Is Donor Egg-IVF Right for You?
Whenever people hear about someone’s infertility struggles, they’ll usually listen and have a few questions. Most questions center around IVF since it’s a term they are familiar with but may not know the exact meaning of. Many often assume that you use the egg of the mother and the sperm of the father but are surprised to learn that a donor egg can be used as well. Below we will break down what DE-IVF is (Donor Egg IVF), how it works, and questions we often receive.
The Meaning of DE-IVF
Let’s start with the definition of IVF? In Vitro Fertilization is when an egg is removed from a woman and joined with a sperm cell of a man inside a test tube (in vitro). The cells then fuse and form a single cell which divides into an embryo. The embryo is then transferred into the woman’s uterus with the hope that it will implant. The main difference with DE-IVF is that two women are involved. One provides the egg and the other is the recipient (also known as the intended mother).
Why would you need an egg donor?
Couples use an egg donor because of the following:
- The potential to transmit a genetic disease to a child
- The mother has poor quality eggs
- Premature ovarian failure
- Diminished ovarian reserve
- A history of pregnancy failure
Women can have more than one reason for using an egg donor. It is possible they may have poor egg quality and diminished ovarian reserve but have the means to carry a baby to term.
How does DE- IVF Work?
Since two women are involved, both of their ovarian cycles need to be in sync. This is done through a series of medicine injections and takes about two months. Once everyone is on the same page, the donor takes medication to stimulate her ovaries, while the recipient takes daily injections to build up her uterine wall to receive the embryo.
During the stimulation process, the donor is closely monitored until the eggs are ready to be retrieved. Once they are retrieved, they are then fertilized by the spouse’s sperm. Approximately five days later, the eggs are analyzed to determine how many have reached the blastocyst stage. The most viable embryo is transferred and eight days later pregnancy is confirmed via a blood test.
Is Donor Selection Difficult?
The general answer is yes. This is because you want to make sure that the genetic material you choose is you ideal candidate and match all your preferences. You do not want to rush this phase. There are hundreds of donor profiles to review. Many clinics do great job of screening all potential donors. The applicants go through an interview, psychological screenings and background checks. Keep in mind, you are selecting someone who will be genetically linked to your child, so it’s not a task to be taken lightly. Sometimes women do have a hard time with the fact that they will not be passing their genes down to their offspring but are relieved when they realize that they will be carrying and nurturing their child forever.
Will you still be his or her real mother?
This is a question that may come up and many people have a difficult time understanding. Yes, you will be! You have decided to go through the process, prepared your mind and body and will go through labor. You will nurture them, diaper them, sing to them, snuggle them, and rock them to sleep. This makes you a mom!
Should you tell your child?
That is completely up to you. Some parents use children’s books to help open the conversation at an early age. As their children get older, they divulge more details about the process and continue to be open throughout their childhood. It’s a beautiful and exciting story to tell!
What if your child wants to meet the donor someday?
Many parents are very supportive if their child wants to meet the donor. Many donors are anonymous. However, there is a database that provides their contact information and recipients can provide theirs if both parties want to connect.
Conclusion
Before deciding if DE-IVF is the best fertility option, do your own research. This will save you both time and money. At Reproductive Sciences Medical Center, we are here to give you all the necessary support to ensure your program’s success. For this and much more, do not hesitate to call us today! Click here to schedule your consultation now.
