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Finding the Right Surrogate: Matching Expectations and Building Connections in Dubai

Every man and woman wants to have children at some point in their lives. However, not everyone can always do this because of conditions. In addition to physiological factors affecting both men and women, stress, anxiety, pollution, working couples, and habits contribute to the increased complexity surrounding fertility.

This is where fertility treatments like IVF, IUI, surrogacy, etc.. come in handy.

What is surrogacy?

A woman (the surrogate) consents to bear and give birth to a child on behalf of another individual or couple in a situation known as surrogacy.

Legally, financially, emotionally, and physically, surrogacy agreements are complicated. Surrogacy provides the chance to become a parent for specific individuals who were previously unable to do so, such as homosexual couples and women who are unable to carry a pregnancy.

Types of surrogacy

1. Traditional surrogacy:

Traditional surrogacy involves a woman using her egg to become pregnant, which is fertilized by the intended father through intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), ensuring the surrogate has a genetic relationship to the embryo, especially if genetic testing is required before transfer.

2. Gestational surrogacy:

A gestational surrogate is a woman who agrees to carry a pregnancy for another person. The intended mother provides genetic material through her egg or donor, and the intended father provides sperm or donor. In vitro fertilization creates an embryo transferred to the gestational carrier. The baby shares a biological connection with the carrier, but she is not the genetic mother.

Traditional surrogacy vs gestational surrogacy:

In situations where there are eggs that cannot be utilized, traditional surrogacies are common among same-sex couples or independent men. In addition to offering a genetic connection to the baby's parents, they are less costly than gestational surrogates. Specific surrogacy organizations may not accept them, they might include emotional difficulties, and they are more legally complex.

On the other hand, for heterosexual couples looking for a genetic connection to their child, gestational surrogates are a common choice. They may be less attached to the surrogate emotionally and remove the necessity to locate an egg donor. However, compared to traditional surrogacy, which may be finished with IUI, they are more costly, have more intricate logistical needs, and require IVF for a healthy pregnancy.

A brief look at the surrogacy procedure:

The surrogacy procedure is slightly different in both types.

With gestational carriers;

  1. Select a surrogate, typically via a third party, and make sure to Draft a legal agreement and get it verified.
  2. Use the intended mother's eggs through the egg retrieval procedure or get donor eggs. Utilizing the donor or intended father's sperm, create embryos with them.
  3. If the gestational carrier (surrogate) accepts the embryos, continue the pregnancy. If things don't work out, the intending parents and surrogate may attempt another IVF round.
  4. Upon the child's birth, the intended parents receive complete legal custody as specified in the legal contract.

While traditional surrogacy is also the same as gestational procedures, IVF treatment is not usually involved.

Why do people choose surrogacy?

Previous health conditions:

Certain drugs or pre-existing diseases can interfere with a natural pregnancy, increasing the risk of complications, including kidney and heart problems, as well as possibly lowering fertility. Furthermore, women may experience complex uterine issues such as fibroids, Asherman syndrome, or scarring, which can make it challenging to carry a baby to term.

Infertility:

One of the leading causes of couples considering surrogacy as a means of completing their families is infertility. Although obtaining reproductive therapy is a chance, it may be expensive, time-consuming, and occasionally even unfeasible.

Same-Sex couples:

Couples who are unable to conceive naturally may find surrogacy to be a helpful alternative. To complete their family, same-sex couples, single individuals, or those who feel that their age prevents them from getting pregnant naturally can choose gestational surrogacy.

Absence of uterus:

Fertility may suffer in women who are born without uteruses due to a genetic condition. It is difficult for women to conceive naturally since they do not have uteruses. A woman may have damage to her reproductive organs and need a hysterectomy or the surgical removal of the uterus as a result of underlying medical disorders, including cancer.

How do you find suitable surrogates?

What is a surrogate?

A woman who becomes pregnant, carries, and gives birth to a child on behalf of another individual or couple is known as a surrogate, often known as a gestational carrier. After the baby is born, the surrogate consents to deliver the child to that individual or couple.

Criteria for being a surrogate:

Age:

Applicants must be between the ages of 21 and 45. Again, the exact range varies depending on the area.

Reproductive background:

Along with having less than five vaginal births and two cesarean sections, they must also have carried at least one pregnancy to term without any issues.

Lifestyle

Surrogates reside in a nurturing setting. Other factors to consider are drug and alcohol misuse.

Potential surrogates need to undergo a comprehensive medical examination that includes a sexually transmitted infection (STI) test in addition to a mental health assessment.

Some people locate a relative or acquaintance who is prepared to act in the role of a surrogate. Others look to surrogacy organizations, domestically or overseas, in an attempt to locate a suitable match. Before accepting a candidate, agencies examine them to ensure they fulfill the requirements. They then compare your requirements and want to determine the ideal scenario for your family.

Finding surrogates through:

Surrogacy agencies provide support to intended parents and surrogates throughout their surrogacy journey, from initial match to postpartum. Some operate like dating services, offering profiles and connections through websites or apps. Others make personalized introductions based on shared values and location. They may provide resources like travel and fertility clinic concierge services, support groups, transfer gift baskets, and connections to fertility therapists, lawyers, or other professionals. However, agencies can be expensive and unregulated, so it's essential to consider any claims with a grain of salt.

Surrogate connections often occur through personal networks, such as friends and family who are open about their infertility journey and surrogate search. This method offers intimacy and allows for a better understanding of the surrogate's compatibility with the surrogate, as they may already have a relationship with the surrogate, providing a better understanding of their compatibility.

Online dating has become a popular method for finding potential surrogates, with platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok playing a significant role in the surrogacy industry. Facebook groups help users find matches by allowing intended parents to post bios and photos, while Instagram and TikTok enable users to showcase their personalities through audio and skits. Couples may also use a small budget to boost their posts and reach a larger audience.

Evaluating a surrogate mother:

BBT charting:

One should start a basal body temperature chart on the second day (2nd) of the menstrual cycle. Using the accompanying chart, record the temperature visually.

Postcoital test (PCT):

Known also as the Huhner Test, this examination of the cervical mucus following sex determines the quality of the mucus-sperm contact.

Transvaginal (pelvic) ultrasound :

Transvaginal Egg Retrieval: This technique involves inserting a needle via the side or back of a woman's vagina into her ovaries under ultrasound guidance to retrieve eggs. These days, it's the most often-used method for retrieving eggs.

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG):

A process that includes injecting a dye into the uterus through the cervix and vagina and following the dye's journey with a series of X-rays to evaluate the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Medical risk of surrogacy:

  1. Multiple embryo transfers increase the risk of multiple births, leading to premature birth, low birth weight, and health issues for the baby.
  2. Fertility drugs stimulate ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Still, there's a small risk of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS), a potentially serious condition that can lead to blood clots, kidney failure, and even death in rare cases.
  3. Pregnancy and birth pose risks to the surrogate, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, bleeding, and the need for a cesarean section.

Legal problems of surrogacy:

Parental rights are not guaranteed after a surrogate pregnancy due to evolving laws and changing definitions of a "parent." There is no federal law on surrogacy, and state laws vary. In some states, adoption proceedings may still be necessary for legal custody of the child, while in others, a "declaration of parentage" before birth can prevent adoption. To protect parents and the child, hire an attorney specializing in reproductive law to create a clear surrogacy contract that outlines necessary actions and agreements for various pregnancy scenarios, such as twins or triplets.

MMC IVF: a traveling partner to your IVF journey:

MMC IVF is Dubai's preferred IVF Clinic and Fertility Center. MMC IVF works with Bourn Hall Fertility Centre to offer an advanced facility that meets the Assisted Reproduction Technology Program (ART) standards worldwide.

Because our clinic is based on the principles of expertise, experience, exceptional treatment, and top-notch facilities, we guarantee that couples struggling with infertility will have a positive experience. Make an appointment right now for a guided parenting experience!