What are the Surrogacy Success Rates and What Impacts Them?

Surrogacy has become one of the most effective infertility treatments for couples and individuals who cannot conceive naturally. For women who are unable to carry a pregnancy due to medical conditions such as uterine problems, repeated IVF failures, or other health complications, gestational surrogacy provides a safe and proven alternative.

While the process can involve legal, medical, and emotional considerations, the success rate of surrogacy is considerably higher compared to other assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as traditional IVF and IUI.

Studies show that while traditional IVF cycles have an average success rate of 30–50%, surrogacy can achieve success rates between 60% and 90%, depending on factors like embryo quality, the surrogate’s health, and the expertise of the fertility clinic.

In this article, we will explain the average surrogacy success rate and the key medical and lifestyle factors that affect outcomes.

What Factors Affect the Surrogacy Success?

Key factors that influence IVF success in surrogacy are:

Egg and Sperm Quality

The quality of the intended parents’ eggs and sperm is crucial. The healthier and younger the reproductive cells are, the better the embryo will be, which increases the chance of pregnancy. Women under 35 typically experience higher gestational surrogacy success rates due to the improved quality of their eggs.

Surrogate's Physical and Uterine Health

The overall health of the surrogate, particularly her uterine condition, is crucial. A structurally sound uterus, free from fibroids, adhesions, or congenital anomalies, is essential. Additionally, the endometrial lining must be adequately thick, about 7–12mm, to support embryo implantation.



Previous Successful Pregnancies

Surrogates who have already delivered healthy babies are more likely to have another successful pregnancy.

Quality and Number of Embryos Transferred

Single embryo transfer (SET) is often more effective than transferring multiple embryos of average quality. Advanced techniques like PGT-A genetic testing enable the selection of the healthiest embryos for transfer.

Expertise of the Fertility Clinic

As with any medical treatment, the skill and experience of the clinic’s staff are critical. Meticulous IVF procedures, thorough uterine preparation, comprehensive testing, and diligent follow-up care all contribute to enhanced surrogate mother success rate.



Surrogate’s Lifestyle

A surrogate's lifestyle can greatly influence her pregnancy outcome. Maintaining a balanced diet, abstaining from alcohol and smoking, ensuring adequate sleep, and attending regular medical checkups can significantly improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Ongoing Medical Care and Monitoring During Pregnancy

Continuous medical supervision throughout the surrogate's pregnancy is essential. Regular checkups, ultrasounds, and adherence to prescribed medications are crucial for monitoring and supporting a healthy gestation.

Timing Coordination

Precise synchronization of ovulation, embryo transfer, and uterine preparation is essential. Even a one- or two-day mismatch can reduce implantation success.

 What is the Average Success Rate of Surrogacy?

IVF success rates in surrogacy are much higher compared to other infertility treatments, such as conventional IVF or IUI.  According to surrogacy statistics worldwide, surrogacy success rates typically range from 70% to 92%. Success is higher when both egg and sperm come from the intended parents compared to cases with donor eggs or sperm.



What Factors May Lower the Success Rate of Surrogate Mothers?

Common reasons for surrogacy failure stories include:

• Embryo Rejection due to poor implantation;
• Advanced age of the Surrogate;
• Poor Egg or Sperm Quality;
• Unhealthy Lifestyle Behaviors of the Surrogate, including alcohol consumption, smoking, and poor nutrition;
• Neglecting Essential Medical Tests.

Is the First Embryo Transfer in Surrogacy Always Successful?

In most cases, embryo transfer to surrogate mother is done through IVF. Surrogacy statistics worldwide show that 45–60% succeed after the first embryo transfer. If not, the second or third attempt usually succeeds. Most intended parents achieve pregnancy within the second or third embryo transfer, especially in reputable fertility centers.

Do Success Rates of Surrogacy Differ Across Countries?

The success rate of surrogacy worldwide ranges from 60% to 90%, depending on medical, biological, and lifestyle factors:

• United States: Around 90% success rate;
• Europe: Between 70% and 85%;
• Developing countries: 60–70% depending on medical standards;
• Iran: Between 70% and 80%, thanks to advanced fertility clinics and experienced specialists.

IVF vs. Surrogacy Success Rate

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) has an average success rate of 30–50% per cycle, depending on factors like the woman’s age, egg and sperm quality, and the clinic’s expertise. For women under 35, the rate is closer to 45–50%. However, it declines significantly with age.

Surrogacy, on the other hand, generally has a much higher success rate, ranging from 60–90%. This is because the surrogate is usually a healthy woman with a proven history of successful pregnancies, which increases implantation. In many cases, surrogate pregnancy is achieved within the first two or three embryo transfers.

Why Choose Surrogacy in Iran?

Iran has become a leading destination for international patients seeking affordable surrogacy. The country offers:

• High surrogacy success rates comparable to the U.S. and Europe (70–80%);
• World-class fertility clinics equipped with advanced IVF technology;
• Affordable surrogacy packages at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries;
• Experienced doctors with decades of expertise in assisted reproductive techniques.



Conclusion

Surrogacy is one of the most effective infertility treatment options, with success rates between 60% and 90% worldwide. Factors such as egg and sperm quality, surrogate’s age, overall health and lifestyle, clinic expertise, and medical care during pregnancy all affect the outcome.

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FAQs on Surrogacy Success Rates

Is surrogacy a good option?

Surrogacy can be a good option for people who can't have children on their own, whether due to health issues, infertility, or being part of a same-sex couple. It allows them to become parents, sometimes using their own eggs or sperm.

What is the success rate of surrogacy?

The success rate of Embryo Transfer in Surrogacy may range from 60% and 90% depending on medical, biological, and lifestyle factors.

What is the success rate of surrogacy in Iran?

Over 70%, thanks to medical advancements in infertility treatment.

What factors affect surrogacy success rates?

Factors like the surrogate’s health and age, egg and sperm quality, and clinic expertise can increase the odds of IVF surrogacy success.

Is Surrogacy Success Possible after a failed embryo transfer?

Doctors identify the cause and try a second or third transfer. With subsequent embryo transfers after a first failed transfer, the rates of surrogacy success increase much higher.

Can you do twins with surrogacy?

Yes, some intended parents opt for double embryo transfer (DET) for higher chance of success, However, it may increase surrogacy risks.