EGG Donors
The first pregnancy resulting from egg donation was reported in 1984, marking a significant breakthrough in assisting individuals struggling with infertility to achieve conception. This method is predominantly employed when a patient is incapable of generating her own viable eggs. The donated eggs undergo fertilization with partner sperm, mirroring the conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment cycle. Subsequently, one or two embryos are transferred to facilitate pregnancy.The primary factor leading to egg production challenges is often associated with age. As women age, both the quantity and quality of their eggs diminish, culminating in menopause, rendering natural reproduction unfeasible. Some women may encounter premature menopause, also known as ‘primary ovarian insufficiency,’ while others might face ovarian issues hindering egg development and ovulation, even in their 20s or 30s. For these individuals, egg donation stands as the sole viable fertility treatment.Egg donation is not limited to women beyond natural menopause; it also serves as the exclusive option for those experiencing normal ovulation but grappling with poor-quality eggs. This encompasses women who have undergone multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles, those of advanced reproductive age, and individuals with a limited response to medications designed to stimulate ovarian activity.Moreover, egg donation emerges as a crucial fertility solution for women with heightened genetic disease transmission risks. Whether due to the inability to produce eggs or the risk of passing on genetic disorders, egg donation provides a pathway to pregnancy for individuals facing diverse reproductive challenges.Why Use an Egg Donor?
The primary reason that single women and couples often opt for egg donation is the diminished quality of eggs, primarily attributed to advanced maternal age. As a woman ages, the quality of her eggs tends to decrease.Recognizing the challenges posed by this decline in egg quality, individuals and couples seek the assistance of egg donation to enhance their chances of a successful pregnancy. In such cases, the use of donor eggs becomes a viable solution to address the limitations associated with age-related decline in fertility.Additionally, women without ovaries but with an intact uterus, those with premature ovarian failure or premature menopause, individuals carrying inheritable genetic disorders, those with a history of recurrent miscarriages or failed IVF attempts, and those affected by radiation-induced egg problems may find egg donation to be a viable solution.
Who Uses Egg Donation?
Couples facing challenges such as poor-quality or the absence of eggs in the woman, yet desiring a biological child using the male partner’s sperm, often turn to egg donation. Additionally, women without ovaries but with an intact uterus, those with genetic factors they wish to avoid passing on to their children, and women over the age of 42 find egg donation to be a viable solution.Screening Process
The initial step in embarking on the journey to become an egg donor involves completing the requisite application form, a crucial document to initiate the process. Egg donation is a comprehensive procedure encompassing medical, genetic, psychological, and infectious disease screenings.Initial Screening:- Commences with an online survey, soliciting personal and family medical history.
- Subsequent to the submission, your responses will be meticulously reviewed through a phone consultation.
Standard Screening:- Involves an online survey adhering to FDA-mandated infectious disease protocols.
Physical Exam and Infectious Disease Testing:- Requires an office visit facilitated by Donor Program staff.
- This comprehensive examination includes a blood draw to screen for both genetic disorders and infectious diseases.Completion of all screening stages and approval at each juncture is imperative to qualify for participation in the egg donation process.
- Importantly, there is no financial burden placed upon you for the testing procedures, as they are covered.
Ensuring thorough scrutiny across medical, genetic, psychological, and infectious disease domains, this multi-faceted screening process aims to safeguard both the donor’s well-being and the success of the egg donation journey.Egg Donation Procedure
Upon receiving approval, expressing your commitment to donate, and being successfully matched with a recipient, the egg donation process commences. The journey initiates with the administration of oral contraceptive pills. We will prompt you to contact us at the onset of your menstrual cycle to facilitate scheduling an ultrasound scan and collecting a blood sample.Once both you and the recipient are prepared, the next phase involves commencing injections of fertility medications. Subsequently, you will undergo ultrasounds and blood draws every 1-2 days. Over a two-week span, you can anticipate approximately six clinic visits.Throughout these clinic visits, the medical team will utilize ultrasound scans and blood analyses to determine the optimal timing for egg retrieval. When your lead follicles attain a size of 13mm, you will be instructed to commence a second medication aimed at preventing ovulation. Additionally, you will receive guidance to administer a final medication at a specified time, preparing you for the upcoming egg retrieval procedure. A final blood test will be conducted the following day to ensure readiness for the next stage.This meticulously coordinated process ensures that both you, as the donor, and the recipient are synchronized in your reproductive cycles, optimizing the chances of a successful egg donation and subsequent fertility treatment.Egg Retrieval Process
On the day of the egg retrieval, you will undergo sedation during the procedure to minimize any potential discomfort. Once sedated, a small needle will be guided through your vagina into your ovary to retrieve the eggs. Following the procedure, you will be monitored for a period. Normal activities should be postponed until the following morning.Post-retrieval, some individuals may experience pelvic cramping and light bleeding, but significant pain is infrequent. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen are commonly used to manage any discomfort, and most donors typically resume their normal activities within a few days.As part of the process, your recipient will provide egg donation insurance coverage, ensuring protection in the rare instance of complications related to the egg donation procedure. Following the successful completion of the procedure, you will receive compensation for your time and participation in the donation process, acknowledging the valuable contribution you have made to assist someone in their journey towards parenthood.
