Gestational Carrier
There are many ways to start the family that you have always wanted. Whether you are dealing with male infertility or female infertility, there are plenty of ways that we can help you through these matters. Sometimes women come to our Los Angeles fertility center and are unable to carry a child to term on their own. In those instances, it's important to consider a surrogate or gestational carrier. There are many issues surrounding the use of gestational carriers, but we'd like to take a brief look at the practice of surrogacy so you understand what is involved. We will be more than happy to discuss surrogacy in greater detail during your consultation at our practice.
What is a gestational carrier?
A gestational carrier is a surrogate mother who is hired to carry a couple's child to term in her own womb. Once the child is born, the baby is cared for by the biological parents. Our fertility doctors in Los Angeles can help you locate or select a gestational carrier.
Why Someone May Consider Using a Gestational Carrier
Some women may have anatomical issues that make it very difficult (if not impossible) to carry a child of their own to term. This includes deformities of the uterus, advanced age, or autoimmune conditions that make the uterus unable to sustain a child. If a woman has experienced multiple miscarriages, a gestational carrier is a good idea since multiple miscarriages mean that an additional miscarriage down the line is likely.
Selecting a Surrogate
The use of gestational carrier/surrogate is an important decision that cannot be taken lightly. Sometimes a friend or loved one is selected to be the gestational carrier, though it's not uncommon for a third-party that the couple has never met before to serve as a surrogate mother. Any gestational carrier is carefully vetted and examined for medical and psychological suitability for the task.
The Surrogacy Process
The surrogacy process begins with finding the right surrogate. Once a suitable carrier has been selected and been checked for suitability, Los Angeles IVF is then performed. An egg is harvested from the biological mother and then combined with the sperm of a biological father. The egg is fertilized in the lab. Once the egg is fertilized, it is then transferred to the gestational carrier. The carrier will bring the child to term just as any pregnant woman would and then deliver the child when the time is right.
Other Options to Consider for Effective Fertility Treatment
In addition to surrogacy options, there are plenty of other fertility treatments that we can use to help you start the family that you have always wanted. Whether it involves egg donation or sperm donation, or another treatment, you can rest assured that we will provide you with all of the answers you need to make a strong decision.
Learn More About Your Fertility Treatment Options
If you would like to learn more about all of your options for starting a family of your own, be sure to contact our Tarzana fertility center today. The entire team here looks forward to discussing these matters with you in greater detail. We want to make sure you are as well-informed as possible.
