In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
What is in vitro fertilization (IVF)?
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) process where eggs are retrieved from a woman’s ovaries, fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryos are transferred to a uterus to achieve pregnancy. In surrogacy, IVF creates embryos — using the intended parents’ or donors’ eggs and sperm — for transfer to a gestational carrier, enabling parenthood without a genetic link to the carrier.
How does in vitro fertilization work?
IVF begins with ovarian stimulation, where hormonal medications prompt the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are retrieved via a minor surgical procedure under sedation. In the lab, eggs are fertilized with sperm — either by mixing or through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) — to form embryos. After 3-6 days of culture, typically to the blastocyst stage, one or more embryos are transferred to the uterus of a gestational carrier or intended mother via a catheter. Remaining embryos may be cryopreserved for future Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET). A pregnancy test follows in 9-14 days.
What’s its role in surrogacy?
IVF is the foundation of gestational surrogacy, creating embryos that allow the carrier to carry a child unrelated to her genetically. It enables intended parents — including those with infertility, same-sex couples, or single individuals — to pursue biological or donor-based parenthood. IVF’s precision, paired with options like Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), ensures healthier pregnancies for carriers, making it indispensable to modern surrogacy’s legal and medical framework.
What are common features?
- Ovarian stimulation: Medications boost egg production for retrieval.
- Embryo culture: Embryos grow to cleavage (day 3) or blastocyst (day 5-6) stages.
- Transfer options: Fresh or frozen embryos are used, with single embryo transfer (SET) reducing multiples.
- Genetic screening: PGT identifies chromosomal issues before transfer.
- Cryopreservation: Extra embryos are frozen for future attempts or siblings.
What is the history of in vitro fertilization?
IVF’s roots trace to the 1970s, culminating in the 1978 birth of Louise Brown, the first IVF baby, in Oldham, England, by Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards. Earlier animal research in Cambridge, England, by Robert Edwards in the 1960s laid groundwork. The 1980s saw the Jones Institute in Norfolk, Virginia, advance U.S. IVF, while Melbourne, Australia’s Monash University pioneered blastocyst culture in the 1990s. By the 2000s, clinics in San Diego, California, and Spain’s Barcelona integrated IVF into surrogacy globally, refining techniques like vitrification and ICSI.
Who uses in vitro fertilization?
- Gestational carriers: Receive IVF-created embryos for surrogacy pregnancies.
- Intended parents: Seek IVF for infertility, genetic concerns, or diverse family structures.
- Egg/sperm donors: Provide gametes for IVF when IPs cannot use their own.
- Fertility clinics: Execute IVF, driving surrogacy’s medical success.
What are benefits and considerations?
- Benefits: Enables biological parenthood, supports single-embryo transfers for safety, and allows genetic screening for healthier outcomes.
- Challenges: Success rates (40-60% per cycle for women under 35) vary, and side effects like bloating or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome are possible.
- Emotional impact: IVF offers hope but can bring stress during cycles or failed attempts for IPs and carriers.
What about legal and financial aspects?
IVF costs $10,000-$20,000 per cycle in the U.S., within surrogacy expenses ($100,000-$200,000 total). Additional fees include PGT ($3,000-$6,000) or cryopreservation ($1,000-$2,000). Gestational carrier agreements ($5,000-$10,000) tie IVF to parental rights, upheld in states like California and Illinois. Internationally, countries like Ukraine support IVF in surrogacy, while Germany restricts embryo handling. Failed cycles may increase costs, emphasizing clear contracts and escrow management.
Why does it matter?
In vitro fertilization powers gestational surrogacy, turning biological possibilities into families with scientific precision. For potential surrogates, understanding IVF clarifies their role in carrying IVF-created embryos, building trust. By detailing this process, agencies showcase expertise, guiding clients with confidence and reinforcing authority in the surrogacy journey.
Related terms
- Gestational Surrogacy
- Gestational Carrier
- Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)
- Intended Parents
Synonyms
- Test-tube fertilization
- Artificial fertilization
- Laboratory fertilization
- Embryo fertilization
In vitro fertilization sparks life in a lab, fueling surrogacy’s promise to create families with care and hope.
