When Is Egg Donation Used in Fertility Care?
Donor eggs are commonly used by:
- Patients who have decreased ovarian function
- Patients with premature ovarian failure
- Patients with genetic abnormalities
- LGBTQ+ families
- Single parents
The Egg Donation Process
The egg donation process involves several coordinated steps to ensure the best outcome. Here’s an overview:
- Selecting a Donor: Choose your donor from a database or through a known arrangement. Donors are matched based on your preferences and medical needs.
- Screening: Both the donor and recipient undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations to ensure compatibility and health.
- Ovarian Stimulation and Retrieval: The donor receives medication to stimulate egg production, and the eggs are retrieved in a minimally invasive procedure.
- Fertilization and Transfer: The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm in a lab, creating embryos. A selected embryo is then transferred to the recipient’s uterus.
Fresh vs. Frozen Donor Eggs
At Main Line Fertility, we offer aspiring parents both fresh and frozen donor egg options:
- Fresh Eggs: In this option, the donor’s cycle is synchronized with the recipient’s, and the eggs are retrieved and fertilized immediately. Fresh eggs may offer slightly higher success rates but require more coordination and timing.
- Frozen Eggs: These are retrieved and cryopreserved in advance, allowing for more flexibility in timing. They are often more affordable and readily available, making them a convenient choice for many intended parents.
Each option has its benefits, and the right choice depends on your unique circumstances and preferences. At Main Line Fertility, we are here to help you navigate these decisions and find the path that best suits your family-building goals.
Known vs. Anonymous Egg Donors
When selecting an egg donor, you can choose between a known donor and an anonymous donor. A known donor is typically someone you have a personal relationship with, such as a friend or family member. This option allows for greater transparency and potential ongoing connection with the donor, which some intended parents find reassuring. An anonymous donor, on the other hand, is someone you select through an egg donor agency or program without any personal identifying details. This approach provides privacy and clarity in the boundaries of the relationship, which can also offer peace of mind.
Our In-House, No-Wait Egg Donor Bank
Our exclusive in-house, no-wait donor egg database enables us to provide our patients with access to over two thousand high-quality eggs in a time frame that fits their busy schedules. In addition to meeting all FDA compliance standards, our egg donors complete a thorough medical, psychological, and genetic screening process by our physicians. For anonymous egg donors, we maintain strict confidentiality of the donor’s and the recipient’s identity. The egg recipient will have access to all of the available donor medical history.
Egg Donor Screening
Ensuring the health and suitability of an egg donor is a critical part of the process. Donors undergo extensive medical, genetic, and psychological screening. This includes:
- Medical Screening: A detailed review of the donor’s health history and a physical examination.
- Genetic Testing: Screening for inherited conditions to minimize risks to the baby.
- Psychological Evaluation: Ensuring the donor fully understands and is emotionally prepared for the process.
- Lifestyle Assessment: Evaluating factors such as diet, exercise, and overall wellness.
These rigorous screenings provide intended parents with confidence in the quality and safety of the eggs.
