Gestational Surrogacy Success Rates

The live birth rate per embryo transfer is between 65% and 70% when donor eggs are used. This rate can rise to 75% to 80% if preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is used to help select the embryo(s) with the correct number of chromosomes.

Donated eggs from verified sources are typically obtained from younger women who meet medical criteria and were screened for genetic abnormalities as well as other health conditions to increase the chances of creating successful embryos. This will help to improve the success rate of IVF surrogacy. Thus, age isn’t a factor that will be discussed when comparing success rates with donor eggs. 

As we’ve mentioned earlier, the success rate of gestational surrogacy depends on personal circumstances. It is influenced by several factors, including the quality of the embryos, the surrogate’s age and health condition, and the fertility clinic’s expertise. 

Embryo quality directly impacts the process of fertilization and implantation during surrogacy. The health of the embryo is determined by both egg quality and sperm quality, which may vary due to the intended parent or donor’s age, general health, lifestyle, and environment. 

Based on studies published in JBRA Assisted Reproduction and Fertility and Sterility, eggs and sperm from older individuals can have a negative effect on embryo quality. It may even increase the risk of genetic abnormalities such as aneuploidy and chromosomal imbalance, potentially leading to a higher risk of miscarriages or stunted embryo development. Thus, doctors would recommend preimplantation genetic screening to help individuals choose healthy embryos for gestational surrogacy and reduce the risks associated with mutations and chromosomal abnormalities. 

Additionally, research published in Reproductive Biomedicine has shown that individuals maintaining healthy lifestyles with a balanced diet and regular exercise are more likely to produce high-quality eggs and sperm. The same research also suggests that smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking recreational drugs can impact embryo quality negatively, so it may be best to obtain eggs or sperm from individuals who avoid these substances when preparing for surrogacies.  

The surrogate’s (gestational carrier) and living environment play a pivotal role in carrying the pregnancy to term. This is why surrogate mothers have to undergo a screening process with strict requirements to increase the gestational surrogacy success rates. 

Most surrogacy agencies will consider factors like medical history, genetic condition, psychological or emotional state, etc when they vet surrogate candidates. They usually require surrogates to be between 21 and 38 years old, as pregnancy becomes riskier for women outside this age range. Plus, surrogates should be physically healthy with a balanced BMI to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and ensure better management of hormone medications. Surrogates will also be expected to limit their exposure to tobacco, polluted air, heavy metals (those in drinking water), radiation, and other harmful environmental factors. 

Moreover, many agencies might even prefer surrogates who have had at least one successful pregnancy and delivered healthy babies in the past. This is because surrogates with such experiences are usually more familiar with how pregnancies work and, therefore, more prepared to help carry the child to term. 

By choosing the right surrogacy clinic, intended parents can increase their chances of success. Not only should the clinic have advanced technology and effective protocols to improve outcomes, but it is best if the medical team has experience in surrogacy cases. This way, they can provide better care and support throughout the gestational surrogacy process. 

As a dedicated fertility clinic, Labryo Fertility Clinic is dedicated to helping individuals and families realize their dream of parenthood. With a team of experienced REI physicians and state-of-the-art facilities, we offer personalized care and comprehensive gestational surrogacy services that can be tailored to meet your unique needs.

At Labryo Fertility Clinic, all surrogates are carefully vetted to ensure they meet the highest standard of health so that intended parents can have confidence in the likelihood of a successful outcome. 

On top of matching intended parents with the right surrogate, our services include IVF, cryopreservation, embryo transfer, genetic testing, pregnancy monitoring, and more. We will provide full support throughout the gestational surrogacy process, from initial consultations to delivery and beyond. 

Ready to start your parenthood journey? Contact Labryo Fertility Center today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our gestational surrogacy services.