What does the Medical Screening Look for?

So, things are moving along for you. You have done all the paperwork and you have met the perfect family you want to take this journey with. Your application is completed and your ready to move forward. Your appointment with the fertility clinic is set for your medical screening.

Its normal to have questions, and its also normal to be nervous.

So, lets discuss what you can expect at the IVF Clinic, what kinds of tests will they be running and what are they testing for, as well as what makes you a good surrogate from a medical standpoint.

Like with any other doctor, your Intended Parent’s (IP’s) IVF doctor will first want to see your previous pregnancy records. Prior to your appointment you will be asked to communicate with your regular doctor to release these records to the clinic. Having these records prior to your appointment can move the process along faster. The Reproductive Endocrinologist (R.E.), which is the IVF doctor will want to go through your records to check for healthy past pregnancies to ensure surrogacy is a medically safe procedure for you. The R.E. will be looking for medical complications in your past such as placenta previa, premature delivery, gestational diabetes, low amniotic fluid, placenta bleeding, leaking fluid etc. While not a certainty, any of these complications are considered red flags which make for a less ideal surrogate candidate with a higher percentage of not being accepted by the doctor even if you have previously been accepted by the agency.

Your initial screening appointment will usually include a series of blood tests, a hysteroscopy, uterine measurements, cervical cultures and a toxicology screening. Some of these tests may not be required depending on both the clinic and the extent of your medical history records.

These blood tests are performed to test for disease, wellness and health. Each fertility clinic has their own set of things they are examining in the blood screenings, here are some examples (but not limited to):

• HIV
• Rubella
• Varicella
• Blood Type
• Ab Screening
• CBC (complete blood count)
• Metabolic Panel
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C

• Thyroid Function
• Prolactin
• Vitamin D
• Syphilis
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• HTLV-1
• RH Factor

Miscellaneous Screening: You will also be given a series of tests to check for alcohol, drugs and nicotine. Positive results for drugs or nicotine are an immediate disqualification. If you have elevated levels of alcohol in your system which could indicate alcohol abuse this is also a disqualifier for surrogacy.

Hysteroscopy: This procedure is similar to a pap smear, in this test the R.E. uses a hysteroscope which is a thin lighted tube to look at the health of the cervix, uterus and uterine lining. During this procedure the R.E. is looking for abnormalities, tears and general health of these organs. You may be given a sedative to help you relax if you feel you need one.

Uterine Measurement: The R.E. will measure your uterus to make sure that it falls within the normal size and shape for pre-pregnancy and that there are no major abnormalities that could prevent pregnancy or make transfer difficult.
Spouse: In the case that you have a significant other or are married, your spouse/significant other will also be required to be tested for contagious diseases, alcohol, drugs and nicotine. Because your spouse is a part of both your journey and your support network they will need to pass both in order for you to be considered a healthy candidate for surrogacy.

Pelvic Exam: In most cases the R.E. will require you to do a pelvic exam. This is a familiar exam for most woman who have been pregnant. This exam is done using a transvaginal ultrasound wand to check the position of your uterus, ovaries and to rule out any intrauterine irregularities that may make it difficult to become pregnant through IVF such as fibroids and adhesions.

All the tests are put in place in order to protect you as the surrogate during pregnancy as well as to protect the baby from potential risks factors that can be easily prevented.

The medical exam is put in place to ensure that surrogacy is a safe option for a surrogate. Surrogates are amazing women who give of themselves, share their lives and give hope to individuals and couples who are unable to create their families without them. It is important that the surrogate is safe, supported and medically capable of becoming a surrogate without adverse or damaging effects on their lives that could prevent them from moving forward in their own lives with a sense of satisfaction, peace and health.