Can You Have a Surrogate After a Hysterectomy?
Facing a hysterectomy can be an overwhelming and emotional experience — especially for individuals who dream of having children. Whether your surgery was necessary for health reasons or due to an unexpected complication, the good news is: you can still become a parent after a hysterectomy through surrogacy.
At Los Angeles Surrogacy, we specialize in helping intended parents navigate this journey confidently and compassionately. In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll answer all your questions about surrogacy after a hysterectomy, outline the process step-by-step, and explain how you can take your first steps toward growing your family.
What Is a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure where part or all of the uterus is removed. There are different types of hysterectomy procedures:
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Partial (Supracervical) Hysterectomy: Only the upper part of the uterus is removed; the cervix remains intact.
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Total Hysterectomy: Both the uterus and cervix are removed.
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Radical Hysterectomy: The uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina, and surrounding tissues are removed (usually for cancer treatment).
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Hysterectomy with Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy: Uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are removed.
Key Point: No matter which type of hysterectomy you had, if your uterus was removed, you cannot physically carry a pregnancy — but your biological parenting dreams may still be possible through surrogacy.
Can You Become a Parent Through Surrogacy After a Hysterectomy?
Yes, absolutely.
Even after a hysterectomy, many individuals and couples successfully have biological children by working with a gestational surrogate.
In gestational surrogacy:
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The surrogate carries the pregnancy.
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The child can still be biologically yours if you have preserved eggs or still have functioning ovaries.
Depending on your reproductive situation, the embryo used for the surrogacy may be created from:
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Your egg and your partner’s sperm
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Your egg and a sperm donor
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An egg donor and your partner’s sperm
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An egg donor and sperm donor (if neither egg nor sperm is available)
Common Reasons for Needing Surrogacy After Hysterectomy
Surrogacy after a hysterectomy is more common than many people realize. Some common reasons include:
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Cancer treatment (such as cervical, ovarian, or uterine cancer)
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Severe endometriosis
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Uterine fibroids
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Severe postpartum hemorrhage
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Infections or complications after childbirth
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Gender-affirming surgeries for transgender individuals
No matter the reason, Los Angeles Surrogacy is committed to helping you move forward toward parenthood with compassion and expertise.
How Does Surrogacy Work After a Hysterectomy?
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how surrogacy after hysterectomy typically works:
1. Fertility Evaluation
If you haven’t already frozen your eggs or embryos before your hysterectomy, your first step is meeting with a reproductive endocrinologist.
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They will assess whether you still have functioning ovaries.
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If so, an egg retrieval procedure may be possible.
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If not, you may use an egg donor to create embryos.
Important: Even if you have had both your uterus and ovaries removed, surrogacy with donor eggs and/or sperm is still an option.
2. Embryo Creation via IVF
Using either:
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Your eggs (if retrieved and frozen before surgery)
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Or donor eggs
An embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) by combining the egg with sperm (from your partner or a sperm donor).
Embryos are then frozen and prepared for transfer to your chosen surrogate.
3. Matching with a Surrogate
At Los Angeles Surrogacy, we guide you through the matching process, helping you find a surrogate who:
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Meets all medical and psychological requirements.
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Shares your communication preferences (e.g., regular updates, attending appointments together).
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Lives in a surrogacy-friendly state (California is one of the best).
You will meet the surrogate, and both sides will agree before any medical steps begin.
4. Legal Process
California law is very supportive of surrogacy. Both intended parents and the surrogate will have separate attorneys to:
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Draft and sign a Gestational Carrier Agreement.
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Clarify parental rights.
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Set expectations about compensation, communication, medical decisions, etc.
This protects everyone involved and ensures a smooth process.
5. Embryo Transfer
The surrogate undergoes hormonal preparation to prepare her uterus for pregnancy. Once ready, one or two embryos are transferred during a simple outpatient procedure.
If successful, the surrogate will become pregnant — and your journey toward parenthood truly begins!
6. Pregnancy and Delivery
Throughout the pregnancy:
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Your case manager at Los Angeles Surrogacy helps coordinate medical visits.
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You and your surrogate maintain the level of communication agreed upon in advance.
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Pre-birth orders (legal documents) are signed to establish your parental rights before delivery.
When delivery day arrives, you’ll be present at the hospital to welcome your baby into the world.
Can You Use Your Own Eggs After a Hysterectomy?
It depends.
If your ovaries were not removed and you still produce healthy eggs, you may undergo IVF to create embryos.
If both your uterus and ovaries were removed, you would typically need to use donor eggs combined with sperm (yours or your partner’s) to create embryos.
At Los Angeles Surrogacy, we work closely with top fertility clinics in California to evaluate your options and create a tailored plan for you.
How Much Does Surrogacy After a Hysterectomy Cost?
The overall cost of a surrogacy journey in California generally ranges between $150,000 and $200,000+, depending on various factors such as:
Expense Category | Average Cost Range |
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Surrogate Compensation | $50,000–$70,000 |
Agency Fees | $20,000–$40,000 |
Legal Fees | $10,000–$20,000 |
IVF and Medical Expenses | $30,000–$50,000 |
Insurance and Reimbursements | $15,000–$30,000 |
Important: Financing options are available, and at Los Angeles Surrogacy, we help intended parents find the right financing plan if needed.
Emotional Considerations After Hysterectomy and During Surrogacy
It’s normal to experience complex emotions about your fertility journey after a hysterectomy, including:
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Grief over the loss of carrying your own pregnancy
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Relief at finding a new path to parenthood
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Hope for the future
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Anxiety about working with a surrogate
Psychological support and counseling are often recommended for intended parents, and Los Angeles Surrogacy can refer you to experienced therapists specializing in fertility and family building.
Common Questions About Surrogacy After Hysterectomy
Is it harder to find a surrogate if I’ve had a hysterectomy?
No. Surrogacy matching depends more on your embryos, agency coordination, and the surrogate’s availability — not your medical history.
Will my baby be biologically related to me?
If your eggs were used to create the embryo, yes, the child will be genetically related to you. If donor eggs were used, the baby will not share your DNA but will be legally and emotionally yours.
How long does the process take?
From initial consultation to delivery, surrogacy typically takes 18 to 24 months. Embryo creation and matching are among the early steps that can be completed within a few months.
Can single parents or LGBTQ+ individuals pursue surrogacy after hysterectomy?
Absolutely. Los Angeles Surrogacy proudly works with single intended parents and LGBTQ+ intended parents every day.
Why Choose Los Angeles Surrogacy?
Choosing the right surrogacy agency makes all the difference. At Los Angeles Surrogacy, you’ll experience:
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One-on-one support: A dedicated case manager who guides you at every step.
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30+ years of experience: Helping intended parents from all backgrounds.
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Legal expertise: We work with leading fertility attorneys to protect your rights.
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Personalized matching: Carefully matching you with the best surrogate for your journey.
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Emotional support resources: Access to counselors who understand your unique experience.
Our passion is helping you become the parent you’ve dreamed of being — with compassion, expertise, and full support.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can have a child through surrogacy after a hysterectomy.
Whether you froze your eggs ahead of time, still have functioning ovaries, or use donor eggs, modern fertility medicine combined with the right surrogacy agency can make your dream of parenthood a reality.
If you’re ready to explore surrogacy after hysterectomy, contact Los Angeles Surrogacy today.
Fill out our quick form at LosAngelesSurrogacy.com or call us at 800-204-7129 for a confidential consultation.
Your future family is closer than you think — and we’re here to walk every step of the journey with you.
Sources:
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American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Guidelines: https://www.asrm.org
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Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hysterectomy/about/pac-20384756
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Made in the USA Surrogacy: https://madeintheusasurrogacy.com/becoming-parent-after-hysterectomy/