Surrogacy

Surrogacy is a valuable and often life-changing path to parenthood for those who cannot conceive or carry a child themselves. This approach involves a woman, known as the surrogate, who agrees to carry and give birth to a child for intended parents. The process is particularly beneficial for couples facing fertility challenges, single individuals, or same-sex couples who desire to have a biological child.

The decision to pursue surrogacy is significant, often involving extensive emotional, financial, and legal considerations. Early diagnosis and treatment of reproductive challenges that might lead to surrogacy can improve one’s journey to parenthood. At KHPL, we encourage individuals and couples to seek professional guidance promptly. Addressing reproductive health issues early allows for better planning, timely interventions, and a more optimised path towards a successful outcome.

Surrogacy

Symptoms and Diagnosis: When to Consider Surrogacy

For some, surrogacy becomes an option after identifying certain symptoms or conditions that hinder their ability to conceive naturally or maintain a healthy pregnancy. Some signs and reasons to explore surrogacy include:

  • Inability to Conceive: Despite several attempts and possible fertility treatments, many may struggle to conceive due to underlying health issues.
  • Repeated Pregnancy Loss: Multiple miscarriages, even after medical interventions, may indicate a need for surrogacy.
  • Health Conditions Preventing Pregnancy: Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders can pose risks to both the mother and child, making natural pregnancy challenging.
  • Failed Fertility Treatments: When treatments such as IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) are unsuccessful, surrogacy becomes a feasible option.
  • Absence of a Uterus or Uterine Abnormalities: Some individuals may be born without a uterus or have medical conditions that prevent embryo implantation or the ability to carry a child.

A thorough consultation and examination with a fertility specialist are crucial to understanding whether surrogacy might be an appropriate option. KHPL offers comprehensive diagnostic services to assess individual fertility conditions and help patients make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

Causes of Surrogacy Requirement

Several factors may make surrogacy a preferred path for individuals or couples. These can be physical, psychological, or situational:

Physical causes

Certain health conditions, such as severe uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or anatomical abnormalities, can affect the ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy. Additionally, cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, may impact reproductive health.

Psychological and Emotional Factors

Mental health conditions, high-stress levels, and prior trauma can sometimes affect fertility treatments. Surrogacy provides a solution for those facing emotional barriers to pregnanc

Situational Causes

Single men or same-sex couples who wish to have a biological child often choose surrogacy. It is also an option for women with medical conditions that make pregnancy risky.

Our experienced team at KHPL and Aakash Fertility Centre understands these complexities and supports intended parents with personalised care and counselling to explore the best reproductive options available.

Types of Surrogacy Arrangements

Understanding the types of surrogacy can help intended parents make informed choices. At KHPL, we support the following surrogacy arrangements:
Traditional Surrogacy: In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate’s own egg is fertilised, making her the biological mother of the child. This method, however, is less common and may raise legal and emotional complexities.
Gestational Surrogacy: The more common approach, gestational surrogacy involves using the intended parents’ or donor’s egg and sperm, creating an embryo that the surrogate carries. In this case, the surrogate has no genetic link to the child.
IVF Surrogacy: IVF surrogacy, a form of gestational surrogacy, is often recommended for women who face specific medical challenges preventing them from safely carrying a pregnancy to term. This method involves creating an embryo through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) using the intended parents’ or donor’s egg and sperm, which is then implanted in a surrogate who carries the pregnancy. IVF surrogacy offers a pathway to parenthood for those affected by the following conditions:
  • Congenital Absence of the Uterus (Mullerian Agenesis): Women born without a uterus can still have a biological child through IVF surrogacy.
  • Surgical Removal of the Uterus (Hysterectomy): A hysterectomy, often performed due to cancer, severe haemorrhage during a Caesarean section, or complications from a ruptured uterus, eliminates the possibility of carrying a pregnancy. IVF surrogacy provides an alternative path for women who have undergone this procedure.
  • Malformed or Damaged Uterus: Women with congenital uterine abnormalities, such as a unicornuate uterus, T-shaped uterus, or bicornuate uterus with a rudimentary horn, may face significant challenges in carrying a pregnancy. Additionally, conditions like tuberculosis of the endometrium or severe Asherman’s Syndrome, which severely damage the uterus, may necessitate IVF surrogacy. Women with a history of uterine surgeries, such as those for fibroids or previous uterine ruptures, and those at high risk of uterine rupture, may also be advised to consider IVF surrogacy.
  • Repeated Miscarriages or Failed IVF Cycles: Women who experience recurrent miscarriages or repeated unsuccessful IVF attempts may face unexplained factors hindering embryo implantation or early pregnancy success. For these individuals, IVF surrogacy may offer a viable solution to achieve a full-term pregnancy.
  • Medical Conditions Affecting Pregnancy: Women with serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, or chronic kidney diseases like nephritis, may be able to lead healthy lives but face life-threatening risks during pregnancy. IVF surrogacy allows these women to have a child without jeopardising their health.
  • Rh Incompatibility: Women with Rh incompatibility, a condition where the mother’s immune system may attack the foetus blood cells, can turn to IVF surrogacy as a safer alternative to prevent complications.
Altruistic Surrogacy: In altruistic surrogacy, the surrogate receives no financial compensation beyond medical expenses. This option is often pursued when the surrogate is a close relative or friend.
Compensated Surrogacy: In compensated surrogacy, the surrogate is financially compensated for her time, effort, and any inconveniences she experiences throughout the pregnancy. This arrangement is more structured and provides additional peace of mind for all parties involved.
surrogacy process

Treatment Services Offered by Dr. Kamaraj Hospital and Aakash Fertility Centre

At Dr. Kamaraj Hospital and Aakash Fertility Centre, we are committed to supporting intended parents on their surrogacy journey with a wide range of services, including:

  • Comprehensive Fertility Assessment: Our experts conduct a detailed evaluation of reproductive health to determine if surrogacy is the best option.
  • Legal Counselling and Documentation: Surrogacy involves legal processes to protect the rights of both the surrogate and the intended parents. KHPL facilitates legal counselling and ensures all necessary documentation is in place.
  • Psychological Support: Surrogacy can be an emotionally complex journey. Our experienced counsellors provide guidance and support to help intended parents and surrogates manage expectations and emotions.
  • Surrogate Matching and Screening: We conduct a thorough screening of potential surrogates and match them with intended parents based on mutual understanding and compatibility.
  • Medical Care for the Surrogate: KHPL oversees the surrogate’s health and provides all necessary medical care, from conception to delivery, ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy.

The Process of Surrogacy at Dr. Kamaraj Hospital and Aakash Fertility Centre

Begin the Journey

We’ll start with a consultation to explore your options, assess fertility, and provide legal guidance to help you plan your surrogacy journey.

Match and Care

Find the perfect surrogate, complete the embryo transfer, and ensure the health and well-being of both the surrogate and baby throughout the pregnancy.

Welcome Your Baby

From delivery to legal formalities, we’ll guide you through every step as you prepare to embrace parenthood.

Why Choose Us?

Experienced Team of Specialists: Our team of fertility experts, legal professionals, and counsellors are well-equipped to guide you through every stage of surrogacy.

Personalised Approach: We understand the unique needs of each family and tailor our services to provide compassionate and comprehensive support.

High-Quality Care for Surrogates and Parents: Our healthcare services prioritise the health and safety of surrogates and intended parents alike, ensuring optimal conditions for a successful pregnancy.

Transparent and Ethical Practices: KHPL maintains a transparent approach to surrogacy, ensuring all procedures and expectations are clear and ethically conducted.

Best Sexologist in Chennai Dr. Kamaraj

Need more information?

Embarking on a surrogacy journey is a significant decision and we’re here to support you at every step

FAQ

What is surrogacy, and how does it work?
Surrogacy is a process where a woman (the surrogate) carries and delivers a baby for intended parents. The process typically involves the creation of an embryo through IVF, which is then transferred to the surrogate.
Surrogacy is often an option for individuals or couples facing infertility, health conditions preventing pregnancy, or same-sex couples wanting to grow their family.
Surrogacy laws vary by country and state. It’s essential to consult legal experts to understand the regulations in your location and ensure the process complies with local laws.
Surrogates go through a rigorous screening process, including medical evaluations, psychological assessments, and background checks, to ensure they are physically and emotionally prepared for the journey.

Meet Our Doctor

Infertility Specialist Dr. J S Jeyarani Kamaraj

Dr. J. S. Jeyarani Kamaraj

Infertility Specialist

MBBS degree and advanced qualifications in obstetrics and genecology, including an MD and a Diploma in Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGO)
Best Cosmetic Gynecologist in Chennai Dr. Niveditha

Dr. Niveditha KJ

Cosmetic Gynecologist

MBBS, MS in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, FMAS, and Diploma in Reproductive Medicine (Germany)