IVF and Surrogacy are two well-known treatments that help those couples who are unable to have a baby naturally. These methods have helped many families across the world. Sometimes, couples are not able to have a baby due to health problems, growing age, or reasons that doctors can’t find. In such cases, IVF and surrogacy helps them to become parents and complete their family.
Dr. Rita Bakshi, a senior IVF specialist and experienced gynaecologist at RISAA IVF has helped many couples to start their families. She has more than 35 years of experience and she understands their journey of fertility treatments. In this blog, we will explain everything about IVF and surrogacy in a simple way.
What is IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization)?
The full form of IVF is In-Vitro Fertilization. It is a medical process that helps people to have a baby when they are not able to conceive naturally. In this method, the egg and sperm are combined outside the body, in a lab. Once the egg is fertilized by the sperm, it turns into an embryo. This healthy embryo is then placed into the woman’s uterus to grow into a baby.
IVF is helpful for couples who are facing issues like blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, irregular periods, or cases where the cause of infertility is not known. It can also be used by single parents or same-sex couples who wish to start a family. IVF helps many people when other methods do not work.
How Does IVF Work?
IVF is a process that helps couples who are having issues in getting pregnant naturally. It is done with the help of doctors and involves using the egg and sperm to create an embryo outside the body.
Here is the complete IVF process step by step:
- Ovarian Stimulation: In this, medicines are given to the woman to help her produce multiple eggs.
- Egg Retrieval: In this, eggs are collected from the ovaries by using a thin needle.
- Sperm Collection: In this, a semen sample is taken from the male partner.
- Fertilization: The egg and sperm are combined in a lab to form embryos.
- Embryo Monitoring: In this, embryos are examined for a few days to check their growth.
- Embryo Transfer: In this, a healthy embryo is placed into the woman’s uterus.
- Pregnancy Test: After about two weeks, a test is done to confirm IVF pregnancy.
Who Needs IVF?
IVF is helpful for those people who are unable to conceive naturally, even after trying for a long time. There can be many different reasons in which IVF can be considered.
IVF may be needed in the following cases:
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- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Low sperm count or poor sperm quality
- Irregular or no ovulation
- Endometriosis
- Unexplained infertility
- Genetic problems
- Older age
- Single parents or same-sex couples
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is a process in which another woman, called a surrogate, carries a baby for a couple who cannot become parents on their own. After the baby is born, she gives the baby to the real parents.
This is helpful for women who cannot get pregnant because of health problems, past surgeries, or failed IVF treatments. In most cases, the baby is made by using the couple’s egg and sperm through IVF, so the baby is biologically theirs.
The surrogacy process is a special way to help someone complete their family. In India, only altruistic surrogacy is allowed. In this, the surrogate is a close relative and is not paid for carrying the baby. Surrogacy is done with proper medical care and legal support to protect the rights of parents and the surrogate.
Types of Surrogacy
There are two main types of surrogacy. The difference between them is based on whose egg is used to create the baby. Below we have explained the two types of surrogacy:
Traditional Surrogacy
In this type, the surrogate’s own egg is used. The sperm from the intended father (or a donor) is used to fertilize her egg. This means the surrogate is the biological mother of the baby. However, traditional surrogacy is rarely used today and is not allowed in many countries, including India, because of legal and emotional issues.
Gestational Surrogacy
In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate has no genetic link to the baby. The egg and sperm are taken from the intended parents (or donors) and fertilized through IVF. The resulting embryo is placed in the surrogate’s uterus. She carries the baby but is not the biological mother. This is the most common and legally accepted form of surrogacy in India.
IVF vs. Surrogacy – What’s the Difference?
IVF and surrogacy are ways to help couples to have a baby but they are used in different situations. In IVF, the woman carries the baby herself and in surrogacy, another woman carries the baby for the couple.
| Point | IVF | Surrogacy |
| Who carries the baby | The intended mother | A surrogate (another woman) |
| Used when | The woman can carry a baby but has trouble conceiving | The woman cannot carry a baby due to health issues |
| Biological link | Baby is usually genetically related to both parents | Baby is also genetically related to parents (in gestational surrogacy) |
| Process | Embryo is placed in mother’s uterus | Embryo is placed in surrogate’s uterus |
| Legal in India | Yes | Only gestational surrogacy is legal |
Success Rates of IVF and Surrogacy
The success of IVF and surrogacy depends on many factors. It can include the woman’s age, overall health, the quality of eggs and sperm, and also the experience of the clinic. However, both these methods don’t guarantee pregnancy in one try. So, it’s important to consult your doctor about your health properly.
In general, IVF success rates are higher in younger women, especially those who are under 35. As the woman’s age increases, the chances of success usually decreases. However, IVF can have a success rate of around 40–60% in younger women, and slightly lower in older age groups.
In gestational surrogacy, success rates are often higher, especially when the surrogate is healthy and the embryos are of good quality. Since the surrogate’s body is usually chosen for being fit for pregnancy, the chances of success can be as high as 60–75% and this depends on the clinic and medical condition.
Legal Aspects of Surrogacy in India
Surrogacy is allowed in India but it must follow the rules under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. This law was made to make sure surrogacy is done in a safe way. Only altruistic surrogacy is legal, where the surrogate is not paid any money except for medical costs. The law protects the rights of the baby, the parents, and the surrogate mother.
Some of the key legal points about surrogacy in India are as follows:
- Only Indian married couples can choose surrogacy.
- The couple must be medically infertile and have no biological or adopted child.
- Only altruistic surrogacy is allowed (no payment to the surrogate, only medical expenses).
- The surrogate must be a close relative, married, and have at least one child of her own.
- Commercial surrogacy is banned in India.
- Couples must get approval from a government board before starting the process.
- A legal agreement is required to protect everyone’s rights.
Final Words
It’s important to understand how IVF and surrogacy can help couples who are unable to conceive naturally. In this blog, we’ve explained what IVF and surrogacy are, who needs them, how they work, their success rates, and the legal aspects in India. The right information can help you to make better choices on your journey.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist) has guided many couples through their fertility journey. If you are facing difficulties in getting pregnant or want to explore IVF or surrogacy, we are here to support you. Call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at doctor@risaaivf.com for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between IVF and surrogacy?
In IVF, the woman carries her own baby after medical help. In surrogacy, another woman carries the baby for the couple.
Can you do IVF with a surrogate?
Yes, IVF is used in surrogacy. The embryo is created using the intended parents’ egg and sperm in a lab, and then placed into the surrogate’s uterus.
Is a surrogate baby biologically yours?
Yes, in gestational surrogacy, the baby is biologically related to the parents if their egg and sperm are used. The surrogate only carries the baby and has no genetic connection.
Can a baby look like the surrogate mother?
No, in gestational surrogacy, the baby does not carry the surrogate’s genes, so the baby will not look like her.
Can an IVF baby look like the mother?
Yes, if the mother’s egg is used in IVF, the baby will carry her genes and may resemble her, just like in a natural pregnancy.