How Does the Egg Donation Process Work?

Egg donation is used when other methods of fertility treatment in women do not give the desired result. This procedure is performed in specialized clinics by a fertility doctor. The outcome of the procedure largely depends on the choice of a reproductive medicine center. It is smart to choose a clinic that has long been engaged in innovative infertility treatment, including egg donation.

What Is Egg Donation?

IVF with oocyte donation is a voluntary transfer of healthy germ cells from a female donor to spouses who, for whatever reason, cannot conceive a child in a natural way. The donor undergoes a medical examination and necessary labs. It is important to remember that only based on doctor’s positive decision, the donor is allowed to participate in the program. It is permitted to become a donor for a woman under the age of 40 who has given birth to her healthy children. The donorship is allowed no more than 6 times in a lifetime.

Three days before ovulation, IVF injections are made, and the donated eggs obtained (usually two or three) are fertilized with the spouse’s sperm. Then they are kept in a special incubator for 4–6 days for preliminary growing. The obtained embryos are checked for genetic abnormalities like Down syndrome or hemophilia. Only then they are placed in the patient’s uterus. The transferring is carried out by a special catheter. Most often, one or two embryos are transferred. Due to a high survival rate provided by IVF, twins are often born. After implantation, women over 45 years are given additional hormonal therapy to maintain pregnancy.

Is the Procedure Dangerous?

The procedure for collecting eggs is considered a surgical operation. Like any intervention from outside, it can have some consequences. Getting a donor prepared for the procedure is also carried out with the help of hormonal drugs, and this has its own risks as well.

Firstly, there is a probability to gain extra weight as a result of hormone therapy. However, the specialists prescribe a hormonal treatment regimen taking into account patient’s individual characteristics, so the risks are minimized. When the course is over, the weight returns to normal over time.

Secondly, it could provoke oncology in very rare cases. Nevertheless, your doctor constantly monitors your health to notice any abnormalities and rule out possible complications. The program duration is limited to one month, and this time is insufficient for an oncological disease to develop. After participating in the egg donation program, the donor does not lose her childbearing function.

Thanks to Anna