Difference Between Surrogacy and Test Tube Baby?

Infertility is a very common issue today. This is marked by a couple’s inability to conceive within a year of having well-timed unprotected sexual intercourse. However, being diagnosed as infertile does not mean that couples cannot have biological children of their own.

There are many different types of fertility treatment available. In cases where no single cause can be identified for infertility, couples may choose to undergo IVF treatment. Some couples may even choose to have a baby through surrogacy. Let’s take a look at some of the myths surrounding surrogacy and IVF:

Myth: IVF and Surrogacy are the Same

Fact: IVF is one of the steps of having a baby through surrogacy, but, IVF can also be undergone by couples without a surrogate. This is the main difference between surrogacy and test tube babies.

In the case of surrogacy as well as IVF being undergone by the mother of the baby, eggs and sperm are harvested from both parents-to-be. The sperm is then used to fertilize the eggs in a lab. In the case of IVF, the embryo is then transferred back to the woman’s womb. However, in the case of surrogacy, the embryo is moved to the surrogate’s womb.

Myth: Surrogate Mothers are Related to the Child

Fact: Surrogate mothers are only related to the child in cases where the surrogate has also acted as the donor for the egg. In all other cases, the surrogate is not related to the baby and will not pass on any of her genetic traits to the baby. However, in the case of IVF without surrogacy, the mother and baby will have the same bond and relation as seen in a natural pregnancy. In this case, the baby will inherit some of the mother’s features along with some of the father’s features.

Myth: IVF is Always Successful

Fact: There are many cases wherein couples undergoing IVF do not manage to conceive on the first cycle of treatment. Some couples may need 3 or more cycles of IVF to conceive. Similarly, surrogacy does not have a 100% success rate. However, in the case of couples who are older than 30 years, surrogacy can increase the chances of having a baby by up to 30%. This is because surrogates typically have a healthier reproductive system and do not have any issue associated with infertility.