The In Person Surrogacy
Medical Evaluation
(Surrogate Edition).

You are matched, the fertility clinic has reviewed and approved your medical records, and there is one final part of the screening process:  the In Person Surrogacy Medical Evaluation.  

Overview

The In Person Medical Evaluation is the first trip you will take to the fertility clinic and involves a saline sonogram, bloodwork and education.  You will travel to the clinic the day before the evaluation, spend the night in a hotel, do the evaluation the next day and travel home that night.  

Who goes to the In Person Surrogacy Medical Evaluation?

You, and if you are partnered or married, we strongly recommend bringing your partner with you.  This allows you both to meet your care providers and for them to meet you as well. Children are not allowed at the clinic for any of your appointments.  

What about travel arrangements?  Who makes those?

You case manager will work with you to set up travel arrangements that work well for you. Your case manager will make the arrangements and make payment for the travel, and then will share all of the travel information with you.  Plan on traveling the day before the evaluation and returning home the day of the evaluation.

REMEMBER:  you will need to have current valid ID to travel, and it may need to be a Real ID.  If you aren’t sure if you have what you need, reach out to your case manager.  

What happens during the In Person Surrogacy Medical Evaluation?

Although each fertility doctor has their own process, there are some common things we see as part of this evaluation.

• Medical History and Physical exam, including a breast exam and pap smear
• Sonohysterography/Saline Infusion Sonogram (SIS)  
  • This exam is a transvaginal ultrasound test that is performed while a sterile saline solution is gently infused into the uterus. 
  • It detects uterine abnormalities such as endometrial polyps, fibroids, or uterine scars.
  • This exam is done because the saline solution distends the uterus and neatly outlines the inside lining of the uterus, which provides more detail than a conventional ultrasound.
  • The procedure takes less than 10 minutes, is not an invasive procedure, and provides important information about anything that could prevent an embryo from implanting into your uterus.
  • The procedure can be mildly uncomfortable but should not hurt.
• Bloodwork for you and your spouse/partner (if applicable) before, during or after the In Person Medical Evaluation done at a lab or at the clinic.  The bloodwork may include a CBC; Blood type and RH Factor; Immunity to Rubella, Hepatitis B & C, Varicella; Infectious diseases including HIV; and a basic hormone panel.
• A urine or blood test Drug Screen that may include screening for nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, opiates, PCP, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, & barbiturates
• Education about the medications you will use for your cycle and how to administer them
• Education about the cycle and transfer process and a general overview of the timeline 
• You will be asked to sign consents for the different medical procedures and for anything specific to your match

What happens after the In person Surrogacy Medical Evaluation?

You will travel back home the same day as the evaluation.  If you are uncomfortable from the saline sonogram, you can take a tylenol or advil.  And you will want to wear a pad to help with any leaking of the saline.

Results

Usually the clinic will tell you the results of the ultrasound right away.  It may take up to three weeks to get the bloodwork results back.  Once all of the results are back, the clinic will reach out and inform you and your intended parents if there is any follow up needed (like updating a vaccination or taking Vitamin D if your levels are low), or if we have medical clearance. 

NOTE:  As a reminder, do not use nicotine or marijuana in any form and avoid any potential exposure.  Alcohol in moderation is ok. Over the counter medications are ok. If your primary doctor prescribes you a new medication, please let the clinic and your case manager know.