Answers to Questions about IVF with Donor Eggs

Couples who are considering any type of infertility treatment, especially in vitro fertilization (IVF) with donor eggs, are bound to have questions. Below, we have provided answers to some of the most common questions about egg donors and IVF.

Why do couples choose infertility treatment with donor eggs?

The choice to undergo infertility treatment with donor eggs can be very emotional and personal. In general, couples choose IVF with donor eggs if they have had multiple failed attempts to conceive through infertility treatments, such as fertility drugs. Women may choose this treatment because they have certain infertility problems, including:

• Ovulation disorders
• Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes
• Egg abnormalities or inability to produce eggs
• Age-related reduction in fertility
• Premature menopause
• Endometriosis

Why do people choose egg donation instead of adoption?

Many couples choose egg donation instead of adoption because they want to have a baby with the father's genes. Also, many women want the opportunity to bond with their baby during pregnancy, and to have control over the prenatal environment and health of the fetus. Additionally, couples who choose egg donation have the opportunity to select a donor who has similar personality and physical traits to their own.

What treatments are involved for the recipient of a donor egg?

A woman who chooses in vitro fertilization with donor eggs will first undergo tests to ensure that she is healthy and that pregnancy would not put her or the baby at risk. Once she chooses an egg donor, the recipient will take hormone pills to synchronize her menstrual cycle with the donor's. To ensure an optimal environment for implantation of the fertilized eggs, the recipient will undergo hormone therapy, which often lasts for 7 to 10 days. Once the embryos are ready they will be implanted through an in vitro fertilization procedure.

How are potential egg donors screened?

Each clinic has different guidelines for screening potential egg donors to ensure that they are good candidates. In general, potential egg donors will undergo several tests and screenings, including:

• Fertility Test and Physical Exam: These exams ensure the donor's overall health and her ability to produce healthy eggs, as well as determine her blood type and RH incompatibility.
• Medical and Psychological History: The donor must provide the medical and psychological histories of herself and close family members.
• Drug Screening: The donor must disclose current or previous use of alcohol, cigarettes, and prescription or street drugs. Some clinics also conduct random drug tests of donors to ensure that they aren't using drugs during the donation process.
• Infectious Disease Screening: This screening typically consists of a series of blood tests to detect diseases such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HTLV.
• Genetic Screening: This screening looks for genetic abnormalities that could be passed on to offspring.
• Psychological Evaluation: Generally completed after the potential donor has passed all other screenings, this evaluation is performed by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist to ensure the donor's emotional and mental health.

What information is available about the egg donor? Can I meet the donor?

Most clinics provide couples with the medical and family history of potential egg donors; a description of physical traits such as eye color, hair color, ethnicity, skin tone, height, and weight; educational background; results of the psychological screening; and personality traits. Some clinics will provide genetic screening, if requested. Most clinics require that the donors remain anonymous; however, some will set up a meeting if both parties agree.

How do I find a fertility clinic that offers IVF with donor eggs?

Use DocShop's directory of fertility doctors to find one near you. You can visit the clinics' websites to learn more about the services they provide, and schedule an appointment with a fertility specialist who can answer all of your questions about infertility treatment.