FAQ

FAQ

Surrogacy FAQ

What are the health risks of being a Surrogate?

The health risks are very similar to a normal pregnancy, but it is best to speak with your personal OB/GYN

Once the baby is born, will I have contact with the Parent(s)?

This will depend entirely on you and the Intended Parent(s). Some Surrogates maintain a very close relationship, while others have no contact after the birth. It is imperative to express your expectations prior to being matched.

Will I meet the Intended Parents?

Yes, you will meet the Intended Parents before you agree to work together, either face-to-face or a video meeting

May I become a surrogate if I am not married?

Yes, you can be a Surrogate if you are unmarried or single.

What kind of screening or tests will I need to take?

You will be required to have an ultrasound, blood tests, and a psychological screening.

How long does the Gestational Surrogate’s transfer cycle take?

Approximately 6-8 weeks depending on the Egg Donor’s or Intended Mother’s cycle, and the fertility specialist’s protocol.

How long does it take to become a Surrogate?

We do our best to match our Surrogates as quickly as possible. Once we have all of your medical records and profile complete, it can take 2-6 weeks to become matched. However, some Surrogates can be matched in as little as a few days after completing the application process. Once you are matched, the medical screening process and the legal process usually take 1-2 months. Once you have been cleared to start your IVF cycle, you are typically on medications for 3-4 weeks before you have an embryo transfer.

Egg Donor FAQ

How do I gain access to the EGG DONOR database?

There are two ways to gain access to our database. You can fill out a quick questionnaire online and a Genesis Group representative will contact you shortly to activate your account so you can view our Donors. The second option is to call our office directly. A Genesis Group representative will be happy to help you fill out the questionnaire and provide you with a name and password to log in.

How many times do I need to go to the doctor’s office?

You will need to complete 6 to 8 doctor appointments. The visits occur during the early morning to avoid time conflicts with work or school. We will do everything to accommodate the process to your schedule and dates of unavailability. We require that you take the entire day off on the day of the retrieval.

How long do I need to take stimulation medication?

The medication is an injection and typically must be taken every day for 8 to 12 days. The needles are very small; one of the smallest gauges. They should not be painful. They are similar to diabetic needles.

Will I meet the Intended Parents?

Ninety (90) percent of all egg donation cycles are anonymous. It is unlikely that you will meet the Intended Parents or know their names. If you would like to meet the Intended Parents, we can certainly facilitate a meeting, but only if all parties are comfortable doing so. Please indicate on your application what level of contact you are comfortable with, if any.

Can I be a donor if I am overweight?

Unfortunately, no. Even if an agency approved a Donor that was overweight, the doctors would not. Being overweight can affect your egg quality and also how you metabolize the medications necessary for a Donor cycle. Our agency requires Donors to have a BMI of 27 or less.

Parent FAQ

How do I gain access to the EGG DONOR database?

I am not 100% sure if I want to move forward with an Egg Donor/Surrogate, but I don’t want her to get matched with another client either. What are my options?

If an Egg Donor is available, you can place her on a temporary hold for five (5) business days at no cost to you while you decide if she is the Donor you want to work with. A Surrogate can also be placed on a 3-day courtesy hold if she has approved your profile. She will also be placed on a 3-day hold following your meeting to decide whether you want to secure the match.

Does The Genesis Group meet their Donors?

We meet every single Donor in person or by Skype. The Donors in our program are located all over the country, so we don’t meet everyone in person.

What information is available on the Donor profiles?

The profiles in our database include adult photos, childhood photos, physical descriptions, educational background, medical history, family health history, “12 Things About You” questions, and previous cycle results (if applicable).

Do I have to choose a Donor with the same blood type as me?

No, you do not. The Donor’s blood type does not have to match yours or your spouse/sperm Donor. Some Intended Parents pick a Donor with the same blood type for personal reasons, but it is not a requirement and does not affect the outcome of the cycle.