SurroGenesis - Frequently Asked Questions

Design Sample - Mar 2005

Archived web site

Surrogacy

1. How do you find a surrogate?
2. The important surrogate/recipient relationship
3. Can I take my baby home from the hospital?
4. Do you work with doctors in all states?

Egg Donation

1. How many eggs should I expect from an egg donor?
2. What do I have to do if I am going to receive donor eggs or embryos?
3. What is the success rate for donor eggs?

How do you find a surrogate?

We think the most important yet difficult tasks is finding quality surrogates who fit your exact needs and who are dedicated to helping you have that family you have dreamed of. These are very special women. This is exactly where SurroGenesis excels. We are fortunate to know and have a number of surrogates committed to our agency who are mothers of their own children. They have experienced childbirth, and understand the pain of not being able to conceive. They want to give the gift of life to a couple who are not as fortunate as they are. These women are our "angels". Unfortunately many competitors with limited resources do not have the connection to the surrogates or have the number of dedicated, experienced surrogates available for you thus leading to less than an optimum surrogate family to choose from.

The important surrogate/recipient relationship

We at SurroGenesis understand that making a decision to have a surrogate pregnancy is probably one of the most significant decisions you will make in your life. We know you have worries and are naturally concerned. Rest assured that at SurroGenesis, we have a strong relationship with each surrogate that we match with you. Many of our surrogates have been surrogates before. We provide ongoing assistance to deal with your concerns that may arise during the course of the surrogate pregnancy. We have been surrogates, and understand both sides of the pregnancy. We are here to assist you so you can build that trust. You can put your trust in us because WE do intensive evaluation and history of each woman chosen to be a surrogate.

Can I take my baby home from the hospital?

YES. We will refer you to the finest legal counsel to prepare pre-birth orders. With the pre-birth orders filed, you can take your baby home with you. Your name(s) will be on the birth certificate.

Do you work with doctors in all states?

SurroGenesis works with doctors who have received approval from S.A.R.T. (Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology) in many states across the United States. We also work with a number of large clinics across the United States that will refer you to SurroGenesis, or that we can refer you to for medical assistance.

How many eggs should I expect from an egg donor?

A woman usually produces only one egg per cycle during ovulation. However, it would not be practical to attempt third party reproduction using just one egg. For that reason, the egg donor is given hormonal injections to produce superovulation. The number of follicles which may contain eggs are then monitored by ultrasound during the cycle. The amount of hormones can be adjusted during this time to produce more follicles or to allow them to mature. Prior to aspiration (the surgical removal) of the follicles, the donor is given human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This is a hormone that increases early in pregnancy. This introduction of hCG caused the ovaries to release the eggs that will be retrieved. Doctors normally expect anywhere from 12 to 20 eggs in a cycle. Of course, the number may vary up or down depending on the donor.

What do I have to do if I am going to receive donor eggs or embryos?

A recipient of donor eggs or embryos will have her menstrual cycle synchronized with the donor's cycle. You would have to take hormones to accomplish this. Your uterus must be ready to receive embryos within a few days after they are retrieved from the egg donor. The hormone estadiol is given by most physicians to make the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grow thicker and be ready to receive the embryo.

What is the success rate for donor eggs?

The average success rate using donor eggs was reported to be 50%, according to the most recent 2002 ART report by the CDC. This rate is for fresh embryos prepared with donor eggs. It is noted that the success rate using donor embryos goes up as compared to the success rate using patient eggs as the patient gets older.