Surrogate Mothers Online Q & A: I noticed in your answer to a previous question, that you felt that an inplantation during the gestational carrier's natural cycle was unusual. I have been implanted one week ago during my natural cycle, with no reference to it being done any other way. My cycle did not need to be in sync with the genetic mom's, since the embryos were frozen. I too never met with the fertility clinic until day 10 of my cycle to commence vaginal ultrasounds (although did meet with psychologists). Am I missing something? Please advise!

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Surrogate Mothers Online Q & A

Q & A: Medical Issues - Gestational Surrogacy

Topics may include the risks involved in surrogacy, side effects from meds, questions about protocol, etc.

8. I noticed in your answer to a previous question, that you felt that an inplantation during the gestational carrier's natural cycle was unusual. I have been implanted one week ago during my natural cycle, with no reference to it being done any other way. My cycle did not need to be in sync with the genetic mom's, since the embryos were frozen. I too never met with the fertility clinic until day 10 of my cycle to commence vaginal ultrasounds (although did meet with psychologists). Am I missing something? Please advise! - Berna - Top

Berna,

There is nothing wrong with "natural cycle" transfer (although the only time it can be done is with frozen embryos). It's just that most doctors prefer to "control" the timing of the transfer. Then again, all my frozen transfers were done with an out-of-town clinic so timing was an issue. Most of the women in my IVF support group also had "controlled" frozen embryo transfers -- even when they were in the same town as the clinic. Of course, natural cycle transfers are much more convenient for the woman being transferred to!!!

I am still surprised that the clinic didn't wish to meet with you until a short time prior to actual transfer. Usually clinics want to do a trial transfer where they measure the depth of the uterus and angle of the cervix, etc. so there is no fumbling around during transfer. They also usually want to do a "mock" cycle prior to transferring to determine adequate hormone levels (even if a natural cycle transfer), adequate uterine lining, etc. As an IP, I would prefer these checks be done to be assured the best chance for successful and that my GS was an appropriate candidate.

That said, I don't believe you are missing anything and might even have a slightly higher chance for success since you DIDn't do a controlled cycle (advantages to "natural"? -- I don't know).

Wishing you positive pregnancy tests this week :)

Linda P
Mom of twins via donor egg/gestational surrogacy - Updated: January 17, 2000
Topics may include the risks involved in surrogacy, side effects from meds, questions about protocol, etc.

8. I noticed in your answer to a previous question, that you felt that an inplantation during the gestational carrier's natural cycle was unusual. I have been implanted one week ago during my natural cycle, with no reference to it being done any other way. My cycle did not need to be in sync with the genetic mom's, since the embryos were frozen. I too never met with the fertility clinic until day 10 of my cycle to commence vaginal ultrasounds (although did meet with psychologists). Am I missing something? Please advise! - Berna - Top: Berna,

There is nothing wrong with "natural cycle" transfer (although the only time it can be done is with frozen embryos). It's just that most doctors prefer to "control" the timing of the transfer. Then again, all my frozen transfers were done with an out-of-town clinic so timing was an issue. Most of the women in my IVF support group also had "controlled" frozen embryo transfers -- even when they were in the same town as the clinic. Of course, natural cycle transfers are much more convenient for the woman being transferred to!!!

I am still surprised that the clinic didn't wish to meet with you until a short time prior to actual transfer. Usually clinics want to do a trial transfer where they measure the depth of the uterus and angle of the cervix, etc. so there is no fumbling around during transfer. They also usually want to do a "mock" cycle prior to transferring to determine adequate hormone levels (even if a natural cycle transfer), adequate uterine lining, etc. As an IP, I would prefer these checks be done to be assured the best chance for successful and that my GS was an appropriate candidate.

That said, I don't believe you are missing anything and might even have a slightly higher chance for success since you DIDn't do a controlled cycle (advantages to "natural"? -- I don't know).

Wishing you positive pregnancy tests this week :)

Linda P
Mom of twins via donor egg/gestational surrogacy - Updated: January 17, 2000

Unless stated otherwise, all responses in the SMO Q&A are courtesy of one or more of the following hosts:

Sherry - Experienced gestational surrogate currently working on her 2nd surrogacy arrangement

Linda - New Mommy to twins born via gestational surrogacy and egg donation

Jennifer S. - Experienced AI surrogate

Lynn - New Mommy to a daughter born via traditional surrogacy

Tracie - 5 time egg donor (triplets, 2 sets of twins and 2 singletons) and 3 time surrogate (2-AI, 1-IVF).

Lisa - Experienced egg donor and previous gestational surrogate currently working on her 2nd surrogacy arrangement (Lisa was our former ED host, prior to July 1999.)
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