Questions to ask Care Surrogacy Mexico

Searching for the right surrogacy program and ultimately, the right surrogate takes time and research.  Trust me, I've been there.  As you consider your options, ask questions from the list I created below.  Keep records of the program’s answers to help you make your final decision.  

I put this list together based on my own research as well as the constant changes in the reproductive world.  

How long has Care Surrogacy Mexico been in operation?  *Keep in mind that CARE as a company has been offering surrogacy services in other countries for over 10 years now. 

How does Care recruit surrogates?

What medical screenings does Care perform? Does Care test the surrogate and her partner?  *My surrogate as well as her family went through a series of screenings that Ivan Davydov; Care Surrogacy Mexico's Reproductive Attorney, will discuss with you. 

What is the cost? What is the fee payment structure?

How are surrogates’ expenses handled? Is there a cap on these expenses?

www.surrogacymexico.com






Does the program offer psychological screening and counseling to all parties, including the carrier’s partner?  *My surrogate met weekly with a therapist. 

Where will the IVF and medical procedures take place?  *My egg retrieval was preformed in Mexico City.  My son was born in Tabasco, MX. 

How many babies have been born through the Care program? 

Will there be a detailed contact between the surrogate and myself?

Can I be present at the birth of my baby?

What type of legal counsel is offered to us and to the surrogate?  *Ivan Davydov will cover this for you. 

Does Care offer adoption finalization services, if needed?

If the carrier does not get pregnant over a certain number of cycles, what is your policy? *This is a very important question to ask, as Care has designed a unique policy for the Intended Parents. 

If the carrier has a pregnancy loss, what are our financial obligations?  *Please keep in mind that miscarriage can happen in all pregnancies.  Natural and surrogacy related.  

Is the cost more if the surrogate has a multiple pregnancy?

Does Care have a registry for the surrogate and the child to exchange information when the child reaches maturity? *I keep in contact with my surrogate.  This of course is up to both parties.  

May I speak with a few current or past Intended Parents?  *I am available to chat with all Intended Parents interested in building a family through Care Surrogacy Mexico.  You can reach me via email and Skype.  


www.surrogacymexico.com 

Your Job and Surrogacy

A very important factor you need to think about before jumping into surrogacy is your job.  Not everyone has unlimited vacation time or financial funds.  I suggest discussing your surrogacy plans with your human resources department and boss.  In the U.S. there are companies changing their policy on maternity leave monthly to better accommodate the ever changing "family".  

You can also chat with an attorney in your country to see what your rights are and if they can possibly draw up a contract for you to use for your position. 

Everyones situation is unique.  Being prepared for the unexpected is your best option when doing surrogacy abroad.  Ask if you are able to have a mobile office while in Mexico.  Let your employer know that you value your position and their understanding about your life goals to start a family.  

I…unfortunately did not have this luxury with my employer.  They held my position for as long as they could but my stay in Mexico was much longer than anyone anticipated.  

If you are not able to work from the hotel while in Mexico and your employer cannot hold your job you need to have a back up plan in place.  Whether it's money saved or a side job.  Preparing yourself and your future family for the what if's is being a responsible parent.  I have seen some couples post a kickstarter ad to help cover the costs of traveling expenses during surrogacy.  It's not a bad idea.  Your family and friends will be happy to assist you and even share the post.  For more information check out https://www.kickstarter.com/?ref=nav

I have also seen couples contact their religious groups for financial assistance.  My friends temple helped raise money for her IVF treatment and then surrogacy expenses.  You never know unless you try.  In this case, it's worth a shot.  

Advice I Gathered on Sperm Optimization for Surrogacy

Being from Pittsburgh and having many friends in the medical field has it's benefits.  Due to my APS and re-occurent miscarriages I sort of became a regular within the Maternal Fetal Medicine department at Magee Women Hospital.  Some of the most skilled doctors in world have taken the time to explain the in's and out's of pregnancy, infertility and blood diseases for me.  I was chatting with my doctor the other day regarding my surrogacy experience as well as male infertility and was surprised by some of the evidence and advice he shared with me.  

Men can improve the health of their sperm and future baby in just three months.  It takes 80-90 days for an immature sperm cell to grow into a mature sperm, men have the opportunity to positively impact the quality of their sperm by improving their health during the three months before fertility treatment.  (So…if you and your partner are considering surrogacy this is great prep work for you).  Men can optimize their health and the health of their sperm through improved nutrition, sleep, exercise and stress management.  You should have regular visits to your primary care physician as well in order to identify and treat other health issues including: hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.

Synthetic testosterone actually decreases sperm count.  Synthetic testosterone, which can be found in supplements, tricks a man’s body into thinking that it has produced enough testosterone and therefore it slows down sperm production.  During fertility treatment men should avoid all supplements and never have a testosterone injection or use testosterone creams or gels before and IVF or IUI cycle.  (This actually comes from personal experience.  The doctor may need you to give 2-3 samples of sperm if it is not adequate). 

Sleep could be the secret to improving everything from eating habits to endocrine health.  While you are sleeping, your body is busy recovering from the day’s physical and emotional wear and tear.  Sleep is also imperative in regulating hormones, including testosterone and other factors for sperm production.  Sleep is vital to improving your health.  Sleep deprivation, which is typically less than six or seven hours of sleep, can lead to:

*       Increases Weight Gain

*       Increases Stress

*       Increases Hunger

*       Increases Cortisol

*       Increases Abdominal Fat

*       Decreases Muscle Mass

*       Decreases Testosterone

*       Decreases Fertility

Smoking today can affect your children tomorrow…I have written about this in previous articles.  Quitting smoking may be the single greatest change that a patient – male or female – can make for his/her own health and potentially for the health of his/her unborn child.  Most people are aware that smoking has far-reaching consequences.  Smoking tobacco or any other product has a dramatic negative effect on sperm count, quality, motility, and most importantly the genes incorporated in the sperm.  There is a great deal of literature available on the dangers of smoking when it comes to issues of reproduction.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53022/

It is important that both partners support each other in quitting smoking.  This single change will not only improve their fertility, but will also improve their overall health and the health of an unborn child.

Caffeine can rob you of energy.  In order to ensure that caffeine does not diminish sleep quality or quantity, avoid caffeine after lunch.

Male and female fertility patients should limit their caffeine intake throughout the day.  The doctor that Care Surrogacy Mexico works with actually advised me of this before I began the egg stimulation process.  Male patients should consume no more than 300 mg per day, and ideally that is more like 150 mg. 

Sources:

http://www.upmc.com/pages/default.aspx

Center for Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology-Pittsburgh

The Role of the Surrogate Mother

Surrogacy is first and foremost about sacrifice, both for the surrogate and the intended parents. The involved individuals sacrifice physically and emotionally for a common goal; to bring surrogate babies into the world. 


Surrogacy is an emotional whirlwind, for everyone involved.  Arguments happen, feelings get hurt, and things do go wrong.  It is important that everyone looking into this process understands what can happen and how to overcome a bad situation. 


This process is not something that is right for everyone, be they potential surrogate mothers or intended parents.  For many, the emotions involved in this process are simply too overwhelming.  Simply recognizing this fact goes a long way.  Infertility and surrogacy are not easy journeys. 


They are rough and extremely time consuming roads to follow, but the rewards are wonderful.  At the end of the road is a beautiful child that many people have helped into the world. 



Many of you are curious about my relationship with my surrogate mother.  I met her before the egg transfer but had no contact with her during the pregnancy.  I received weekly/bi-weekly updates about the pregnancy and her health from Care Surrogacy Mexico and the doctor.  I was with her in the hospital for the birth of my son, Luca and visited her during her recovery.  We now stay in contact via email. 


She will always have a huge piece of my heart.  Without her I would not have the greatest blessing in my life.  One day when Luca is old enough and is curious about how he came into our hearts and the world I will bring him back to Villahermosa so that he can meet the woman who gave him life.  It's important to me that he knows about all of the people that helped make is journey a possibility.  After all…Villahermosa is where he spent the first 4 1/2 month of his life.  

Care Surrogacy Mexico Facts

There is no doubt that surrogacy can be expensive, but the success rates are high.  With sound legal advice from Ivan Davydov (Care Surrogacy Mexico Reproductive Attorney)http://www.surrogacymexico.com/about-us/meet-the-team and guidance from the supportive staff, you can manage the risks and bring home a beautiful baby.

Whether you've been trying to get pregnant without success or are in need of a donor egg/sperm…or if the thought of another failed fertility treatment seems unbearable, surrogacy could help you bring home a baby.  

There are two kinds of surrogacy: gestational and traditional. With a gestational carrier a carrier becomes pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF).  The intended parents may provide the egg and sperm for IVF, or donor eggs and sperm can be used.  In gestational arrangements, the surrogate is not genetically related to the child.

Traditional surrogates, on the other hand, are genetically linked to the child.  In this situation, a woman becomes pregnant after artificial insemination.  The surrogate’s egg is fertilized by sperm from the intended father, or by sperm from a donor.  

Care Surrogacy Mexico Facts…

You have a really good chance of success with a surrogate or carrier. 

Over half of all gestational carriers get pregnant after the first IVF attempt.  Those that need a second or third attempt are almost always successful as well.

If you choose a gestational carrier, don’t be surprised to bring home twin babies.  Almost half of all gestational carriers give birth to multiples.

Surrogacy may sound appealing, but it is not cheap…especially in the U.S.  Care Surrogacy Mexico has created a program that makes surrogacy affordable.  

Legal guidance is paramount to a successful surrogacy arrangement.  You should never embark in a surrogacy quest without an experienced attorney…hence, Ivan Davydov.  http://www.surrogacymexico.com/about-us/meet-the-team

If you choose surrogacy, you will want to make sure that you are taking care of yourself along the way.  You should make a habit of living a healthy lifestyle, have all the necessary tests with your obgyn/pcp, and have funds saved for your surrogacy journey. 

Source: american society of reproductive medicine

http://www.surrogacymexico.com

Hiring a Birthing Photographer in Villahermosa

Just because your little one will be born via surrogate doesn't mean you have to skip out on the trendy things couples who conceive naturally do.

I didn't have time to schedule a photographer for Luca's birth.  In fact, I didn't have time to do anything except get on a plan and fly to Mexico!  For those of you that do not know, my son Luca was born 6 weeks early.  My surrogate's water actually broke.  What can I say?  He was ready.  And that was a good first lesson because you can't always have a plan.  

When Luca was born I did get some great shots…with my iPhone! LOL!  Yes, the iPhone takes quality images and there are fantastic apps out there to enhance them but if I had more time I would have hired a photographer.  

**You must have permission of the doctor who will deliver your baby, the surrogate mother and approval of the hospital before you hire a photographer.  

The c-section was so fast!  Before I knew it the doctor was pulling my baby boy out of my surrogate's womb!  I immediately snapped several shots of Luca's entrance into the world.  I was only able to hold him for 5 minutes and then he had to go on oxygen and into a special incubator in the NICU.  I had to wait 10 days to hold him again!  It was agony for me but I visited him every day.  

I encourage you to think about hiring a photographer for this experience.  This is your baby's story…journey.  Mexico as well as the surrogate will always be a part of his or her life.  

Can I take my baby swimming while in Villahermosa?

While the weather in Villahermosa is ideal for swimming year round that doesn't mean that it is safe for your new baby.  

Recently an IP (Intended Parent) asked me how soon he should wait to take his baby swimming?

I did not take my son swimming while I was in Mexico.  Yes, he was with me outside at the pool.  I never took him into the water for good reason.  

Firstly, Luca was born 6 weeks premature.  Considering his fragile immune system I was not going to disrupt anything.  His pediatrician advised waiting at least a few months before taking a baby into a swimming pool.  A baby's body temperature can quickly change so the temperature of the water may be too much for them to handle properly.  It is best to wait until your child is at least 3 months old and of course has had his/her necessary shots.  There are also many harmful chemicals in swimming pools and bacteria that are not safe for your precious newborn.  So to be on the safe side, keep the swimming to bath time. 

IP asks 1 item to definitely bring to Mexico for baby

Our Intend Parent asks: 

What is one item for the baby I should definitely bring with me to Mexico?  

Answer: 

Definitely a car seat with a stroller!  The drivers in Villahermosa and Mexico City are insane!  Your baby's safety should always come first.  I had to leave the states in such a hurry because my surrogate's water broke early and that is exactly what I brought with me and thank goodness I did!  

You will need the stroller everywhere you go.  You only have 2 hands…give them a break.  The stroller will absolutely come in handy during the long time you will spend waiting for you baby's birth certificate at the ministry and the hours you will wait for the passport at the embassy.  The stroller can be taken all the way to the gate at the airport and the gate agent will then store it for you on the plane.  You will receive a tag for the stroller…write your name on it.  

Here is what I used for my son during my stay in Mexico…
BOB Revolution CE Stroller purchased at REI.  They were running a special and I received the car seat for free! 

Building a Family as a Single Parent through Surrogacy

I didn't go into the surrogacy process thinking I would be a single parent but in life things happen and you must roll with the punches.

I am often asked, "what was it like being a lone with Luca in Mexico for 4 months after he was born."  There were definitely stressful moments, especially because I do not understand/speak Spanish.  I've always been a self sufficient person and having to rely on others to make Luca's pediatrician appointments and schedule taxis (that sometimes never showed up) was incredibly difficult for me and something I don't think I'll ever get used to.

Care Surrogacy Mexico is contacted daily by many single individuals…straight and gay.  If you are female you first need to see your obgyn and have the necessary tests done..(fertility, etc.)  From there you can make a decision on whether you will be using your own eggs or a donor egg.  You also choose a sperm donor if you do not already have someone in mind.  If you are male you will also be required to have your fertility tested to see if you sperm is functioning.   Male clients can use a donor egg…some have even had a friend donate their eggs for the surrogacy.  

Female clients that are using their own eggs will fly to Mexico City, meet with the doctor to start the egg stimulation/transfer process.  Then after about 10-12 days the doctor will implant the eggs into the surrogate.  Afterwards you can fly back home and wait for your pregnancy results.  (If you are using a friend's sperm it's considerate to pay for his travel expenses to Mexico)

Male clients who are using their sperm will fly to Mexico City a day or two before the scheduled egg transfer so the doctor make collect their sperm sample.  After that you are free to leave.  (If you are using a friend's eggs it's considerate to pay for their travel expenses to Mexico)

An important factor to keep in mind as a single parent going through surrogacy is the financial burden.  You do not have two incomes so it's best to set a side extra money.  You will need funds to fly to Mexico City and your stay there as well as Villahermosa when the baby is born.  You will also need available funds for the babies medical expenses, (pediatrician/shots), the ministry for the birth certificate, the embassy for the passport, transportation, food, etc.  Yes, Mexico is less expensive than the U.S. and the U.K. but expenses add up.  You should go into your surrogacy quest mentally and financially prepared.  

Second-Parent Adoption After Surrogacy

I was recently chatting with a same sex couple from the U.S. and they shared their interest in wanting to apply for second-parent adoption after their baby/babies are born via surrogacy.  



Second-parent adoption is the adoption of a child by a second parent in the home who is not married to the legal parent of the child.  A second-parent adoption allows a second parent to adopt a child without the "first parent" losing any parental rights.  Adoptive parents usually have the same rights as biological parents in custody and visitation matters in most States that allow for this type of adoption.  Second-parent adoption is not allowed in all States.

It's only natural that both parties want to be the legal guardian of their child; however, this can get tricky across the United States.  I gave the couple the same exact advice I give when asked about surrogacy…you absolutely must consult with an attorney who specializes in adoption.  



Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs; a same sex couple from Texas, went through surrogacy in the United States, had twin boys this past April and were denied the right to adopt each other's child.  The couple used each of their sperm for the embryos.  Jason and Joe were married last July in Washington D.C. where gay marriage is legal.  Texas does not recognize gay marriage.  They are still in the process of trying to fight their case.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/18/jason-hanna-and-joe-riggs_n_5506720.html


This was something their surrogate attorney should have looked into before allowing them to embark into surrogacy.  Now laws change every day and more states are beginning to recognize gay marriage.  Here is a couple that is trying to plan for their babies future…the "what if's".  No one likes to think about them but unfortunately happen.  



CARE Surrogacy Mexico provides it's clients with the services of a skilled surrogacy and assisted reproductive attorney.  Ivan Davydov has the experience and knowledge of surrogacy/adoptive law to help you navigate this process.  http://www.surrogacymexico.com




Source: https://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adoptive/glbt_families.cfm

Testing your Fertility

If you have baby on your mind then you should also be thinking about fertility testing too.  

Recently I have been talking with several couples whom their doctor told them traditional conception was practically out of the question.  This news can be devastating for anyone…especially a woman because your ability to make a baby is so wrapped up with your identity as a woman.  

My advice…Don't wait until your 35, when you've conquered your career and travel bug to find out you've run out of options.  You get a pap smear every year, right?  Why not schedule testing for your fertility.  Not saying that you want to start your family right away, but to prepare for the future.  To know what you are up against.  Having your fertility and hormone levels checked yearly is a great way to prepare for baby.  

If you have irregular or absent menstrual cycles, very painful periods, or a history of a pelvic infection, a ruptured appendix, or known endometriosis you should definitely have your fertility and hormone levels checked.  Having trouble conceiving for several months or worrying excessively about it are also signs you might want to get your fertility checked out, regardless of your age.

If you or someone you know are considering the gestational surrogacy path you  must have your fertility and hormones level tested.  

Here are a list of questions for you to ask at your check-up…

• How do smoking, alcohol and illegal drug use in either partner affect fertility?

• What would be an ideal weight for me to be at?

• Which vitamins should I be taking?

• Is there anything my partner and I can do to improve our chances?

• Are there any health issues I’m at risk for or need to take care of before fertility?

• Is my age an issue?

• Are there any unsafe chemicals I should stay away from?

Topics to Talk About:

• You and your partner’s medical, surgical, reproductive and family histories

• Genetic conditions at risk

• Immunizations and vaccinations

• Ways to improve overall health

• Potential health problems or hazards you could run into

• Family concerns that could affect your health, such as lack of support

• Sexually transmitted diseases

Even if, you’ve been seeing your doctor for years, don’t assume he or she remembers everything about you. Talk about your health history, lifestyle factors, and home and workplace environment...especially if you have any concerns about any of them. Whatever your questions, it’s likely you’ll return home with a wealth of knowledge.  Your doctor will likely have pamphlets to help you keep track of all the information he or she shares but, if not, consider taking notes, so you don’t forget!

Source: http://www.theafa.org

My opinion on the heart wrenching Thailand surrogacy story...

Before I begin I want to make it clear that this is my personal opinion on this devastating situation.  

I have been following the story on the Australian couple who did surrogacy in Thailand since it first came out.  If you are not aware of this please read http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-28654831

From the moment we made the decision to embark on the surrogacy journey my heart was in it for the long haul.  Regardless of the circumstances I went through on a personal level after receiving the news about a positive pregnancy test with our surrogate.  My whole world was now about my unborn baby.  

Here is a couple that went through the surrogacy process, just like I did.  Signed a contract, paid the fee, received weekly updates and ultra sounds, and flew to Thailand to watch their babies be born.  And in the end decided to leave their baby boy who was unfortunately born with Down's Syndrome, a congenital heart condition and a lung infection.  This baby boy is the same exact age as my son Luca.  His name is Gammy and he is precious.  I cannot imagine ever leaving my son for any reason whatsoever. 

Doesn't he deserve love and a chance like his twin sister?  It's not his fault he was born this way.  These things happen.  They happen in natural pregnancy, not just surrogacy.  Gammy needs his sister now more than ever.  The 21 year old surrogate mother now looks after Gammy as well as pays for his medical expenses.  She also has 2 children of her own.  There is an online fundraising campaign to help cover his medical fees.  If you have anything to spare please help this little baby.  http://www.gofundme.com/bxci90

I want point out that United States has very strict surrogacy laws.  Mexico does as well and continues to put laws in place that protect the child.  For example, if an intended parent left the country or refused to pay the surrogacy fee the baby would be sent to a Mexican orphanage and put up for adoption.  It would not be the surrogate mother's responsibility to look after the child.  There are also legal repercussions.  The same thing would happen if; God forbid, an intended parent left a sick baby.  

When deciding to have a baby take time on making your decision.  You will be responsible for someone else's life.  Someone else's feelings and well being.  You are not just a parent for 18 years.  You are a parent until the day that you die.  Surrogacy is a wonderful option for serious couples who want to have a baby…their own baby.  It's sad when people like the Australian couple cast a negative spark on surrogacy abroad.  

This was the most difficult article I have written on surrogacy thus far.  As a mother, I cannot seem to wrap my head around why someone would be so cruel to an innocent baby.  Please send Gammy prayers and healing vibes. 

Why choose Surrogacy? Part 2

I am going to talk about the elephant in the room…male infertility.  Yes, fellas you can be the cause too.  Male infertility is due to low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm.  Illnesses, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors can play a role in causing male infertility.  Before embarking into surrogacy you will need to be sure that your swimmers are up to the challenge.  Like I mentioned before in previous articles…there are specific tests you will need to determine the quality of your sperm.  

There are several things you can do to guard your baby making tad poles…


Wear boxers if you are trying to conceive.  Tight underwear or pants can do some damage by squishing a man's parts or increasing scrotal temperature.  Skip the hot tub and sauna.  
Exposure to the high temperatures in saunas and hot tubs can heat things up down there, 
and if the temperature of the testicles gets too high, it can kill the sperm and interfere with
sperm production, potentially resulting in low sperm count and motility.



Laptops can be harmful Considering laptops can get hot enough to burn your legs, men may want to keep them away from the private parts too.  There’s evidence that just like in hot tubs and saunas, the heat from a laptop can raise scrotal temperature, which, again, may interfere with sperm production.  If you’re trying to conceive, you may want to keep the laptop on a table or desk just to be safe.

Be aware of cell phones Some experts have linked cell phones to a range of problems, including brain tumors, cancer and infertility.  Studies have shown that it can lead to higher levels of free radicals in sperm samples, possibly decreasing the quality of those swimmers.  Experts suggest men keep cell phones out of their pockets and off their belts.

Age does matter While women are constantly being warned about the difficulty of conceiving as they get older, it turns out that even though men can (and regularly do) father children well after crossing the senior citizen mark, male fertility does decline with age.  According to research, sperm production decreases in men after age 40 and certainly, after 50.  Still, unlike women, who undergo menopause, men can conceivably conceive well after that.

Stress is a fertility killerWhile you might not be surprised that your lifestyle plays a role in fertility, you might not realize how large a role stress plays in both male and female fertility problems.  For guys, stress can lead to impotence, erectile dysfunction and even shut down the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis...all of which can interfere with fertility.  While it’s next to impossible to avoid stress completely, it is important for you to work on managing your stress, especially if you’re finding the whole getting pregnant thing...well, pretty damn stressful.  Try daily stress-reducing activities such as going for walks, exercising, meditating or just sharing some laughs.


Being overweight will not help your future family  
Adopting a healthy lifestyle will certainly boost your chances of conceiving.  Plus, obesity in men is associated with decreased sperm count and quality, and excessive weight may also be associated with misshapen sperm, which can interfere with the sperm’s ability to reach and penetrate the egg.


Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org    http://www.webmd.com/default.htm

Common Fertility Terms Explained

Whether you are just beginning your baby journey or have years of research these terms/abbreviations can be confusing, along with the required tests.  Infertility issues are more common than we think and having the proper knowledge about fertility terms is key to navigating this system. 

Amenorrhea

This is when a woman misses her period for three or four months in a row.

Aneuploidy

Aneuploidy is when there are an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell. This could cause miscarriage or health problems in the baby.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)

This protein gets your eggs ready to be released. If you get fertility testing, your doc may check your blood’s AMH levels to make sure your ovaries are still popping out eggs.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Fertility treatments and procedures that involve surgically removing eggs and combining them with sperm (outside the body) to help you get pregnant are referred to as ART.

Azoospermia

This is a male fertility problem. It’s when his semen doesn’t contain any sperm.

Blastocyst

Once an egg is fertilized, it’s known as a blastocyst. It begins a development phase that ends when it implants into the uterine wall.

Cervical Mucus

Sorry, but this may sound gross. Cervical mucus is secreted from the cervix. It’s produced by the hormone estrogen in the first part of your monthly menstrual cycle. That’s why many TTCers check their discharge for signs of cervical mucus -- it clues them in on when they might ovulate.

Clomiphene Citrate

You might know this as Clomid. It’s a fertility drug that’s used to trigger the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which can jump-start the ovulation process.

Egg Donation

In this fertility treatment, a woman who’s infertile uses donated eggs, taken from a fertile woman, to do an ART procedure.

Embryo

Once an egg has been fertilized and starts dividing, it becomes an embryo.

Embryo Donation

Sometimes, embryos (unused from other reproductive procedures) are donated to other women so they can try ART to get pregnant.

Endometriosis

In this health condition, tissue that’s normally inside the uterus grows in other places, such as on the fallopian tubes and ovaries. This can cause bleeding, scarring, pelvic pain and infertility.

Estrogen

This is the hormone in a woman’s body that makes her eggs mature and causes her endometrium to start thickening to prep for pregnancy.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

This hormone is part of reproduction for both men and women. In men, it stimulates sperm production and keeps it going. In women, it matures egg follicles -- that's why having high levels of FSH could mean she has few eggs left and may have trouble conceiving. Fertility experts believe that FSH levels over 10 to 15 mIU/mL can be a sign of weakened fertility.

Gestational Carrier

Commonly called a surrogate. This is a woman who gets pregnant with someone else’s baby. A couple dealing with fertility problems might have their embryo implanted in a gestational carrier’s uterus. She carries the child through to delivery, even though she has no genetic relationship with it (as opposed to traditional surrogacy, in which the carrier is genetically related to the child). (This is what I chose for my surrogacy journey)

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

If your doctor suspects your fallopian tubes could be blocked, you might get this X-ray test in which dye is injected into the cervix to show where any blockage might be. The procedure normally takes 15 to 20 minutes, and you may feel cramping that’s similar to what you experience during your period. Generally, you should be able to get results at the time of the procedure.

Infertility

The inability to conceive offspring.  Also refers to the state of a woman who is unable to carry a pregnancy full term.  About 40% of the issues involved with infertility are due to the man, another 40% due to the woman, and 20% results from complications with both partners. 

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

In this procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

This is when sperm are placed in a woman’s uterus to help her get pregnant.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

This ART procedure involves removing eggs from a woman's ovaries and fertilizing them outside her body. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the woman's uterus through the cervix.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland, in women it’s responsible for the monthly release of an egg. In men, LH is responsible for starting the production of testosterone.

Ovulation

Ovulation is the term used to define the release of an egg (usually one, though sometimes more) from a woman’s ovary.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is technically a hormonal imbalance, earmarked by any two of the following three characteristics: overproduction of androgens (male hormones), irregular menstrual cycles and an ultrasound demonstrating polycystic-appearing ovaries. Some women with this disorder experience a degree of insulin resistance as well.

Premature Ovarian Failure

This is the loss of normal function of the ovaries, which causes a woman to have irregular periods or no periods at all.

Progesterone

This hormone helps to improve the condition of the endometrium, making it more receptive to implantation.

Retrograde Ejaculation

This refers to the entry of semen into the bladder instead of going through the urethra during ejaculation.

Semen

This is the sperm and the seminal fluid that’s secreted during ejaculation.

Semen Analysis

The microscopic examination of semen, this helps determine the number of sperm (sperm count), their shapes (morphology) and their ability to move (motility). *(IP Dad's will need to have this test prior to surrogacy)

Sperm Donation

This is when a donation of sperm is made to help a woman get pregnant.

Surrogacy

In traditional surrogacy, a woman is inseminated with the sperm of a man who is not her partner in order to conceive and carry a child to be reared by the biologic (genetic) father and his partner. In this procedure, the surrogate is genetically related to the child. The biologic father and his partner must usually adopt the child after its birth. In gestational surrogacy, the baby and the surrogate aren’t related (see Gestational Carrier, above).

Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE)

This minor surgical procedure involves the removal of a small sample of testicular tissue in order to retrieve sperm for use in an IVF cycle.

Testosterone

A male sex hormone, it’s produced in the testicles and aids in the production of sperm.

Tubal Factor Infertility

Tubal factor infertility is defined as either a complete or partial blockage and/or scarring of the fallopian tubes. Tubal factor infertility causes a disruption of egg pickup and transport, fertilization and also embryo transport from the fallopian tube down into the uterus where the embryo implants.

Varicocele

This cause of male infertility occurs when varicose veins are present in the blood vessels above the testes.

Source: http://www.theafa.org/home/  http://www.reproductivefacts.org