Infertility is a condition that affects millions of couples around the world, defined as the inability to conceive a child naturally after a year of attempts. This situation can be devastating for those who long to start a family, generating feelings of frustration, sadness, and even anxiety. Infertility can be classified into two main types:
Primary infertility: occurs when a couple has never achieved pregnancy.
Secondary infertility: occurs when a couple has achieved a previous pregnancy, but is unable to conceive again.
Causes of Infertility
The causes of infertility are complex and can impact both men and women. Among the most common causes are:
Ovulatory problems: in women, ovulatory problems may be due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, premature ovarian failure, among others.
Tubal problems: blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can prevent the egg from meeting the sperm.
Uterine problems: endometriosis, uterine fibroids, uterine polyps and uterine malformations can affect embryo implantation.
Male problems: sperm quality and quantity can be influenced by factors such as varicocele, urinary tract infections, hormonal problems, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Medical alternatives for Infertility
Fortunately, there are some infertility treatment options that can help couples achieve their dream of starting a family. Among the main alternatives are in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination, egg and sperm donation, and surrogacy.
In vitro fertilization (IVF): this procedure involves the extraction of eggs and sperm, their fertilization in a laboratory and the transfer of the fertilized embryo to the woman's uterus.
Artificial insemination (AI): in this procedure, sperm are artificially introduced into the woman's uterus during ovulation to increase the chances of pregnancy.
Egg donation: when a woman does not produce viable eggs, eggs donated by another woman can be used for IVF or AI.
Sperm donation: when a man does not produce healthy sperm, sperm donated by another man can be used for IVF.
Gestational surrogacy: this procedure involves the transfer of a fertilized embryo into the uterus of a gestating woman, who will carry the pregnancy to term and deliver the baby to the intended parents.
Surrogacy: a hope for the family
Gestational surrogacy has become an increasingly popular alternative for couples facing complex infertility or who are unable to safely carry a pregnancy to term. This procedure offers the opportunity to form a biological family through the gestation of an embryo in the uterus of a surrogate carrier.
Gestational surrogacy is a complex process that requires a specialized medical and legal team, as well as a clear and favorable legal framework in the country where the procedure will be performed. It is important for couples considering surrogacy to be properly informed about the process, risks and responsibilities, and to seek guidance from professionals with experience in this field. A specialized agency such as Family Aims can assist couples in this process, both to advise them and to connect them with clinics staffed by appropriate professionals.
Infertility can be a difficult challenge to face, but with the right support and treatment options available, couples can find hope in their journey to parenthood. Gestational surrogacy presents itself as a viable alternative for couples who wish to start a family and are unable to do so through traditional means
