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Intended Parents

Surrogacy After Failed IVF

A Path to Parenthood

Recurrent IVF failure doesn’t mean that your dreams of parenthood are out of reach. For many intended parents, surrogacy offers a path forward when IVF alone hasn’t worked.

Ready to find out if surrogacy is right for you? Fill out our online contact form to speak with a professional.

This article breaks down:

Why Consider Surrogacy After Failed IVF?

Surrogacy is often recommended after several failed IVF attempts, especially in cases where the issue stems from factors like uterine abnormalities, recurrent pregnancy loss or a history of unsuccessful embryo transfers. Even if IVF was unable to result in pregnancy, surrogacy allows a gestational carrier to carry your biological child.

Conditions that may prevent a successful pregnancy, even when viable embryos are available include:

  • Uterine issues like endometriosis.

  • Autoimmune disorders that result in the immune system attacking the embryo.

  • Hormonal imbalances caused by conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders.

    Surrogacy after failed IVF provides a solution by placing those embryos in a healthy surrogate’s uterus. For many couples, this can dramatically increase their chances of achieving a successful pregnancy. Surrogates are carefully chosen based on a comprehensive screening process that ensures they are physically healthy, have a history of successful pregnancies, and meet specific agency requirements.

    If you already have embryos from previous IVF cycles, these can be used in surrogacy, helping to avoid the additional cost and strain of further IVF attempts. This combination of medically qualified surrogates and pre-existing embryos can increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy, giving hopeful parents a clearer path to building their family.

    Contact a professional now

    How Rebeka and Gilad Found Hope Through Surrogacy

    Rebeka and Gilad’s journey to parenthood was not without its challenges. After experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, they faced the devastating reality that having biological children of their own was not possible. Grieving the loss of future pregnancies, they turned to surrogacy as a glimmer of hope.

    “Once we realized that us having another pregnancy on our own was not an option I felt numb. I was still mourning the loss of future pregnancies when we decided on surrogacy but I think it helped give me a sense of purpose while I was still mourning.” Rebekah said.

    For Rebeka, surrogacy provided a sense of purpose during a difficult time. The birth of their son was an overwhelming experience, filled with joy and gratitude. Rebeka and Gilad were eternally grateful to their surrogate for giving them the gift of parenthood.

    “There’s definitely the numb phase because you don’t know what the next steps will be. When we first talked to Jade (the surrogate) there was just this immediate comfort with her and I felt it breathed life into this situation for us.” Gilad said.

    Through surrogacy, they found not only a child but also a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the life-changing journey.

    “The most unexpected thing for me at the birth of our son was not only this overwhelming sense of love for your son but I also had this incredible overwhelming sense of love for our surrogate.” Rebekah said.

    Watch their story here.

    When Is Surrogacy Recommended?

    Surrogacy might be recommended if:

    • You’ve experienced multiple failed embryo transfers.
    • You’ve had recurrent miscarriages despite high-quality embryos.
    • Uterine or health conditions prevent you from carrying a pregnancy.
    • Previous IVF cycles resulted in poor or no response to treatment.

    Surrogacy allows intended parents to use their own eggs and sperm (or donor gametes) but transfers the embryo to a healthy surrogate, who then carries the pregnancy. For those facing uterine problems or unexplained implantation failure, this can be a way to have a biological child without facing the same physical limitations.

    The Process of Surrogacy After Failed IVF [4 Steps]

    Time is of the essence in building your family. Choosing the right surrogacy agency can significantly shorten your journey. By selecting an agency with a proven track record of finding surrogates quickly, you can hold your baby in your arms sooner.

    Finding a qualified surrogate is as important as finding one quickly. While your agency will help with the matching process, it\'s crucial to understand their screening process. A thorough screening ensures compatibility with your fertility clinic and avoids potential delays or additional costs caused by mismatched candidates.

    Start your search for a surrogate today.

    Once matched, the surrogate will undergo medical screening and treatment to prepare her body for embryo transfer. This usually involves hormone injections to ensure the uterus is ready to accept the embryo.

    Just like in IVF, embryos (either from a previous IVF cycle or a new one) are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. From here, the surrogate will carry the pregnancy, with regular monitoring from fertility specialists.

    Your surrogacy journey comes full circle with the birth of your child. With expert coordination from your agency and a supportive hospital environment, the labor and delivery process will be a smooth and unforgettable experience.

    Partnering with an agency who exclusively works with ASRM-qualified gestational carriers ensures the highest level of safety and security for hopeful parents like you. 

    FAQs About IVF and Surrogacy
    1. 1
      How Much is IVF vs. Surrogacy?

      Both IVF and surrogacy are significant financial commitments, but there are key differences. A typical IVF cycle costs between $12,000 and $15,000, while surrogacy can range from $90,000 to $150,000, depending on the surrogate’s compensation, legal fees and medical costs.

      While surrogacy is more expensive, it can offer a higher chance of success for couples who have faced repeated IVF failure.

    2. 2
      Do You Have to Do IVF for Surrogacy?

      Yes, in most cases, IVF is used to create embryos, which are then transferred to the surrogate. The main difference is that instead of transferring embryos to the intended mother, they are transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.

    3. 3
      What is the IVF vs. Surrogacy Success Rate?

      After failed IVF cycles, it’s natural to wonder how surrogacy compares in terms of success rates. According to studies, women under the age of 35 typically have around a 40% chance of success per IVF cycle.

      For surrogacy, the success rate can be much higher, often ranging from 60% to 75% for successful pregnancies. This is largely because surrogates are carefully screened for their ability to carry a pregnancy and have typically experienced previous healthy pregnancies.

    4. 4
      How Can I Move on From IVF to Surrogacy?

      Moving on to surrogacy after failed IVF can be emotionally challenging. The disappointment of repeated IVF failure can leave you feeling disheartened, but it’s important to remember that surrogacy offers renewed hope.

      Coping with the grief of IVF failure while maintaining optimism for surrogacy requires support—whether through counseling, support groups or open communication with your surrogacy specialist. It's okay to grieve the loss of your dream of carrying the baby yourself.

      Begin Your Journey Today

      Surrogacy after failed IVF offers a hopeful option for intended parents. By partnering with a trusted surrogacy specialist, you can explore this path with confidence, knowing that couples have found success through surrogacy.

      While the journey may be different than you initially envisioned, surrogacy can help you achieve your ultimate goal: parenthood. Contact us online now to start your journey.

      Male and Female couple smiling with surrogate mother
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