Most little girls dream of the day they will wear a big, fluffy white gown at their wedding. They play dress-up from a young age, and some even create wedding albums during their teen years. Collections that contain hundreds of photos of flowers, wedding dresses, and table settings.
Then comes the idea of extending your family. Fast forward to being grown-up, and then you decide you want a baby. For some, this comes easy. Falling pregnant is a quick process for some, while for others, it isn’t an easy task.
What about same-sex couples who want to have children? Or even single parents who know they were meant to be a mommy or a daddy?
The Advances In Medical Technology
Improvements in medicine and various specialized areas are continuously evolving. There are ways to manage difficulties when it comes to fertility. There are remarkable, creative ways to ensure everyone can become a parent if they choose.
Depending on your circumstances, there is a myriad of methods that are available to you in the world of fertility.
IVF
In vitro fertilization, commonly known as IVF, is a process where a woman’s egg is extracted from her womb. At the same time, a man’s sperm is collected, and the two are combined in a special liquid in a controlled laboratory environment. Once the egg is fertilized, it is inserted back into the woman’s body.
While this procedure is not guaranteed, it is an exercise many choose to try if they are battling to fall pregnant naturally. Success rates differ from person to person, and it is a costly process to partake in.
Choose A Surrogate
Some females are incredibly fertile and choose to act as a carrier for a baby for the duration of the pregnancy. Once the baby is born, the surrogate mother gives the baby to the intended couple who otherwise could not have had a baby.
There are two different forms of surrogacy, as follows:
Traditional Surrogate
Traditional surrogacy is a process whereby the sperm of the father is combined with the egg of the surrogate mother. In this instance, the baby is biologically linked to the surrogate mother.
Gestational Surrogate
This is a more common practice because the surrogate mother acts purely as the oven for the baby, and there are no biological ties. The egg from the intended mother, who cannot fall pregnant on her own, is combined with the sperm from her partner. These are combined and then inserted into the surrogate.
The surrogate mother carries the baby to full-term and then gives the baby over to the couple to become parents to the newborn infant.
Surrogacy can be a complicated process and is best handled by reputable companies who specialize in fertility matters. There are legal processes that need to be managed, as well as ensuring you are matched with a suitable surrogate.
Find a Donor
In the same manner, as women act as surrogates or carriers for a baby during the period of pregnancy, they also offer their eggs. Professional organizations enlist vetted donors and manage a donor bank.
In the event of unforeseen medical circumstances or same-sex couples (to name a few), registering with a company can allow you to find a suitable egg for the start of the process.
Similarly, males with a low sperm count may not be in a position to impregnate a female. More fertile men also donate their sperm to allow couples to be in a position to become parents.
Choosing to become a parent is a significant decision. Often, due to circumstances that cannot be avoided, this can develop into a painful exercise for some. By reaching out and exploring avenues such as these, adding a new member to your family is within your reach.
