Parenthood is something that every couple wishes to attain. However, it is not possible due to the number of infertility cases that are increasing in our country. This is where fertility treatments like IVF and surrogacy come in.
IVF or surrogacy? This is one of the major questions that will go through your mind when you have decided to undergo fertility treatments to become pregnant.
You won’t know which is the best choice for your condition. This article aims to clear the fog about both treatments and help you choose the right one for you.
Basic Difference Between IVF And Surrogacy
IVF and surrogacy are both fertility treatments where the eggs and sperm are collected, fertilized, and developed in a laboratory.
The main difference between the two procedures is who the embryo will be transferred into. In IVF, the embryo is transferred into the mother’s uterus. In surrogacy, a third-party surrogate will carry the baby in place of the mother and deliver the baby.
The Advantages & Disadvantages Of IVF
IVF treatment is one of the best fertility treatments for couples who have difficulty getting pregnant on their own. Here, the eggs and sperm are collected from the male and female partners, fertilized and cultured in a laboratory, and transferred back into the mother’s uterus to develop into a pregnancy.
IVF has both advantages and disadvantages. Let’s discuss them in detail below.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
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High success rate compared to other fertility treatments |
IVF is expensive compared to other fertility treatments |
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Helps overcome both male and female infertility issues |
There is no guarantee the treatment will be successful. This can cause emotional stress and panic |
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Minimal chances of miscarriage (due to PGS and PGD tests) and increases chances of having a healthy baby |
Women need to take around 80–90 hormonal injections during ovulation induction |
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Minimal chances of multiple pregnancies (if only one or two embryos were transferred) |
It involves invasive procedures that can cause physical strain in women |
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Anyone can undergo IVF (not limited to only infertile couples) |
Women are at risk of getting OHSS and other side effects |
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You can choose when you want to become pregnant (with frozen embryo transfer) |
There are chances of premature birth or low birth weight in babies |
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You can use donor eggs/sperm/embryos if yours fail to achieve pregnancy |
The Advantages & Disadvantages Of Surrogacy
Surrogacy is, in a way, the last resort for couples who couldn’t get pregnant through other fertility treatments. Like IVF, surrogacy also has its advantages and disadvantages.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
Renewed hope for mothers who can’t get pregnant by themselves |
Surrogacy is even more expensive than IVF (due to the compensation for the surrogate) |
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Though the surrogate carries the baby, at least one intended parent can have a genetic relationship with the baby |
The intended couple needs to trust the hospital and surrogate to carry and deliver their baby safely. |
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Only highly fertile women are chosen as surrogates, increasing the chances of success. |
Surrogacy involves countless legal procedures |
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Couples get full legal support from the hospital and associated legal team |
Surrogacy is not simple. The hospital and the surrogate need to be professional and law-abiding for the procedure to go smoothly |
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The surrogate and the baby will be cared for throughout pregnancy. |
In some cases, the surrogate might become attached to the baby |
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The intended parents can feel involved during pregnancy. |
IVF Vs. Surrogacy: Which Is The Better Option For You?
Both IVF and surrogacy are excellent fertility treatment options couples can undergo to have a baby. The choice between the two depends on your health and financial condition.
It is best to consult with your fertility doctor and take the necessary tests to diagnose your fertility issue. Depending on its seriousness and your ability to carry your baby, you and your fertility doctor can discuss and determine which method to follow.
Why Choose Us For Your IVF And Surrogacy Treatments
IVF and surrogacy are complex procedures that require expert knowledge and experience to perform. Infertility and the subsequent treatments are sensitive matters. You need to consult a fertility hospital where the fertility doctors and nurses are empathetic and hold professional ethics.
So, whatever your infertility issues are that prevent you from getting pregnant, visit us. We will conduct all the necessary procedures and ensure you have your own baby at the end of your journey with us.
Conclusion
No matter whether you choose IVF or surrogacy, remember that you and choosing your best infertility doctor play an important part in its success. Your cooperation and the doctor’s expertise are crucial factors to ensure a successful pregnancy and childbirth.
So, stay positive and listen to all the advice your doctor gives during your IVF or surrogacy treatments.
FAQs
It depends on whose egg was used to create the embryo. If the intended mother is only unable to bear a baby but has good-quality eggs, her eggs will be used for fertilization.
However, if the mother has poor-quality eggs, they might have to use a donor egg or the surrogate’s egg to create the embryo.
No, surrogate mothers are not required to breastfeed the baby. They practically have no contact with the baby or intended parents after childbirth. However, if the intended couples wish to feed breast milk to the baby, they can request the surrogate to pump her milk.
IVF can be said to be the most painful among other fertility treatments. However, most women have reported only experiencing slight discomfort and minor side effects during the course of the treatment.
