Using a Donor Egg to Achieve Pregnancy
What is Involved During an Egg Donation Procedure?
IVF patients with egg donation include healthy women who have a low ovarian reserve due to premature ovarian failure, an insufficient supply of good-quality eggs, or a genetic condition that may be passed from mother to child. Women who have experienced a poor response to ovarian stimulation medications may also qualify.
Since IVF with egg donation is determined on a case-by-case basis, a screening evaluation is performed for each potential patient involving a review of one's medical history and a thorough medical examination.
When accepted into the egg donation program, the patient meets with a member of our medical team to discuss what may be expected during the process. Even thought IVF with egg donation is similar to standard IVF, there are key differences. For example, it is necessary to synchronize the menstrual cycle of the donor with the recipient. This involves the use of medication to suppress the recipient's natural cycle and prepare her uterus for implantation of the embryo. During this time, the donor receives fertility medications to stimulate the maturation of multiple eggs.
Once the eggs have been collected from the donor, they undergo fertilization with sperm from the recipient's partner. Several days later the embryo will be selected then the transfer procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and is completed in a relatively short amount of time.
The procedure involves the use of a small catheter that is inserted into the uterine cavity, through which the selected embryos are deposited. After the transfer is complete, which takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes, the patient rests for an hour and is released. It is also recommended that the donor rest at home for the next day or two. Remaining embryos can be cryogenically preserved .
Potential egg donors may be:
- Anonymous Donors - Many donors opt to remain anonymous. An anonymous donor gives her eggs to an infertile woman or couple whose identity also remains anonymous to the donor. The donor also receives some compensation for her effort, discomfort and time away from work, school or other obligations. Anonymous donors are matched as closely as possible to the physical and other criteria specified by the prospective recipient.
- Known Donors - In some cases, the egg donor is a sister, friend, or relative of the recipient. Some recipients recruit donors on their own.
There is a team dedicated to our patients that are interested in using donor eggs. Our staff will walk these patients through the process every step of the way.
Interested in becoming an egg donor? Apply Online
