor eggs and sperm should come from healthy nonsmokers under age 40. In addition, donors should avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, as these substances contribute to female and male infertility. Healthy eggs and sperm are necessary to create a healthy embryo, and a healthy embryo improves surrogacy success rates.
Surrogacy Success Rate Statistics
Every year, approximately 2% of all children born in the United States are conceived using assisted reproductive technology (ART), which includes surrogacy. The most crucial factor for success is the egg donor’s age. A 2017 study found that using healthy donor eggs contributes to an average live birth success rate of 65% per embryo transfer. However, after age 35, live birth success rates gradually decline.
Improving Surrogacy Success Rates with Embryo Genetic Testing
Embryo genetic testing screens for chromosomal abnormalities and genetic mutations. Two tests are available, the PGT-A and PGT-M. The PGT-A determines the number of chromosomes and sex of the embryo. The PGT-M tests for specific genetic mutations in the sperm and egg providers. Performing these tests helps to identify serious issues that could impact the embryo’s health.
Work With Family Creations
If you have any questions about the surrogacy process or wish to find a surrogate, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experienced team looks forward to working with you to create the family of your dreams!