North Houston IVF with Donor Eggs or a Gestational Carrier?

There are a variety of options available for those hoping to get pregnant amidst fertility issues. Two of those options at our North Houston fertility clinic are IVF with donor eggs and IVF with a gestational carrier, each of which is used to address different causes of infertility. This article will discuss the IVF process and then explain the differences between these two procedures and which one may be right for you.

What is North Houston IVF?

In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is the process of retrieving eggs from the ovaries and introducing them to sperm outside of the woman’s body. The fertilized egg or eggs are then inserted into the uterus, where they will hopefully implant in the uterine lining and develop into a successful pregnancy.

How Is IVF With a Gestational Carrier Different?

The North Houston IVF with surrogate process begins with the same steps as a typical IVF procedure. What makes IVF with gestational carrier different is that instead of the mother’s uterus, the embryos will be placed in a surrogate’s uterus in the hopes that it will lead to a successful pregnancy. If so, the surrogate will carry the baby to term. This may be recommended at our Kingwood IVF and The Woodlands IVF clinics for:

• Women who have medical problems with their uterus
• Women who have had a hysterectomy
• Women of advanced age 
• Women with underlying conditions that may make pregnancy risky
• Gay couples

What Is North Houston IVF With Donor Eggs? 

North Houston IVF with donor eggs, on the other hand, is pursued for those who are likely able to carry the pregnancy, but require eggs from a donor due to the following reasons:

• Age-Related Diminished Ovarian Reserve: age contributes to infertility, so many women with low egg counts or poor egg quality choose to receive donor eggs.
• Premature Ovarian Failure: oftentimes issues such as chemotherapy, radiation treatments, autoimmune disorders, and genetic factors lead to low egg count, as well.
• Genetic Mutations or Disease: Multiple miscarriages are often discovered to be the result of genetic anomalies that prevent a viable pregnancy, often requiring the use of donor eggs.

Finding a Suitable Surrogate or Donor Eggs for North Houston IVF

• Surrogacy: some parents may ask someone they know to act as a gestational carrier, while others turn to agencies that match intending parents with women who are interested in serving as surrogates. Regardless of how you match with a surrogate, clearly establish your expectations for the process, including an initial medical exam, legal agreements, and any other issues of importance for each person involved. Doing so before beginning the IVF with surrogate process will ensure a smooth and straightforward experience for all. 
• Donor Eggs: Like those seeking surrogates, many choose someone they know and trust to serve as an egg donor for their Kingwood IVF or The Woodlands IVF treatment. But sometimes patients need or choose to turn elsewhere when selecting an egg donor, such as egg donor agencies or egg banks. These organizations connect healthy egg donors with intending parents, often helping couples find donors who match specific genetic traits. 

Our North Houston Fertility Clinic Can Help you Understand These Treatment Options

If you still have questions regarding North Houston IVF with a gestational carrier or donor eggs, you should schedule an appointment at our Kingwood fertility clinic or The Woodlands fertility clinic and get the information you need from our trusted and informed fertility specialists. We look forward to guiding your next steps with warmth and compassion.