Egg donation is a popular choice for those not able to conceive naturally and involves the donation of eggs (oocytes) from a fertile donor to an infertile woman or couple needing assistance in conceiving. Egg donation primarily assists same-sex couples, single men and women with female factor infertility, genetic issues and those over the age of 35.
6 facts you may not know about egg donation:
1. Egg donation is a tried and safe process
One misconception about egg donation is that donors compromise their own fertility down the line. Egg donation is a tried and safe process that has been practiced for many years and does not hinder a donor’s ability to have a family later in life if she chooses to.
Once you’ve made the decision to be an egg donor, you are in the care of your selected surrogacy agency, as well as clinic medical staff. Egg donors benefit from the extensive testing and screenings, performed beforehand, which are beneficial for personal future family planning.
Egg donors are closely monitored throughout the donation process, as well as afterwards, to ensure health and well-being at all times. A donor must meet certain requirements in order for to donate so as to ensure the contribution of high-quality and genetically sound oocytes.
2. Egg donation offers the highest rate of IVF success
The primary reason intended parents consider egg donation is that it provides the best chance of success in regards to embryo number and quality; and accordingly, implantation and live birth.
3. Egg donors are in prime health condition and are in the ideal fertility window
Egg donor candidates should ideally be under the age of 27 and should have a target Body Mass Index between 18-29. They must provide verifiable proof of prior conception, without difficulty or complications, before being considered for eligibility.
Donors also undergo a number of screenings in order to ensure that they are healthy and that their eggs are viable. These screenings include a personal interview, a medical and family history evaluation, a physical examination, blood testing, and a psychosocial evaluation. Prenatal vitamins and Folic Acid are also prescribed throughout the entire donation / surrogacy cycle. Eligibility criteria, pre-program screenings, and treatments help us to ensure donors have no history of hereditary disease and that babies born through egg donation are at a reduced risk of inheriting genetic disorders.
4. Egg collection may be invasive but is still a minor procedure
The retrieval of eggs takes place under general anesthesia or “twilight sedation”. Donors are given stimulation medication in the weeks prior to collection, in order to promote egg production and the eggs are then removed from her ovaries using a needle and suction device. The entire process takes, on average, 30 minutes. Most donors resume normal activities the same or next day.
5. Egg donors receive compensation for their time, effort and contribution
As well as a full and informative reproductive testing panel, egg donors also typically receive financial compensation for their donation. Factors that may influence compensation include anonymity, future contact / access, favourable genetic predispositions and certain religious affiliations.
6. Egg donation comes from the heart
We cannot stress enough how generous the gift of donation is. By donating eggs, donors are offering infertile individuals the chance to experience the joys of parenting. Donor compensation involves, not only financial benefits but also the rewarding fulfillment of knowing a significant contribution has been made to another’s life story.
