For many couples, the desire to have a biological child is a profound one. However, infertility can make this dream seem impossible. Fortunately, egg donation is a viable option for many who struggle to conceive naturally. This innovative procedure offers a chance to experience pregnancy and parenthood, providing a sense of fulfillment and connection that extends beyond the physical act of giving birth.
Egg donation, also known as oocyte or egg transplantation, is a highly successful treatment method for prospective mothers who do not have the chance to conceive using their own eggs. It involves using donated eggs to give infertile couples the opportunity to experience pregnancy and childbirth.
The egg donation process typically involves several steps, carefully guided by a team of experienced fertility specialists:
1. Screening and Matching: A thorough medical and psychological evaluation is conducted for both the recipient and the donor to ensure they are suitable for the procedure. This includes assessing their medical history, family background, and psychological well-being.
2. Ovarian Stimulation and Egg Retrieval: The donor undergoes a controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) treatment to induce the production of multiple eggs. This involves administering medications to stimulate the ovaries to mature a number of eggs. Once the eggs reach maturity, they are retrieved from the donor’s ovaries using a minimally invasive procedure called transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration.
3. Sperm and Egg Fertilisation: The retrieved eggs are then carefully prepared for fertilisation. The recipient’s partner’s sperm or donor sperm is used to fertilise the eggs in the laboratory.
4. Embryo Development and Transfer: The fertilised eggs, known as embryos, are allowed to develop in a controlled environment for a few days to assess their quality and viability. The healthiest embryos are selected for transfer to the recipient’s uterus using a thin catheter. This procedure is typically done in an outpatient setting under light sedation.
5. Post-Transfer Period: Approximately 10-12 days after the transfer, a pregnancy test (beta HCG) is conducted to determine the outcome.
Egg donation is recommended for women with:
Genetic disorders: Egg donation can be a viable option for women who carry genetic disorders and want to prevent passing them on to their children.
Multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles: If a woman has undergone multiple rounds of IVF without success, egg donation may offer a higher chance of achieving a pregnancy.
Decreased ovarian reserve: As women age, their ovarian reserve, the number of eggs available for fertilisation, declines. Egg donation can be considered for women who have diminished ovarian reserve, especially those who are nearing or past the age of natural menopause.
Premature ovarian failure (POF): POF occurs when women experience ovarian depletion before the age of 40, leading to a premature loss of fertility. Egg donation can provide an opportunity for women with POF to experience pregnancy and parenthood.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can affect ovulation and fertility. Egg donation can be considered for women with PCOS who have difficulty conceiving naturally or have had unsuccessful IVF cycles.
Unexplained infertility: In some cases, the cause of infertility remains unknown. Egg donation can provide a chance for women with unexplained infertility to achieve a pregnancy.
Women who had their reproductive organs surgically removed or damaged: If a woman has had her ovaries removed or has sustained damage to her reproductive organs due to injury or illness, egg donation can provide an alternative route to pregnancy.
Healthy older women: As women age, their fertility declines, and the chances of successful IVF decrease. Egg donation can be considered for healthy older women who wish to have a child.
Using donor eggs for IVF offers benefits such as:
Egg donors can be one of the following:
Donor egg is cryopreserved (frozen) to maintain its integrity and safety. It undergoes rigorous testing for infectious diseases after a mandatory six-month quarantine period before being used in reproductive procedures.
Our partner IVF clinics offer specimens from donors of diverse ethnicities. Please contact Dream IVF Cyprus for more information.
The ability to choose your own egg donor for IVF treatment is referred to as ‘directed donation‘. In other words, directed donation is a type of egg donation in which the donor is someone you know, such as a friend, family member, or acquaintance. This option can provide you with more control over the selection process and may offer a greater sense of familiarity and comfort. However, it is important to note that directed donation is subject to stricter screening and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of both the donor and recipient.
In North Cyprus, the ability to choose your own egg donor for IVF treatment depends on the fertility clinic you choose and their policies regarding donor selection. Some clinics offer a limited selection of donors, while others allow recipients to choose from a wider pool of potential donors. In most cases, it is possible for patients to choose their own egg donor.
The egg donor will need to travel to Cyprus for the egg retrieval procedure unless the specialised equipment and expertise needed for the donation procedure is available in their country of residence. If the egg donor is unable to travel to Cyprus and plans to donate eggs through a local clinic in their country of residence, shipment and approval process requirements should be discussed with the clinic in advance. Please contact Dream IVF Cyprus for more information.
Egg donation is a highly successful procedure, with pregnancy rates significantly higher than those of conventional IVF using the recipient’s own eggs. The increased success rate is attributed to the use of high-quality donor eggs, which are typically from younger women who have a higher reserve of healthy eggs.
The risks of egg donation are generally low and comparable to those associated with other IVF procedures. Some potential risks may include:
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): A condition that can occur due to the hormonal medications used during ovarian stimulation. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
Bleeding or infection at the egg retrieval site
Emotional distress or anxiety
Egg donors typically receive a combination of fertility medications to stimulate their ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Common medications include clomiphene citrate, letrozole, and injectable gonadotropins. These medications mimic the body’s natural hormones to promote egg development.
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Disclaimer: Information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prevent any disease including infertility. Resources published on the website shall be treated as “information or opinion”, not medical advice. Services provided by www.dreamIVFcyprus.com are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and are not intended as medical advice. Following initial assessment and consultation, Dream IVF Cyprus refers suitable patients to a fertility specialist for discussing treatment options.
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