Fertility Centers of Illinois Study Compares Gestational Carrier Outcomes for Same Sex Male Couples
Study from Fertility Centers of Illinois with same sex male couples shows an increase in complications during pregnancy despite healthy sperm, eggs, and previously successful pregnancies by gestational carriers, further informing the family planning process for gay couples pursuing parenthood.
CHICAGO, April 1, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A study from Fertility Centers of Illinois and Rush University Medical Center provides new insight for same-sex male couples looking to grow a family via a gestational carrier. The study sought to determine whether pregnancies using embryos created from fertile male sperm, healthy donor oocytes (eggs), and gestational carriers would result in increased perinatal complications compared to the same gestational carriers' natural pregnancies. Surrogate study participants carried pregnancies exclusively for same-sex male couples.
Study findings show that embryos created via IVF have an increased incidence of perinatal complications, 25 percent vs. 9.9 percent, including hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, and a decrease in gestational age of 38.7 weeks vs. 39.4 weeks. Despite a confirmed healthy uterine environment, sperm sample, and donor eggs, the data suggests the use of assisted reproductive technology in IVF cycles may have an adverse effect on embryo quality. There was no significant difference in birth weight, preterm delivery, or mode of delivery. The study compared 151 cycles, including 80 commissioned cycles and 71 spontaneous cycles, among 66 gestational carriers.
The increase in couples pursuing a child via gestational carrier has increased in recent years, with an increase of 18.75 percent over the past five years at Fertility Centers of Illinois. Gay couples can use these study findings during the family planning process to make informed decisions around healthcare needs such as a consultation with high-risk obstetrical management and/or planning to deliver in a higher acuity hospital.
"The study shows that even when the egg, sperm, and uterine environment are deemed healthy, there is an increased possibility of preterm birth and preeclampsia," explains Dr. Jennifer Hirshfeld-Cytron, study author and reproductive endocrinologist with Fertility Centers of Illinois. "Gay couples should aim to select a gestational carrier near high-quality healthcare services, in closer proximity to the intended parents' home, and go into this process aware of the potential added risks."
Study findings were presented at the annual American Society for Reproductive Medicine in the fall of 2018. To review further study data, click here for a poster presentation. For information on the treatment process and to review family planning resources for same-sex couples click here.
Fertility Centers of Illinois (FCI) is one of the leading fertility treatment practices in the United States, providing advanced reproductive endocrinology services for over 30 years with more than 35,000 babies born. With an 11-physician team of nationally and internationally recognized doctors at 10 locations who treat thousands of patients each year, the practice has earned a reputation for medical and clinical excellence and continues to invest in the latest state of the art technologies and research. FCI offers a comprehensive range of fertility treatments with an emphasis on in vitro fertilization, third party reproduction, egg donation, gestational carriers, genetic embryo screening, and egg freezing/oocyte vitrification, allowing patients to receive all of their care at one center. As the premier and largest fertility practice in the Midwest region, Fertility Centers of Illinois serves patients in the Chicagoland region, northern Indiana, and southern Wisconsin. Patients receive individualized care with accommodating financial options and a free patient support program. Learn more by calling 877-324-4483 or visiting fcionline.com
SOURCE Fertility Centers of Illinois
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