All women have a dream of becoming a mother. But not all women are lucky enough to conceive and give birth to a healthy child. Some face recurrent miscarriages or pregnancy loss due to various reasons. But the good news is that they can still conceive and have their baby even if they have infertility issues, which can be possible through egg donation. Egg donation is a part of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and has been helpful for many women.
About the procedure
A fertile and healthy woman donates her eggs to a woman having difficulty conceiving. These eggs are used through the IVF method. The donor gets a few hormone injections to produce eggs. The injection allows a huge number of eggs to mature faster. Once the eggs are perfectly mature, they are retrieved from the donor by inserting a device into the follicles. Then the eggs are fertilised in a lab using the sperm of the male partner or from a donor. When the eggs convert into embryos, they are implanted into the recipient's uterus. If successful, the embryo will develop into a healthy child.
Who qualifies for egg donation?
Women unable to get pregnant with their eggs can avail of egg donation. This can happen because they were born without ovaries, didn't respond well to ovarian hormonal stimulation, are in menopause, and have had poor embryo or egg quality with previous IVF procedures. Besides, women can also opt for this if they have some genetic issues and don't want their baby to be born with them. This can also benefit women whose fertility has been affected by chemotherapy or other cancer treatments.
Benefits
If a woman has had multiple failed ICSI or IVF procedures and has been tested for premature ovarian failure, she can opt for the egg donation programme as part of fertility treatment. Women over 40 can also benefit from this treatment, as older eggs may not convert into an embryo and may carry some genetic disorders. This procedure allows the intended couple to choose the desired characteristics they want in their baby. Egg donation also informs the women about their fertility. For the donors, an egg donation programme brings some financial benefits.
Risks or complications
The process can be stressful for the patients and the donor, and they must undergo different psychological tests before the procedure. Stimulation of ovaries during egg production can lead to swelling, and the donor may witness early menopause.
Donors may have some long-term health issues, such as loss of fertility, colon cancer and breast cancer. Some women may experience pain, hot flashes, and emotional changes, and in rare cases, they may develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. If the tests are not carried out properly, the recipient may also develop an infection, leading to pregnancy failure.
Donating and receiving eggs requires understanding and patience. One should not take this procedure lightly and consult a fertility expert before making any decision. To know more about the egg donation programme in Anna Nagar, one can request an appointment at Apollo Fertility, Anna Nagar, Chennai. They can also call 1860 500 4424 to book an appointment now.
After a physical examination, the doctor will conduct a genetic screening and psychological and laboratory testing. Besides, the treatment options also include the use of fertility medications along with vaginal ultrasound testing of oocytes. Once matured, the eggs will be retrieved and implanted in the uterus.
The initial intake process can take around four to five weeks. Besides, the total duration will also vary based on the couple's choice as the donor. Once the treatment cycle starts, the donor should prepare herself for frequent visits to the fertility centre for testing and egg retrieval.
Egg donation is a simple procedure, and thousands of women participate. The donor can take the injection at home. During the egg retrieval process, the doctor will use sedation. After the procedure, the donor may feel mild discomfort, bloating, and cramping, but that will go away within three to four days.
Per the donation contract, the baby born through the egg donation process will legally belong to the recipient. Egg donors have no legal rights to the child.
Even though some egg donors are known to the couple, that arrangement can be made under special circumstances, only at the donor's and the couple's requests. However, the majority of egg donation programmes are anonymous.
Treatments
