Traditional Surrogacy vs. Gestational Surrogacy: The Medical Process

Traditional Surrogacy vs. Gestational Surrogacy: The Medical Process

Surrogacy, the practice of a woman carrying and delivering a baby for another individual or couple, has become an increasingly popular option for those struggling to conceive on their own. However, there are two main types of surrogacy: traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. While both options involve a surrogate carrying a baby, the medical processes used in each are quite different. In this blog post, we will explore the medical processes involved in traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy, and discuss the pros and cons of each.

Traditional Surrogacy:

Traditional surrogacy, also known as genetic surrogacy, involves the surrogate using her own egg to conceive the baby. This is typically done through artificial insemination, where the sperm of the intended father or a donor is injected into the surrogate’s uterus. This process allows the surrogate to be biologically related to the child she carries.

The medical process of traditional surrogacy begins with the surrogate undergoing a series of tests to ensure she is healthy and able to carry a pregnancy. Once cleared, she will begin taking fertility drugs to increase the chances of successful ovulation. The intended father or donor will also undergo testing to ensure the quality and viability of their sperm.

Once the surrogate has ovulated, the sperm will be collected and inserted into her uterus through a catheter. This is typically done in a doctor’s office and is a quick, painless procedure. After the insemination, the surrogate will be closely monitored to track the development of the embryo and determine if the pregnancy is successful.

Pros of Traditional Surrogacy:

One of the main benefits of traditional surrogacy is the lower cost. Since the surrogate is using her own egg, there is no need for expensive fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). This can make traditional surrogacy a more affordable option for those who cannot conceive on their own.

Additionally, traditional surrogacy allows the surrogate to be biologically connected to the baby. This can create a special bond between the surrogate and the child, and some surrogates find the experience to be incredibly rewarding.

Cons of Traditional Surrogacy:

Despite the benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to traditional surrogacy. Since the surrogate is using her own egg, there is a higher chance of legal complications. In some cases, the surrogate may decide to keep the baby after it is born, as she is the biological mother. This can lead to lengthy legal battles and emotional turmoil for all parties involved.

Traditional Surrogacy vs. Gestational Surrogacy: The Medical Process

Another concern with traditional surrogacy is the possibility of genetic disorders being passed down from the surrogate to the baby. While thorough testing is done to minimize this risk, it is still a possibility that should be considered.

Gestational Surrogacy:

Gestational surrogacy, also known as full surrogacy, involves the use of a surrogate who carries a baby that is not biologically related to her. In this process, the intended parents’ egg and sperm are used to create an embryo through IVF. This embryo is then transferred into the surrogate’s uterus to carry the pregnancy to term.

The medical process of gestational surrogacy begins with the intended mother or an egg donor undergoing fertility treatments to stimulate the production of multiple eggs. These eggs are then harvested and fertilized with the intended father’s sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then screened for any genetic disorders and the healthiest ones are selected for transfer into the surrogate’s uterus.

Pros of Gestational Surrogacy:

One of the main advantages of gestational surrogacy is the lower risk of legal complications. Since the surrogate is not biologically related to the baby, there is no chance of her trying to keep the child after it is born. This can provide peace of mind for the intended parents and make the process smoother overall.

Another benefit of gestational surrogacy is the ability to screen embryos for genetic disorders. This can ensure that the baby is born healthy and reduce the risk of any potential medical complications.

Cons of Gestational Surrogacy:

The biggest downside to gestational surrogacy is the higher cost. IVF and other fertility treatments can be expensive, making gestational surrogacy a more financially demanding option.

Another potential drawback is the lack of genetic connection between the surrogate and the baby. Some intended parents may feel like they are missing out on a biological connection with their child, which can lead to emotional challenges.

In conclusion, both traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy have their own unique medical processes and pros and cons. It is important for intended parents to carefully consider their options and consult with a medical professional to determine which type of surrogacy is best for them. No matter which option they choose, the ultimate goal is to have a healthy baby and create a loving family.