Surrogacy is when a woman carries and gives birth to a baby for another couple or person. The surrogate mother is implanted with an embryo created using the egg and sperm of the intended parents or donors. Since the surrogate contributes no genetic material to the child, the resulting baby is not biologically related to her. Surrogacy provides an option for couples who are unable to conceive or carry a child on their own.
A common question that arises with surrogacy is whether a man can act as a surrogate and carry an embryo created from his partner’s egg. This is not possible due to biological limitations. An embryo requires implantation into a woman’s uterus in order to develop. A man’s body lacks the female reproductive organs necessary to get pregnant and sustain a developing fetus.
While a man cannot physically carry a child, he can still contribute biologically to a surrogacy journey. Using his sperm along with a donor egg, the female partner’s egg, or an embryo from another source, a man and woman can work with a surrogate to help them start a family. The surrogate will carry the pregnancy and give birth.
So in summary, it is not possible for a man to carry his partner’s egg and act as a surrogate. However, there are still avenues for both biological parents to participate in surrogacy. With a better understanding of the limitations and options, couples can find the right surrogacy path for their family vision.
Why Men Cannot Get Pregnant
Biologically, there are a few key reasons why it is impossible for a man to get pregnant and carry a baby:
Lack of Uterus
One of the main barriers is that men lack a uterus where a fetus can develop. The uterus provides the environment and nutrients needed for embryonic and fetal growth. Without a uterus, an embryo has nowhere to implant and continue developing.
No Ovaries or Egg Production
Women’s ovaries produce eggs that can be fertilized by sperm. Men do not have ovaries and cannot generate eggs. While a man produces sperm, he cannot produce the eggs needed to create an embryo.
Hormonal Differences
The female reproductive system depends on complex hormonal interactions. Estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone all facilitate ovulation, embryo implantation, and support of a pregnancy. Male bodies do not undergo these same hormonal fluctuations or produce the hormones integral to pregnancy.
Incompatible Pelvic Structure
A woman’s pelvis is wider and shaped differently than a man’s to accommodate a growing uterus and allow for childbirth. Even if a man had a uterus implanted, the narrow male pelvic region would be unfit for supporting a pregnancy all the way through delivery.
Surrogacy Options for Male Partners
Despite the biological obstacles that prevent men from carrying embryos, there are still various surrogacy options for prospective fathers:
Traditional Surrogacy with Partner’s Egg
In one path, the female partner provides her eggs which are fertilized using the male partner’s sperm via IVF, resulting in an embryo. This embryo is transferred into the uterus of a surrogate female who carries the pregnancy on the couple’s behalf.
Donor Egg and Partner’s Sperm
If the female partner is unable to provide viable eggs, a donor egg can be used instead. The donor egg is fertilized using sperm from the intended father. The resulting embryo is implanted within a surrogate.
Donor Embryo
Couples also have the option of using an already existing donor embryo. This is an embryo from donor egg and sperm that did not result in a pregnancy through IVF. The leftover cryopreserved embryo can then be thawed and transferred to a surrogate.
Surrogacy with Gestational Carrier
Traditional surrogacy uses the surrogate’s own egg. However, gestational carrier surrogacy relies on an embryo from the intended parents or donors rather than the surrogate’s genetic material. This maintains a biological connection for one or both partners.
Considerations for Getting Started
Those exploring surrogacy should take time to consider the various factors involved:
Surrogacy Laws
Laws regarding surrogacy vary greatly worldwide. In some countries commercial surrogacy is banned while in others there is little regulation. It’s important for couples to research the legal landscape relevant to their location.
Costs
Between medical expenses, agency and legal fees, and compensation for the surrogate, the overall costs of surrogacy typically range from $90,000 to $130,000. Couples need to carefully plan their budget from the outset.
Emotional Factors
There are often complex emotions involved in surrogacy for all parties. Counseling and guidance before, during, and after the surrogacy process can help address any anxieties, doubts, or relationship issues.
Screening and Finding a Surrogate
Thoroughly vetting and screening potential surrogates is crucial. Factors like the surrogate’s health, prior experience, motivation, and personality should align with the couple’s expectations.
Fertility Evaluations
Both partners should undergo fertility testing to identify any factors that may influence treatment options and success rates. Male and female reproductive health can impact the viability of eggs, sperm, and embryos.
The Surrogacy Process
If surrogacy is determined to be the right option, the process will involve the following steps:
Choosing a Surrogacy Agency
Reputable agencies help coordinate the entire process, from finding and screening a surrogate to managing the medical and legal components. Agencies also provide guidance for intended parents.
Matching with a Surrogate
Based on the couple’s preferences, the agency will facilitate an introduction with a prospective surrogate. Getting acquainted helps both parties determine if they are a good fit.
Initiating IVF Cycle
The intended mother or egg donor undergoes IVF to harvest eggs. The eggs are fertilized with the intended father or sperm donor’s sperm to create embryos.
Transferring the Embryo
At least one healthy embryo is transferred into the uterus of the surrogate using a thin catheter. Extra embryos may be cryopreserved for future attempts if needed.
Pregnancy Management
The surrogate follows all prenatal care guidelines with her medical team. The intended parents often attend appointments to track the pregnancy’s progress.
Delivery
Typically the surrogate will deliver the baby through vaginal birth or C-section. Intended parents are often present at the hospital during delivery.
Post-birth Hospital Care
Hospital staff tend to the newborn after birth while the surrogate recovers. Intended parents take over care of the infant.
Establishing Legal Parentage
Intended parents complete the legal process to establish parentage and full custody of the baby. A post-birth order from a court may be required.
Finding an Ethical Surrogacy Agency
When researching surrogacy agencies, it’s important to vet their practices and policies thoroughly. Look for agencies that:
– Are compliant with your region’s laws
– Handle the medical and legal aspects directly rather than outsourcing
– Have experience with your type of surrogacy situation
– Carefully screen surrogates using your criteria
– Facilitate ongoing communication between all parties
– Offer counseling and support before, during, and after the process
– Allow intended parents to be actively involved throughout
– Ensure the surrogate’s health and wellbeing are protected
– Help establish parentage rights and birth certificates
Reputable agencies want the best experience for all involved. By selecting an agency with strong reviews and proven surrogacy success, you can feel more confident at each step.
| Medical Screening | Background Checks |
|---|---|
| Physical exam | Criminal history |
| Reproductive health | Employment |
| Infectious disease | Financial history |
| Hormone levels | Psychological evaluation |
Risks to Consider
Despite extensive preparation, some risks remain when pursuing surrogacy:
Failed implantation
The embryo transfer may not result in a successful pregnancy. You may need to try again with another embryo or surrogate.
Miscarriage
A pregnancy loss can occur, often due to genetic abnormalities in the embryo. Some persistence through multiple attempts may be necessary.
Multifetal pregnancy
Implanting more than one embryo raises the chance of multiples. Multifetal pregnancies have higher health risks.
Preterm birth
Babies born prematurely have greater chances of medical complications and may need intensive neonatal care.
Birth defects
While uncommon, congenital disabilities or defects can still affect surrogacy babies, just like any pregnancy.
Legal disputes
Disagreements around parentage rights or custody can arise if contracts and documentation are inadequate.
Being aware of these possibilities allows intended parents to remain realistic and prepare properly. Consulting legal expertise and trusted advisors can also help you reduce some risks.
Setting Expectations Through the Process
Surrogacy involves intensive medical, emotional, and financial investments over an extended period. Couples considering this path should:
– Discuss your values, concerns, and vision for your family
– Research thoroughly to understand the full process and realistically weigh the costs
– Seek advice from those familiar with surrogacy journeys
– Review legal guidelines regarding surrogacy where you live
– Confirm you meet medical eligibility criteria for surrogacy
– Evaluate your mental and emotional readiness
– Prepare for the possibility of a long journey requiring patience
– Work with reputable professionals you can trust
– Maintain open and respectful communication with all parties
– Support each other through challenges along the way
– Stay flexible – the path may take unexpected turns
– Keep your focus on the ultimate goal of welcoming a new baby
While surrogacy can be demanding, having realistic expectations helps intended parents support each other through the complexities and celebrate the joy of success when it comes.
Conclusion
Surrogacy offers an alternative route to build a family when carrying a child is not biologically possible for a woman. While a man cannot physically conceive or carry a developing fetus, he can still contribute sperm along with a partner or donor’s eggs to create embryos and achieve fatherhood through surrogacy. With careful planning, screening, medical care, legal protections, and open communication at every step, surrogacy provides intended parents the chance to finally hold the baby they have so eagerly awaited. The journey requires patience and perseverance, but many determined couples find it ultimately worth the challenges. Despite the limitations for male pregnancy, there are still options through ethical surrogacy for a man to have a biological child and experience the joys of parenthood.