Who needs an Egg Donor?
CFC works with many clients, who are needing to use Egg Donors to help them build their families. The following conditions or situations are typical candidates for donor eggs:
- Early menopause or premature ovarian failure (POF)
- Extremely poor egg quality
- History of genetic disease
- Ovaries do not respond to stimulation
- Hormonal imbalance
- Over the age of 40
- Same sex male couples, who are also using a Gestational carrier
- Single male who will be using a Gestational carrier
What is the process for selecting an egg donor?
The first step is to decide the characteristics you prefer are looking for in an egg donor- including, Education, Appearance, Race, Religion.The egg donor could be a family member, friend, or someone anonymous. Any potential egg donor should be screened as follows:
- History of genetic/hereditary diseases
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Psychological screening
- Testing for sexually transmitted infections
- Screening for drug/nicotine use
What is the medical process for the egg donor?
The egg donor will experience ovary stimulation using the same medications that a woman would use to stimulate her own egg development during in vitro fertilization. Ovulation induction will be done using a combination of medications. These medications will help prevent ovulation from occurring too early and also help stimulate the production of multiple eggs in the ovary.The donor will be monitored through ultrasound and blood work to determine when her follicles have developed. The hormone hCG is then administered and the eggs are retrieved about two days later. The donor has committed to this process for the last couple of months.
What is the process for the recipient couple?
Ideally, the recipient’s cycle will be synchronized with the donor’s cycle. This is accomplished by administering a combination of two or three hormonal medications. Hormonal medications will be used to manipulate a regular 28-day menstrual cycle and keep the recipient and donor on the same cycle. Being on the identical cycle offers the best chance of having the lining of the recipient’s uterus prepared to support the embryos created by the donor eggs.
The embryo transfer normally occurs three-five days after the eggs were initially retrieved from the donor. A blood test will be performed 10 -14 days later to determine if a pregnancy has been achieved. Most donor recipients will also stay on medications until about 10-12 weeks into the pregnancy, when the placenta can provide these hormonal needs on its own.
What is the success rate of pregnancy using donor eggs?
The success rate will vary depending on factors including age of eggs, retrieval process,quality of semen, and the overall health of the women involved. In most cases, your Fertility Dr will suggest that younger eggs give the best chance of success. It is said that up to 60% of women using donor eggs will achieve a pregnancy. Unfortunately, approximately 10-15% of women who achieve a pregnancy, are at risk of miscarriage.
Common Questions and Concerns:
How much does the process cost? Total costs typically range from $20,000 to $35,000 including the ivf process, medications, donor expenses, and legal agreements that are required between the donor, and intended parents . It is important to find out what is included by the fertility clinic, lawyers, as well as the donor agency (if you are using an agency)
What are the legal concerns? It's important that all parties receive independent legal advice, and are comfortable with all aspects of the legal agreement, whether this is a known, or anonymous donation
How can I possibly find the donor when my child reaches the age of 18?
It is important to outline the expectations of all parties in a Legal agreement. In cases where the donation is anonymous, using a site such a www.donorsiblingregistry.com , in order to find each other, or others that have used the donor, is a great idea.
Canadian Fertility Consultants has facilitated 100's of donations over the years, both anonymously, and known. We are also in the process of opening a Full Service egg donor program in the early part of 2014. For more information on our new donor program, please email us at info@fertilityconsultants.ca Or, by calling our office at 613 439 8701
