If you’re contemplating surrogacy, you should know that there are different kinds. In most cases, a surrogate carries a pregnancy created from an egg that isn’t hers. This process is known as gestational surrogacy. Some surrogacy journeys call for a surrogate to provide the egg, usually called traditional surrogacy. Surrogates and intended parents may have preferences for either, and it’s wise to know the difference between surrogate and gestational carrier. We can help you compare traditional versus gestational surrogacy.
What Is Gestational Surrogacy?
Gestational surrogacy is the most common form of surrogacy. If you are a gestational surrogate, you carry the pregnancy, but you are not biologically related to the embryo. In-vitro fertilization is the process used to start a pregnancy as a gestational carrier. Trained fertility experts select eggs and sperm from the intended parents or donors to create embryos. Once they have a number of healthy embryos, they choose one to implant into the gestational carrier’s uterus. You may need to take certain medications to suppress your egg production, to prevent a natural pregnancy, and to give the IVF pregnancy a better chance at success.
What Is Traditional Surrogacy?
Although gestational surrogacy is far more common, traditional surrogacy may be an option for surrogates and intended parents to consider. Traditional surrogacy relies on a surrogate to use her own eggs. As a result, the mechanism to create the pregnancy is significantly different. Traditional surrogates may be able to conceive using intrauterine insemination instead of IVF. IUI involves inserting sperm into the uterus using a catheter at just the right time, to increase the chances of conception. If you become a traditional surrogate, you will probably have a different medication regimen.
When thinking about traditional surrogacy versus gestational surrogacy, legal considerations are an important factor. Because a traditional surrogate is a biological parent of the embryo, you may have to take specific actions to legally sever that link. Before becoming a traditional surrogate, you may want to ask what’s involved in terminating your parental rights in your area.
Gestational Surrogacy vs. Traditional Surrogacy
In a comparison of traditional versus gestational surrogacy, cost and complication are the biggest differences. Traditional surrogacy can use a simpler process to achieve pregnancy, which means it can cost less for the intended parents. If you’re thinking about being a traditional surrogate, you might need some additional screening to confirm that your eggs are suitable for pregnancy.
When looking at gestational surrogacy vs traditional surrogacy, it’s wise to prioritize your feelings and goals. Some surrogates believe it’s easier to complete the process when they aren’t related to the baby, which is an important factor for many gestational carriers. Additionally, although starting a pregnancy as a traditional surrogate may be a simpler procedure, it’s no guarantee that the process as a whole will be easier.
ISC Can Help You on Your Surrogate Journey
At International Surrogacy Center, we know that becoming a surrogate is a big decision. Comparing traditional surrogacy versus gestational surrogacy is one important part of the process. The right choice for you depends on several factors, including your health, age and your personal feelings about surrogacy. Since over 50% of our staff have been surrogates, we’re in an expert position to help answer your questions, compare your options and start your journey. Contact us to learn more about our services or to research the surrogacy guidelines by states.