#IVF

What is IVF Treatment with Donor Eggs ?

If a woman does not have enough of her own eggs for conception, due to her age a health problem, or genetic reasons, one option is in vitro fertilization using eggs from a donor.

In this process, healthy eggs are taken from another woman (the donor), they are fertilized in the laboratory with the sperm of the husband or male partner of the patient, and the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus of the woman who wants to become a mother.

This means that the experience of pregnancy, childbirth, and becoming a mother is experienced by the woman herself, but the eggs are taken from another woman.

How is this different from the other IVF programs ?

Donor egg IVF and standard IVF have some important differences, which are outlined below:

1. Source of the egg

(a) In standard IVF: Eggs are taken from the woman's own body.

(b) Donor egg in IVF: Oocytes are taken from another healthy and young woman (donor).

Difference for the patient: When the quality or quantity of one's own eggs is not good, donor egg IVF becomes the only option.

2. Age and fertility factor

(a) Normal IVF is more successful in women under 35 years of age.

(b) But if the woman is over 40, or if her periods are irregular, the success rate of IVF with donor eggs is much higher.

Difference for the patient: Even at an older age, there is a chance to become a mother.

3. Success Rate

(a) The success rate of donor egg IVF can generally be 60-70%, as the donors are usually young and fertile.

(b) The success rate of IVF using one's own eggs depends on age and egg quality, which can be less than 30%

Difference for the patient: Expectations rise especially when previous IVF attempts have failed.

4. Emotional aspect

(a) Some women initially feel that the child will not be 'biologically' theirs.

(b) But after gestation, giving birth, and raising, this thought gradually changes.

Difference for the patient: The emotional experience of becoming a mother remains 100% the same.

5. Legal and ethical aspects

(a) The identity of the donor is generally kept confidential.

(b) The clinic ensures that the donor is completely medically and mentally healthy.

Difference for the patient: The procedure is safe and ethically clear.

6. Cost

(a) The cost of IVF is slightly higher due to the medications, tests, and procedures associated with donor eggs.

(b) But sometimes these extra expenses start to seem very small compared to the success.

How is the donor egg IVF process done ?

Step 1: Counseling and initial examination

First, a consultation takes place with the doctor, during which his medical history, hormone levels, previous treatments, and mental preparation are discusses.

This stage includes:

(a) Blood test, sonography, endometrium examination

(b) Testing the quality of the partner's sperm

Step 2: Select a donor

The clinic selects a qualified donor for you. The donor is usually between 21 and 30 years old and must pass all required medical, genetic, and psychological tests.

You are given

(a) Donor's medical profile

(b) Her fertility history

Step 3: Donor Egg Retrieval

The donor is given hormonal injections for several days to develop the eggs. When the eggs are ripe, they are removed through a minor procedure.

Step 4: Fertilization in the IVF lab

The donor's eggs are mixed in the laboratory with your husband's/partner's sperm. The resulting embryos develop over a period of 3 to 5 days in a special environment.

Step 5: Embryo Transfer

When the best embryos are prepared, the doctor prepares your uterus for the transfer. For this, you will receive medication. subsequently, one or two embryos are transferred to your uterus; this procedure is not painful.

Step 6: Pregnancy Test

A blood test is done 12 to 14 days after the embryo transfer to determine if you are pregnant or not.

Success rate

1. The success rate of IVF with donor eggs is higher, especially when the donor is younger and healthy.

2. The average success rate can be up to 60-70%

Benefits

1. Higher chances of conception: Donor eggs are taken from young and healthy women, increasing the success rate of IVF.

2. Prevention of genetic diseases: If there is a suspicion of a genetic disorder in a woman's eggs, eggs from a donor become a safe option.

3. Opportunities for older women: Women over the age of 40 can also experience the joy of motherhood.

4. Solution after several IVF failures: When a woman's own eggs repeatedly fail in IVF, this method comes into play.

Drawbacks / point to consider

1. High cost: Donor eggs make IVF more expensive than regular IVF

2. Emotional impact: Some women may experience mental stress upon learning that the child was not conceived from their egg.

3. Legal and ethical aspects: There are certain regulations in India regarding the identity and confidentiality of donors that must be followed.

4. Hormonal side effects: Medications given for uterine preparation may cause fatigue, mood swings, or other effects.

5. Concerns related to the donor: Curiosity or emotional complexities may arise in the future regarding the donor's information.