Introduction
When most intended parents reach out to us, they have already been through years of fertility struggles. This was the case for Marie (name changed for privacy). In her 40s, she had endured multiple failed egg retrievals before finally creating two PGT-A normal embryos. With such limited chances, Marie asked our surrogacy agency to help her find a proven surrogate—someone who had successfully carried for other families before.
👉 Related reading: Experienced vs. First-Time Surrogates: Choosing the Right Partner
Marie’s Journey: Hope After Many Attempts
We matched Marie with Rachel, a 26-year-old surrogate who already had one child of her own and had completed two surrogacy journeys. Both had been successful on the first embryo transfer, with full-term vaginal deliveries. On paper, she was the perfect match.
Marie and Rachel bonded instantly, but Marie still struggled to trust someone with the embryos she had worked so hard to create. To increase the chances of success, she asked the clinic to perform a Mock Cycle (ERA test)—an Endometrial Receptivity Analysis often used to fine-tune the transfer protocol.
The ERA Test & Unexpected Results
To Marie’s surprise, the clinic not only performed an ERA but also ran a BCL-6 test, which can indicate endometriosis. Rachel tested positive, and the doctor strongly advised finding a different surrogate.
This was an extremely confusing moment for Marie. On one hand, medical science suggested Rachel might have endometriosis, which could complicate pregnancy. On the other hand, Rachel had already carried three healthy, full-term pregnancies without difficulty.
Here lies the contradiction: advanced medical tests are powerful, but they are not always perfect. A positive BCL-6 test result may suggest an issue, yet Rachel’s health history was an equally strong form of evidence. Studies also show that BCL-6 tests can yield false positives.
Marie recalled:
“That was the hardest decision of my life, but Ivy’s thoughtful analysis and Rachel’s steadfastness gave me the courage to move forward.”
A Balanced Decision: Combining Science and Experience
During many calls with our agency, Marie carefully weighed her options. We did not argue against the physician’s recommendation—instead, we emphasized that Rachel’s record of three healthy full-term births provided significant reassurance, even in light of the test. Ultimately, the decision was Marie’s alone.
Rather than choosing between “science” or “experience,” Marie and her physician reached a fusion approach: Rachel would undergo three months of Lupron therapy before the transfer. This treatment aimed to suppress any potential impact of endometriosis and create the most receptive environment possible for the embryo.
The Happy Ending: A Baby Girl Is Born
When transfer day arrived, the room was filled with nervous anticipation. Would the embryo stick? Had Marie made the right decision?
The embryo transfer was successful. Rachel’s pregnancy progressed smoothly, and she delivered a healthy, full-term baby girl. For Marie, holding her daughter for the first time was when everything—years of struggle, moments of doubt, and difficult choices—finally felt worth it.
Rachel’s journey showed that sometimes the best outcomes come not from choosing between science and experience, but from integrating both.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a proven surrogate?
A proven surrogate is a woman who has successfully completed at least one surrogacy journey before, delivering healthy babies for intended parents.
2. What is an ERA test in surrogacy?
ERA (Endometrial Receptivity Analysis) is a test used to identify the best time for embryo transfer. It’s often requested by intended parents for reassurance but is less commonly needed with proven surrogates.
3. What is a BCL-6 test?
The BCL-6 test measures the expression of a protein linked to endometriosis. A positive result may suggest inflammation or endometrial dysfunction. However, it is not definitive—false positives are possible, and many women with positive results can still carry healthy pregnancies.
Conclusion
Marie’s story proves that in surrogacy, data and diagnostics are valuable navigation tools, but experience, instinct, and trust are equally essential compasses. Our mission is to help intended parents understand all these signals—scientific and personal—so they can make the best decisions for their families.
At Ivy Surrogacy, we are honored to support journeys like Marie’s. Difficult decisions may arise, but with guidance and care, they can lead to joyful endings.
✨ If you’re an intended parent ready to begin your surrogacy journey, or a woman considering becoming a surrogate, our team is here to walk with you every step of the way.
👉 Related reading: What To Expect: The Surrogacy Process
