The egg donor primary responsibility during the egg donation process is donating her
healthy eggs (oocytes) to couples who are faced with difficulties in the process of starting a family, due to poor egg quality. Through in vitro fertilization (IVF) using
donor eggs, a fertilized egg is allowed to develop in the recipient’s uterus, so she may have a child.
Upon child birth, the recipient becomes the legal and biological mother of the baby. While egg donation has monetary benefits for the donor, it is a difficult process to undertake. The egg donor has to be responsible and willing to pass through multiple medical interventions over the course of several weeks. An altruistic personality, helps the egg donor make this choice for herself for a positive overall experience.
In addition, the following factors are worth considering for women who are looking into donating their eggs.
- Eligibility
Egg donation agencies follow procedures based on the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines. In order to achieve the best results, egg donors have to be young healthy females between the ages of 20 and 29 years, with a body mass index (BMI) less than 27. A donor must be in good health without a medical history of significant diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis, or sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, she should not have a family history of inherited genetic disorders, such as Huntington’s disease, hemophilia, Tay Sachs disease, or sickle cell anemia.
- Screening Process
Egg donors undergo general medical screening, genetic screening and psychological screening. Blood tests and the ultrasound examination of ovaries are part of the medical screening process.In addition, the donor will be screened for infectious diseases. Cervical cultures will be taken to test for sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and Chlamydia. As part of the genetic screening, the donor will be asked whether they have a history of any birth defects, such as cleft lip, spina bifida, or heart defect. Family medical background for genetic diseases will also be addressed. Finally, a psychological screening is necessary to determine the emotional preparedness of the potential donor. Any mental health issues, such as mental retardation, depression, or psychiatric problems, in the donor’s medical history will be discussed.
- Significant Commitment
Egg donation is a lengthy process, requiring multiple medications, several blood tests and ultrasound examinations. The total process may take over three weeks for completion. Possible side effects may be experienced from the treatment medications. In rare cases, less than 1% of all IVF instances, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome may result from the stimulation phase.
The treatment procedures also demand that the donor adheres to a schedule for the medical visits. The donor’s work, family responsibilities, or school activities would have to be arranged in advance to fit the donation schedule. In addition, the donor is required to refrain from alcohol, cigarettes intercourse and illegal drugs during the entire span of the process.
The use of prescription or non-prescription drugs will need to be cleared by a health care professional. Finally, intercourse
is not advised during certain weeks of the procedure in order to avoid pregnancy in the donor.
- Emotional Aspect
Another factor to consider is how one feels about the possibility of having genetically related children through the donation process. The feelings and concerns of one’s partner or support network can also be sought out, if the donor feels comfortable. The egg donor should decide whether to undertake the process based on one’s free will. Knowing the details of the process in advance will help prepare her to make a positive choice for herself.
When it comes to difficulty for women to conceive, one of the top egg donor centers in the country is Colorado Center for Egg Donation. The Denver egg donor center’s Medical Director is Dr. Deborah Smith, who was recently named a Top 5 Fertility Doctor in the US by HealthTap.
For over 20 years, Dr. Smith and the staff at the fertility center have been helping women reach their fertility goals. The Center offers both egg donors and recipients and has a Board Certified embryologist. Call (720) 390-3931
for more information and scheduling today with egg donation Colorado trusts!