5.3.6 Pap Smear and Surrogacy: What You Need to Know

At GSHC Surrogacy, ensuring the health and well-being of every surrogate mother is a top priority. As part of the medical screening process, surrogates undergo a Pap smear test to assess cervical health and detect potential issues that could impact pregnancy. Regular medical screening and routine OB exams are essential for early detection of health conditions, ensuring a safe and healthy surrogacy journey.

1. Why Is a Pap Smear Required for Surrogacy?

A Pap smear (Pap test) is a routine cervical screening that detects abnormal cells on the cervix, which could indicate infection, inflammation, or precancerous changes. This test is required in surrogacy to:

✔ Ensure a healthy cervix before pregnancy

✔ Detect precancerous or cancerous cervical cells early

✔ Identify HPV infections that could impact pregnancy

✔ Ensure the surrogate meets medical clearance requirements

Most fertility clinics require surrogates to have a normal Pap smear within the last 12 months before proceeding with medical approval.

2. What Happens If a Pap Smear Shows an Abnormality?

If a surrogate mother has an abnormal Pap smear result, further testing may be needed to determine whether treatment is required before medical clearance.

Pap Smear Results:

✅ Normal: No abnormal cells detected – Surrogate is cleared for surrogacy

⚠️ Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASC-US): Mild abnormality, often caused by minor infections. Requires a repeat Pap smear in 6-12 months.

⚠️ Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (LSIL): Mild precancerous changes, usually due to HPV infection. A follow-up colposcopy may be needed.

❗ High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL): Moderate to severe precancerous changes that require immediate evaluation.

🚨 Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Indicates cervical cancer – Disqualifies a surrogate from surrogacy.

If abnormal cells are found, a colposcopy may be required.

3. What Is a Colposcopy?

A colposcopy is a follow-up procedure used to closely examine the cervix if abnormal cells are detected in a Pap smear.

✔ A colposcope (magnifying device) is used to identify abnormal areas. ✔ A mild solution is applied to highlight precancerous cells. ✔ A small biopsy may be taken for further testing.

💡 A colposcopy is usually quick and may cause mild discomfort but is not painful. If the results show severe precancerous changes, a LEEP procedure may be needed.

4. What Is a LEEP Procedure?

The Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) is used to remove abnormal cervical tissue.

✔ When is LEEP needed? If a colposcopy confirms high-grade abnormal cells (HSIL).

✔ How does it work? A thin electrified wire loop removes abnormal cells from the cervix. ✔ Recovery time: Most women recover within a few weeks, but a waiting period may be required before pregnancy.

💡 After a LEEP procedure, medical review is required to determine if the surrogate can proceed with surrogacy.

5. Pap Smear & Medical Screening Flowchart for Surrogacy

Surrogacy Screening Process:

1. Medical Screening / Routine OB Exam

• Ensures overall health before starting surrogacy
• Includes Pap Smear test

2. Pap Smear Results:

• ✅ Normal → Continue with Surrogacy
• ⚠️ Abnormal → Colposcopy required

3. Colposcopy Results:

• ✅ Normal → Continue with Surrogacy
• ❗ Abnormal → LEEP Procedure required

4. LEEP Procedure:

• 📋 Medical Review for Surrogacy Clearance

💡 Routine OB exams help identify health conditions early, ensuring a smooth surrogacy process.

6. Can I Still Be a Surrogate If I Have an Abnormal Pap Smear?

It depends on the severity of the abnormality and required treatment.

✔ Mild abnormalities (ASC-US, LSIL) may still allow surrogacy with monitoring.

✔ Moderate abnormalities (HSIL, AGC) require additional evaluation before approval.

✔ Severe cases or a history of LEEP may require a longer wait time before being medically cleared.

✔ Active cervical cancer disqualifies a surrogate from surrogacy.

If a surrogate mother has a history of abnormal Pap smears, LEEP procedures, or HPV, she should discuss her medical history with the fertility clinic for proper evaluation.

Regardless of surrogacy participation, routine medical screenings and OB exams—including Pap smears, hormone and thyroid function tests, and vaccination checks—are vital for maintaining reproductive health, identifying and addressing medical conditions early, and preventing complications. These screenings help ensure that surrogates remain in optimal health for any pregnancy.

GSHC Surrogacy: Supporting Surrogate Mothers Every Step of the Way

At GSHC Surrogacy, we ensure that every surrogate mother receives comprehensive medical screening for a safe and healthy pregnancy.

✔ Pap smears are part of standard medical screening.

✔ Abnormal results do NOT mean automatic disqualification.

✔ We provide guidance and support if additional tests are needed.

💙 Your health matters. Your surrogacy journey matters. Let’s build families together!