The In Person Surrogacy
Medical Evaluation
(IP Edition).

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

Overview

The In Person Medical Evaluation is the first visit your surrogate will make to your fertility clinic.  The visit includes a saline sonogram, bloodwork and education.  The surrogate will travel to your 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?

The surrogate attends, and if she is partnered or married, we strongly recommend the spouse or partner also attend.  This allows both the surrogate and her spouse/partner to meet your care providers and for the care providers to meet them as well. The surrogate will not bring her children to the appointment, as children are not allowed at the clinic for any of the appointments. 
If you live close to the clinic and want to attend the appointment with your surrogate or spend time with your surrogate, that is usually welcomed!  It’s also a really lovely opportunity to meet your surrogate in person.  

 What about travel arrangements?  Who makes those?

The surrogate’s case manager will work with the surrogate to set up travel arrangements that work well for her schedule. Her case manager will make the arrangements and make payment for the travel, and then will share all of the travel information with your surrogate and also with you.  

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 the surrogate’s uterus.
  • The procedure can be mildly uncomfortable but should not hurt.
• Bloodwork for the surrogate and her spouse/partner (if applicable) may be done before, during or after the In Person Medical Evaluation, and either 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 disease testing 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 your surrogate will use for the cycle and how to administer them
• Education about the cycle and transfer process and a general overview of the timeline 
• Your surrogate will also 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?

Your surrogate will travel back home the same day as the evaluation. 

Results

Usually the clinic will share the results of the saline ultrasound within a day or two.  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 surrogate if there is any follow up needed (like updating a vaccination, removing a polyp, or taking Vitamin D if her levels are low), or if we have medical clearance. 

Once medical clearance is issued by the clinic, you are ready to move onto the legal contract!

If you have any questions about the in person medical evaluation, or if you would like to meet up with your surrogate, let your case manager know.  We are here to help!