5.2 Managing Birth Control Before Surrogacy: A Guide for Future Surrogate Mothers

Why Is Birth Control Important in Surrogacy?

Gestational surrogacy involves a surrogate mother carrying an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF)using the intended parents’ or donors’ genetic material. Since the pregnancy is not achieved naturally, it is crucial for surrogates to carefully monitor their menstrual cycles and follow strict birth control protocols to prevent unintended pregnancy.

At GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation, we ensure that all surrogate candidates receive clear guidance on birth control requirements, helping them prepare for a smooth medical screening and embryo transfer process.

Common Birth Control Methods

Women use a variety of contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy, including:

Condoms
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) – Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta) and Non-hormonal IUDs (Paragard)
Arm implants (Nexplanon)
Birth control pills (combination or progestin-only pills)

While these methods are effective for general pregnancy prevention, certain types of birth control must be discontinued before a surrogate can proceed with medical screening and the surrogacy process.

Birth Control Guidelines for Surrogate Mothers

1. Birth Control Removal Before Medical Screening

To qualify for surrogacy and undergo medical screening, surrogates must adhere to specific birth control requirements:

IUDs and Arm Implants Must Be Removed → If a surrogate has a hormonal or non-hormonal IUD or an arm implant, it must be removed before proceeding with medical screening.
Waiting Period After Removal → Some fertility specialists require surrogates to wait one or two menstrual cycles after removal to allow hormone levels and menstrual cycles to regulate.
Birth Control Pills → Surrogates may either remain on birth control pills or discontinue them, depending on medical recommendations.

2. Preventing Natural Pregnancy After Birth Control Removal

Once an IUD or implant is removed, surrogates must take extra precautions to avoid pregnancy.
Alternative Birth Control Methods → Surrogates who previously relied on an IUD or implant should switch to an alternative contraception method, such as condoms or birth control pills, to prevent unintended pregnancy before embryo transfer.

3. Tracking Menstrual Cycles and Reporting to GSHC

Surrogates are required to track and report their menstrual cycles to the agency to ensure proper medical scheduling.
This information helps coordinate medical screening and cycle synchronization with the fertility clinic’s embryo transfer timeline.

4. Birth Control After Medical Screening

After completing medical screening, surrogates are typically placed on birth control pills to regulate their cycles before the embryo transfer process begins.
Understanding Birth Control Pack Instructions → Birth control pills contain both active pills (containing hormones) and placebo pills (inactive).
The fertility clinic will provide specific guidance on whether to take only the active pills or follow the full cycleto prepare for the embryo transfer.

Ensuring a Smooth Surrogacy Journey Through Proper Birth Control Management

Following proper birth control protocols is essential for maintaining the surrogacy timeline and ensuring that a surrogate’s body is fully prepared for embryo transfer. At GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation, we provide comprehensive support and medical coordination to help surrogate mothers navigate birth control management throughout the process.

By closely monitoring menstrual cycles, preventing unintended pregnancy, and adhering to medical guidelines, surrogates can ensure a seamless transition from screening to embryo transfer, supporting a successful pregnancy for the intended parents.

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