Two IVF cycles in Wuhan—one chemical pregnancy, one failed implantation. My doctor suggested switching to long protocol, but with AMH at 0.9, I couldn’t afford more time on downregulation. We moved to Greece surrogacy, changed to antagonist protocol, and brought our baby home 13 months and 8 days later.
Why I Switched Protocols After Wuhan Failures
First cycle in Wuhan used long protocol: 14 days downregulation, 12 days stimulation, retrieved 6 eggs, got 2 embryos. Day 10 post-transfer showed faint positive, day 14 beta was 32—chemical pregnancy. Second time, doctor recommended long protocol again. I hesitated. Nearly 40 days per cycle, and I was 38—couldn’t waste more time.
Greece clinic reviewed my hormone reports and immediately suggested antagonist protocol. Started injections on day 2 of my period, added antagonist on day 5, retrieved eggs after just 9 days of stimulation. This round: 8 eggs retrieved, 7 mature, 6 fertilized, 4 blastocysts—way better efficiency than both Wuhan cycles.
Antagonist protocol skips downregulation, shortens the cycle, and is gentler on ovaries. Perfect for diminished ovarian reserve cases like mine. If you’re dealing with advanced age or low AMH, definitely discuss this option with your doctor.
Greece Surrogacy Timeline: Contract to Transfer Took 7 Months
After egg retrieval, embryos were frozen for 2 months while we screened surrogates. Greece’s surrogate screening is thorough—infectious disease tests, uterine evaluation, psychological assessment, plus lawyer interview to confirm voluntary participation. We reviewed 5 surrogate profiles before selecting a 32-year-old who’d had two previous children. Her endometrial lining consistently measured 9-11mm, which improves transfer success rates.
From signing the surrogate contract to her endometrium being transfer-ready took another 3 months. We transferred one 4BB blastocyst. Day 12 beta HCG came back at 216, doubling normally afterward. Week 8 ultrasound showed fetal heartbeat.
Throughout pregnancy, the surrogate’s clinic sent regular checkup reports, and we flew over once to visit. Make sure your Greece surrogacy contract specifies checkup frequency, living allowance, liability for complications—detailed upfront saves headaches later.
Baby’s Return Documentation: These 6 Items I Prepared
After birth, getting baby home proved more complex than expected. Greece-side birth certificate, paternity test, parental rights waiver all required notarization, then authentication at Chinese embassy. We prepared: original Greece birth certificate, paternity test report (both my husband and I tested), notarized surrogate’s parental rights waiver, marriage certificate, passports, embassy authentication documents. Just gathering these took 2 weeks.
Then we applied for baby’s travel document at the embassy—typically takes 5-7 business days. Got our tickets the same day we received the travel document. Athens to Wuhan with connection—18 hours total flight time.
Back in China, took the travel document and birth certificate to local police station for household registration. With paternity test in hand, household registration was processed same day. Entire return process from birth to registration: 23 days.
Final Cost Analysis: 320,000 RMB More Than Wuhan
Greece surrogacy breakdown: medical costs (stimulation, retrieval, culture, transfer) around 120,000 RMB, surrogate compensation and living expenses 180,000, lawyer and agency fees 90,000, flights/accommodation/visa miscellaneous about 50,000+. Total came to roughly 440,000 RMB.
If I’d continued Wuhan IVF at 30,000 per cycle, even three attempts would only be 90,000. But success rates were the issue—my FSH had already hit 12. Delay further and I might not retrieve enough eggs at all.
Greece surrogacy’s advantages: surrogate selection ensures optimal transfer environment, and it’s legally clear with no risk of future disputes. For me, the extra 320,000 bought certainty. Of course everyone’s situation differs, but I don’t regret this choice.