What is Self-Cycle Surrogacy?

As the name suggests, in the self-surrogacy process, the eggs and sperm both belong to the intended parents. In cases of self- surrogacy, the female partner is unable to hold the baby in her uterus mostly due to uterine problems but is capable of producing viable eggs. Thus, the eggs are retrieved surgically and are fertilized with the sperm in a laboratory under sterile and controlled conditions. This procedure of fertilizing the egg in an external environment is called in vitro fertilization (IVF) or test tube baby process.

This fertilized egg which is now called an embryo is transferred into the uterus of the gestational surrogate (the female who carries the baby in her womb). The embryo attaches itself to the uterine lining and results in a successful conception. The surrogate carries the baby during the entire gestational journey and once the baby is delivered, it is given back to the intended parents. The baby and the surrogate are not biologically related in the self-surrogacy arrangement.

Depending on the surrogacy contracts/agreement made between the two parties and the relation of the surrogate with the intended parents, the surrogate may or may not be financially compensated.

Several blood tests and other screening tests are done of both the partners to ensure the eggs and sperm are healthy and of good quality before the procedure of international surrogacy procedure can begin.

Following are the general steps in which self-surrogacy takes place:

1. Stimulating the ovaries

The ovaries are the organs that release the egg. Certain hormonal medications or IVF injections are given to stimulate the ovaries to release more than one viable egg.

2. Syncing the cycles of both the mothers

It is necessary that the cycles of both, surrogate mother and the donor/intended parent match. This is done so that the embryo implants properly in the surrogate’s uterus.

3. Preserving the sperm

The healthy sperms are frozen and stored for future use using the cryopreservation process.

4. Egg donation

The eggs are retrieved surgically from the intended mother’s ovaries. This procedure is a minor one and does not require hospitalization.

5. IVF

Once the eggs are retrieved, they are fertilized through the IVF process. Depending on the patient’s case, more than one cycle of IVF may be required.

6. Transferring the embryo

The embryo formed through the IVF procedure is transferred on the 3rd or 5th day of its formation to the surrogate’s uterus via a catheter paired with ultrasound monitoring.

7. Confirming the pregnancy

After two weeks of embryo transfer, the surrogate is screened for a special hormone released only during pregnancy called the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). Once this hormone is detected, pregnancy is confirmed and thus the procedure is accomplished. Regular monitoring and screening of both the surrogate and the growing baby are done to avoid any complications.

Thus, self-surrogacy is an excellent choice for intended parents, as it allows for a biological link to the baby, both the intended parents are genetically linked to the baby.