Gestational Surrogacy Prerequisites

We require few prerequisites for Gestational Surrogacy. All prerequisites can be completed within a very short period of time. Please see Gestational Surrogacy Fee for the cost of required prerequisites.

• Since the probability of a successful pregnancy from one’s own eggs becomes insignificantly low past the age of 50, you must be 49 or younger at the time your treatment begins. Patients over the age of 43 should strongly consider Gestational Surrogacy with Egg Donation as the most meaningful treatment to achieve a successful pregnancy.

   

• For your safety during the egg retrieval procedure, your weight (intended mother) must be no greater than the following maximum:

   

  Maximum Weight

  Height	4ft 10in	4ft 11in	5ft 0in	5ft 1in	5ft 2in	5ft 3in	5ft 4in	5ft 5in	5ft 6in	5ft 7in	5ft 8in	5ft 9in	5ft 10in	5ft 11in	6ft 0in	6ft 1in	6ft 2in
  Max. Weight	143	148	153	158	164	169	174	180	186	191	197	203	209	215	221	227	233

   

• Pathogen Testing

   

  This testing is required by the State of California and FDA. You, your partner, and the surrogate must be tested for several pathogens including Hepatitis B-Surface Antigen, Hepatitis B-Core Antibody IgG, Hepatitis B-Core Antibody IgM, Hepatitis C-Antibody, HIV I&II, HTLV I&II, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Cytomegalovirus (CMV).  Some of these tests do not need to be repeated if done within the last 12 months.

   

• Ovarian Reserve Assay (Intended Mother)

   

  The treatment should not be started during a time when there is no probability of a successful pregnancy or when the probability is low. Ovarian Reserve Assay (ORA) can assess the likelihood that normal quality eggs will be produced.

   

  This test involves two blood draws and a small subcutaneous injection of Lupron under the skin. To schedule the test, please call Bay IVF Center at 650-322-0500 on the first day of your menstrual period in the cycle that you want your treatment to begin.

   

  Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and estrogen blood levels are measured during the ORA. FSH stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs. If the ovaries cannot produce normal quality eggs, the FSH level is increased. Estrogen (E2) production by the ovaries influences FSH secretion and is also related to the quality of the eggs. The estrogen level must increase sufficiently after the Lupron injection.

   

  Interpretation of results:

   

  In the following table, the acceptable values are shown in green. The required minimum overnight increase of estrogen (30 or 125 units) is listed.

   

  Ovarian Reserve Assay

  	FSH 8.9 or lower	FSH 9.0-12.9	FSH 13.0 or greater
  E2 54 or lower	30	30
  E2 74 or lower	30	125
  E2 Any	125	125

   

  The treatment can start this cycle if:

   

  1. Your FSH level is 8.9 or lower and your estrogen level is 74 or lower and after the Lupron injection, your estrogen level increases by a minimum of 30.

      

  2. Your FSH level is 9.0 to 12.9 and your estrogen level is 54 or lower and after the Lupron injection, your estrogen level increases by a minimum of 30.

      

  3. Your FSH level is 12.9 or lower and after the Lupron injection, your estrogen level increases by a minimum of 125.

   

  Most women will have normal Ovarian Reserve Assay results. An abnormal result does not necessarily mean that you cannot get pregnant with your own eggs. We typically recommend repeating the test up to three times.

   

• Measurement of the Uterus (Surrogate)

   

  It is important to place embryo(s) at the top of the endometrial cavity. To measure the length of the endometrial cavity, a thin embryo transfer catheter is passed through the cervical canal to the top of the uterus. This test is typically done during surrogate's initial visit.

   

• Sonohysterogram (Surrogate)

   

  We perform a Sonohysterogram (saline ultrasound) to assess the endometrial cavity of the surrogate's uterus. A thin, soft catheter is passed through the cervix inside the uterus and a small amount of sterile saline solution is instilled. A transvaginal ultrasound is used to visualize contours of the endometrial cavity.

   

  The presence of polyps, fibroids or scaring inside the uterus can significantly reduce the probability of implantation. If any polyps, fibroids or scaring are found, their removal would require a simple outpatient procedure by her OB/GYN or a specialist. The Sonohysterogram test is typically done during surrogate's initial visit.

   

• Semen Evaluation

   

  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy requires that the intended father’s semen be cryopreserved no more than seven days after his pathogen testing has been negative.  The cryopreserved semen sample is subsequently thawed and used for insemination the eggs.

   

  You must make an appointment for a physical examination, blood draw, and urine sample collection at Bay IVF Center.  This appointment is on a Tuesday between the intended mother’s start of oral contraceptives and her start of FSH ovarian stimulation.

   

  You will starts Doxycycline antibiotics the same day and continue until the morning of semen collection.  The semen is collected the following Monday for cryopreservation and storage.  There is no recommended period of abstinence from sexual activity prior to semen collection.  The specimen must be obtained by masturbation.

   

  If you plan to collect outside of Bay IVF Center, the specimen must be delivered to Bay IVF Center Laboratory within 30 minutes of collection.  Please make sure you have a Bay IVF Center Laboratory sterile semen container.

   

• Psychologist Consultation

   

  The intended parents will need to have a psychological consultation.  You will have an opportunity to address the psychological and emotional issues related to the Gestational Surrogacy process.  You can go to a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or a social worker of your choice, or select one from our referral list.

   

  If the surrogate was not referred by a surrogacy agency, she will need to have a psychological consultation.  If applicable, her partner will also need to attend the session.

   

• Genetic Testing (Optional)

   

  All future intended parents should consider genetic screening (video) for over 100 most common genetic diseases. Please let us know at the time of your initial appointment at Bay IVF Center if you wish to have your blood sample sent for genetic screening.

   

• Instruction Class

   

  During this class we will review with you the treatment instructions, your medications and their potential side effects.  You will learn how to mix and administer the various medications.  You will receive your treatment schedule, consent forms and prescriptions.

If you have any questions regarding Gestational Surrogacy prerequisites or to request an appointment, please contact us by phone at 650-322-0500, via email at care@BayIVF.com, or use the Contact Bay IVF Center form on this page.