In-Vitro Fertilization and Donor Cells Create Choices for Fertility
Before the development and successful application of in vitro fertilization (IVF), no fertility options existed for women struggling with infertility or for female carriers of genetically transmissible diseases. With the modern medical advancements of today, however, these women now have more options for their potential future families than ever before.
Understanding IVF with Donor Oocytes
Donor IVF cycles work in the same way as normal IVF cycles, with the exception of using a donor’s oocytes (eggs). After collecting the donor’s eggs, they are then fertilized in our lab. We carefully monitor fertilized eggs in the lab, looking for one or two healthy embryos which have a good chance of successful transfer. If healthy embryos are present, after three to five days of observation, they will be transferred to the recipient’s uterus for implantation.
When to Consider Using Donor Cells
Female candidates for IVF with donor cells include women who have struggled with achieving pregnancy due to a number of reasons which would prevent them from using their own eggs. While the reasons for using donor cells are many, some of these include:
- Multiple Prior IVF Failures
- Premature Ovarian Failure (Menopause Before 40)
- Advanced Age
- Diminished Ovarian Reserve
- Genetically Transmissible Diseases
Depending on your specific situation and difficulties with achieving pregnancy, our experience, knowledgeable fertility doctor will help you find the right solution to give you the best chance of achieving pregnancy and living the life you choose.
A Selective Process: Receiving Female Donor Cells
Individuals sometimes use a selected donor and, other times, an anonymous donor. Whether anonymous or known, thorough donor selection and recipient evaluation processes take place in order to assure the health of the recipient, donor, and potential embryos upon successful IVF. Prior to donating cells and receiving cells IVF candidates and donors must undergo medical evaluation.
Donor Screening – Donors are 35 years of age or younger. They are also tested for infectious diseases and screened for genetic diseases with both a family medical history and blood evaluations. In addition, potential donors complete a psychological evaluation in order to assure their care, peace of mind, and well being throughout the incredible process of donating life.
Recipient Evaluation – Potential recipient candidates for donor egg must also undergo a complete medical evaluation prior to the procedure. This thorough medical evaluation is necessary for the health and safety of the potential mother. The medical evaluation will check that the mother is healthy enough to become pregnant and that a potential pregnancy would not seriously jeopardize her health. In addition, the recipient will also be screened for any medical conditions or abnormalities that could harm the pregnancy or potentially affect implantation such as cervical cultures for bacteria which could indicate the presence of disease (chlamydia) and ultrasounds to determine the normality of the uterus. Any treatable conditions will be addressed in order to ensure the recipient’s best chance of successful implantation. Some recipients will also participate in a cycle of hormone replacement therapy to prepare and examine the reproductive system for potential implantation. This ensures that the reproductive environment (uterine lining, hormone levels, blood tests) is conducive to successful pregnancy.
In addition to medical screening and preparation, donor egg recipients also participate in counseling to prepare them for the process, aid them with difficult decisions, and help them to understand IVF, all of its potential outcomes, and what their chances of achieving successful pregnancy mean.
IVF With Male and Female Donors
At times struggles with fertility result from medical issues with the male partner, female partner, or both. No matter your medical history or your partner’s, IVF might be a possible choice for you to achieve pregnancy. Possible to perform with male, female, or male and female donor cells, IVF has made pregnancy possible for numerous individuals who have several different reasons for encountering difficulties when attempting to achieve pregnancy.
If you have had difficulty becoming pregnant, we encourage you and your partner to schedule an appointment for a fertility consultation with our experienced fertility doctor at Viera Fertility Center. We will help you rule out potential reasons for your difficulties and determine a solution which is right for you.