Implantation Problems After C-Section? Your Scar May Be the Reason

Struggling to conceive after a C-section? Scarring may be affecting implantation. Discover how surrogacy can help you have a biological child.

IVF worked once before—but now, despite doing everything right, the embryo just won’t stick. If your previous pregnancy resulted in a cesarean delivery, research shows that scarring can cause implantation problems after a C-section.

The good news? Options like surrogacy can offer a clear, successful path to parenthood, allowing you to have a biological child without facing repeated implantation setbacks.

If you have embryos from IVF, you can be matched with a surrogate quickly. Contact us today to take your first steps toward parenthood.

In this article, we’ll break down how scarring from a C-section can interfere with conception and what you can do when IVF after C-section doesn’t work.

Does Uterine Scarring From a C-Section Affect Implantation?

Yes, uterine scarring from a C-section can disrupt the normal implantation process.

When the uterus heals after surgery, scar tissue that forms where the incision was made can result in difficulties with the transfer or implantation problems after a C-section. Here’s how:

  • The shape of the uterus can change after a cesarean, especially if scar tissue forms at or near the cervix. This, also known as a retroflexed uterus can make it harder to place the embryo in the optimal location.
  • Scar tissue can make it difficult for the embryo to implant in the uterine wall
  • Difficulties with catheter placement due to resistance from scar tissue can complicate the transfer.
  • Reduced blood flow in the scarred area may further lower the chances of implantation, even when everything else looks ideal.

These subtle barriers often go unnoticed until IVF has failed more than once. Even when implantation does occur, uterine scarring increases the risk of miscarriage or abnormal implantation.

How Doctors Diagnose Implantation Problems After a C-Section

If you’ve had a C-section and are struggling to conceive, your doctor may recommend diagnostic testing to better understand what’s going on inside your uterus.

One of the most common culprits of post-C-section infertility is a condition called an isthmocele—a pouch-like defect in the uterine wall where the cesarean incision didn’t fully heal.

To determine if a scar defect is present, your fertility specialist may suggest several imaging tools:

  • Saline Infusion Sonogram (SIS) for a clearer view of the uterine cavity
  • Hysteroscopy to examine the uterine lining directly
  • MRI to evaluate scar depth and uterine wall thickness

These tests can help determine if uterine scarring is impacting your ability to conceive—and inform your next steps.

What the Research Tells Us About Post-C-Section Fertility

You’re not alone if you feel like no one warned you that a C-section could affect your fertility down the line. But research is catching up—and the findings are important.

In a retrospective study of 310 women, the pregnancy rate for women with a cesarean-induced uterine niche (isthmocele) was significantly lower compared to women who had a previous vaginal delivery.

These defects can also cause abnormal bleeding, pain, or fluid buildup in the uterus—all factors that may reduce IVF success.

There’s also a rare but serious complication known as a scar ectopic pregnancy.

What happens if there is an ectopic pregnancy in a C-section scar?

A condition known as scar ectopic pregnancy can occur when a fertilized egg implants directly into the C-section scar.

This is one of the most dangerous forms of ectopic pregnancy. The embryo may begin to grow within the scar tissue, which can’t support a healthy pregnancy.

As a result, the pregnancy is nonviable and may lead to severe complications like uterine rupture or hemorrhaging.

While this occurs in less than 1% of ectopic cases, the risk is rising as more births are delivered via C-section.

IVF After a C-Section Isn’t Working: When Letting Go Leads to Moving Forward

When IVF doesn’t work after all the emotional, physical and financial investment, it’s easy to feel like you’ve failed.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend a laparoscopy or hysteroscopy to remove the scar tissue.

While this can improve outcomes, it’s not always effective—and it may not fully restore the uterus’s ability to support a pregnancy. But there may still be a way forward.

Surrogacy is often the best path forward for those dealing with severe uterine damage or repeated IVF failure due to implantation problems after a C-section.

Learn more about when surrogacy may be recommended.

How Surrogacy Can Help After C-Section Complications

Letting go of the idea of carrying your baby can feel like a loss. It’s okay to grieve that. But it can also be the moment you reclaim your power.

Gestational surrogacy gives you the chance to have a child who is biologically yours even if you can’t carry the pregnancy yourself. With surrogacy, your embryo is transferred into a gestational carrier, who carries the baby to term.

Our team at American Surrogacy has helped many families navigate this process, and we’ll support you every step of the way.

Here’s how:

  • We carefully screen surrogates to reduce potential setbacks and increase the likelihood of a successful journey.
  • We offer financial protection to safeguard your investment.
  • We work closely with you to ensure your legal contract reflects your values and preferences.

Surrogacy allows you to continue your family-building journey with hope, clarity, and the support of a team that understands what you’ve been through.

Moving Forward: You’re Not Alone

If you’ve faced the heartbreak of infertility after a C-section, surrogacy offers a clearer path than the one you’re on.

Whether you’re just starting to ask questions or ready to take the next step, you deserve support and answers. We can help you explore your options and guide you toward the path that’s right for you.

Get in touch with a surrogacy specialist today to learn how we can help.

Can You Choose the Sex of Your Baby With Surrogacy? Seeing the Bigger Picture

Learn how PGT goes beyond sex selection to screen for genetic conditions—empowering parents to make safer, smarter family-building decisions.

Thanks to advances in reproductive technology like IVF with embryo genetic testing, gender selection is now a real and safe option for many intended parents.

Whether you’re considering choosing the sex of your baby with surrogacy for family balancing or to avoid a genetic condition, this guide will walk you through the process, the costs and what to expect.

If you’re considering surrogacy sex selection, we can help you find a reputable clinic that provides these services. Connect with a surrogacy specialist by filling out our online form.

Can You Choose the Sex of Your Baby With Surrogacy?

Yes — in many cases, it’s possible to choose your baby’s sex during the surrogacy process. But it doesn’t involve creating an embryo of a specific sex.

Instead, embryos are tested to identify their chromosomal makeup, which is what determines biological sex.

This is done through Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A).

While choosing the sex of your baby with surrogacy is possible, PGT-A’s primary purpose is to identify the embryos with the best chances of implanting.

How Does Sex Selection Work for Surrogacy? The Role of PGT-A

Sex selection begins with IVF. After eggs and sperm are combined to create embryos, doctors use PGT-A to evaluate each embryo’s chromosomal makeup.

This testing can determine whether an embryo is genetically male (XY) or female (XX).

Once testing is complete, your embryologist will choose which embryo to transfer based on health and, if desired, your preferred sex.

From there, that embryo is transferred to your surrogate, who carries the pregnancy.

How Much Does Sex Selection Cost?

PGT-A for embryo sex selection costs around $1,000 to $5,000. Embryo genetic testing also comes with potential benefits that go beyond choosing the sex of your baby.

PGT-A may improve the chances of selecting healthy embryos for transfer, which means avoiding:

  • The emotional toll of a failed IVF cycle
  • The cost of additional transfers
  • The trauma of a pregnancy loss

PGT-A does not guarantee pregnancy but it can help you make informed decisions on your IVF and surrogacy journey. We encourage all intended parents to speak with a fertility specialist about whether PGT is right for them.

Get a breakdown of the cost of PGT-A per embryo.

Does Insurance Cover Gender Selection?

In most cases, insurance plans do not cover the cost of IVF sex selection unless there’s a medical reason. Genetic testing is generally considered non-essential by insurance providers.

However, if you are choosing sex selection to avoid a serious sex-linked genetic condition, your insurance may cover PGT-A or related procedures.

Some providers, like Aetna, offer limited coverage under certain conditions. It’s best to check with your insurance provider directly.

Is Sex Selection Ethical?

The ethics of surrogacy sex selection can be a sensitive subject. Some people feel strongly against it, while others see it as a valuable option.

  • Gender bias: May reinforce harmful stereotypes and suggest one sex is more desirable.
  • Demographic risk: Can contribute to population imbalances in some regions.
  • Genetic overreach: Treats children as customizable, raising concerns about “designer babies.”

While some parents pursue surrogacy gender selection for personal or family balancing reasons, others are driven by a far more urgent factor: the health of their future child.

How Choosing the Sex of Your Baby Can Reduce the Risk of Hereditary Conditions

While many genetic disorders affect people regardless of sex, some are significantly more common or severe in either males or females.

Examples include:

  • Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) – more frequently diagnosed in males
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy – often more penetrant or severe in males
  • Autoimmune disorders like lupus and multiple sclerosis – significantly more common in females
  • BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations – associated with elevated risks of breast and ovarian cancer in females, and prostate cancer in males
  • Certain infertility conditions – may affect only one biological sex based on reproductive anatomy

In these cases, knowing the sex of each embryo before transfer allows families to make informed decisions that align with their family history and medical priorities.

How PGT-A and PGT-M Work Together in Sex Selection for Medical Reasons

While PGT-A examines the chromosome of an embryo, preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic (single-gene) disorders (PGT-M) screens embryos for specific inherited conditions.

Using PGT-A and PGT-M together helps intended parents select an embryo that is of a specific sex if that sex is medically preferable based on a lower likelihood of passing on a genetic condition.

Choosing the sex of your baby with surrogacy is a deeply personal decision. There’s no right or wrong answer, but it’s important to weigh the medical, emotional and ethical aspects before moving forward.

Is Sex Selection for Surrogacy Right for Your Family?

Choosing the sex of your baby can be a deeply personal decision — and one that often brings up a range of emotional, medical, and ethical considerations.

For some families, it’s about health and prevention. For others, it’s about balance and connection. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is space for thoughtful reflection.

Questions to ask yourself:

  • What is motivating our desire for a baby of a specific sex?
  • Are there cultural or emotional expectations we’re navigating?
  • Are there medical concerns or risks to consider?
  • Have we discussed our options with a genetic counselor or fertility specialist?
  • Do we feel aligned as partners in this decision?

How American Surrogacy Supports You

At American Surrogacy, we can connect you with IVF and fertility providers across the country that offer PGT-A and/or PGT-M services.

Once you’ve worked with your clinic to create and screen your embryos, we step in with speed and expertise.

Fast, Personalized Surrogate Matching

We understand that timing is essential — especially after embryos have already been created.

Our matching process is efficient, proactive and built around your preferences, values and goals. We help you move from embryo creation to surrogate match without unnecessary delays.

Learn more about how we offer short surrogacy wait times.

What to Keep in Mind Before PGT Testing for Surrogacy

The opportunity to choose the sex of your baby with surrogacy can be exciting, but it’s only one part of a much bigger picture.

Your fertility clinic will always recommend transferring the healthiest embryo, and that’s what matters most for a safe and successful journey.

If you’re curious about your options, we’re here to help. Every family is unique, and we’ll help you build yours. Our specialists are ready to walk you through your next steps.

Get in touch with a surrogacy specialist today.

Can Multiple Rounds of IVF Cause Cancer? Finding a New Path with Surrogacy

Repeated IVF failures can leave hopeful parents emotionally drained—and questioning whether these treatments could be increasing their long-term cancer risk. If IVF hasn’t worked, surrogacy may be the next step toward building the family you’ve been dreaming of.

What happens when you’ve done everything right—but IVF still doesn’t work? Many women find themselves questioning not only the effectiveness of IVF, but also whether repeated fertility treatments could affect their long-term health.

If you’ve reached the point where fear, sadness, frustration or fatigue has taken over, it may be time to consider a different path.

In this article, we break down the science behind IVF and cancer risk—what studies say, what to do when IVF continues to fail and why surrogacy with American Surrogacy might be the path that finally brings your dreams of parenthood to life.

If you’re ready to explore a path beyond repeated IVF failures, reach out to American Surrogacy today. Let us help you become parents sooner.

Can Multiple Rounds of IVF Cause Cancer?

No—there is no clinically significant evidence that IVF causes cancer, even after multiple rounds.

If you’ve been through multiple IVF cycles without success, the emotional and physical toll can be overwhelming. It’s not just disappointment—it’s deep sadness, fatigue and frustration that builds with every failed attempt.

At some point, it’s only natural to wonder: Could this be doing more harm than good?

In the sections ahead, we’ll explore what studies say and how to think about next steps, especially if you’re starting to feel like IVF may no longer be the best path forward.

Can IVF cause breast cancer?

In short, no, IVF does not cause breast cancer, even if you’ve had multiple cycles.

Some early studies raised concerns, but more recent cohort studies show no consistent association between fertility treatments and breast cancer risk. Any observed increases may be due to higher baseline risk in women with infertility, not the fertility drugs.

Can IVF cause ovarian cancer?

There is no detectable increase in ovarian cancer risk from undergoing IVF, according to a meta-analysis of 37 studies including over 4 million women.

Ovarian cancer has also been studied heavily in relation to fertility treatments. Earlier studies suggested a possible link, but new research has identified two key issues:

  1. Age correlation: The average IVF patient is older, and age naturally increases ovarian cancer risk.
  2. Selection bias: Women with unexplained infertility—who often undergo IVF—already have higher baseline risks.

Can IVF cause cervical cancer?

Currently, women who undergo IVF are about 0.1% less likely to develop cervical cancer, and about 0.1% more likely to develop benign or borderline cervical tumors.

On the surface, this might seem like IVF itself lowers cancer rates, but the truth is much simpler:

  • IVF patients have more cervical exams.
  • Early detection of abnormal cells leads to earlier treatment.

This lends further emphasis to the importance of scheduling regular Pap smears and wellness exams, even if you are currently undergoing IVF.

Can IVF cause uterine or endometrial cancer?

A large Australian study found:

  • 1.09% risk in IVF patients
  • 2.64% risk in infertile women who did not do IVF

This suggests that IVF may even have a protective effect, likely because of close monitoring during treatment.

What If Your IVF Keeps Failing?

While repeated IVF attempts may not put you at higher risk of cancer, we also know how frustrating and painful repeated IVF cycles can be—physically, emotionally and financially.

Some couples and individuals experience unsuccessful IVF treatments over and over again, with seemingly no reason for failure.

Here are a few medically recognized reasons for repeated IVF failure:

  • Poor ovarian response: Some ovaries simply don’t respond well to stimulation drugs, leading to fewer or lower-quality eggs.
  • Chromosomal issues: Embryos with genetic abnormalities are a major cause of both miscarriage and failed implantation, even in IVF.
  • Immune system barriers: Sometimes the body’s immune defenses mistakenly treat embryos as invaders, preventing implantation.
  • Endometriosis: Endometrial tissue can make the uterus less receptive to embryos—even when fertilization is successful.

If your IVF has failed more than twice, it’s time to speak with a reproductive endocrinologist to explore deeper diagnostics.

When IVF Keeps Failing, it May Be Time to Consider Surrogacy

As much as you may want to keep trying, there comes a point where another IVF cycle may not increase your odds.

Knowing when to pivot can save you emotional heartache and bring you closer to building your family another way.

Here are signs you might be ready to consider surrogacy:

  • You’ve had multiple failed IVF rounds with no clear cause
  • Doctors say your uterus may not support pregnancy
  • You’ve experienced severe side effects from IVF medication
  • You’re emotionally and financially exhausted

Learn more about moving on from IVF, practically and emotionally.

Why Surrogacy is a Good Alternative to IVF: How You Can Have More Time as a Parent

If your eggs or embryos are viable, but your body can’t carry a pregnancy, surrogacy with American Surrogacy can be a life-changing option. It allows you to:

  • Use your own embryos (from prior IVF cycles)
  • Match with a thoroughly prescreened surrogate
  • Remain closely involved throughout the journey, from matching to prenatal appointments and delivery day

At American Surrogacy, every surrogate is thoroughly screened, emotionally evaluated and has previously completed at least one healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Our agency has helped thousands of intended parents navigate the surrogacy journey with confidence and clarity.

“I don’t know how long we would have been mourning the loss of not having another child. I don’t know how long that lasts because surrogacy gave us hope through the entire time that we were trying to have this baby. We knew it could be done. It was just a matter of not giving up and finding the right people to help us.”

–Bekah and Gilad, parents through surrogacy.

What’s Next?

You’ve already shown incredible strength by going through the IVF process. If it hasn’t worked, that doesn’t mean your journey is over.

You’re still on the path to parenthood—and we’re here to help. Curious about next steps? Contact us today to learn how surrogacy can turn heartbreak into hope.

How Long Before IVF Should I Stop Smoking Weed? — Embryo Success and Surrogacy

If you’re creating embryos for surrogacy, knowing when to stop smoking before IVF can help you make informed choices.
If you’ve abstained long-term and still face repeated IVF failures, surrogacy may offer a more viable path to parenthood.

Before you’ve even created your embryos—whether for surrogacy or for traditional IVF—your choices around cannabis can matter more than you think.

Understanding when and why to stop smoking weed before IVF can make a meaningful difference in how your IVF cycle plays out.

This guide covers when to stop using weed before IVF, how it impacts fertility in both men and women and what your options are if IVF isn’t working after stopping cannabis use.

If you’re planning to create embryos and explore surrogacy, we can help you get started with the early stages of the surrogacy process. Once your embryos are created, we can match you with a surrogate. Contact us today.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider about your specific fertility needs, cannabis use or any medical conditions related to IVF or surrogacy.

How Long Before IVF Should I Stop Smoking Weed?

A solid rule of thumb is: women should stop smoking at least one full menstrual cycle before egg retrieval, while men should stop at least three months before sperm donation.

These timelines align with how long it takes for egg and sperm development to reset in the body.

If you’re unsure, always talk to your doctor. They’ll be able to guide you based on your health history and fertility goals.

Learn more about the Do’s and Don’ts before egg retrieval.

Can I smoke Weed After Egg Retrieval if we’re using a surrogate?

Yes, in most cases, once your eggs have been retrieved and fertilization has taken place, your direct role in the surrogacy medical process is complete.

If you’re not carrying the pregnancy yourself and you’re not continuing to produce embryos or undergoing a frozen embryo transfer, resuming cannabis use typically won’t affect the success of the pregnancy.

That said, you should still consult your fertility doctor before restarting weed. Some fertility plans involve follow-up medications or additional cycles, and being transparent about cannabis use ensures your providers can support you with full context.

Now, if your partner is donating sperm, or if you’re using your own embryos in the future, continuing abstinence may still be advised.

Weed and IVF Success: Does Marijuana Affect Embryo Creation?

In terms of embryo creation, potential effects of cannabis use on egg and sperm quality can compromise fertilization rates and embryo viability.

While not every user will experience poor embryo outcomes, reducing or eliminating cannabis use is one way to help ensure the healthiest possible starting point for embryo development.

The medical consensus remains: abstaining from smoking or ingesting weed gummies before IVF stimulation is more likely to help your chances of successful egg retrieval rather than hurt it.

Can Smoking Weed Affect Egg Quality?

Yes, cannabis use can potentially affect egg quality. THC may interfere with the endocrine system, leading to disrupted hormone levels that regulate ovulation.

Some studies suggest that chronic cannabis use could lead to fewer mature eggs retrieved during IVF. Additionally, THC may impact the microenvironment of the ovaries, potentially influencing the genetic stability and viability of eggs.

If egg quality is a concern in your IVF journey, discontinuing cannabis use early in your prep cycle is one of the best decisions you can make.

Learn more about what determines whether your eggs are mature enough for retrieval.

Does Smoking Weed Affect Sperm Quality?

Yes. Cannabis use has a well-documented impact on male fertility, particularly sperm quality. In men, THC can bind to receptors in the testes and affect the production of sperm leading to:

Some evidence also suggests that long-term use may lead to DNA fragmentation in sperm, which can compromise embryo development and reduce implantation rates.

Smoking, Vaping and Edibles During IVF Stimulation: Do They Impact Fertility Differently?

Hormone stimulation is a key phase in creating embryos for surrogacy. Smoking weed during IVF can interfere with these drugs and how your body responds.

If you’re undergoing stimulation, now is not the time to be using weed—even if you won’t be the one carrying the child. It doesn’t matter much if you smoke it, vape it or eat it—THC still interacts with your reproductive system.

If you’re considering using edibles during IVF thinking they’re safer, remember: the method of delivery doesn’t eliminate THC’s effects on egg and sperm quality.

It’s advised to wait until after you have successfully created embryos to resume cannabis use.

However, if you are undergoing traditional IVF, smoking adds the risk of lung stress and reduced oxygenation, which can be harmful during implantation or early pregnancy.

I’ve Abstained From Weed and IVF Still Isn’t Working: What’s Next?

For those pursuing traditional IVF, It can be incredibly frustrating to go through multiple rounds of IVF and still not achieve a successful pregnancy, especially if you’ve already taken every precaution, including long-term cannabis abstinence.

If you’ve quit weed and optimized your fertility treatment plan but still haven’t seen the results you hoped for, it may be time to consider surrogacy.

While marijuana can impact reproductive health, it’s not always the root cause of IVF failure. Issues like uterine receptivity, embryo quality or unexplained infertility can play a role.

Surrogacy offers an alternative path to parenthood when carrying a pregnancy yourself proves difficult. You can still use your own eggs and sperm (or embryos you’ve already created) and transfer them to a surrogate.

All of our surrogates are prescreened and must abstain from substances like cannabis, tobacco and alcohol.

If you’re in this position, we’re here to support you through the transition from IVF to surrogacy.

Your Next Move

Quitting cannabis before IVF may not be ideal, but it could make a difference. Talk with your doctor, explore your options and give your body the best chance to do what it’s designed to do.

If you’re in the process of creating embryos or have embryos from IVF and are considering surrogacy, we’re here to support you.

Fill out our quick form to begin the preliminary steps of the surrogacy journey. Once your embryos are ready, we can help match you with a trusted, qualified surrogate.

The Paleo Diet for IVF: Can It Improve Embryo Quality for Surrogacy?

Optimizing embryo quality is a key focus for intended parents preparing for surrogacy, and dietary choices like the paleo diet for IVF are often part of that effort. Explore the potential benefits of anti-inflammatory nutrition, the emotional toll of constant optimization and how surrogacy offers a supported, strategic next step toward parenthood.

When you’re creating embryos for surrogacy, every decision feels high-stakes—including what you eat.

Many intended parents consider the paleo diet for IVF as a way to boost embryo quality before transfer to a surrogate. It’s a natural instinct—to optimize every variable you can.

Embryos ready or in progress? We can help you get started with your surrogacy journey. Get started now.

In this guide, we’ll break down what the research says about nutrition and embryo development, explore the emotional weight of “optimizing everything,” and show how American Surrogacy can help you take the next step.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical or nutritional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian or fertility specialist, before making dietary changes related to IVF or fertility treatment.

Does the Paleo Diet for IVF Improve Embryo Quality for Surrogacy?

If you’re creating embryos for surrogacy, you’re probably looking at every possible way to improve success—including what you eat. The paleo diet for IVF is often promoted as a way to support egg quality and reduce inflammation before retrieval.

While evidence is mixed, there’s logic behind the approach: nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods may help create a healthier environment for eggs and embryo development.

Just know that no diet is a silver bullet—but your efforts to optimize do matter.

And when your embryos are ready, you don’t have to figure out the next step alone.

Learn more about how you can prepare for your egg retrieval and ensure the best chances of success for your IVF and surrogacy journey.

What is the Paleo Diet for IVF?

The Paleo diet gets its name for aiming to mimic Paleolithic ancestors eating habits. The diet consists of consuming foods like:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Lean meats
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Nuts, and seeds

The goal of the paleo diet is to remove the consumption of processed foods, grains, legumes and dairy products.

What the Research Really Says About the Paleo Diet and Embryo Quality

If you’re considering the paleo diet for IVF as part of your surrogacy plan, it’s important to separate hype from evidence.

While clean eating can support general fertility health, there’s limited research tying paleo specifically to better embryo outcomes.

That said, diets rich in antioxidants, healthy fats and low-glycemic foods may contribute to egg quality and embryo development, especially for older intended mothers or those with hormonal imbalances.

Nutrition is one part of a bigger picture. The right surrogacy team ensures your embryos have the best possible chance—from lab to life.

Pros and Cons of the Paleo Diet

Like most diets, there are several benefits to choosing the Paleo diet for IVF, but there are also some concerns.

Pros of the Paleo Diet for IVF

  • Improved blood sugars: The limitation of carbohydrates and refined sugars creates improved blood sugar control, this is essential for healthy ovulation and implantation.
  • Weight management: Keeping and managing a healthy weight is a key component to overall health. This correlates to a positive impact on fertility.
  • Inflammation reduction: The focus on lean proteins and healthy fats helps limit inflammation. Systemic inflammation is linked to being problematic during IVF, as it has negative impacts on the uterus, cervix, and placenta. Limiting these risks improves fertility success rates.

Cons of the Paleo Diet for IVF

  • Nutrient deficiencies: Because of the limitations on what you should consume, such as cutting out dairy completely, there can be calcium, vitamin D, fiber, and other vitamin deficiencies.
  • Saturated fat intake: With such a high intake of saturated fat, this can negatively impact heart function, blood flow/circulation, which has direct ties to negatively impacting fertility.
  • Limited fiber: When you eliminate foods like grains and legumes, you are limiting your fiber intake. This can potentially cause gut health and other digestive problems.
  • Cost: Whole foods are proven to be more expensive than processed foods. Budgeting for groceries can become a challenge with ever changing prices.

Why Surrogacy Is a Powerful Step for Parents Creating Embryos

If you’re exploring the paleo diet for IVF as you create embryos or you already have embryos from previous IVF attempts, you’re doing everything you can to support this process.

That same intention and care is what makes surrogacy such a strong next step. You can still use your own eggs and embryos—but give them the best chance to thrive in a healthy, well-supported surrogate.

With professional guidance, emotional support and a legally protected process, American Surrogacy helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.

When Traditional IVF Isn’t Working: The Mental Toll of Trying Everything

Following the paleo diet for IVF, or any strict fertility regimen, can offer a sense of control. But over time, the pressure to “optimize everything” can lead to diet fatigue, guilt and emotional burnout.

When you’ve endured failed transfers, poor embryo quality or a uterus that just won’t respond despite doing everything right, it’s normal to feel defeated.

Here’s the truth: this isn’t the end of your journey, just a turning point. Surrogacy offers a new way forward. Your embryos can still be used, but carried by ascreened surrogate in a healthy, supportive environment.

If cycles have failed or your doctor recommends a different approach, explore how surrogacy could be your next empowering step. Talk to a surrogacy specialist.

How to Know If You’re Ready for Surrogacy

You may already be preparing your body with the paleo diet for IVF, freezing embryos or scheduling retrievals. But when it comes to moving forward with surrogacy, how do you know you’re truly ready?

Ask yourself:

  • Do you feel confident in your embryo quality or fertility plan?
  • Are you focused on outcomes over carrying the pregnancy yourself?
  • Are you emotionally ready to trust someone else with this part of your journey?             
  • Do you want expert help coordinating the legal, medical, and emotional side of this process?

If your answer is “yes” to any of these, then you may be more ready than you think. And we’re here to walk with you, every step of the way.

Your Next Steps

Whether you’re just beginning to explore surrogacy or you’re ready to match with a carrier for your embryos, we’re here. Trusted by hundreds of families, American Surrogacy offers:

  • Personalized matching based on your needs
  • Legal and emotional support throughout the journey
  • A proven, compassionate team by your side

 Let’s build your family together. Fill out our form for a free consultation.

Surrogacy in Islam: A Faith-Aligned Guide for Muslim Intended Parents

Surrogacy in Islam presents a complex intersection of faith, ethics and reproductive technology, with differing views between Sunni and Shia schools of thought.

Surrogacy in Islam raises some of the most important questions Muslim intended parents will face on their path to parenthood. Understanding what is halal or haram in this process can bring clarity, confidence and peace of mind.

When you align your surrogacy journey with your faith, you can move forward with a plan that honors both your values and your dreams of building a family.

Have questions about starting your surrogacy journey in alignment with your faith? Reach out to American Surrogacy for a confidential consultation with experienced surrogacy specialists who will work to provide you with a personalized experienced.

In this guide, you’ll explore what major Islamic schools of thought say about surrogacy, how IVF and donor options are viewed through a religious lens and how American Surrogacy supports culturally respectful, faith-aligned services for Muslim families.

Is Surrogacy Haram in Islam?

Surrogacy in Islam is a deeply debated topic with perspectives shaped by jurisprudential schools, ethical principles and cultural norms. The primary concern revolves around the preservation of nasab (lineage) and the sanctity of marriage.

Most Sunni scholars consider surrogacy in Islam haram, especially when third-party involvement is present. This includes using a surrogate mother who is not the wife or involving donor sperm or eggs, which many equate with zina (adultery).

However, certain Shia authorities, particularly within Iranian religious leadership, permit gestational surrogacy under strict conditions—primarily that the gametes come from a married couple.

Thus, while surrogacy is often viewed as impermissible in Sunni Islam, it may be deemed halal in Shia jurisprudence when it preserves biological lineage and marital integrity.

Prospective Muslim parents are encouraged to consult trusted scholars and consider fatwas issued by authoritative bodies before proceeding.

Sunni and Shia Perspectives on Surrogacy

Views on surrogacy in Islam vary significantly between Sunni and Shia jurisprudence.

Surrogacy in Islam Sunni

 In Sunni Islam, the prevailing opinion is that surrogacy is haram due to the introduction of a third party into the reproductive process. The child’s lineage becomes ambiguous, especially if a surrogate mother or donor gametes are involved, which conflicts with principles of Islamic parenthood.

Surrogacy in Islam Shia

Conversely, Shia scholars, especially in Iran, have issued fatwas that allow for gestational surrogacy, provided that both the egg and sperm come from a legally married couple.

In these cases, the surrogate acts merely as a gestational carrier, and no lineage confusion arises.

Shia fiqh tends to prioritize intention (niyyah) and biological connection over the method of gestation, creating space for surrogacy within strict ethical boundaries.

Understanding these divergent views is crucial for Muslim intended parents navigating this complex issue.

Why Is Surrogacy Haram According to Some Scholars?

Many Islamic scholars assert that surrogacy in Islam is haram due to concerns over nasab (lineage), ethical ambiguity and marital exclusivity.

In cases involving a third-party surrogate or donor sperm or eggs, scholars argue that the child’s parentage becomes unclear. This lineage disruption is viewed as a major legal and moral issue in Islam.

Additionally, surrogacy in Islam may introduce legal complexities regarding the maternal identity—who is considered the “mother” in Islamic law: the genetic or gestational mother?

These concerns, along with worries about commodification of the womb and potential exploitation, lead many Sunni jurists to categorically oppose surrogacy.

The fear of resembling zina through third-party gamete use is another driving factor in labeling surrogacy haram.

IVF in Islam: What’s Allowed and What’s Not?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is generally considered halal in Islam if it involves only the husband and wife’s gametes and the embryo is transferred into the wife’s uterus. This aligns with Islamic principles of marital fidelity and lineage preservation.

However, IVF becomes haram if donor sperm, donor eggs or surrogates are involved, according to most Sunni scholars. In Shia Islam, IVF is permitted even with a gestational surrogate under specific legal conditions.

Controversies also surround embryo storage and embryo adoption in Islam, with scholars divided on whether long-term storage or using another couple’s embryos constitutes a breach of Islamic ethics.

Clear scholarly guidance should be sought before proceeding with any ART technique.

Using a Donor Sperm and a Donor Egg in Islam

Islamic rulings on donor eggs and donor sperm are generally strict.

In Sunni Islam, the use of third-party genetic material is unanimously considered haram because it introduces foreign biological lineage into the family unit. The child is not the biological offspring of both parents, which is seen as a breach of marital fidelity.

In the broader context of surrogacy in Islam, Shia interpretations may allow more flexibility. Some Shia scholars permit the use of donor gametes under special circumstances, though this is still a contentious area.

Even in these cases, rigorous legal and ethical conditions must be met to preserve family integrity.

Ultimately, most Islamic scholars advise against donor involvement and encourage IVF or ART procedures to be confined strictly to the husband and wife.

 Choosing a Surrogacy Path That Aligns With Your Faith

For Muslim intended parents, the decision to pursue surrogacy in Islam should be informed by both medical feasibility and religious compatibility.

Many turn to their imams or Islamic jurists for fatwas on specific scenarios. American Surrogacy encourages families to pursue faith-aligned pathways that honor both religious values and personal dreams of parenthood.

Whether you are exploring IVF or surrogacy, it’s essential to ensure that the process involves only the husband and wife’s genetic material and to avoid third-party involvement unless your sect allows otherwise.

We can help guide you through surrogacy options that respect your Islamic beliefs while providing transparent, ethical support.

Can a Muslim Woman Be a Surrogate Mother?

The permissibility of a Muslim woman serving as a surrogate mother depends on her intention, the nature of the surrogacy, and her interpretation of Islamic law.

Sunni scholars generally discourage Muslim women from becoming surrogates due to the moral and legal complications of carrying another couple’s child.

In contrast, Shia Islam may allow a Muslim woman to act as a gestational surrogate provided that the embryo is from a legally married couple. Even then, ethical oversight and religious consultation are critical. The surrogate must fully understand the legal and emotional implications.

Agencies like American Surrogacy help ensure that Muslim surrogates participate only in ethically sound, legally clear arrangements that align with their beliefs.

Global Fatwas and Legal Views on Surrogacy in Islam

Islamic rulings on surrogacy in Islam vary widely across countries. In Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Sunni scholars largely prohibit surrogacy, citing concerns over lineage and third-party involvement. Fatwas from Al-Azhar University and the Saudi Grand Mufti affirm that surrogacy is haram.

In contrast, Iran, a predominantly Shia country, has legalized surrogacy in Islam under specific conditions, allowing it within marital frameworks with biological parents.

Pakistan presents a mixed landscape, where scholars and courts debate permissibility based on context.

Understanding these international fatwas and laws helps Muslim parents make informed, faith-aligned decisions—especially when considering cross-border reproductive care involving surrogacy in Islam.

Navigating Islamic Ethics With Your Surrogacy Agency

Choosing a surrogacy agency that understands and respects Islamic ethics is essential. American Surrogacy is committed to working with Muslim families in a culturally sensitive and religiously aware manner. We offer personalized matching to ensure alignment with your values.

Faith should never be compromised on your path to parenthood. Let us walk this journey with you.

Ready to explore your options with a surrogacy agency that respects your values? Contact American Surrogacy today to speak with a specialist who understands your faith, your goals and your journey forward.

Whose Egg is Used in Surrogacy?

Surrogacy using your own egg allows intended mothers to maintain a biological connection to their child, even if they cannot carry the pregnancy themselves. Through IVF, the intended mother’s egg is fertilized and transferred to a surrogate who has no genetic link to the baby.

What if you could still have a biological child—even if you can’t carry the pregnancy yourself?

For intended parents who’ve faced medical setbacks, impossible risks or are an LGBT couple, needing a surrogate can feel like losing control. But one powerful truth brings hope back into focus: You may not be able to carry—but you can still be genetically connected to your baby.

Whether you’re planning to pursue surrogacy using your own egg or exploring donor options, you don’t have to figure it out alone. American Surrogacy can connect you with trusted fertility clinics and reputable egg donor programs near you.

Let us help you build your care team—starting with a simple conversation. Reach out today to begin.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about whose egg and sperm is used in surrogacy, including.

Whose Egg Is Used in Surrogacy? Maintaining Genetic Connection

In gestational surrogacy, either your egg or a donor egg is used, meaning the surrogate has no genetic connection to the child. The embryo is created using either the intended mother’s egg or an egg donor and then transferred to the surrogate’s uterus through IVF.

For those pursuing surrogacy with your own egg, this means you can maintain a full biological connection to your child while still receiving the support of a surrogate.

In contrast, traditional surrogacy involves the surrogate using her own egg, making her the child’s biological mother. This path is rarely used today due to legal and emotional complexities.

Are Surrogates Related to the Baby?

No. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate is not the egg provider. She carries the pregnancy but shares no genetic connection with the baby.

Instead, the embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended mother’s egg, a donor egg, or a combination with sperm from one of the intended parents or a donor.

If you are pursuing surrogacy with your own egg, the process typically begins with fertility evaluations and egg retrieval. Once eggs are collected and fertilized, one or more embryos are transferred to a carefully screened surrogate.

This distinction between egg source and pregnancy carrier is a defining feature of modern surrogacy, providing intended parents greater control and biological connection—especially appealing to those who are able to use their own eggs.

Can a Surrogate Carry Another Woman’s Egg?

The surrogate does not carry someone else’s egg, but rather an embryo created from either your egg or a donor egg.

If you’re an intended mother pursuing surrogacy with your own egg, your eggs will be retrieved and fertilized in a lab through IVF. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the surrogate, who will carry the pregnancy to term but will not share a genetic connection with the child.

This arrangement offers a beautiful way for women who cannot carry a pregnancy to still be genetically linked to their child. It’s also common in cases involving egg donors, where the surrogate has no biological tie but is an essential partner in the journey to parenthood.

Can I Use My Own Eggs in Surrogacy? Understanding Egg Retrieval

Yes, you can absolutely pursue surrogacy with your own egg, and many intended mothers do.

If you are medically able to produce healthy eggs but cannot safely carry a pregnancy, using your own eggs in a gestational surrogacy arrangement is often the preferred path.

The process typically begins with ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and IVF. Your eggs are fertilized in the lab, and the resulting embryos are transferred to your chosen surrogate.

This option allows for a full genetic connection to your child, offering emotional reassurance and continuity, especially for individuals who may have faced pregnancy loss or medical complications in the past.

Learn more about egg retrieval for surrogacy and what to expect.

Whose Sperm Is Used in Surrogacy?

In the process of surrogacy with your own egg, the sperm can either come from the intended father or you may use donor sperm in cases where the intended father’s sperm is not viable or involving single mothers or same-sex female couples.

Regardless of origin, all sperm used for IVF must be screened to ensure healthy embryos and safe outcomes. American Surrogacy coordinates with fertility clinics and sperm banks to manage this process, giving you control and clarity at every step.

When is Surrogacy with an Egg Donation Necessary?

While surrogacy with your own egg is ideal for many intended mothers, there are situations where using an egg donor becomes necessary. This could include:

  • Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)
  • You’re an LGBT couple
  • Previous IVF failures
  • Genetic conditions
  • Advanced maternal age

When using an egg donor, you can still pursue surrogacy with the help of your selected surrogate.

Donors are carefully screened for medical and psychological health, and intended parents often have the ability to select a donor whose profile aligns with their personal values or desired traits.

If you’re unsure whether you’ll need an egg donor, a fertility workup can help assess your eligibility for surrogacy with your own egg and clarify the path that’s best for your family-building journey.

Finding an Egg Donor for Surrogacy

If you’re not pursuing surrogacy with your own egg, or if fertility testing reveals the need for donor eggs, your next step may be to find an egg donor. This is a deeply personal process and one that American Surrogacy and our clinic partners can help you navigate.

Here’s how the process typically works:

Find an Egg Donor Program That Meets Your Needs

Begin by identifying whether you want to work with:

  • A fertility clinic’s in-house donor program
  • An independent egg donor agency
  • An egg bank offering frozen donor eggs

Each option has different timelines, costs, and levels of choice. American Surrogacy can refer you to vetted partners depending on whether you prefer fresh vs. frozen embryos, known vs. anonymous donors, and your desired level of involvement in the match process.

Decide What You’re Looking for in a Donor

Before viewing profiles, reflect on what matters most to you. Consider factors like:

  • Ethnicity, cultural background or religion
  • Education, career or creative talents
  • Physical resemblance or family traits
  • Medical and genetic history
  • Personality and values

Some families want a donor who mirrors the intended mother; others prioritize medical history. There’s no right or wrong, only what feels right for you.

By understanding your preferences upfront, you’ll feel more confident as you review donor options later in the process.

Review Donor Profiles

Profiles often include:

  • Medical and genetic history
  • Education and personal background
  • Photos (childhood and adult)
  • Personality traits and interests

You’ll work with a fertility clinic or egg bank to view approved profiles and select the donor that aligns with your family values and preferences.

If you’re unsure whether you need a donor or can pursue surrogacy with your own egg, a fertility evaluation will provide clear answers and we’ll help guide you forward from there.

How American Surrogacy Supports Your Egg Source Choice

Once your embryos are created, whether through surrogacy using your own egg or with the help of a donor, our team is here to guide you through what comes next.

From helping you find a donor egg program to matching you with a thoroughly screened, compassionate surrogate, American Surrogacy provides the personalized support and ethical care you need to confidently move forward.

Start your surrogacy journey today by contacting us for a consultation. Together, we’ll build the path to your future family one step at a time.

The Keto Diet and IVF Success for Surrogacy: Boost or Barrier?

The keto diet is often promoted as a fertility booster, but its benefits for IVF are limited and can carry nutritional risks. Balanced, anti-inflammatory diets are more strongly supported by research and may better support embryo quality, especially for intended parents preparing for surrogacy.

Making the right nutritional choices during IVF can influence everything from hormone balance to embryo quality.

By understanding how different dietary approaches impact IVF outcomes, you can make informed decisions that support embryo health and long-term family-building success.

If you’re creating embryos now, we can help you prepare for what’s next—matching you with a fully screened surrogate. Ready to plan ahead? Contact our surrogacy specialists.

In this guide, we’ll explore the keto diet for IVF, what the research says, potential risks, smarter alternatives, and what to do when IVF doesn’t go as planned.

Disclaimer:This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical or nutritional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian or fertility specialist, before making dietary changes related to IVF or fertility treatment.

Should You Try the Keto Diet During IVF?

The keto diet for IVF is gaining attention for its potential to regulate blood sugar and support hormone balance—especially in people with PCOS or insulin resistance. In some cases, low-carb diets may improve ovulation and egg quality.

However, for many intended parents, particularly those creating embryos for surrogacy, the risks may outweigh the benefits. Keto’s restrictive nature can increase inflammation, reduce key nutrients like folate and magnesium and add stress during a critical phase of embryo development.

Most fertility experts recommend a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet that supports cellular health and embryo viability. Working with a fertility nutritionist can help you choose a plan that fits your body and your IVF goals.

Learn more about how you can prepare for successful egg retrieval.

Is Keto Good for PCOS?

For people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of infertility, the keto diet may offer short-term benefits.

By significantly reducing carbohydrate intake, keto can help stabilize blood sugar, lower insulin levels and reduce circulating androgens, which may improve ovulation and hormonal balance in some individuals.

However, most fertility specialists caution that keto’s effectiveness depends on the individual and that it’s not always appropriate during IVF. Keto’s restrictive nature may compromise nutrient intake during the critical preconception window.

A moderate, balanced approach—often modeled after the Mediterranean diet—may offer similar metabolic benefits for PCOS, with fewer risks and greater nutritional support for embryo development.

What is the Keto Diet for IVF?

The Ketogenic diet, most commonly known as the keto diet, is a low-carb, high healthy-fat diet that forces the body to burn fat for energy instead of using carbohydrates.

Many people choose the keto diet, because it includes more of the high-fat foods people tend to prefer, and has less restrictions on what they cannot eat.

Some of the most common foods consumed on the keto diet for IVF include:

  • Beef, pork, lamb, and other fatty meats
  • Tuna, Mackerel, salmon, and other fatty fish
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Full-fat cheeses
  • Olive oil
  • Berries and tomatoes
  • Non-starchy vegetables such as kale, collard greens, broccoli, zucchini, and peppers
  • And more

 What the Research Says About the Keto Diet and IVF Success

While small studies suggest low-carb diets may help people with PCOS improve ovulation and hormone balance, these benefits are more relevant to natural conception than embryo creation for surrogacy.

When looking at direct IVF outcomes like egg quality or embryo development, evidence supporting keto over balanced diets is lacking. In fact, overly restrictive eating may reduce key nutrients essential to successful fertilization and embryo viability.

That’s why most fertility experts recommend balanced, anti-inflammatory diets rich in greens, grains and healthy fats, over extreme plans. For intended parents using IVF, especially those preparing embryos for surrogacy, working with a fertility nutritionist ensures your diet supports your goal, not complicates it.

Risks of the Keto Diet During IVF

The keto diet for IVF may seem like a promising way to regulate hormones and support fertility, but it comes with important risks—especially for intended parents creating embryos for surrogacy.

  • Inflammation: High saturated fat intake, common in poorly balanced keto plans, can trigger inflammation, which may disrupt the hormonal environment IVF relies on.
  • Hormonal instability: Dietary changes, especially when carb intake drops, can send signals that the body is under stress. This can suppress key reproductive hormones, affect ovarian stimulation outcomes and potentially lower estrogen levels.
  • Micronutrient deficiencies: Keto often lacks essential IVF-supportive nutrients like folate, magnesium, iron and vitamin D. These play vital roles in egg maturation, fertilization and early embryonic development.

While some patients with PCOS may benefit from low-carb strategies, keto is not a one-size-fits-all solution. For IVF and embryo creation, especially in preparation for gestational surrogacy, a balanced, nutrient-dense approach is usually safer and more effective.

 Better Alternatives: Fertility Nutrition That Supports IVF

While the keto diet for IVF is gaining popularity, it may not be the best fit for most intended parents—especially those creating embryos for surrogacy.

Keto can support hormone balance in some patients with insulin resistance, but its restrictive nature poses risks like inflammation and nutrient gaps that could impact embryo quality.

Instead, fertility experts often recommend the Mediterranean diet or other balanced, anti-inflammatory approaches.

These diets prioritize whole foods like leafy greens, fish, legumes and healthy fats, offering steady energy, blood sugar stability and vital nutrients such as folate, antioxidants and omega-3s that support egg and embryo development.

Research links these nutrient-rich diets to better egg quality, fertilization outcomes and embryo morphology. Working with a fertility nutritionist can help tailor a plan that enhances your results without unnecessary restrictions.

What to Do If IVF Isn’t Working

After multiple IVF cycles, even with adjustments to medication or trying the keto diet for IVF, many intended parents still face disappointment—and the emotional and financial toll can be significant.

Repeated failure is more common than it seems, often due to factors like embryo quality or implantation issues. At some point, it’s natural to ask: Is it time for a different path?

If you’ve already created embryos, surrogacy may offer a way forward—allowing you to build your family without further physical strain. It’s not giving up; it’s choosing a new, empowered direction.

 This isn’t giving up. It’s choosing a new way forward.

Why Surrogacy May Be a More Reliable Path to Parenthood

If IVF hasn’t gone as planned, surrogacy may offer a more dependable and emotionally sustainable way forward, especially if you’ve already created embryos.

With surrogacy, a fully screened surrogate carries your genetic embryo, offering greater control, fewer medical unknowns, and a professionally managed process from transfer to delivery. It also gives you space to heal from the emotional and physical strain of repeated IVF attempts.

For many intended parents, particularly those who’ve tried options like the keto diet for IVF or face medical barriers to pregnancy, surrogacy is not a last resort, but a clear path to parenthood.

How American Surrogacy Can Help

If you’re ready to move forward, American Surrogacy is here to walk that path with you—step by step. We’ve helped thousands of intended parents turn uncertainty into clarity and dreams into growing families.

Our team handles everything: from matching you with a fully screened surrogate, to coordinating legal and medical requirements, to offering emotional guidance throughout the process.

Whether you’ve just started exploring surrogacy or have frozen embryos ready for transfer, we’ll help you understand your options and move forward with confidence.

If you’re creating embryos through IVF, American Surrogacy can help you plan your next step. Fill out our form for a free consultation—we’re ready when you are.

Improve Embryo Quality with the Mediterranean Diet for IVF and Surrogacy

The Mediterranean diet for IVF has been linked to improved egg quality, hormone regulation and embryo viability, which are all key factors in successful embryo creation. With anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods, this nutrition approach supports


Research suggests that following the Mediterranean diet for IVF and surrogacy may improve egg quality, resulting in more, high-quality embryos. When your body is nourished, your embryos have a better chance of thriving.

Optimizing your health before IVF is one of the most powerful steps you can take as an intended parent pursuing surrogacy.

If you’re beginning IVF for surrogacy, we can help you complete the necessary forms now so you’re fully prepared to be matched with a surrogate when your embryos are ready. Contact us today to get started.

In this guide, you’ll learn how the Mediterranean diet for IVF can support egg development, reduce inflammation, and help you prepare for a successful embryo creation process.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical or nutritional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a registered dietitian or fertility specialist, before making dietary changes related to IVF or fertility treatment.

The Mediterranean Diet and IVF Success: Improving Embryo Viability for Surrogacy

What you eat in the months leading up to IVF can affect more than just your own health. It also impacts the viability and quality of the embryos created, which directly influences the success of the transfer to your surrogate.

One study found that eating more vegetables and fruit, limiting red meat and sodas and maintaining a healthy weight may improve ovarian reserve.

Key Benefits:

  • Reduces inflammation: Chronic inflammation can interfere with egg quality and hormonal balance. The Mediterranean diet is often called an anti-inflammatory diet because it is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats.
  • Enhances egg quality: Nutrients like Omega-3s and vitamin E (found in nuts and olive oil) help protect eggs from oxidative stress, which is particularly important for intended mothers creating embryos for surrogacy.
  • Balances hormones: A diet low in processed foods and high in whole grains can help regulate insulin levels, which affects reproductive hormones crucial for successful egg retrieval.

While you can’t control every variable, your pre-IVF nutrition is one factor that’s within your hands.

Learn more about how you can prepare for your egg retrieval and ensure the best chances of success for your IVF and surrogacy journey.

Considering the Mediterranean Diet for IVF and Surrogacy? Here’s What to Know

The Mediterranean diet is based around following traditional dietary patterns of countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. These countries put an emphasis on whole, natural foods and heart-healthy fats.

Examples of some of the foods typically consumed when following the Mediterranean diet for IVF include:

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
  • Whole grains (like quinoa, oats, barley)
  • Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans)
  • Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Fresh fruits

For fertility, this style of eating is beneficial because it’s:

  • Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation can interfere with ovulation and embryo implantation.
  • Rich in antioxidants: These protect egg cells from oxidative stress and age-related decline.
  • Supportive of hormonal health: Healthy fats and fiber help balance estrogen and other reproductive hormones.

Before beginning the Mediterranean diet for IVF, consult with your doctor or a qualified nutritionist.

Foods to Prioritize and Avoid Before Egg Retrieval

As you prepare for egg retrieval, certain foods can actively support egg development, while others may hinder your progress:

Prioritize:

  • Dark leafy greens, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts
  • Avocados and olive oil
  • Berries, citrus, and pomegranate
  • Wild-caught salmon, sardines
  • Quinoa, oats, farro
  • Water and herbal teas

Avoid or Limit:

  • Processed meats and fast food
  • Refined sugars and high-glycemic carbs
  • Soda, excessive caffeine, and alcohol
  • Trans fats (found in packaged snacks and fried foods)

A nutrient-rich approach helps reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar and set the stage for healthier hormone function—vital during the stimulation phase of IVF.

Creating a Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan for IVF

A well-balanced Mediterranean diet for IVF can be easy to follow with the right meal plan. Below are some fertility-boosting meal ideas:

Breakfast:

  • Greek yogurt with walnuts, chia seeds, and honey
  • Oatmeal with berries and flaxseeds

Lunch:

  • Quinoa salad with grilled salmon, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil
  • Chickpea and spinach wrap with hummus

Dinner:

  • Grilled chicken with roasted vegetables and hummus
  • Lentil soup with a side of whole-grain bread

Snacks:

  • Almonds and dried apricots
  • Sliced cucumbers with tzatziki

By following this diet, you provide your body with the key nutrients it needs to support IVF success, whether you are preparing for pregnancy yourself or creating healthy embryos for surrogacy.

Try These Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes for IVF

With so many different dietary blogs, websites, influencers and more, finding a diet plan that fits your preferences and goals is easier than ever.

You may consider the following articles and diet plans to find the best fit as you begin adhering to the Mediterranean diet for IVF.

Taking Your Next Steps

Ready to take the next step? While you focus on creating embryos, our team can assist you in completing the necessary paperwork for your surrogacy journey.

We’ll walk you through every requirement so that you’re ready to be matched with a surrogate as soon as your embryos are. Fill out our simple form today.

Can I Take Adderall During IVF Stimulation for Surrogacy?

The use of adderall during IVF stimulation raises important considerations for intended parents creating embryos for surrogacy. While stimulant medications are not proven to harm embryo development, timing and communication are key to safely navigating treatment.

Adderall during IVF stimulation is a major consideration for intended parents creating embryos for surrogacy—and making informed decisions early can protect both your embryo quality and your mental health.

By coordinating closely with your fertility and psychiatric providers, you can pursue IVF with clarity and confidence, knowing that your emotional wellness and reproductive goals are being supported together.

If you’re still searching for a fertility clinic or wondering what happens once your embryos are created, American Surrogacy can help. Fill out our form now to begin your surrogacy journey.

This article walks you through what to know about taking ADHD medications like Adderall during IVF stimulation, how they may (or may not) impact your embryo creation and what role American Surrogacy can play in your surrogacy journey.

Can You Take Adderall During IVF Stimulation When Creating Embryos for Surrogacy?

The short answer: it depends—and it should be a coordinated medical decision.

While research on Adderall and IVF outcomes is limited, most clinics recommend reviewing all medications with your care team before starting stimulation.

Stimulants may affect hormone regulation or interact with anesthesia during egg retrieval, prompting some providers to suggest a temporary pause.

What matters most is that you disclose your medication use early in your IVF planning.

Key considerations:

  • Timing: Most tapering plans (if needed) begin 1–2 weeks before stimulation starts.
  • Half-life: Adderall has a relatively short half-life, meaning it typically clears the system quickly, often within 48 hours.
  • Egg quality: Current evidence does not confirm that Adderall during IVF stimulation degrades egg quality, but long-term studies are lacking.
  • Mental health: Discontinuing ADHD meds can impair emotional regulation, focus and energy you’ll need for managing IVF stress.

Does Adderall Affect Egg Quality and IVF Outcomes?

Stimulant medications work on the central nervous system, leading some theorize that stimulants could influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which plays a critical role in regulating hormone signals throughout the IVF cycle.

That said, there is no current clinical evidence confirming that the use of stimulants like Adderall during IVF diminishes egg quality, fertilization rates or blastocyst development.

Most fertility clinics base their recommendations on precaution rather than proven harm.

For intended parents creating embryos for use in surrogacy, ensuring the highest possible embryo quality is a top priority, so it’s common for providers to suggest pausing Adderall during IVF stimulation.

Should You Stop Taking Adderall Before Egg Retrieval?

Fertility clinics may recommend stopping ADHD medications like Adderall during IVF stimulation, particularly as you near the date of your egg retrieval.

This recommendation is generally based on three concerns:

  1. Hormonal sensitivity: During the final stretch of stimulation, hormone levels peak. Providers may want to eliminate anything that could influence estrogen levels, stress response or the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis.
  2. Anesthesia safety: Adderall is a stimulant that can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Since egg retrieval involves light anesthesia, your clinical team may prefer you to be stimulant-free for safety.
  3. Embryo development caution: While not supported by conclusive evidence, many IVF protocols take a conservative approach. Some believe that removing medications with unknown reproductive effects is the safest course.

If stopping Adderall during IVF stimulation is advised, tapering gradually (rather than quitting abruptly) is often recommended to reduce side effects like mood swings, fatigue and brain fog. This tapering should ideally begin 1–2 weeks prior to your retrieval date.

Learn how you can prepare for your egg retrieval to ensure the best possible outcomes.

For Those Undergoing IVF Only: Should You Stop Adderall Before Embryo Transfer?

 If you’re undergoing IVF to carry a pregnancy yourself, most fertility clinics recommend caution during this phase because early pregnancy can be affected by anything that may alter blood flow, uterine receptivity or hormone regulation.

As always, this decision should be made in close coordination with your fertility doctor and mental health provider.

If you’ve experienced difficulties with embryo implantation, are facing repeated IVF failure or are simply feeling overwhelmed, know that surrogacy is an option.

American Surrogacy works with hopeful parents at every stage, including those who started with IVF but are now exploring alternative paths to parenthood.

Can ADHD Meds Affect Embryo Development or Surrogacy Success?

The good news: taking stimulant medications like Adderall during IVF stimulation are highly unlikely to have a direct impact on the DNA, chromosomal integrity or long-term health of embryos.

What could be affected:

  • Egg quality: If stimulant use disrupts hormone balance, it could theoretically affect follicle development—but evidence here is weak.
  • Embryo grading: There’s no data showing that ADHD meds negatively affect blastocyst quality or grading.
  • Implantation success: Embryo quality is only one factor. Uterine environment (in your surrogate) matters more at this stage.

Even if the science says there’s little to no risk, many intended parents want to be absolutely certain they’re doing everything possible to ensure a successful outcome. That includes choosing caution around any medication that could even theoretically complicate the journey.

While there’s no clinical evidence linking Adderall during IVF stimulation to embryo complications, it’s still worth discussing with your team. You deserve both peace of mind and a care plan that reflects your values.

Balancing Mental Health and IVF: What Intended Parents Need to Know

IVF is a process that tests every part of you physically, emotionally and financially.

For intended parents with ADHD or other mental health challenges, managing this stress without medication can feel overwhelming. That’s why creating a mental health strategy is just as important as selecting your clinic or IVF protocol.

Non-medication support options:

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
  • ADHD coaching or executive functioning strategies
  • Mindfulness practices
  • Peer support from other IPs or infertility groups

Agency Support Matters

At American Surrogacy, we understand that your mental clarity is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. We work with clients every day who are managing neurodiverse needs alongside their surrogacy journey.

We can also help you begin the paperwork process for your surrogacy journey while you’re creating embryos—and match you with the right surrogate when you’re ready to move forward. Contact us today.