Third party reproductive services provide a way for people to expand their families when it wouldn’t be possible otherwise. These options enable couples or individuals to have a child through eggs, sperm, or embryos donated by a third party.
Third party reproductive services are fertility procedures using donated:
Gestational surrogacy, where another person carries the pregnancy to term, is also included in these services. Surrogates may be an option for couples who can provide eggs and sperm but lack a normal uterus, or people with donated embryos.
For couples struggling with infertility, same-sex couples, or single people, third party reproductive services can provide a path to starting a family.
At UPMC Third Party Reproductive Services, we treat infertility through egg and sperm donation and in vitro fertilization (IVF). We also provide reproductive assistance for single people and same-sex couples.
People who may benefit from third party reproductive services include:
Third party reproduction can be a solution for people who've been unable to start families.
We recommend and offer counseling with all of our third party reproductive services. The path from infertility to third party assistance is paved with many emotions, challenges, and joys. It’s best to have support and guidance throughout this journey.
UPMC offers a complete range of third party reproductive services through donated eggs, sperm, embryos, and surrogacy.
We're a longtime leader in offering in vitro fertilization (IVF) with donated eggs. An egg donor assists when a woman can’t provide her own eggs.
Some reasons a woman may not be able to provide viable eggs include:
Egg donation enables couples to:
Recipients of donor eggs for IVF must:
If you have severe male factor infertility, or can’t produce sperm, you may decide to use donor sperm. Single women who wish to start a family may also go this route.
Sperm banks are accredited by the American Tissue Bank and registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
There are two ways to become pregnant through donor sperm: intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF. Your doctor will recommend which might be right for you.
If you can provide your own eggs and sperm but don’t have a normal uterus, or have donor embryos, you can have a surrogate carry the pregnancy to term.
Gestational surrogacy is a good option for women who have:
The process of gestational surrogacy involves several steps:
UPMC doesn't recruit gestational surrogates.
People typically find carriers for a pregnancy through:
Not everyone can be a surrogate. Surrogates need to meet stringent criteria regarding their reproductive and medical histories. They also need to be emotionally healthy and have good support systems.
UPMC provides medical services and preconception psychological screening for the intended parents. We also provide these services to the surrogate and her partner, if she has one.
Embryo donation is a relatively new way to start a family that's growing in popularity. It involves couples who've completed their families through IVF but have remaining embryos choosing to donate them anonymously.
Embryo donation is an option for couples who are willing to receive donated embryos, as long as this option is medically appropriate. Anyone who considers building their family through donated embryos receives counseling.
Ideal candidates for embryo donation are couples in need of both donated eggs and sperm or single women beyond the normal reproductive age. Recipients of donated embryos are able to experience pregnancy and become nurturing parents.
Couples who wish to donate embryos must complete a health survey and undergo screening for infectious diseases. They must also receive counseling to make sure they're comfortable with their decision to donate.
As a leader in reproductive health, UPMC has paved the way for alternative ways for families to grow. Our medical teams have experience in all of the ways pregnancy can happen. Our goal is always for you to achieve a successful, healthy, and happy pregnancy.
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-09-05.
