3RD PARTY REPRODUCTION



Page Contents

Donor Eggs
When Are Donor Eggs Recommended?
Evaluation of the Recipient Couple
Donor Recruitment
Screening Egg Donors
Known Donors
Donor Preparation for Egg Retrieval
Pregnancy Rate
Cost
Donor Sperm
When Is Donor Insemination Needed?
The Evaluation
The Insemination Procedure
The Use of Frozen Semen
Screening Anonymous Donors
Success Rate
Donor Embryos
Surrogacy
Evaluation
Surrogate Sources
Screening Surrogates
Psychological Issues
Donor Eggs
Donor eggs offer the possibility of childbearing to woman whose ovaries are absent, or whose ovaries do not reliably produce eggs that can be fertilized. The first pregnancy achieved with the use of donor eggs was reported in 1984. By using in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, eggs are obtained from the ovaries of another woman (donor), fertilized by sperm from the recipient's partner, and the resulting embryo's are placed into the recipient's uterus. If pregnancy is achieved, the resulting child will be genetically related to the recipient's partner but not to the recipient. Generally, there is no need for an amended birth certificate as there is with adoption.

When Are Donor Eggs Recommended?
Donor eggs may be recommended to woman who have a uterus but whose ovaries do not produce usable eggs, due to premature ovarian failure for example. Woman who have had their ovaries removed as treatment for cancer, endometriosis, or pelvic infection; or whose ovaries were damaged by chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer; or who were born without functioning ovaries; or who have poorly functioning ovaries may be candidates for donor eggs.

Ovarian function can be assessed by measuring the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level on the third day of the menstrual cycle. FSH is elevated in woman who have experienced premature ovarian failure, natural menopause, or whose ovaries have been removed, and is also frequently elevated when ovarian function and egg quality are declining. An elevated FSH level may indicate that a woman is a candidate for donor eggs. Donor eggs may also be recommended to a woman who has a serious genetic disease that she may pass on to a child if her own eggs are used.

Evaluation of the Recipient Couple
Prior to considering the use of donor eggs, the physician will take a detailed medical history from both partners of the recipient couple. The male will need a semen analysis. In addition to a thorough physical exam, the female will usually have an assessment of ovarian function if she is not menopausal or has not had her ovaries removed. If she has spontaneous menstrual periods, special medications may be needed to suppress her ovarian function (see Preparation of Female Recipient below).

Laboratory tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are recommended for both female and male (recipient couple). If the female is over 40 years of age, the physician may recommend a thorough evaluation including cardiovascular screening and high-risk obstetrical consultation before proceeding. Evaluation of the recipient female's uterus may involve a hysteroscopy or a hysterosalpingogram (HSG).

Donor Recruitment
There are three ways of obtaining donated eggs:




  • Dr. Jill Flood
  • Endometrial Biopsy
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  • Laparoscopy
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  • Tubal Factor Infertility
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  • 3rd Party Reproduction
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