Surrogacy is a process in which a woman (surrogate) carries a pregnancy for another couple and gives birth to the baby. If a woman cannot use her own eggs from a donor are used. In this case, an egg donor is selected whose egg is fertilized with the sperm of the male partner to create an embryo, which is then transferred to the surrogate's uterus.
Donor eggs are used when a woman's own eggs are not healthy, not available, or when conception with them is not possible. There can be several reasons for this:
1. Decline in the quality of eggs due to increasing age
After 35 years, both the quantity and quality of a woman's eggs begin to decline. After 40, the chances of conception decrease significantly, making donor eggs a viable option.
2. Premature Ovarian failure
In some women, the ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40. This is also called premature menopause. In this situation, conception may be possible using donor eggs.
3. Genetic diseases
If a woman has a serious genetic disease that she can pass on to her child, doctors recommend using eggs from a donor. This can protect the child from the disease.
4. Repeated IVF failures
If success is still lacking after several attempts at IVF and the quality of the eggs is deemed insufficient, the use of donor eggs opens up a new possibility.
5. After chemotherapy or radiation
Chemotherapy or radiation in the treatment of cancer can damage the ovaries, leading to the cessation of egg production. In such cases, donor eggs are used.
6. Congenital Absence of Ovaries
Some women are born without ovaries or do not produce eggs. This is a rare condition, but donor eggs may be the only solution.
7. Complications of endometriosis or PCOS
Sometimes the eggs can remain unfertilized due to endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). If the eggs are not viable despite treatment, they are considered donor eggs.
8. Repeated miscarriages
If a woman repeatedly has miscarriages after conception and the quality of the eggs is a reason for this, a fetus created from donor eggs can increase the chances of a successful conception.
1. Selection of the donor:
The candidates choose a donor with the help of a fertility clinic. The physical, mental, and genetic health of the donor is thoroughly assessed.
2. IVF process:
The egg cells are taken from the donor and fertilized with the sperm of the intended father (or the sperm donor).
3. Embryo transfer:
The created embryo is transferred to the surrogate mother's womb.
4. Pregnancy and Delivery:
A surrogate mother carries the pregnancy to term, and afterward the baby is handed over to the biological parents.
1. The dream of becoming a mother comes true, even if one's own eggs are not present.
2. Prevention of genetic diseases is possible.
3. The success rate of embryos created from donor eggs is higher.
4. The option of becoming a mother remains open even at an older age.
1. There is no biological relationship: the child does not come from the woman's ovum, which means there is no biological connection.
2. Emotional Stress: Some women may feel sadness or guilt inside.
3. Legal and ethical questions: There may be confusion about telling the child the truth in the future or hiding their identity.
4. The cost is higher: It is more expensive compared to standard IVF.
5. Donor information is limited: the donor's identity is confidential, which means complete information is not available.
There are clear rules regarding surrogacy and the use of donor eggs in India:
1. Only altruistic surrogacy (in which the surrogate does not receive any commercial payment) is valid.
2. Intended parents must be Indian citizens.
3. The donor should be selected through the clinic, and it is necessary to maintain their confidentiality.
The combination of donor eggs and surrogacy is a blessing for those who cannot conceive for any reason. It is not only a technical marvel, but it also emotionally complements many families.
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