When beginning the surrogacy process, you may come across a term that sounds unfamiliar — mock cycle.
So, what is a mock cycle in surrogacy, and why is it important? Simply put, a mock cycle is a practice run of the hormone treatment protocol you’ll follow before embryo transfer. It’s designed to help your medical team ensure your body responds as expected, giving you the best possible chance for a smooth, successful journey. While no embryo is transferred during this step, it’s an essential part of preparing both your body and mind for what’s to come.
Why Do Fertility Clinics Use Mock Cycles?
A mock cycle typically lasts two to three weeks and is carefully guided by your fertility clinic. You’ll begin taking estrogen, either in pill, patch or injection form, to help build up your uterine lining. In some cases, progesterone may also be introduced later in the cycle to mimic the conditions of a real embryo transfer.
Throughout the cycle, you’ll attend a few monitoring appointments for bloodwork and ultrasounds. These help your care team track how your body is responding to the medication and ensure your uterine lining reaches the ideal thickness for implantation.
Once your monitoring is complete, the medications are gradually stopped, and your period will usually begin within a few days. This signals the end of the mock cycle and gives your care team a clearer understanding of:
- How your body responds to hormone medications
- Whether your uterine lining reaches the ideal thickness for embryo transfer
- If adjustments to your medication protocol are needed for the real cycle
- Timing considerations for scheduling your actual embryo transfer
These insights help personalize your treatment plan and improve the chances of a smooth, successful transfer.
Does Every Surrogate Need a Mock Cycle?
Many surrogates do go through a mock cycle, but it’s not required in every case. Whether or not you’ll need one depends on your medical history, your previous experience with embryo transfer and your fertility clinic’s specific protocols.
Some experienced surrogates may be able to skip this step, especially if they’ve recently completed a successful transfer. But for first-time surrogates, or in situations where a new medication protocol is being introduced, a mock cycle is often recommended to ensure everything is on track before the real transfer begins.
Your doctor will make this call based on what’s best for your health and your intended parents’ embryo, always with safety and success in mind.
Is a Mock Cycle Safe? Understanding Possible Side Effects
Yes, mock cycles are considered very safe. They’re closely monitored by fertility specialists and use medications that have been well-studied and widely used in reproductive care. However, like with any medical protocol, some side effects are possible, and it helps to know what to expect.
Most side effects come from the hormone medications (primarily estrogen and sometimes progesterone) used to prepare your body. These effects are usually temporary and resolve once the cycle ends.
Here are some common side effects you might notice:
- Mild bloating or water retention
- Breast tenderness
- Mood changes or irritability
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Spotting or light bleeding
These symptoms vary from person to person and are generally manageable. If anything feels unusual or uncomfortable, your care team is there to help adjust your medications or offer support.
Serious side effects are rare during a mock cycle. The benefit of this step is that it gives your doctors time to monitor your body’s response before an actual embryo is involved, which helps protect your health and increase the chances of success.
How to Prepare for Your Mock Cycle
Preparing for a mock cycle is less about doing everything perfectly and more about staying informed, consistent and supported. This part of your journey is about learning how your body responds and giving your care team the information they need to personalize your treatment plan.
Here are a few helpful ways to prepare:
Follow Your Medication Schedule Closely
Set reminders or use a tracking app to make sure you’re taking your medications on time. Consistency matters.
Keep Your Appointments
Your ultrasounds and bloodwork provide essential insights into how your body is responding, so it’s important to attend every appointment recommended by your care team. Try to arrive rested, hydrated and ready with any questions.
Stay Hydrated and Rest When Needed
Your body is adjusting to new hormone levels. Drinking plenty of water and getting good sleep can help minimize side effects.
Write Down Symptoms or Changes
Whether it’s mood shifts, physical sensations or anything unexpected, tracking how you feel helps your care team make informed adjustments if needed.
Lean on Your Coordinator or Support Team
Don’t hesitate to ask questions, talk through your experience or reach out if something feels off. You’re not doing this alone.
What to Expect from Joy of Life During Your Mock Cycle
During your mock cycle, the Joy of Life team will be here to make sure you feel supported, informed and cared for. You’ll be matched with a coordinator who helps you understand your medications, answers questions and checks in regularly. Behind the scenes, we work closely with your fertility clinic to keep everything running smoothly.
If you have questions, need clarity or just want to talk through how you’re feeling, we’re here to help. This part of the journey is about learning, getting comfortable and building confidence step by step.
Ready to Take the First Step? Apply to Become a Surrogate Today
If you’re curious about surrogacy and wondering if this path is right for you, the mock cycle is one of the first steps, and it’s a meaningful part of preparing for something truly life-changing. At Joy of Life, we’re here to walk with you through every phase, starting with clear guidance, thoughtful care and support you can count on.
If you’re ready to explore this journey and help make parenthood possible for someone else, we invite you to apply to become a surrogate today.
