Intended Parents

Where to Turn: Surrogacy Agencies That Work With One Frozen Embryo

So you have one frozen embryo left, and you’re wondering if surrogacy is still possible. Maybe you’ve been through multiple failed transfers, or perhaps this is your first and only embryo from a difficult IVF cycle. Either way, you’re probably asking yourself: “Will an agency still work with me if I have just one embryo?”

Here’s what you need to know right now: yes, surrogacy is absolutely possible with one embryo. But you need to work with the right agency—one that understands the unique considerations of single-embryo transfers and has experience helping families in your exact situation.

The truth is, not every agency will work with families who have only one embryo left to transfer. Some agencies have policies that require multiple embryos or backup plans. But that doesn’t mean your path to parenthood is closed—it means you need specialized guidance to navigate this unique journey.

Read on to discover:

Why agencies have different policies about single embryo transfers
Which agencies specialize in working with families like yours
Real success rates and what they mean for your situation
Financial considerations and how to protect your investment
What happens if your transfer doesn’t work—and your options moving forward

The bottom line: Your one embryo could be the one that brings your baby home. But success requires the right agency, the right surrogate, and the right support system to maximize your chances.

Can You Use a Surrogacy Agency If You Only Have One Embryo?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: yes, you can absolutely use a surrogacy agency with just one embryo. But the answer isn’t quite that simple, and understanding why some agencies hesitate while others embrace single-embryo cases will help you make the best decision for your family.

The short answer: Many agencies will work with you, but you need to find the right match.

Why This Question Matters

Having one embryo left creates unique considerations that not all agencies are equipped to handle. This isn’t about your embryo being “less valuable” or your chances being impossible—it’s about matching you with an agency that specializes in maximizing success with single embryos.

Here’s what makes single-embryo surrogacy different:

Higher emotional stakes: There’s no “next embryo” if this transfer doesn’t work
Financial considerations: The cost-per-attempt ratio is different than with multiple embryos
Surrogate matching: Some surrogates prefer working with families who have backup embryos
Medical protocols: Single embryo transfers require optimized timing and preparation
Psychological support: Both intended parents and surrogates need specialized counseling

Success Rates with Single Embryo Transfers

What are the chances of success with one embryo and a surrogate? The answer depends on several factors, but the statistics are more encouraging than you might think.

Current success rates for single embryo transfers:

Fresh embryo transfers: 50-60% success rate for women under 35
Frozen embryo transfers: 45-55% success rate with high-quality embryos
Surrogate transfers: Often 5-10% higher success rates than intended mother transfers
Embryo quality impact: AA and AB grade embryos have significantly higher success rates

What affects your specific chances:

Embryo quality and grade: Higher-grade embryos have better success rates
Embryo age: Embryos from younger egg ages have higher success rates
Surrogate factors: Young, healthy surrogates with successful pregnancy histories
Medical protocols: Optimized hormone preparation and timing
Previous transfer history: Whether this embryo has been transferred before

What this means for you: Your one frozen embryo isn’t a limitation—it’s an opportunity to focus all resources and attention on giving that embryo the optimal environment for success.

Success Factor Resources:

Why Some Agencies Decline One-Embryo Journeys

Understanding why some agencies hesitate to work with families who have only one embryo left helps you identify which agencies are truly equipped to support your journey versus those that might not be the right fit.

Risk Management Concerns

Some agencies view single-embryo cases as higher risk—not because of lower success rates, but because of the emotional and financial intensity involved.

Common agency concerns:

Emotional volatility: Higher stress levels when there’s no backup plan
Financial disputes: Potential for conflicts if the transfer fails
Surrogate concerns: Some surrogates worry about the pressure of a single-chance scenario
Success rate statistics: Agencies may prefer cases with multiple transfer opportunities to keep their success rates high

Business Model Considerations

Many agencies operate on models that assume multiple transfer attempts or backup embryos.

Why this affects their decisions:

Payment structures: Some agencies’ fee structures assume multiple attempts
Surrogate matching: Their surrogate pool may not include women comfortable with single-embryo pressure
Support systems: Counseling and support resources may not be optimized for single-embryo cases
Medical partnerships: Relationships with clinics that prefer multiple embryo availability

Surrogate Availability and Comfort

Not all surrogates are comfortable with the emotional intensity of single-embryo transfers.

What surrogates consider:

Emotional pressure: Feeling responsible for the “only chance”
Relationship dynamics: Increased stress in relationships with intended parents
Previous experience: Preference for working with families who have backup plans
Success anxiety: Worry about disappointing families with no alternatives
Future surrogacy plans: Having an unsuccessful journey may limit the ability to be a surrogate for another family in the future

Legal and Contractual Complexities

Single-embryo contracts require different considerations than multi-embryo agreements.

Additional legal factors:

Failure contingencies: Clear agreements about what happens if transfer fails
Financial responsibilities: Who pays for what if additional cycles are needed
Relationship termination: Procedures if the surrogacy arrangement ends
Embryo disposition: Clear agreements about the embryo’s handling

The Transparency Factor

Agencies that decline single-embryo cases aren’t necessarily “bad”—they’re often being honest about their limitations. It’s better to work with an agency that specializes in your situation than one that takes your case but isn’t equipped to optimize your success.

Red flags to watch for:

Agencies that seem uncomfortable discussing single-embryo scenarios
Unwillingness to provide specific success rate data for single transfers
Lack of experience with similar cases
No specialized protocols for single-embryo optimization

Green flags to look for:

Agencies that actively welcome single-embryo cases
Specific experience and success stories with similar situations
Specialized protocols for optimizing single embryo transfers
Comfort discussing all scenarios, including transfer failure

The bottom line: You want an agency that sees your one embryo as an opportunity to focus their expertise, not as a limitation to work around.

Agency Selection Resources:

Agencies That Do Work with Single Embryo Intended Parents

The good news: several reputable agencies specialize in working with families who have one embryo left, and they’ve developed specific protocols to maximize success in these unique situations.

What Sets These Agencies Apart

Agencies that excel with single-embryo cases share common characteristics:

Transparent Communication:

Clear success rate data: Specific statistics for single embryo transfers
Honest discussions: Upfront conversations about risks and realistic expectations
Scenario planning: Detailed discussions about what happens in all possible outcomes
Regular updates: Frequent communication throughout the process

Specialized Surrogate Matching:

Experience preference: Surrogates who have successfully carried single embryos before
Emotional readiness: Screening for surrogates comfortable with single-embryo pressure
Success mindset: Matching with surrogates who are optimistic about single transfers
Support systems: Surrogates with strong personal support networks

Medical Optimization:

Clinic partnerships: Relationships with fertility clinics specializing in single-embryo success
Protocol refinement: Specialized preparation protocols for single embryo transfers
Timing optimization: Precise coordination of all medical aspects
Quality focus: Attention to every detail that could affect success

What These Agencies Provide

Comprehensive support for single-embryo families includes:

Pre-Transfer Optimization:

Embryo assessment: Detailed evaluation of embryo quality and viability
Medical preparation: Optimized protocols for both surrogate and embryo
Timing coordination: Precise scheduling for optimal transfer conditions
Support preparation: Emotional readiness for all parties

During Transfer:

Medical monitoring: Close observation of all transfer factors
Emotional support: Counseling and support throughout the process
Communication facilitation: Managing relationships and expectations
Contingency planning: Prepared responses for any complications

Post-Transfer Support:

Early monitoring: Careful tracking of early pregnancy signs
Emotional processing: Support for the intense emotions of the waiting period
Relationship management: Ongoing support for intended parent-surrogate relationships
Success celebration: Appropriate celebration when transfers succeed

Backup Planning:

Alternative options: Discussion of next steps if transfer fails
Emotional support: Counseling for processing disappointment
Future planning: Guidance on additional family-building options
Relationship closure: Appropriate closure of surrogacy relationships

Single-Embryo Specialist Resources:

Get connected with a professional that can help you understand your options if you have one embryo left.

Understanding the Risks: What Happens If the Transfer Fails?

Let’s address the fear that’s probably keeping you awake at night: what if your one embryo doesn’t result in pregnancy? This is a legitimate concern that deserves an honest, thorough discussion and careful planning.

The Statistical Reality

First, let’s put the risk in perspective with current data:

Single frozen embryo transfer success rates:

High-quality embryos (AA/AB grade): 55-65% success rate
Good-quality embryos (BA/BB grade): 45-55% success rate
Fair-quality embryos (BC/CB grade): 35-45% success rate
Surrogate advantage: 5-10% higher success rates than intended mother transfers

What this means: Even with one embryo left, you have nearly a 50% or better chance of success, depending on embryo quality. Those are far from hopeless odds.

Emotional Preparation for All Outcomes

The unique emotional challenge of single-embryo transfers is that success or failure feels final. Professional support helps you prepare for both scenarios.

Preparing for success:

Realistic expectations: Understanding that pregnancy is just the beginning
Relationship management: Maintaining healthy boundaries with your surrogate
Support systems: Having people who understand your unique journey
Celebration planning: Allowing yourself to hope and prepare for joy

Preparing for an unsuccessful transfer:

Grief processing: Understanding that disappointment is normal and valid
Relationship closure: Maintaining respect and gratitude for your surrogate
Alternative planning: Exploring other family-building options before you need them
Support networks: Having counselors and support groups in place

Financial Contingency Planning

Understanding the financial implications helps you make informed decisions and prepare for all scenarios.

If the transfer succeeds:

Pregnancy costs: Ongoing medical expenses and surrogate compensation
Delivery expenses: Hospital and delivery-related costs
Postpartum support: Any additional care needed after birth
Relationship continuation: Potential ongoing costs for maintaining surrogate relationships

If the transfer fails:

Sunk costs: Understanding what expenses you won’t recover
Additional cycles: Costs for pursuing egg donation or additional IVF
Alternative paths: Expenses for adoption or other family-building options
Emotional support: Counseling and support services for processing grief

Alternative Family-Building Options

Having a plan for next steps helps you feel more confident about trying with your one embryo.

Immediate alternatives:

Egg donation: Creating new embryos with donor eggs
Embryo donation: Receiving embryos from other families
Additional IVF: Attempting new egg retrievals if possible
Adoption: Exploring domestic or international adoption options

Long-term considerations:

Living child-free: Accepting and embracing life without children
Foster care: Providing homes for children who need families
Step-parenting: Building families through new relationships
Delayed attempts: Taking time before pursuing additional options

Professional Support Through Uncertainty

Agencies that specialize in single-embryo cases provide comprehensive support for managing uncertainty.

Counseling services:

Pre-transfer counseling: Emotional preparation for all outcomes
During-process support: Managing anxiety and stress during the journey
Outcome processing: Support for either success or disappointment
Relationship counseling: Maintaining healthy dynamics with surrogates

Practical support:

Financial planning: Understanding costs and planning for all scenarios
Legal guidance: Ensuring contracts address all possible outcomes
Medical coordination: Optimizing all factors within your control
Alternative planning: Guidance on exploring other family-building options

Building Resilience

The key to navigating single-embryo transfers is building resilience that serves you regardless of the outcome.

Resilience strategies:

Realistic hope: Maintaining optimism while preparing for disappointment
Support networks: Building relationships that sustain you through uncertainty
Meaning-making: Finding purpose and growth in the journey itself
Alternative planning: Having multiple paths to fulfillment and family

Risk Management Resources:

Financial Considerations When You Only Have One Embryo Left

The financial dynamics of single-embryo surrogacy are different from traditional surrogacy arrangements, and understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions and protect your investment.

Cost-Benefit Analysis for Single Embryo Transfers

When you have one embryo left, every dollar spent carries more weight because there’s no “next attempt” to spread costs across.

Typical surrogacy costs remain the same:

Agency fees: $25,000 – $40,000 for comprehensive services
Surrogate compensation: $40,000 – $60,000+ depending on location
Medical expenses: $35,000 – $50,000 for transfer, monitoring, and delivery
Legal fees: $10,000 – $15,000 for contracts and legal services
Insurance and miscellaneous: $15,000 – $25,000 for additional coverage

What changes with single embryos:

Cost per attempt: Higher investment ratio since there’s only one chance
Insurance considerations: Different coverage needs for single vs. multiple attempts
Contingency planning: Additional costs for alternative family-building options
Emotional support: Potentially higher counseling and support service needs

Protecting Your Financial Investment

Smart financial planning becomes even more critical when you have one embryo left.

Here are some important considerations for your contract:

Success vs. attempt payments: Understanding what you pay for regardless of outcome
Refund policies: Clear terms about what happens if the arrangement ends early
Medical expense coverage: Comprehensive understanding of what’s covered
Contingency planning: Financial terms for various scenarios

Financing Options for Single-Embryo Families

Several financing options can help make single-embryo surrogacy more affordable:

Traditional financing:

Medical loans: Specialized fertility financing programs
Personal loans: Competitive rates for family-building expenses
Home equity: Using home equity for surrogacy expenses
Retirement funds: Carefully considered use of retirement savings

Grants and assistance:

Fertility grants: Organizations providing financial assistance for family building
Employer benefits: Increasing number of companies offering surrogacy benefits
Military benefits: Special programs available for military families
Religious organizations: Faith-based assistance for family building

Creative financing:

Family support: Financial assistance from extended family
Crowdfunding: Online fundraising for family-building expenses
Payment plans: Agency-specific financing arrangements
Shared risk programs: Some agencies offer refund programs for multiple attempts

Budgeting for All Scenarios

Comprehensive financial planning considers both success and failure scenarios:

If the transfer succeeds:

Ongoing pregnancy expenses: Medical care, surrogate compensation, delivery costs
Newborn expenses: Immediate costs for bringing baby home
Relationship maintenance: Potential ongoing costs for surrogate relationships
Future family planning: Costs for additional children or family completion

If the transfer fails:

Sunk costs: Understanding what expenses are non-recoverable
Alternative paths: Budgeting for egg donation, adoption, or additional IVF
Emotional support: Costs for counseling and support services
Time off work: Potential lost income for processing and recovery

Questions to Ask Agencies About Costs

When evaluating agencies for single-embryo transfers, ask specific financial questions:

“What are your specific costs for single-embryo cases?”
“Do you offer any refund or shared-risk programs?”
“What additional costs should we expect for single-embryo optimization?”
“How do you handle payment if the transfer fails?”
“What financing options do you recommend for our situation?”
“Are there any discounts for families with limited embryos?”

Maximizing Value with Limited Resources

Strategies for getting the most value from your surrogacy investment:

Choose quality over cost savings:

Experienced agencies: Agencies with proven single-embryo success
Specialized surrogates: Surrogates with single-embryo experience
Optimal medical care: Fertility clinics with excellent single-transfer rates
Comprehensive support: Full-service agencies that optimize every factor

Negotiate smartly:

Payment schedules: Arrangements that work with your cash flow
Service bundling: Comprehensive packages that provide better value
Contingency planning: Clear terms for various scenarios
Relationship terms: Arrangements that protect your interests

Financial Resources:

How We Can Help You Navigate This Unique Path

You’re facing a unique situation that requires specialized expertise, and you deserve an agency that understands the complexities of single-embryo surrogacy and has the experience to maximize your chances of success.

Why Your Situation Requires Specialized Support

Having one embryo left isn’t just about logistics—it’s about optimizing every single factor that could influence your success while providing the emotional support you need for this high-stakes journey.

What makes single-embryo cases different:

Precision requirement: Every decision matters more when there’s no backup plan
Emotional intensity: Higher stress levels require specialized support
Medical optimization: Need for agencies with proven single-embryo protocols
Surrogate matching: Importance of finding surrogates comfortable with single transfers
Financial considerations: Different cost-benefit analysis and planning needs

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Your one embryo deserves the best possible chance of success.

Contact our partners to get support for single-embryo surrogacy today and get help for your unique situation.

What happens when you reach out:

Free consultation with specialists
Personalized assessment of the best strategy for you
Clear explanation of our specialized protocols and success rates
Honest evaluation of your chances and timeline

Your embryo could be the one that brings your baby home. Let us help make that happen.