The gestational carrier program is a solution for infertile couples that have health eggs and healthy sperm, but require a surrogate mother to carry the baby. The procedure is complex and it will be done in several stages. After performing tests and choosing the gestational carrier, the following step is that of cycle synchronization, which will ensure that the mother will produce several viable eggs.
Cycle Synchronization
The cycle synchronization is the procedure during which the mother donating the eggs will undergo a treatment that will stimulate the egg production.
Typically, the ovaries produce 1 egg per month. The cycle synchronization will result in the production of more eggs, which will mean that there will be higher chances of fertilization in vitro. When there is only 1 egg in the ovaries, the extraction of this may be problematic and when this is united with the sperm, there will be lower chances of fertilization when compared to when there are several viable eggs.
The treatment will consist of hormones which will act on the ovary follicles, resulting in more mature eggs at the same time. Typically, the cycle synchronization is done with:
- Clomid
- FSH solutions
These can be administered as injections, as these will be more effective. The patient will get the injections between days 2 and 5 of her menstrual cycle. The patient will be carefully monitored to administer the treatment when this will be more likely to stimulate the follicles of the ovaries.
Importance of Cycle Synchronization
The cycle synchronization is an important step in the gestational carrier program. The eggs are essential in the process and if the cycle synchronization fails, the process will have to be repeated, until viable eggs are obtained.
The same hormonal treatment may also be applied in other cases such as:
- In vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive procedures
- Anovulation in women
- For couples that cannot conceive, but there are no medical causes
The treatment will be applied for a few days or as indicated by the fertility doctor and the hormonal levels of the patient will be continually monitored to establish when the woman is ready for the egg retrieval procedure.
However, the hormonal treatment shouldn’t be used for over 3 months, as this may have side effects. If the egg retrieval cannot take place, the fertility doctor will reassess the situation and determine if the couple can participate in a gestational carrier program.
Cycle Synchronization Effectiveness
The cycle synchronization is an effective treatment and typically, women will produce more viable eggs, which will help the couple get to the next stage of the gestational carrier program, which is the egg retrieval. The treatment has been proven most effective in women under the age of 35.
After the Cycle Synchronization
After the hormonal treatment, the fertility doctor will establish the best time for the egg retrieval. The mature eggs will be united with the partner’s sperm (the eggs may also be injected for higher chances of fertilization). The embryo will then be transferred into the uterus of the gestational carrier.
