Course / Basics of Conception and Fertility Treatment
Understanding the basics of human conception and available fertility treatments is the first step toward building a family. For individuals and couples of Latinx heritage, awareness of these foundational concepts helps ensure informed decisions and early action when needed.
At Surrogacy4All, we recognize that fertility journeys can be influenced by both biological and cultural factors. Our goal is to provide clear, science-based guidance so every individual has access to the best possible care — whether that includes natural conception, fertility medication, or advanced assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF.
Timed intercourse refers to aligning sexual activity with the period of ovulation — the release of an egg from the ovary — to maximize the chance of conception.
Understanding Ovulation
Most individuals with regular menstrual cycles ovulate approximately 14 days before their next period. The fertile window typically spans five days before ovulation through one day after.
Monitoring Ovulation
There are several reliable ways to identify ovulation:
Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): Detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) in the urine, signaling imminent ovulation.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT): A slight temperature rise (about 0.5°F) occurs after ovulation.
Ultrasound Monitoring: In a fertility clinic setting, ultrasound can precisely confirm follicle growth and ovulation timing.
Timed intercourse is often the first-line approach for couples or individuals with normal fertility parameters and regular cycles. For others, especially those with irregular ovulation or unexplained infertility, fertility medications or advanced interventions may be considered next.
When ovulation is inconsistent or absent, oral fertility medications can help induce or regulate it. The two most common medications are Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid) and Letrozole (Femara).
How They Work
Clomiphene Citrate: Stimulates the release of hormones that promote ovulation by blocking estrogen receptors in the brain.
Letrozole: Temporarily reduces estrogen levels, prompting the body to produce more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and develop mature eggs.
When They Are Used
For individuals who do not ovulate regularly, such as those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
For couples with unexplained infertility to increase the chance of conception through timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Monitoring & Safety
Ovulation induction requires careful monitoring through ultrasound and hormone testing to minimize the risk of multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets) and to adjust dosing appropriately.
For Latinx patients, addressing underlying conditions such as insulin resistance or thyroid imbalance — both of which can affect ovulation — is also essential before or during treatment.
IUI is a procedure in which washed and concentrated sperm are placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, increasing the number of sperm that reach the fallopian tubes and improving the chance of fertilization.
The IUI Process
Ovulation Induction: The patient may take oral or injectable medications to stimulate egg development.
Monitoring: Ultrasounds and hormone tests track follicle growth.
Sperm Preparation: The sperm sample (from a partner or donor) is processed to select the healthiest, most motile sperm.
Insemination: A small catheter delivers the sperm directly into the uterus — a quick and painless procedure that takes only a few minutes.
Who Benefits from IUI
Couples facing mild male factor infertility.
Individuals or couples using donor sperm (including same-sex female couples or single women).
Those with unexplained infertility or cervical mucus issues.
Success Rates
IUI success depends on several factors — age, egg quality, sperm count, and use of fertility medication. On average, success rates per cycle range from 10–20% for most patients.
For Latinx patients, awareness of insurance coverage, access to culturally sensitive clinics, and early evaluation can help improve outcomes and avoid delays in treatment.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is the most advanced and effective fertility treatment available today. It involves retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, and transferring an embryo into the uterus.
When IVF Is Recommended
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
Low sperm count or motility
Advanced maternal age
Endometriosis or unexplained infertility
Previous failed IUI cycles
Use of donor eggs, donor sperm, or gestational surrogacy
IVF Process Overview
Ovarian Stimulation: Fertility medications stimulate multiple eggs to mature.
Egg Retrieval: Eggs are collected under light sedation.
Fertilization: Eggs are fertilized with sperm (through conventional IVF or ICSI).
Embryo Culture: Embryos develop in the lab for 3–5 days.
Embryo Transfer: A healthy embryo is placed into the uterus.
Pregnancy Testing: A blood test confirms implantation approximately two weeks later.
IVF Success Rates
Success rates vary by age and clinic quality. On average:
Under 35 years: 50–60% live birth rate per cycle
35–40 years: 30–40%
Over 40 years: 15–20%
Clinics that prioritize personalized protocols, advanced embryology, and genetic testing (such as Preimplantation Genetic Testing, or PGT-A) achieve higher success rates and lower miscarriage risk.
Considerations for Latinx Patients
Cultural perspectives, financial factors, and geographic access can influence how soon individuals pursue IVF. Surrogacy4All supports patients by offering personalized fertility coordination, donor matching, and surrogacy options — all while ensuring care is culturally aware and accessible.
Our job is to listen, to connect the dots between your needs, and to determine how we can best help you have your baby. If you’re asking how much does it cost for a surrogate, we’ll walk you through every step of the process to ensure there are no surprises.
To make an appointment with one of our counselors or physicians, please call (212) 661-7673 or email info@surrogacy4all.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Surrogacy4All is a unique international surrogacy service targeted at providing state of the art IVF and surrogacy services to Intended Parents irrespective of age, sex or color, at the lowest possible cost in the world.
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