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.