Couple discussing North Houston IVF with a gestational carrier.

Why Choose IVF with a Gestational Carrier?

 

Have you been struggling to get pregnant on your own and thinking about other ways to grow your family? There are many different paths to parenthood, but understanding the options available can be confusing or overwhelming. The experienced, advanced, and caring fertility specialists at our Kingwood IVF clinic are here to explain the best options for you and your fertility goals. One of those options is North Houston IVF with a gestational carrier, which we’ll discuss in this article. 

What is North Houston IVF?

In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is the process of retrieving eggs from the ovaries during a minor surgical procedure in our Kingwood fertility clinic, then 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. Kingwood IVF is one of the most popular treatments for infertility, but some women still cannot get pregnant with IVF alone. Sometimes additional interventions, such as using a gestational carrier, or surrogate, necessary.

How Is IVF With a Gestational Carrier Different?

The North Houston IVF with surrogate process begins with the typical IVF process: you’ll be prescribed hormonal treatments to increase egg production before your eggs are retrieved and fertilized in our state-of-the-art Kingwood fertility clinic lab. What makes IVF with a gestational carrier different is that the fertilized eggs, now called embryos, will be placed in a surrogate’s uterus, where they will hopefully implant and lead to a successful pregnancy. The surrogate will carry the baby to term. You may choose North Houston IVF with a gestational carrier if:

  • You have medical problems with their uterus
  • You have had a hysterectomy
  • You are at advanced age 
  • You have underlying conditions that may make pregnancy risky

Choosing the Right Surrogate for Your North Houston IVF

Choosing the right gestational carrier is an important decision. 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. When choosing your gestational carrier, our Kingwood fertility clinic specialists recommend that you clearly establish your expectations for the process so all parties are on the same page. Be sure to create a plan for specific aspects of the Kingwood IVF process, such as medical exams, birth plans, legal agreements, and any other issues of importance for each person involved. Understanding and agreeing to these details before beginning the IVF with a gestational carrier process will ensure a smooth and straightforward experience for all. 

Hart Fertility Clinic Has Been Helping Families Bloom since 1985

North Houston IVF with a gestational carrier is a viable option for those hoping to grow their family but cannot carry the pregnancy themselves. If you want more information about this Kingwood IVF treatment, schedule an appointment at our North Houston fertility clinic. We pride ourselves in providing experienced, advanced, and caring treatment plans for all our patients. We look forward to guiding you on the next steps of your fertility journey with warmth and compassion.