How Does IVF Work for Surrogacy in Mexico and Colombia?

How Does IVF Work for Surrogacy in Mexico and Colombia?

If you are considering surrogacy in Mexico or Colombia, you may be wondering how embryos are created, whether you need an egg donor, how much treatment costs, and what happens before a surrogate becomes pregnant.

Gestational surrogacy uses in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create embryos using eggs and sperm from intended parents, donors, or a combination of both. An embryo is then transferred into a gestational surrogate’s uterus. Because the surrogate does not provide the egg, she is not genetically related to the child.

Atlas Surrogacy coordinates family-building programs in Mexico City and Cancun, Mexico, and Bogotá, Colombia, helping intended parents explore medical services, donor options, surrogate matching, and independent legal guidance.

This guide answers the main questions about IVF and surrogacy, from your first consultation to planning for your baby’s arrival.

What Is the Difference Between IVF and Surrogacy?

IVF creates embryos. Surrogacy involves another person carrying the pregnancy. They are separate parts of a gestational surrogacy journey.

Term	What it means
IVF	Eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory to create embryos.
Gestational surrogacy	A surrogate carries a pregnancy created using an embryo to which she has no genetic connection.
Egg donation	A donor provides eggs for embryo creation.
Embryo transfer	A fertility specialist places an embryo into the uterus with the aim of establishing a pregnancy.

An IVF cycle does not automatically result in a pregnancy. Embryo creation, transfer, implantation, and live birth are different milestones.

How Does the IVF Process Work for Surrogacy?

The fertility clinic develops an individual treatment plan. Some intended parents need to create embryos, while others begin with embryos already in storage.

1. Consultation and Medical Review

The clinic reviews your reproductive history, available medical records, and proposed egg and sperm sources. This helps determine which tests and treatments may be appropriate.

2. Egg Preparation and Retrieval

If eggs need to be retrieved, the person providing them takes prescribed stimulation medications and attends monitoring appointments. Eggs are then collected through an ultrasound-guided procedure, usually with sedation.

3. Sperm Preparation and Fertilization

The laboratory prepares a fresh or frozen sperm sample. Eggs are fertilized using conventional IVF or ICSI, depending on the clinical plan.

4. Embryo Development

Embryologists monitor development and identify embryos suitable for transfer or freezing. Not every egg fertilizes, and not every fertilized egg develops into a usable embryo.

5. Optional Genetic Testing and Freezing

When appropriate, embryos may undergo genetic testing and be frozen for a future transfer.

6. Surrogate Preparation and Embryo Transfer

After required screening, consent, and legal arrangements, the clinic prepares the surrogate for transfer. A fertility specialist places an embryo into her uterus using a thin catheter.

7. Pregnancy Testing and Follow-Up

The clinic schedules pregnancy testing and monitoring to assess whether treatment has resulted in an ongoing pregnancy.

Is the Surrogate Genetically Related to the Baby?

No. In gestational surrogacy, the surrogate does not provide the egg.

The child’s inherited genetic material comes from the egg and sperm used to create the embryo. Carrying the pregnancy does not make the gestational surrogate the egg provider.

Can You Use Your Own Eggs and Sperm?

Your own eggs, sperm, or both may be used when medically suitable and accepted within the proposed program.

If you need donor eggs or sperm, ask the clinic how donor selection, screening, consent, and recordkeeping work. Also discuss whether your proposed genetic arrangement affects parentage or citizenship requirements in your home country.

Atlas provides information about egg donation for surrogacy in Mexico and Colombia.

Do You Need an Egg Donor for Surrogacy?

An egg donor is needed when suitable eggs from an intended parent are unavailable or will not be used.

Your fertility specialist can explain the options relevant to your circumstances. Questions to ask include:

• What medical and genetic screening is performed?

• What donor information will we receive?

• How are donor and sperm-provider screening results assessed together?

• What happens if the cycle produces no usable embryos?

• Which donor services and medications are included in the price?

Can You Use Existing Frozen Embryos in Mexico or Colombia?

Atlas lists existing-embryo pathways for both destinations. Its Colombia page states that embryo transport is arranged separately for its own-embryo program.

Before arranging shipment, ask the receiving clinic to review your embryos and records. Confirm:

• Whether the clinic accepts embryos from your current laboratory.

• Which medical records, consents, and screening results it requires.

• Whether your embryos meet its laboratory requirements.

• Who arranges specialist transport and pays the associated costs.

• Whether additional legal or import documentation is necessary.

Approval should be confirmed before transport is booked.

What Is ICSI, and Is It Always Necessary?

ICSI is a laboratory technique in which a single sperm is injected into an egg. It may be recommended for sperm-related fertility problems or other specific clinical circumstances.

It is not automatically more effective than conventional IVF for everyone. The UK fertility regulator, HFEA, notes that using ICSI without a relevant indication can add cost without clear evidence of improved success. Ask your specialist why it is recommended in your case.

What Is PGT, and Should You Test Your Embryos?

Preimplantation genetic testing examines embryo cells for particular genetic or chromosomal findings before transfer.

Test	Main purpose
PGT-A	Screens for differences in chromosome number.
PGT-M	Tests for a specific inherited single-gene condition when there is an identified risk.

PGT does not test for every condition or guarantee a healthy baby. ASRM states that the value of routine PGT-A for every IVF patient has not been demonstrated. Whether testing is useful depends on your circumstances and the clinical question being addressed.

Discuss benefits, limitations, possible inconclusive results, and costs with a fertility specialist or genetic counselor.

How Many Embryos Should Be Transferred?

Single embryo transfer is strongly recommended in gestational carrier cycles by ASRM because multiple pregnancies increase health risks.

Ask the clinic to explain its transfer policy. Transferring more embryos should not be treated as a simple shortcut to success.

How Long Does IVF Take Compared With the Entire Surrogacy Journey?

IVF is one stage of a longer process. The NHS explains that an IVF cycle commonly takes around three to six weeks, depending on the treatment used. A surrogacy journey also includes preparation, matching, pregnancy, and post-birth arrangements.

Your schedule may include:

Stage	What can affect the timeline
Initial planning	Medical records, consultations, eligibility review, and legal advice
Embryo creation	Donor availability, treatment preparation, laboratory development, and testing
Embryo transport	Clinic acceptance, documentation, and transport arrangements
Surrogate matching	Availability, screening, and compatibility
Transfer preparation	Medical and legal clearance and cycle scheduling
Further treatment	Whether additional retrievals or transfers are needed
Pregnancy and birth	The course of the pregnancy and delivery
Returning home	Parentage, citizenship, passports, and travel authorization

Request an individualized estimate that includes possible delays and the period after birth.

What Are the IVF Success Rates for Surrogacy?

There is no single success rate that accurately predicts every intended parent’s outcome.

Results depend on factors including the age of the person providing the eggs, medical circumstances, and treatment history. IVF may require more than one attempt.

When a clinic shares results, ask:

• Does this percentage refer to a positive pregnancy test, clinical pregnancy, or live birth?

• Is it calculated per transfer or per egg retrieval?

• Does it include donor-egg cycles?

• Does it apply to patients with circumstances similar to ours?

• How many treatment cycles were included?

• What period does the data cover?

A clearly defined live-birth rate is more useful for planning than an unexplained headline percentage.

What Happens if an Embryo Transfer Does Not Work?

An unsuccessful transfer should lead to a discussion with the treating clinic about the results and potential next steps.

Before choosing a program, ask what happens financially and practically if further treatment is needed:

• Are additional transfers included?

• Are medications and monitoring included for each attempt?

• What happens when no embryos remain?

• Would another retrieval or donor cycle cost extra?

• Are there time limits or eligibility conditions?

Your next medical step should follow an individual clinical review.

How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost in Mexico?

Atlas currently lists its Mexico existing-embryo surrogacy program from $65,000 USD as a promotional price. IVF and clinic fees are excluded from that starting price. Other programs have different inclusions and prices.

This means the advertised starting price should not be assumed to cover an entire IVF and surrogacy journey.

Review the current Mexico surrogacy programs and costs, then request a written quote for your circumstances.

How Much Does IVF and Surrogacy Cost in Colombia?

Atlas currently lists its Colombia own-embryo transfer program at $80,000 USD, with transport arranged separately, and its multi-cycle Program A at $85,000 USD. The programs cover different treatment pathways and should be compared by their written inclusions.

Review the current Colombia surrogacy program options and confirm pricing directly.

For either destination, ask whether the total includes:

• Donor services, IVF, ICSI, and medications.

• Genetic testing, freezing, and storage.

• Embryo transport.

• Surrogate screening, matching, and support.

• Transfer procedures and repeat attempts.

• Prenatal care and delivery.

• Independent legal representation.

• Newborn care and possible additional medical expenses.

• Documentation, accommodation, and travel.

Published prices are subject to change. Your written agreement should specify services, exclusions, and payment terms.

Does Atlas Offer Guaranteed Surrogacy Programs?

Atlas advertises guaranteed program options, with the scope and conditions defined by the program agreement. Its Mexico VIP program, for example, describes repeated retrievals and transfers until live birth, subject to its terms.

Ask Atlas to explain eligibility, included attempts, donor provisions, exclusions, and what happens if you cannot continue. The word “guarantee” should always be read alongside the actual contract.

Can Single Parents and Same-Sex Couples Explore These Programs?

Atlas’s Colombia information specifically includes single intended parents and LGBTQIA+ families. Its Mexico information also discusses pathways for international and LGBTQ+ intended parents.

Eligibility still requires an individual review. Ask how your marital status, nationality, genetic arrangement, and home-country requirements affect the proposed journey.

For intended parents seeking to become parents together, confirm how each person’s legal parentage will be addressed.

Is Surrogacy Legally Straightforward in Mexico and Colombia?

International surrogacy requires individual legal advice; an agency program does not by itself establish parental rights.

For Mexico, the U.S. Embassy warns that surrogacy arrangements can involve significant legal uncertainty and that custody and parental rights remain subject to Mexican law.

For either destination, obtain advice from independent professionals familiar with the birth jurisdiction and your home country. British government guidance, for example, advises prospective parents to seek specialist legal advice in both countries before making arrangements.

Ask your lawyers to explain:

• Whether your proposed arrangement can proceed.

• How the surrogate’s rights and consent are protected.

• How parentage will be established.

• Whether further recognition is needed at home.

• How citizenship and travel documents will be obtained.

• What legal uncertainties could affect your plans.

Will You Need to Travel to Mexico or Colombia?

Your travel plan depends on where treatment takes place, whether you need to provide genetic material, and the arrangements surrounding birth.

Ask Atlas and the clinic for a schedule explaining which appointments require attendance and which discussions can take place remotely. Separately, ask your lawyer how long you should plan to remain after delivery.

Avoid basing your return flight on a guaranteed documentation date.

How Do You Bring Your Baby Home After Surrogacy?

Birth registration, legal parentage, citizenship, and permission to travel are separate matters.

For U.S. families, the Department of State explains that a child born abroad through surrogacy must meet the applicable requirements to acquire U.S. citizenship. Parents should review the relevant consular, passport, and supporting-document requirements in advance.

Other countries have their own rules. Plan this stage before treatment begins, with advice relevant to your nationality and family circumstances.

Is Mexico or Colombia Better for Your Surrogacy Journey?

The better fit is the destination that works for your medical, legal, financial, and travel circumstances.

Use the same questions to compare both options:

Compare	What to establish
Eligibility	Whether your individual family circumstances fit the proposed pathway
Embryos	Whether you will create embryos or use existing ones
Medical care	Which clinic, laboratory, and physicians will provide treatment
Costs	The total expected budget and possible additional expenses
Legal process	How parentage and home-country recognition will be handled
Surrogate care	Screening, informed consent, medical care, and ongoing support
Travel	Required visits and the expected period after birth
Communication	Your coordinator, update schedule, and language support

A consultation can help identify differences that are relevant to your family.

How Does Atlas Surrogacy Help Intended Parents?

Atlas Surrogacy provides coordination and consulting support for journeys in Mexico and Colombia. Its published services include fertility-clinic coordination, surrogate matching coordination, legal referrals, and documentation guidance.

Licensed clinics and physicians provide medical care. Independent attorneys provide legal services.

To prepare for your first conversation, share whether you already have embryos, whether you may need a donor, your country of residence and citizenship, and your main questions about cost or timing.

Book a Free Consultation With Atlas Surrogacy

Understanding IVF can help you approach surrogacy with clearer questions and realistic expectations. The next step is to explore a pathway tailored to your family.

Whether you are considering Mexico or Colombia, creating embryos for the first time, or hoping to use embryos already in storage, Atlas can help you discuss available program options.

Book your free consultation with Atlas Surrogacy to explore your options, review program inclusions, and discuss your next steps.

This article provides general educational information and is not medical or legal advice. Medical suitability, legal requirements, program availability, pricing, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Seek advice from a licensed fertility specialist and independent legal counsel before proceeding.