In this article:
What is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)?
IVF is a medical technique in which an egg is fertilised by sperm in a laboratory, outside the body. This is how it works:- Ovulation stimulation: You’ll take hormonal injections for about 10 to 14 days to encourage your ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. This increases the chances of getting healthy embryos.
- Egg and sperm retrieval: Once your eggs are ready, a doctor retrieves them using a minor procedure under mild anaesthesia. Your partner will also need to provide a sperm sample, which is tested for quality, motility, and count to select the best sperm.
- Fertilisation and embryo culture: In the lab, the eggs and sperm are combined to form embryos. These are carefully monitored for 3 to 5 days to make sure they’re developing properly.
- Embryo transfer: The healthiest embryo (or two) is chosen and placed into your uterus using a simple procedure. About two weeks later, you’ll take a pregnancy test to see if it worked.
What is Surrogacy?
Surrogacy is when another woman, called a surrogate, carries and delivers a baby for you. There are two main kinds of surrogacy:- Traditional surrogacy: The surrogate’s own egg is fertilised with the male partner’s (or a donor’s) sperm. This means the surrogate is the biological mother of the child. This type of surrogacy is illegal in India.
- Altruistic gestational surrogacy: This is the only form of surrogacy permitted in India. Here, an embryo created through IVF (using your egg and your partner’s sperm) is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. This way, the surrogate does not share any genetic link with the baby and simply carries the pregnancy until birth.
Key Differences Between IVF and Surrogacy
Both IVF and surrogacy are ways to help you have a baby, but they differ in their processes, who’s involved, and their purpose:| Difference | IVF | Surrogacy |
| Who carries the pregnancy | Intended mother | Surrogate |
| Role of IVF in the process | Main treatment for fertilisation and transfer. | Used in gestational surrogacy to create the embryo. |
| Genetic connection | Baby is genetically related to both parents. | In gestational surrogacy, baby is related to parents; in traditional surrogacy, surrogate is the biological mother. |
| Complexity of the process | Focuses on intended parents with steps like hormone injections, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. | Involves an extra person (surrogate) along with medical checks and legal agreements. |
Surrogacy vs IVF: Which Is Medically Right for You?
Choosing between IVF and surrogacy depends on your medical situation:When to Choose IVF:
- If you have issues like blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, irregular periods, endometriosis, or unexplained infertility, but can still carry a pregnancy.
- If you’ve been trying to conceive naturally for over a year without success.
- If you want to use your own eggs and sperm to maintain a genetic connection with the baby.
When to Choose Surrogacy:
- If you can’t carry a pregnancy because of conditions like an absent or abnormal uterus, repeated miscarriages, or health issues that make pregnancy risky.
- If you’ve had repeated IVF failures, multiple miscarriages, or uterine issues like severe adenomyosis or fibroids that make pregnancy impossible.
Surrogacy vs IVF: Financial Implications
Both options can be expensive, but the costs cover different things:- IVF costs: A single IVF cycle in India typically costs between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.8 lakh. Costs can rise if multiple cycles are needed or additional procedures like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are required. Frozen embryo transfers or donor gametes also add to the expense.
- Surrogacy costs: Surrogacy is generally more expensive, ranging from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. This covers medical treatment, legal formalities, and care for the surrogate.
Surrogacy vs IVF: Success Rates and Emotional Journey
Success rates and the emotional journey also play a big role in the experience:Success Rates
- IVF success rates in India range from 30 to 40 per cent per cycle. Success depends on your age, health, and embryo quality. Younger couples (under 30) often see better results with IVF.
- Gestational surrogacy offers a success rate of about 50 to 75 per cent, as surrogates are thoroughly screened to make sure they have a healthy reproductive system.
Emotional Challenges
- IVF can feel emotionally challenging because each cycle brings uncertainty, along with the physical strain of hormone treatments and the stress if implantation doesn’t work.
- In altruistic gestational surrogacy, the journey can feel emotional since the surrogate is carrying your baby. You may feel more at ease if a relative is the surrogate, but it’s still important to set clear boundaries since she could feel attached to the baby. The legal side of the process can also add extra stress.
Whether you’re trying to conceive or navigating IVF, you’re not alone. Join our supportive communities to connect, share, and find strength with others on the same journey.
FAQs on Surrogacy vs IVF: Key Differences for Indian Couples
- Can I choose the gender of my child with IVF or surrogacy in India?
No, gender selection is prohibited in India. IVF and surrogacy can only be used for medical reasons related to preventing genetic disorders. - How long does it take to complete a surrogacy process compared to IVF?
IVF cycles can be completed in a few weeks per attempt. Surrogacy is longer since it involves screening, legal agreements, and the full nine months of pregnancy.
