For individuals and couples facing specific fertility challenges, third-party reproduction through egg donation and/or surrogacy (gestational carrier) offers a wonderful pathway to building a family. Dr. Diana Chavkin provides comprehensive and compassionate guidance. She offers a personalized approach and the latest and most state-of-the-art science to support your journey towards parenthood.
Understanding Egg Donation & Surrogacy (Gestational Carrier)
Third-party reproduction involves the collaboration of another individual, such as an egg donor and/or a gestational carrier, to assist you in having a child. This may involve:
- Egg Donation: The use of eggs from a carefully screened egg donor to achieve fertilization and pregnancy.
- Surrogacy/Gestational Carrier: A woman who will carry and deliver a baby for the intended parent(s).
Dr. Chavkin and our dedicated team offer in-depth consultations to help you understand if egg donation and/or surrogacy is the most suitable option for your family-building goals.
Egg Donation
Egg donation is a process where eggs from a healthy, screened donor are used to create embryos for transfer into the uterus of the intended parent or gestational carrier. This typically involves:
- Egg Donor Selection: We work with reputable egg donor programs that provide detailed profiles of thoroughly screened donors. You will have the opportunity to review these profiles, which often include medical history, genetic screening information, and personal details.
- Fertilization and Embryo Culture: Dr. Chavkin will retrieve your donor’s eggs or we sometimes will use previously frozen donor eggs. The eggs are then fertilized with sperm from a known or donor sperm source. The resulting embryos are then cultured for several days and are often biopsied and tested for chromosomal abnormalities and then frozen.
- Uterine Preparation: Dr. Chavkin will carefully prepare your or your gestational carrier’s uterus for the embryo transfer. This often involves hormonal medications and regular monitoring to optimize the uterine lining.
- Embryo Transfer: Following careful evaluation, an embryo is selected for transfer into the uterus. This is a straightforward procedure performed in our clinic, and Dr. Chavkin’s team will provide detailed instructions on post-transfer care and hormonal support.
Dr. Chavkin will guide you through each step of the egg donation process with sensitivity and expertise.
Surrogacy
A surrogate or gestational carrier is a woman who carries a pregnancy for the intended parent(s). The process typically includes:
- Surrogate Matching: We collaborate with reputable surrogacy agencies that carefully screen and match gestational carriers with intended parents.
- Legal Coordination: Comprehensive legal agreements are essential to establish the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. Dr. Chavkin’s team can help facilitate connections with experienced reproductive law professionals.
- IVF and Embryo Transfer: Embryos created using the intended parents’ or donor eggs and/or sperm are transferred into the gestational carrier’s uterus. This procedure is performed by Dr. Chavkin in our clinic.
- Medical Monitoring: Dr. Chavkin and our team provide close hormonal and ultrasound monitoring of the gestational carrier prior to and just after the embryo transfer. We follow closely along through the first few weeks of pregnancy and are careful to provide crucial updates to both the gestational carrier, intended parents, and the surrogacy agency when applicable.
Dr. Chavkin is committed to supporting intended parents through the surrogacy journey, working with experienced professionals to ensure a well-managed and ethical process.
What to Expect During Third-Party Reproduction Treatment
Navigating egg donation or surrogacy involves careful coordination and support. Here’s what you can generally expect:
- Consultations and Planning: Thoughtful consultations with Dr. Chavkin and our team to discuss your options, understand the process, and develop a personalized plan.
- Coordination with Agencies: Collaboration with reputable egg donor and surrogacy agencies, which Dr. Chavkin’s team will facilitate.
- Legal and Emotional Support: Guidance and referrals to legal professionals and counselors experienced in third-party reproduction.
- Ongoing Communication: Dr. Chavkin and our team are committed to clear and consistent communication throughout your treatment.
Third-Party Reproduction Success and Our Commitment
Dr. Chavkin is dedicated to maximizing the chances of success for individuals and couples pursuing egg donation and/or surrogacy. Success rates can vary depending on various factors, including donor quality, surrogate health, and the intended parents’ medical history. We utilize advanced reproductive technologies and a personalized approach to optimize outcomes.
Our clinic is committed to providing compassionate and expert care to help you achieve your dream of building a family through third-party reproduction.
Frequently asked questions (faqs)
Who is a good candidate for egg donation?
Women with diminished ovarian reserve, primary ovarian insufficiency, menopausal women, multiple failed IVF cycles with one’s own eggs, and genetic concerns.
What are surrogacy/Gestational Carrier cycles?
The primary types are gestational surrogacy (surrogate has no genetic link to the baby) and traditional surrogacy (surrogate’s egg is used). Dr. Chavkin will work with gestational carriers who do not have a genetic link to the baby since their own eggs will not be used.
How are egg donors screened?
Egg donors undergo rigorous medical and FDA infectious disease testing as well as genetic screening and psycho social evaluation.
What legal considerations are involved in Gestational Carrier/Surrogacy cycles?
The Gestational Carrier cycle involves complex legal contracts to establish parentage and protect the rights of all parties. Experienced reproductive law professionals are essential.
What is the timeline for egg donation or surrogacy?
The timeline can vary depending on the matching process, legal procedures, and the coordination of medical cycles. It can often take several months to match with a surrogate, depending on availability and search criteria.