Parenthood is a profound milestone that many dream of achieving. However, for some, biological or medical challenges may complicate this journey. Fortunately, modern fertility science offers remarkable solutions—egg donation and surrogacy. These advanced fertility options open doors for individuals and couples to experience the transformative joy of building a family.
At the Fertility Institute of San Diego, Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh and her compassionate team provide a highly personalized approach to reproductive healthcare, guiding intended parents through the complexities of egg donation and surrogacy with unwavering support.
“The gift of parenthood is priceless,” shares Dr. Hosseinzadeh. “Our goal is to help individuals and couples build their families with care, expertise, and hope.”
Egg Donation: The Path to Parenthood
Egg donation involves a healthy woman, known as an egg donor, providing her eggs to help someone else conceive. The eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory through in vitro fertilization (IVF), and the resulting embryos are transferred to the intended parent or surrogate mother.
Surrogacy: A Collaborative Family-Building Journey
Surrogacy is a family-building option where a surrogate mother carries and delivers a baby for intended parents. This process can involve the intended parents’ genetic material or donated eggs and/or sperm.
The Egg Donation Process
- Egg Donor Selection: Fertility clinics like the Fertility Institute of San Diego work with carefully screened donors to match them with intended parents. Factors like health, medical history, and personal preferences are considered.
- Stimulation and Retrieval: Donors undergo a controlled ovarian stimulation process to produce multiple eggs. The eggs are then retrieved in a minimally invasive procedure.
- Fertilization and Transfer: The retrieved eggs are fertilized, and high-quality embryos are transferred to the recipient or surrogate.
The Surrogacy Process
- Matching with a Surrogate: Intended parents collaborate with agencies or fertility clinics to find a surrogate mother who aligns with their needs.
- Medical and Legal Preparation: Both parties undergo thorough medical and legal evaluations to ensure a smooth process.
- Pregnancy and Delivery: The surrogate carries the pregnancy to term, delivering the baby for the intended parents.
Why Consider Egg Donation and Surrogacy?
For individuals and couples facing infertility, egg donation and surrogacy can offer a beacon of hope. These options provide solutions for a variety of circumstances:
- Medical Conditions: Women with ovarian failure or uterine issues may benefit from third-party reproduction.
- Genetic Concerns: Those at risk of passing on genetic disorders can consider donor eggs or surrogacy.
- Same-Sex Couples: Surrogacy enables same-sex male couples to have biological children.
- Single Parents: Individuals building a family on their own often explore these fertility options.
“Every family-building journey is unique. These options give people the opportunity to create families in ways that fit their circumstances and dreams.” — Dr. Hosseinzadeh
Who Can Benefit from Egg Donation and Surrogacy?
Egg Donation
- Women experiencing diminished ovarian reserve
- Individuals with a history of unsuccessful IVF cycles
- Same-sex female couples or single parents
Surrogacy
- Women with uterine conditions or previous pregnancy complications
- Same-sex male couples
- Individuals who cannot carry a pregnancy
The Gift of Parenthood
Egg donation and surrogacy are often described as the ultimate gift, as they allow families to grow in ways that were once unimaginable. They exemplify generosity, collaboration, and hope.
“Our donors and surrogates are heroes. They play an essential role in creating families and bringing happiness to others’ lives.” — Dr. Hosseinzadeh
Risks and Considerations
While these fertility options are transformative, they are not without considerations.
- Egg Donation Risks: Donors may experience side effects from hormonal stimulation, such as bloating or mild discomfort.
- Surrogacy Challenges: Legal and emotional complexities require careful navigation to ensure a positive experience for all parties.
Working with experienced fertility clinics ensures these risks are minimized and addressed compassionately.
Types of Treatments and Costs
- Fresh vs. Frozen Eggs: Intended parents can choose between fresh and frozen eggs based on availability and timing.
- Gestational vs. Traditional Surrogacy: Gestational surrogacy uses the intended parent’s or donor’s egg, while traditional surrogacy involves the surrogate’s egg.
Costs vary based on the type of service, location, and specific requirements. The Fertility Institute of San Diego provides transparent pricing and guidance to help intended parents plan their family-building journey.
FAQs
Donors undergo a rigorous screening process, including medical, psychological, and genetic evaluations.
Yes, some intended parents choose a known donor or surrogate, while others opt for anonymous matches.
The timeline varies but typically ranges from 12-18 months.
Clinics like the Fertility Institute of San Diego offer one-on-one guidance, ensuring a personalized experience from start to finish.
Egg donation and surrogacy are extraordinary pathways to parenthood, offering hope to those who face challenges in conceiving. By embracing these options, intended parents can experience the joy of building a family with the support of compassionate experts like Dr. Hosseinzadeh.
“At the Fertility Institute of San Diego, we are honored to be part of your family-building journey. Our mission is to provide care, expertise, and support every step of the way.” — Dr. Hosseinzadeh
If you’re ready to explore egg donation or surrogacy as part of your family-building journey, book a complimentary virtual consultation with Dr. Hosseinzadeh today. Click here to take the first step toward your gift of parenthood.