How Does Donor Egg IVF Work?
Donor egg IVF is a treatment option for patients who aren’t able or do not wish to use their own eggs to conceive. Below is some information to help you understand how this procedure works and how it can be beneficial for couples struggling with infertility.
About Donor Egg IVF
Donor egg IVF is similar to a standard IVF procedure in that it involves joining an egg and sperm outside of the body. However, unlike a standard IVF procedure, which uses an egg from the intended mother, donor egg IVF uses an egg from another woman. The donor may be someone the couple knows, or it may be an anonymous donor.
This treatment option is most appropriate for couples who have a healthy uterus but are not able to use their own eggs, either because they have no eggs or they haven’t responded to fertility treatments in the past. For example, you may opt for donor egg IVF if you have been diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve.
What Happens During Donor Egg IVF
If you want to use donor egg IVF to conceive, you will have to complete several steps before the process begins. For example, both you and your partner will need to complete infectious disease testing and a psychological consultation to discuss the implications of using a donor egg. Depending on the specifics of your situation, you may also need genetic testing, diabetes screening, cholesterol testing, a mammogram, thyroid function testing and other exams.
Once you have completed the initial screening process, you will select your egg donor. Unless you have someone in mind, you will typically be matched with a healthy woman between the ages of 21 and 32. If you want someone you know to serve as your egg donor, she must complete a screening process to determine if she is a good candidate for egg donation.
After this part of the process is complete, IVF begins. The egg donor’s eggs will be retrieved and fertilized to create embryos. Medication will be used to prepare your uterus for implantation, and the embryos will be transferred.
How to Learn More
If you are interested in learning more about donor egg IVF or beginning the process, please contact Northeastern Reproductive Medicine to make an appointment.