Infertility in women: How surrogacy can be a solution

Many women who struggle with conception may find themselves searching for answers, treatments, and alternatives to fulfill their dreams of parenthood. Yes, infertility can be an incredibly emotional and challenging journey. 

If you have been struggling to conceive, know that you are not alone.While there are various infertility treatments for female options available, surrogacy turns out to be a viable solution.

This article will discuss signs you can’t get pregnant, the different types and causes of infertility, and how surrogacy may offer hope.

How common is female infertility?

Infertility is a widespread condition, affecting at least 10% of women at some point in their lives. The likelihood of experiencing fertility challenges increases with age, making early diagnosis and treatment essential.

What Causes Female Infertility?

There are many potential causes of female infertility, and some cases remain unexplained. However, common reasons include:

• Problems with ovulation: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalances can prevent regular ovulation.

• Blocked fallopian tubes: Infections, surgery, or conditions like endometriosis can cause scarring, preventing fertilization.

• Uterine abnormalities: Fibroids, polyps, or other structural issues may interfere with implantation.

• Egg quantity and quality: Age and genetic conditions can lead to a decline in viable eggs.

What Are the Types of Female Infertility?

Infertility in women is categorized into two main types:

• Primary infertility: This occurs when a woman has never been pregnant and has been trying to conceive for over a year (or six months if over 35) without success.
• Secondary infertility: This happens when a woman who has previously had a successful pregnancy is unable to conceive again.

Both types can be deeply distressing, but options like surrogacy can provide an alternative path to having a child.

What Are the Signs of Infertility in Women?

The most common signs of high fertility in a woman include regular ovulation and menstrual cycles. Conversely, the primary signs you can’t get pregnant may include:

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods

• Painful or heavy periods

• Symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as severe acne or excessive hair growth

• Pain during intercourse

• Recurrent miscarriages

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consulting a specialist for a diagnosis is recommended.

How Does Age Impact Female Infertility?

As women age, fertility naturally declines. This is due to several factors that impact both egg quantity and quality, making conception more challenging.

1. A lower number of eggs available: Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and this supply decreases over time. By the mid-30s, the number of viable eggs drops significantly, reducing the chances of natural conception.

2. An increased likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs: As a woman ages, the risk of chromosomal issues in eggs rises. These abnormalities can lead to difficulties in fertilization, a higher chance of miscarriage, or genetic conditions in the baby, such as Down syndrome.

3. A higher risk of health conditions affecting fertility: Age-related health conditions, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and hormonal imbalances, can interfere with conception and pregnancy. Additionally, medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension become more common with age, potentially impacting reproductive health.

Due to these challenges, many women facing infertility explore how to increase fertility in women through lifestyle changes, medical treatments, or assisted reproductive technologies such as surrogacy. Maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, and consulting a fertility specialist can improve the chances of conception. For those struggling to conceive naturally, surrogacy provides an alternative path to parenthood, ensuring that hopeful parents can still experience the joy of having a child.

Diagnosis and Tests

If you suspect infertility, seeking medical advice is crucial. A healthcare provider will likely conduct various tests, including:

• Blood tests to check hormone levels

• Ultrasounds to examine reproductive organs

• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to detect blockages in the fallopian tubes

• Laparoscopy to diagnose endometriosis or other internal issues

How Surrogacy Can Be a Solution for Infertility in Women

For women struggling with infertility, surrogacy can be a life-changing option. Surrogacy involves a surrogate carrying the baby for intended parents. This can be a solution for women who are unable to carry a pregnancy due to medical conditions or recurrent pregnancy loss. 

The surrogacy journey typically includes several stages: medical screening, legal agreements, embryo transfer through in vitro fertilization (IVF), and the pregnancy itself. 

Many couples find that while surrogacy requires financial and emotional commitment, it provides them with the opportunity to become parents when other infertility treatments for female options have not been successful.

Types of Surrogacy

When opting for surrogacy as a solution for infertility in women, it’s important to understand the two main types:

• Traditional Surrogacy: In this process, the surrogate mother is artificially inseminated using sperm from either the intended father or a donor. Because the surrogate’s own egg is used, she is biologically related to the baby. While this method was more common in the past, it raises complex legal and emotional considerations.

• Gestational Surrogacy (IVF Surrogacy): In this approach, an egg from the intended mother or an egg donor is fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor via in vitro fertilization (IVF). The resulting embryo is then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. Since the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby, this method is the most widely used form of surrogacy today.

How to Find a Surrogate

Finding the right surrogate is a crucial step in the process. Intended parents typically have two main options:

• Independent Search: Some choose to work with a trusted friend or family member who is willing to carry the baby. However, legal and medical screening is still required to ensure a safe and ethical arrangement.

• Surrogacy Agencies: Agencies operate in jurisdictions where surrogacy is legal, assisting in the matching process, screening of surrogates, and managing legal contracts. They ensure that the surrogate is physically and emotionally prepared for the journey, providing medical evaluations and psychological support.

Who Can Be a Surrogate?

A surrogate mother must meet specific health and legal requirements to ensure the best possible outcome for both the baby and intended parents. Common qualifications include:

• Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years old

• Previous Pregnancy: Ideally, she has given birth to at least one healthy child

• Psychological Screening: Must pass a mental health evaluation to assess emotional readiness

• Legal Agreement: A signed contract outlining rights, responsibilities, and agreements regarding the baby’s custody after birth

• Medical Screening: Medical screening for surrogacy includes comprehensive tests to ensure the health and safety of both the surrogate and baby. This involves infectious disease screening (e.g., HIV, syphilis), genetic testing (such as for sickle cell disease), and immunization verification (e.g., rubella). Additionally, surrogates undergo counseling to discuss key topics like multiple pregnancies and the emotional and medical aspects of congenital abnormalities.

Legal Considerations in Surrogacy

Surrogacy involves complex legal and ethical considerations that vary by country and even state. It’s crucial to work with legal professionals specializing in reproductive law to draft and review agreements, ensuring that all parties’ rights and responsibilities are clearly defined.

Laws surrounding parental rights, compensation, and medical decisions can differ, so staying updated on jurisdiction-specific regulations is essential before proceeding.

How Long Does the Surrogacy Process Take?

The surrogacy process typically takes 12 to 18 months, though it can vary based on factors like finding the right surrogate, successful embryo implantation, and legal procedures. The journey begins with consultations and legal agreements (1–3 months), followed by matching with a surrogate (1–6 months). 

Once a surrogate is selected, she undergoes medical screening (1–2 months) before starting hormonal treatments and embryo transfer (1–3 months). If the implantation is successful, the pregnancy stage lasts the standard nine months, with ongoing medical care and legal arrangements for parental rights.

Potential delays can arise if it takes longer to find a surrogate, if multiple embryo transfers are needed, or if legal processes vary by location. Working with a trusted agency or fertility specialist can help streamline the process, reducing complications and ensuring a smoother path to parenthood.

Final Thoughts

You must always make informed decisions about your fertility journey. Given the options of: infertility treatment for female; seek ways to increase fertility in women; or surrogacy, you are taking an important step toward parenthood. If you are facing challenges conceiving, remember that options and support are available to help you on this path.

For more information, contact DR. Seyi