October 2024 - Island Reproductive Services

Month: October 2024

October 31, 2024

Whose Eggs Are Used in Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is a powerful option for individuals and couples who want to build their families but are unable to carry a pregnancy themselves. One of the key questions that often arises during the surrogacy process is: Whose eggs are used in surrogacy? This question is critical because the source of the egg determines the genetic link between the intended parents and the child. In this blog, we will explore the different types of surrogacy, whose eggs are used in each case, and the factors involved in deciding which option is best.

Types of Surrogacy: Traditional vs. Gestational

To understand whose eggs are used in surrogacy, it is important to distinguish between traditional surrogacy and gestational surrogacy. The egg source depends on which form of surrogacy is being pursued.

1. Traditional Surrogacy

In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate provides her own egg, making her the genetic mother of the child. The surrogate is inseminated with the sperm of either the intended father or a sperm donor. In this arrangement, the surrogate carries and delivers the child, but she also shares a genetic connection with the baby.

Traditional surrogacy is much less common today due to the emotional, ethical, and legal complexities involved. Because the surrogate has a genetic link to the child, there is a higher risk of legal complications regarding parental rights.

2. Gestational Surrogacy

In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby she carries. The intended parents (or a donor) provide the egg, which is fertilized via in vitro fertilization (IVF) and then implanted into the surrogate’s uterus. Gestational surrogacy is the most commonly used form of surrogacy today because it allows the intended parents to have a biological connection to the child without involving the surrogate in the genetic aspect of the pregnancy.

Whose Eggs Are Used in Gestational Surrogacy?

In gestational surrogacy, there are three potential sources for the eggs used to create the embryo:

1. The Intended Mother’s Eggs

When possible, the intended mother’s eggs are the preferred option for creating the embryo. In this case, the child will be biologically related to both the intended mother and the intended father (if his sperm is used), or to the intended mother and a sperm donor.

If the intended mother is still able to produce viable eggs but is unable to carry a pregnancy due to medical reasons such as uterine issues, recurrent miscarriages, or health risks, using her eggs in combination with a gestational surrogate offers the opportunity to maintain a genetic link to the child.

2. Egg Donor’s Eggs

In cases where the intended mother is unable to provide viable eggs due to age, infertility, or other medical reasons, the eggs can be sourced from an egg donor. The donor could be someone known to the intended parents (such as a relative or friend), or she could be an anonymous donor selected through an egg donation program.

When an egg donor is used, the child will be genetically related to the donor and the intended father (if his sperm is used), or to the donor and a sperm donor.

Egg donation is a common choice in surrogacy arrangements, particularly for same-sex male couples or single men who want to become parents. These individuals or couples will typically use a gestational surrogate in combination with an egg donor.

3. Donated Embryos

Some intended parents opt to use donated embryos, which were created during another couple’s IVF cycle but were not used. The couple who created these embryos donates them to other individuals or couples in need of assistance to achieve pregnancy.

When donated embryos are used in gestational surrogacy, the child will not be genetically related to either of the intended parents. However, this option provides a way for individuals or couples to experience pregnancy and birth while also giving embryos a chance to develop into a baby.

Factors That Influence Egg Source in Surrogacy

Choosing the source of the eggs used in surrogacy is a deeply personal decision that involves several important factors.

1. Fertility and Health of the Intended Mother

The primary factor influencing the decision to use the intended mother’s eggs is her fertility and overall health. In some cases, the intended mother may be able to produce eggs but is unable to carry a pregnancy due to medical reasons. If her eggs are viable, they can be harvested through IVF, fertilized, and transferred to the gestational surrogate.

However, if the intended mother has fertility challenges related to egg quality or quantity—such as diminished ovarian reserve or advanced age—using an egg donor may be a better option.

2. Genetic Link

Many intended parents desire a biological connection to their child. If the intended mother’s eggs are viable, using her eggs allows the child to be genetically related to her. If her eggs are not viable, using an egg donor is a solution that still allows the intended father (if his sperm is used) to maintain a genetic link to the child.

For same-sex male couples, an egg donor will always be necessary. One partner will typically provide the sperm, allowing the child to be genetically related to at least one intended parent.

3. Availability of Donors

If an egg donor is required, finding the right donor can be emotional and logistical. Many intended parents choose to work with a fertility clinic or agency that specializes in egg donation to find an anonymous donor. Some prefer to use a known donor, such as a friend or family member, particularly if they want the child to have some genetic connection to their family.

4. Cost

The cost of using donor eggs or donated embryos can be a significant factor in the surrogacy process. Egg donation typically involves additional medical procedures and compensation for the donor, which increases the overall cost of the surrogacy journey. Donated embryos, on the other hand, may be a more cost-effective option but come with the trade-off of no genetic link to the intended parents.

Legal Considerations

When it comes to using an egg donor or a surrogate, legal agreements are essential to clarify the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. Surrogacy agreements outline that the intended parents have full parental rights to the child, while the surrogate and egg donor (if applicable) relinquish their rights.

Each state or country has its own legal framework regarding surrogacy, so it is crucial for intended parents to work with experienced legal professionals to ensure all aspects of the process are covered.

Surrogacy offers a path to parenthood for individuals and couples who cannot carry a pregnancy themselves, but the question of whose eggs are used is an important consideration. Whether using the intended mother’s eggs, donor eggs, or donated embryos, the choice depends on factors like fertility, genetic preferences, and legal requirements. At Island Reproductive Services, we offer guidance and support throughout the surrogacy process to help you make informed decisions and bring your dream of parenthood to life.

If you are considering surrogacy or have questions about egg donation and IVF, our team of fertility specialists is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about your options.

October 15, 2024

How Long Can an Embryo Be Frozen?

Advances in reproductive technology have made it possible for people to freeze embryos for future use, offering flexibility and hope for those planning their families. A common question for individuals and couples considering embryo freezing is: How long can an embryo be frozen? Surprisingly, embryos can remain viable for decades if stored correctly. This blog explores the science behind embryo freezing, the longevity of frozen embryos, and the considerations for using frozen embryos in the future.

The Science Behind Embryo Freezing

Embryo freezing, also known as cryopreservation, is a process where embryos are preserved at extremely low temperatures, usually around -196°C, in liquid nitrogen. The freezing process halts all biological activity, essentially putting the embryo in a state of suspended animation. This means that time effectively stops for the embryo while it is frozen, preventing cell degradation and maintaining its viability for future use.

There are two primary methods for freezing embryos:

1. Slow Freezing: This older method gradually lowers the temperature, allowing ice crystals to form within the cells, which can sometimes damage them.This is generally not used anymore.

2. Vitrification: A modern and more effective technique, vitrification involves a rapid freezing process that prevents ice crystals from forming, significantly reducing the risk of cellular damage. Vitrification has improved the survival rates of embryos after thawing.

How Long Can Embryos Be Frozen?

There is no set expiration date for frozen embryos. Research has shown that embryos can be frozen for decades without compromising viability. Successful pregnancies have been achieved with embryos that have been frozen for over 20 years. This longevity makes embryo freezing a highly attractive option for people looking to preserve their fertility for various reasons, including:

Medical treatments: Individuals undergoing chemotherapy or other treatments that may affect fertility.
Family planning: Couples or individuals who want to delay childbearing for personal or professional reasons.
IVF cycles: Couples who undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) and have extra embryos may freeze them for future attempts.

There is no technical limit on how long an embryo can be stored. This mostly depends on the age of patients and their desires for future children.

Factors Affecting Embryo Longevity

Even though embryos can be frozen indefinitely, certain factors can influence the decision to keep them in storage or use them at a later date.

1. Embryo Quality

The quality of the embryo at the time of freezing is crucial. High-quality embryos are more likely to survive the freezing and thawing process and result in successful pregnancies. Embryo grading is a process used by fertility specialists to assess the health of an embryo before it is frozen, looking at factors such as cell division and structure. Good quality embryos at out IVF center have >98% probability of surviving the thaw

2. Storage Conditions

Embryos must be stored in specialized facilities that maintain consistent temperatures and monitor conditions closely. Any fluctuation in storage temperature or failure in the equipment could compromise the embryos’ viability. However, with modern cryopreservation technology and careful monitoring, the risk of storage failures is extremely low.

3. Legal and Ethical Considerations

Some regions have legal limits on how long embryos can be stored. Additionally, couples or individuals may face ethical questions about what to do with unused frozen embryos. Some options include:

Using them for future pregnancies
Donating them to other individuals or couples
Donating them for research
Disposing of them

These decisions can be complex and personal, and counseling may benefit individuals facing them.

What Happens When Frozen Embryos Are Thawed?

Thawing a frozen embryo is a delicate process. Once an embryo is removed from storage, it must be gradually brought to room temperature. Fertility specialists use a series of carefully timed steps to remove the protective substances used during freezing and rehydrate the cells. The vitrification method has significantly improved survival rates, with about 90-95% of embryos surviving the thawing process and even higher chances with good embryo quality..

Once thawed, embryos can be transferred into the uterus during a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle. The success rates of FETs are higher than fresh embryo transfers, meaning that freezing and thawing the embryos does not seem to diminish the chances of pregnancy.

Success Stories of Long-Frozen Embryos

Over the years, there have been remarkable cases of successful pregnancies with embryos that had been frozen for decades. One notable case occurred in 2020 when a woman gave birth to a healthy baby from an embryo that had been frozen for 27 years. This shows that even long-frozen embryos have the potential to result in healthy pregnancies, provided they are stored and handled properly.

Is There a Downside to Long-Term Freezing?

While embryos can remain viable for decades, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

1. Storage Costs: Long-term storage can be expensive. Many fertility clinics charge annual fees for embryo storage, which can add up over time.

2. Emotional Considerations: Some couples or individuals may feel uncertain about what to do with embryos they no longer plan to use. This can lead to difficult decisions down the line.

3. Advancements in Technology: As reproductive technology continues to evolve, some individuals may wonder if frozen embryos from past cycles are still the best option, or if they would benefit from newer IVF technologies.

Embryo freezing is a powerful tool for preserving fertility, and modern cryopreservation techniques ensure that embryos can be stored for many years without compromising their viability. Although embryos can be frozen indefinitely, deciding when to use them—or whether to use them at all—is deeply personal. Whether you’re considering embryo freezing for medical reasons, family planning, or fertility preservation, the reassurance that embryos can remain viable for decades offers flexibility and hope for the future.

If you have questions about embryo freezing, storage options, or the process of thawing and transferring frozen embryos, Island Reproductive Services is here to provide expert guidance and support through every step of your fertility journey.