From Screening to Transfer: The Surrogate’s Medical Process, Explained by a Fertility Doctor

Surrogates often begin their journey excited, hopeful, and ready to help a family grow, but few truly understand the depth of the medical steps involved.



In this conversation, Eloise Drane sits down with reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Shannel R. Adams to demystify every stage of the surrogate medical and IVF process, breaking it down into simple, reassuring, and practical explanations.



Eloise guides listeners through the realities of medical screening, clearance, genetic discussions, mental health evaluations, and partner requirements, bringing clarity to the questions surrogates commonly ask but rarely get answered fully. Together, they unpack why timelines vary, what doctors look for at each step, and how clinics ensure safety for both the surrogate and the baby she carries.



Dr. Adams also walks through the IVF medication protocol, embryo transfer, ultrasound schedule, hormone monitoring, and what actually happens when things don’t go as planned. She explains the “why” behind the rules, from avoiding THC to requiring birth control.



Whether someone is preparing for their first journey or wanting deeper insight into the medical side of surrogacy, this episode offers a clear path forward for anyone who wants to feel confident and supported.



Guest Bio:



Shannel R. Adams, MD, FACOG is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist. Highly skilled in all areas of reproductive health, Dr. Adams has a particular expertise and interest in third party reproduction, oncofertility, fertility preservation, male fertility, and holistic care of both mind and body.



Dr. Adams graduated from Duke University with an undergraduate degree in Ethics and went on to medical school at Oregon Health and Science University. She completed residency at the University of Hawai’i John A. Burns School of Medicine and her REI fellowship at the University of Cincinnati.



You’ll hear about:




• Why surrogates are surprised by the medical timeline


• What OB clearance involves


• Genetic and psychological screening requirements


• Partner testing and FDA rules


• Key blood work surrogates must complete


• Tubes, fibroids, and conditions needing treatment


• Medication protocols explained simply


• Lining checks and hormone levels


• How embryo transfer actually works


• Pregnancy confirmation


• Ultrasounds and early monitoring


• Bleeding in early pregnancy


• Single embryo transfer guidance








Episode Resources:



Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss -https://www.amazon.com/Not-Broken-App...



Planting the Seeds of Pregnancy: An Integrative Approach to Fertility Care -https://www.amazon.com/Planting-Seeds...

(https://www.amazon.com/Planting-Seeds...)



Related episodes:



Ep 118 – Surrogacy and the Emotional Journey to Motherhood
https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/... (https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/...)



Ep 93 – U.S. Surrogacy for International Parents
https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/... (https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/...)



Ep 85 – Surrogacy for Same-Sex Couples: Carnell Roberts Tells His Story
https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/... (https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/...)



Ep 49 – Social Surrogacy
https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/... (https://thefertilitycafe.com/podcast/...)



 



Connect with Dr. Shannel R. Adams, MD:



Pacific Northwest Fertility - https://pnwfertility.com



Instagram: @shanneladamsmd (  / shanneladamsmd  )



 



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