Experience of in vitro fertilization surrogacy in Finland.
BACKGROUND
In vitro fertilization (IVF) surrogacy makes it possible for women who do not have a functional uterus to have their own genetic offspring. We describe here our experience of IVF surrogacy in Finland over a 10-year period.


METHODS
This retrospective study included 17 women who underwent ovarian stimulation in connection with surrogacy in 1991-2001 at four clinics. The surrogate mothers were unpaid volunteers: six sisters, three mothers, one husband's sister, one cousin, four friends and three other volunteers. Thorough counseling was given to the commissioning couples and to the surrogate mothers and their partners. The commissioning couples were prepared to adopt their biological children.


RESULTS
Twenty-eight surrogate IVF cycles were started in 17 women. One couple received donated oocytes. Trans-vaginal oocyte retrieval was feasible in every case, including those five women with congenital absence of the vagina and uterus. An average of 1.8 embryos was transferred at a time, and 11 pregnancies were achieved [50% per fresh embryo transfer (ET) and 16% per frozen-thawed ET]. Nine healthy singletons and one set of twins were born. One pregnancy ended in miscarriage. The mean birth weight of singleton infants was 3498 g (2270-4650 g). The birth weights of the twins were 2900 and 2400 g. In all cases the genetic parents took care of the infant immediately after birth. Two surrogate mothers had postpartum depression.


CONCLUSIONS
Altruistic IVF surrogacy works well, but careful counseling of all parties involved is essential.
Söderström-Anttila
Viveca
V
The Family Federation of Finland, Infertility Clinic, Helsinki. viveca.soderstrom-anttila@vaestoliitto.fi
Blomqvist
Tom
T
Foudila
Tuija
T
Hippeläinen
Maritta
M
Kurunmäki
Henri
H
Siegberg
Rita
R
Tulppala
Maija
M
Tuomi-Nikula
Merja
M
Vilska
Sirpa
S
Hovatta
Outi
O
D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013533:Gestational Carriers; D014427:Twins