Common Questions

Surrogacy was in my heart as something I wanted to do for many years before actually starting the process. When I first spoke with a surrogate coordinator here at IARC, I felt relieved and excited after learning the answers to my questions. Now, after having been a surrogate and having helped hundreds of other women pursue this rewarding journey in my 8 years with IARC, I find that there are some very common questions that come up as candidates start their research. My hope in addressing them here is to help women feel the same sense of confidence and excitement I had as they take the first steps towards achieving this dream of theirs.

Will they be using my eggs?

Intended parents will be using their own genetics and/or an egg donor to create their embryos. Your eggs would not be used, therefore you would not share any genetics with the child/ren that you would be carrying.

Do I decide who I match with?

You have 100% control in who you match with, and it is incredibly important to us that we find you the right match! We have many intended parents on our matching list, so our surrogates typically can find that right match very quickly.  Before matching, we will have learned about your matching preferences and the expectations you have for this journey so the matching coordinator can then help you consider matches that align with your preferences.

How many embryos will they transfer at one time?

The ultimate goal is to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Some intended parents will want to transfer one single embryo and some intended parents will want to transfer two embryos at one time. Prior to matching, intended parents will have made their decision on the number of embryos they will transfer, and you will have decided whether you are comfortable transferring two embryos or prefer a single embryo transfer.

Is the embryo transfer painful?

The embryo transfer is a non-invasive procedure and is not painful. In fact, most women report that they did not feel anything during the embryo transfer aside from having a full bladder. The fertility doctor will transfer the embryo(s) using a very small catheter that will go through the opening in your cervix. Through the catheter, the embryo will be transferred into the uterus where it will have a chance to implant. If the clinic requires a period of rest after the procedure, it is to give the embryo the best chance to attach to the uterine lining. You will be educated from the doctor on what to expect when you visit the clinic during screening and will have an opportunity to ask any questions you have. 

Will I have to travel?

In most cases, the intended parents’ fertility clinic will be located in another state, most commonly on the East or West Coast. The reason for this is to optimize the quality of the process and success rates.  If travel is required, you typically travel once for screening and then again for the transfer.  IARC takes care of all of your travel arrangements, and all expenses related to the surrogacy are the intended parents’ responsibility.

What do I pay for?

All expenses related to the surrogate program are the intended parents’ responsibility. Surrogates do not pay any process-related costs. Surrogates receive a monthly allowance for day-to-day expenses, wage reimbursement if they miss work due to the process, and compensation for the time and commitment required to give this generous gift.

These are just a few of the questions we are typically asked when someone is beginning their research into surrogacy. We encourage you to check out our FAQ page for even more questions and answers! If you are ready to begin your journey click here to fill out the questionnaire and begin the adventure!

If you have any questions for us, email any time at [email protected]!