Taking the help of surrogacy or sperm donation is an effective way through which gay and lesbian couples can enjoy the pleasure of parenthood and have their own biological family. A surrogate is helpful for the gay men having no fertility issues, whereas lesbians can relish biological parenthood through donor insemination. Many of the lesbians and gay couples choose a family member or relative as a surrogate mother or egg donor. They feel that a family member is ideal to help them become a loving parent.
By just choosing a family member for surrogacy is not enough. There are various procedures to pass through before you can head on to the road of becoming a parent. You need take the surrogate mother or egg donor for medical screening. Here, the doctor ensures that the surrogate is healthy and has the physical capacity to carry the baby. For this, the doctor:
- Tests for Sexually Transmitted Diseases like Chlamydia, Hepatitis B and C, HIV and so on.
- Conducts a blood test for verifying thyroid and prolactin stimulation hormone levels.
- Examines the surrogate’s cervix and uterus
- Physically examines her
- Verifies her family and personal medical history
The test doesn’t end here! Next, for becoming eligible for surrogacy, the concerned lady has to go through physiological test also. This is done to ensure that the lady is mentally fit to pass through the nine months of pregnancy. A vital reason for this examination is to confirm that the lady has empathy and integrity, so that she is able to part with the baby after birth, and give it to the parents. Even if the egg donor or surrogate is a family member, still it’s always advisable to get everything in writing, so that you don’t encounter any issues in the future.
Where choosing family member for this purpose has many advantages, but it has its own set of disadvantages too. All these medical exams and physiological tests are not required if you opt for an agency to become biological parents. A reputed agency will take care of all these as they have surrogates and egg donors who have passed through various tests before becoming eligible for carrying the baby or donating their egg. They will always make sure that you are provided with the best person to bring the biggest joy in your life. By contacting an agency, you can just relax and make arrangements to welcome the bundle of joy in your life.