FAQs About Surrogacy

Starting a surrogacy journey often comes with many questions about the medical process, legal steps, waiting times, and costs.

For different types of families, the path can feel even more complex due to long waiting lists and limited options at home.

At Gaia Fertility, we believe every family deserves clear answers and a smooth journey to parenthood.

That’s why we’ve gathered the most common questions about surrogacy, egg donation, and IVF abroad, with a focus on Cyprus.

Here you’ll find transparent information, practical guidance, and an explanation of how Gaia Fertility makes the process faster, simpler, and more supportive for all types of families, with no waiting lists, pre-approved donors and surrogates, and a multilingual speaking team by your side.

List of FAQs About Surrogacy

How long does the surrogacy process usually take?

Sperm donation helps couples facing male infertility, as well as single women and same-sex couples who wish to build a family.The surrogacy process usually takes between 12 and 18 months, from embryo creation to the birth of the baby.

A typical surrogacy journey includes embryo creation, matching with a surrogate, embryo transfer, and the waiting period until pregnancy is confirmed.

In many countries, long waiting lists can delay the process for months or even years.

At Gaia Fertility, there are no waiting lists. With a large pool of pre-approved surrogates and donors, families can start the process immediately and usually complete their journey in 12–18 months.

Who is eligible for surrogacy abroad?

Eligibility for surrogacy abroad depends on the laws of each country, but with Gaia Fertility, heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, and single parents can all pursue surrogacy.

Surrogacy eligibility varies widely depending on local regulations.

Some countries still limit the process to married heterosexual couples, leaving many intended parents without options.

Because the rules change from one destination to another, it’s important to work with an agency that understands both the medical and legal aspects.

Families need to be sure the process they start abroad will also be recognized in their home country.

At Gaia Fertility, surrogacy is available to heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, and single parents.

We carefully adapt every journey to fit the laws of your country of residence, ensuring smooth recognition and protection for both parents and the child.

Can single men or women pursue surrogacy in Cyprus?

Yes. With Gaia Fertility, both single men and single women can pursue surrogacy in Cyprus, supported by egg or sperm donation and a pool of pre-screened surrogates.

In many countries, surrogacy is restricted to married heterosexual couples, leaving single men and women with very limited options.

This often forces individuals to search abroad for safe, legal, and supportive alternatives.

Cyprus has become a welcoming destination for single parents who wish to start a family.

With access to advanced medical facilities and clear processes, the path to parenthood is much more accessible compared to other regions where the laws remain restrictive.

At Gaia Fertility, we provide full support for single men and women. Men can proceed with the help of egg donation, while women can rely on sperm donation.

Our large pool of pre-screened surrogates ensures that the process can start immediately, with no waiting lists and complete guidance every step of the way.

Is surrogacy in Cyprus recognized by the authorities?

Yes. Surrogacy in Cyprus can be legally recognized, and Gaia Fertility ensures that all steps align with your home country’s legal requirements for smooth recognition.

One of the main concerns families have about international surrogacy is whether the process will be legally recognized once they return home.

Without proper planning, this can lead to delays or complications in obtaining the necessary documents for the child.

The recognition process depends on both the regulations in Cyprus and the laws in your home country.

It requires careful coordination to make sure every legal aspect is respected so that parenthood is fully protected.

At Gaia Fertility, we work with an experienced legal team that prepares all documents in advance.

This ensures compliance with your country’s standards and allows for a smooth, efficient recognition process without unexpected obstacles.

After surrogacy abroad, parents typically need to complete legal recognition in their home country through documents and, in some cases, a court order.

Gaia Fertility supports families with experienced legal experts to make the process smooth and efficient.

When a child is born through surrogacy in another country, parents must finalize the legal recognition of their parenthood once they return home.

This may involve preparing official documents, registering the child, and in some jurisdictions, securing a court order.

The exact requirements differ from country to country. Without clear guidance, families can face delays, complex procedures, or unexpected legal challenges.

It’s essential to ensure every step of the process meets the standards of both the destination country and the home country.

At Gaia Fertility, we provide support from specialized legal experts who understand international surrogacy frameworks.

By preparing the necessary documents in advance and guiding families through local requirements, we ensure recognition is completed as quickly and smoothly as possible.

How are surrogates in Cyprus selected and medically tested?

At Gaia Fertility, all surrogates in Cyprus undergo full medical, genetic, and psychological testing before being accepted, ensuring families can begin the process without delays.

In many surrogacy programs, the screening of surrogates is one of the main reasons for long delays.

Families often wait months while candidates are tested and approved, slowing down the entire journey to parenthood.

Surrogate selection must be thorough to protect the health of both the surrogate and the baby.

This involves comprehensive medical checks, genetic testing, and psychological evaluations to ensure the surrogate is fully prepared and capable of carrying a healthy pregnancy.

At Gaia Fertility, every surrogate in our pool has already passed these rigorous tests before being presented to families.

This means intended parents can start the process immediately, with full transparency and confidence in the surrogate’s readiness.

What makes Gaia Fertility’s surrogacy program faster than others?

Gaia Fertility’s surrogacy program is faster because there are no waiting lists!

Families can begin immediately with our large pool of pre-approved surrogates and donors.

One of the biggest barriers in surrogacy worldwide is time. In many programs, families wait months, or even years, for a suitable surrogate or donor to become available. These delays can add stress and uncertainty to an already emotional process.

The main reason for these long waits is the limited number of candidates who are fully screened and ready.

Families often find themselves waiting while agencies carry out medical tests and approvals, losing valuable time.

At Gaia Fertility, there are no waiting lists.

With a large pool of surrogates and donors who are already medically and legally cleared, families can begin their journey right away.

This immediate availability makes the entire process more efficient, transparent, and reassuring.

What are the costs of surrogacy abroad?

The costs of surrogacy abroad vary greatly by country and program.

At Gaia Fertility, families receive transparent pricing from the start with no hidden fees.

Surrogacy costs can differ widely depending on the destination, medical requirements, and legal services included.

In many cases, families discover that initial price quotes don’t cover the full process, leading to unexpected financial strain.

Hidden or incomplete costs are a common challenge abroad. Families may face additional charges for medical treatments, donor fees, or legal documentation, which can quickly increase the total investment.

Gaia Fertility provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

From the beginning, families receive a clear breakdown of what is included in the program, allowing them to plan confidently and avoid surprises throughout their journey.

What are the success rates of surrogacy with Gaia Fertility?

Gaia Fertility achieves above-average surrogacy success rates, supported by over 30 years of medical expertise, advanced technology, and a pool of fully pre-approved surrogates.

The success of a surrogacy journey depends on several key factors, including the quality of embryos, the health and preparation of the surrogate, and the expertise of the medical team.

Without these elements, families may face repeated attempts or lower chances of pregnancy.

Success rates can vary greatly between programs. In some cases, limited medical technology or lack of thorough surrogate screening can reduce the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and increase overall costs and waiting times.

At Gaia Fertility, our success rates are consistently above international averages.

With more than three decades of medical experience, cutting-edge IVF technology, and surrogates who are carefully pre-screened and medically cleared, families benefit from the best possible conditions for a safe and successful journey to parenthood.

Why do many families choose Cyprus for surrogacy?

Families choose Cyprus for surrogacy because it is accessible, offers immediate availability, and with Gaia Fertility’s guidance, provides medical, legal, and multilingual support for a smooth journey.

Cyprus is one of the most accessible destinations for international families seeking surrogacy.

Its convenient location, frequent flights, and advanced medical facilities make it an attractive option compared to countries where restrictions or long waiting lists limit opportunities.

Despite these advantages, navigating surrogacy in Cyprus can still be complex without the right support.

Legal requirements, documentation, and cross-border recognition all require careful planning to ensure the process is valid in both Cyprus and the family’s home country.

Gaia Fertility makes Cyprus an ideal choice for surrogacy.

With immediate availability of pre-approved surrogates and donors, multilingual staff, and a legal team experienced in international cases, we ensure families can move forward quickly and confidently.

Can same-sex couples pursue surrogacy in Cyprus?

Yes. With Gaia Fertility, surrogacy in Cyprus is fully available to same-sex couples, supported by pre-approved surrogates and complete guidance throughout the journey.

In many countries, same-sex couples still face restrictions when it comes to surrogacy, leaving them with limited or no options for building a family.

These barriers often create uncertainty and force couples to seek opportunities abroad.

Cyprus stands out as a welcoming destination where surrogacy is accessible for same-sex couples.

With advanced clinics, experienced professionals, and international legal expertise, the path to parenthood is made possible for all types of families.

At Gaia Fertility, we provide full support for same-sex couples pursuing surrogacy in Cyprus.

With a pool of medically pre-approved surrogates, transparent guidance, and step-by-step assistance, couples can begin their journey immediately and with confidence.

How does surrogacy work for single men or gay couples?

For single men and gay couples, surrogacy requires both an egg donor and a surrogate.

At Gaia Fertility, both are available from a ready pool, supported by legal and emotional guidance throughout the journey.

For men, whether single or in a same-sex couple, building a family through surrogacy requires two key elements: an egg donor and a surrogate.

In many countries, this option is either restricted or unavailable, leaving individuals and couples with limited possibilities.

The process begins with selecting an egg donor, followed by the creation of embryos through IVF.

Once the embryos are ready, a carefully screened surrogate carries the pregnancy.

Without proper support, this can be a complex medical and legal process, especially across borders.

Gaia Fertility provides everything required under one program.

With a pool of pre-approved egg donors and surrogates, alongside legal expertise and emotional support, we ensure that single men and gay couples can pursue surrogacy confidently and without unnecessary delays.

Is surrogacy in Cyprus open for single women or lesbian couples?

Yes. Surrogacy in Cyprus is available for single women and lesbian couples.

Gaia Fertility provides sperm donation when needed, along with immediate access to pre-approved surrogates.

In many countries, surrogacy for single women and lesbian couples is either limited or not permitted at all.

This creates challenges for those who want to build a family but lack legal or medical options in their home country.

In Cyprus, surrogacy programs are accessible for single women and lesbian couples, making it a safe and supportive destination.

With clear medical processes and legal expertise, the journey to parenthood is made possible without the restrictions faced elsewhere.

At Gaia Fertility, we support single women and lesbian couples with complete programs tailored to their needs.

This includes providing sperm donation when required and offering a large pool of medically and legally pre-approved surrogates.

Families can begin their journey immediately with full transparency and care.

What’s the difference between surrogacy for singles and same-sex couples?

Surrogacy for singles and same-sex couples often requires both a surrogate and a donor.

At Gaia Fertility, every family type follows a tailored path and receives equal support.

Singles and same-sex couples share many of the same needs when pursuing surrogacy.

In most cases, both require the involvement of a surrogate and either an egg or sperm donor to create embryos and achieve a successful pregnancy.

Unfortunately, many countries exclude these families entirely from surrogacy programs, leaving them with few or no options to start a family through this path.

These legal and cultural barriers often force intended parents to look abroad for solutions.

At Gaia Fertility, there is no distinction between family types. Whether single, part of a same-sex couple, or a heterosexual couple, every journey is designed with equal care.

Families receive tailored medical, legal, and emotional support, ensuring a transparent and inclusive surrogacy process for everyone.

How does Gaia Fertility support LGBTQ+ families during surrogacy?

Gaia Fertility provides fully inclusive surrogacy programs for LGBTQ+ families, offering medical, legal, and emotional support tailored to their unique needs.

LGBTQ+ families often face additional challenges in their surrogacy journey, not only medically but also legally and socially.

In many countries, restrictive laws or lack of recognition create barriers that make the path to parenthood more complex.

These challenges require dedicated support to ensure that both the medical process and the legal framework align with each family’s situation.

Without the right partner, families may experience delays, confusion, or lack of recognition once they return home.

At Gaia Fertility, inclusivity is at the heart of every program.

Our experienced team provides emotional support, clear legal guidance, and advanced medical care, ensuring LGBTQ+ families receive equal opportunities to build their families through surrogacy with confidence and peace of mind.

List of FAQs About Egg Donation

Who can benefit from egg donation?

Egg donation benefits women who cannot conceive with their own eggs due to age, low ovarian reserve, poor egg quality, or genetic concerns. It is also recommended for women in menopause.

Egg donation is often the best solution for women whose eggs are no longer viable for conception.

This includes women of advanced maternal age, those with low ovarian reserve, or cases where egg quality makes natural conception unlikely.

It is also a suitable option for women who have entered menopause but still wish to experience pregnancy and childbirth.

By using donated eggs, these women can successfully undergo IVF and carry a healthy pregnancy.

In addition, egg donation helps families avoid passing on certain genetic disorders.

By selecting a donor with a healthy genetic profile, intended parents can increase the chances of having a healthy baby while overcoming hereditary risks.

How are egg donors selected?

At Gaia Fertility, egg donors are carefully selected through medical, genetic, and psychological screening, and are matched with families based on health and physical characteristics.

Choosing the right egg donor is one of the most important steps in the surrogacy or IVF journey.

Donors must be in excellent health and meet strict medical criteria to ensure the best chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby.

At Gaia Fertility, every donor undergoes thorough medical tests, genetic evaluations, and psychological assessments.

This screening guarantees that only fully qualified candidates become part of our donor pool.

We also take into account personal preferences such as age, height, and physical appearance.

This allows families to feel a greater sense of connection and comfort when choosing the donor who will play a vital role in their journey to parenthood.

Is the egg donation process safe?

Yes. Egg donation is safe when performed under strict medical supervision, with donors carefully monitored throughout the process to protect their health and ensure success for intended parents.

Egg donation is a routine medical procedure carried out in specialized fertility clinics worldwide.

It involves stimulating the donor’s ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved in a short, minimally invasive procedure.

Safety is a top priority throughout the process.

Donors are closely monitored with ultrasounds and blood tests to track their response to medication and ensure their well-being at every stage.

At Gaia Fertility, egg donation is conducted using advanced medical techniques and strict safety protocols.

This protects the donor’s health while also giving intended parents the highest possible chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.

Can intended parents choose their egg donor?

Yes. Intended parents can review detailed egg donor profiles, including medical history and physical traits, to choose the donor that best fits their family.

Selecting an egg donor is a highly personal decision, and intended parents are encouraged to play an active role in the process.

After thorough screening, only qualified donors are included in the pool, ensuring both safety and quality.

Donor profiles typically include key information such as age, medical history, genetic background, and physical traits.

This level of detail helps parents feel secure in making an informed choice that aligns with their preferences and family goals.

At Gaia Fertility, intended parents have access to a wide selection of pre-screened donors.

With transparency and guidance from our team, families can confidently choose the donor who best matches their needs and vision for their future child.

What are the success rates with egg donation?

Egg donation has some of the highest success rates in fertility treatments.

At Gaia Fertility, advanced medical protocols and careful donor selection maximize the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Egg donation is one of the most effective fertility treatments available today.

Because donors are typically young and healthy, the quality of the eggs contributes to significantly higher success rates compared to other methods.

Success rates, however, can vary depending on factors such as the medical expertise of the clinic, the technology used, and the overall health of the surrogate or intended mother.

Choosing a program with rigorous standards is essential to achieving the best outcome.

At Gaia Fertility, success rates with egg donation are consistently above average.

Through advanced IVF techniques, strict donor screening, and personalized care, we maximize the chances of a successful pregnancy and a safe journey to parenthood.

List of FAQs About Sperm Donation

Who can benefit from sperm donation?

Sperm donation helps couples facing male infertility, as well as single women and same-sex couples who wish to build a family.

Sperm donation is a proven solution for couples experiencing male infertility issues, such as low sperm count, reduced motility, or poor sperm quality.

By using donor sperm, these families can still pursue pregnancy through IVF or IUI treatments.

It is also a vital option for single women who want to become mothers and for lesbian couples who need donor sperm to achieve conception.

In these cases, sperm donation allows families to move forward with confidence and create the family they’ve dreamed of.

At Gaia Fertility, we provide access to a carefully selected pool of sperm donors who have undergone medical and genetic screening.

This ensures both safety and quality, giving families the highest chance of a healthy pregnancy and successful outcome.

How are sperm donors screened?

At Gaia Fertility, sperm donors are screened through medical, genetic, and psychological evaluations, as well as testing for infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.

Sperm donor screening is an essential step to protect both intended parents and future children.

Donors must meet strict health requirements before being accepted into any fertility program.

The process includes comprehensive medical examinations, genetic testing to rule out inherited conditions, and psychological evaluations to ensure the donor is fully prepared.

In addition, infectious disease testing, covering HIV, hepatitis, and other transmissible conditions is mandatory to guarantee safety.

At Gaia Fertility, only donors who pass this rigorous screening process are added to our pool.

This careful selection provides families with peace of mind and the highest level of confidence in their donor choice.

Is sperm donation anonymous?

Yes. In most cases, sperm donation is anonymous, with donor identities kept confidential while still providing intended parents with detailed profiles.

Sperm donation is generally carried out under strict confidentiality to protect the donor’s privacy.

Donor identities are not disclosed, but intended parents are given access to key information to help them make an informed decision.

These profiles usually include medical history, genetic background, and physical characteristics such as height, hair color, and eye color.

This ensures that parents can select a donor who meets their preferences while still respecting anonymity.

At Gaia Fertility, we balance transparency with donor privacy.

Families receive comprehensive donor profiles that provide reassurance and clarity, while all identifying details of the donor remain strictly confidential.

How safe is the sperm donation process?

Sperm donation is highly safe. Donor samples are quarantined, retested for infectious diseases, and only approved if they meet strict medical standards.

Safety is a top priority in every sperm donation program.

Donor sperm is collected in controlled medical settings and stored under strict conditions to maintain quality.

All samples are quarantined for a period of time and then retested to confirm they are completely free of infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and other transmissible conditions.

This double-checking ensures maximum safety for both intended parents and future children.

At Gaia Fertility, only donor samples that pass the highest medical and laboratory standards are approved for use.

This rigorous process gives families complete confidence that their fertility treatment is safe, reliable, and effective.

What are the success rates with sperm donation?

Sperm donation is considered a highly effective fertility treatment, with success rates depending on factors such as the age and health of the intended mother or surrogate.

Sperm donation provides strong chances of success, particularly because donors are carefully screened for sperm quality, genetic health, and overall fitness.

This ensures that only the most viable samples are used in fertility treatments.

The exact success rate depends on several factors, including the age, health, and reproductive history of the intended mother or surrogate, as well as the medical protocols followed during IVF or IUI procedures.

These variables play an important role in determining the outcome.

At Gaia Fertility, advanced IVF techniques and personalized treatment plans help maximize success rates with sperm donation.

Families benefit from the combination of high-quality donor screening and world-class medical expertise, leading to excellent outcomes.

List of FAQs About Embryo Donation

Who can benefit from embryo donation?

Embryo donation benefits individuals or couples who cannot conceive due to poor egg or sperm quality, genetic conditions, repeated IVF failures, or women in menopause who still wish to experience pregnancy.

Embryo donation is a life-changing solution for families facing significant fertility challenges.

It is often recommended when eggs or sperm are of low quality, or when repeated IVF attempts using the intended parents’ own gametes have not been successful.

It is also an ideal option for women who have entered menopause but still wish to carry a pregnancy.

By receiving a donated embryo, these women can experience pregnancy and childbirth even after their natural reproductive years.

At Gaia Fertility, embryo donation is offered through a carefully selected pool of donors.

Embryos are created from healthy eggs and sperm, ensuring the best possible chance of success while also reducing the risk of genetic disorders being passed on to the child.

How are embryos for donation created?

Donated embryos are created from donated eggs and sperm through advanced IVF techniques, using only donors who have passed strict medical, genetic, and psychological screening.

Embryo donation begins with the careful selection of both egg and sperm donors.

These donors undergo extensive health checks, genetic testing, and psychological evaluations to ensure they meet the highest standards for safety and suitability.

The eggs and sperm are then combined in a laboratory using advanced IVF technology.

This controlled process allows specialists to create embryos with the best possible chances of healthy development and successful transfer.

At Gaia Fertility, only embryos created from fully pre-screened donors are included in our program.

This guarantees that intended parents receive embryos of the highest quality, giving them confidence and peace of mind as they begin their journey to parenthood.

Is embryo donation anonymous?

Yes. In most cases, embryo donation is anonymous, with donor identities kept confidential while intended parents receive detailed medical and background profiles.

Embryo donation programs are generally designed to protect the privacy of donors.

While the identities of the egg and sperm donors are not disclosed, intended parents are given enough information to make an informed and confident decision.

These profiles typically include medical history, genetic background, and basic physical characteristics.

This balance allows families to choose an embryo donation program that meets their needs while still respecting the donors’ anonymity.

At Gaia Fertility, we provide transparency through detailed donor profiles without compromising confidentiality.

Intended parents receive the reassurance of knowing their embryo donors have been carefully screened, while the donors’ personal identities remain private.

What are the success rates with embryo donation?

Embryo donation has high success rates, particularly because the embryos are created from healthy, carefully screened donors.

Success also depends on the age and health of the woman receiving the embryo.

Embryo donation is widely regarded as one of the most effective fertility treatments.

Because both the egg and sperm come from medically and genetically screened donors, the quality of the embryos is usually very high, which greatly improves outcomes.

Still, the final success depends on individual factors, especially the health and age of the woman who will carry the pregnancy.

A well-prepared uterus and good overall health significantly increase the chances of successful implantation and a healthy pregnancy.

At Gaia Fertility, we maximize success rates with embryo donation by combining advanced IVF technology, careful donor selection, and personalized medical care.

This gives intended parents the best possible chance of achieving their dream of parenthood.

How does Gaia Fertility support families during the process?

Gaia Fertility supports families through every step of the embryo donation journey, offering guidance in donor selection, medical procedures, and emotional care.

Embryo donation can feel overwhelming without the right guidance.

Families often need help not only with medical procedures but also with navigating the legal and emotional aspects of the journey.

Having a trusted partner makes the process clearer and more reassuring.

At Gaia Fertility, we provide complete support from start to finish. This includes helping you select suitable donors, coordinating advanced medical treatments, and ensuring all legal requirements are met.

Our compassionate team is always available to provide emotional support and personal guidance. With our experience and family-centered approach, you can feel confident and cared for at every step of your path to parenthood.

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