Egg Donor Program
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Egg Donor Program
Women who are unable to produce eggs on their own due to age, ovarian failure, surgical removal of ovaries or genetic diseases may be eligible to participate in our egg donor program. To be considered as a recipient for donor eggs you must be under the age of 50, have a normal uterus, and be in good health.
Egg donors go through a process called in vitro fertilization to mature multiple eggs. Those eggs are harvested through ultrasound guidance and fertilized with sperm. Embryos are formed and placed into the recipient's uterus. That has been prepared with a combination of hormonal medications (estrogen and progesterone) approximately 5 days later.
Evaluation of Donors
Egg donors can be known or anonymous. Known donors are women who are known to the recipient such as a family member or friend. Anonymous donors are recruited and screened through an egg donor program or agency. Donors should be between the ages of 21 and 32. Written personal, medical and family history on all donors is available for the recipient to review.
Egg donors are screened according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines. A complete personal, medical and family history is reviewed on all potential donors. Additional screening includes an interview, physical exam, and lab work to rule out evidence of communicable disease. Donors are also required to undergo a psychological evaluation prior to being accepted into the program.
Evaluation of Recipient Couple
The recipient couple is evaluated prior to an egg donor cycle. Testing includes but is not limited to physical exam, sonohysterogram (ultrasound evaluation of uterine cavity), and lab work to screen for infectious disease, semen analysis, and psychological evaluation.
Preparation of the Recipient
In order for embryos to implant in the recipient's uterus it is necessary to administer medication to the recipient to suppress her ovaries and synchronize her cycle with the egg donor. This takes approximately 2 months. Once this is accomplished the recipient will prepare the lining of the uterus with a combination of hormonal medications (estrogen and progesterone). These hormones mat be administered in the form of a pill, patch or injection. Vaginal ultrasound and blood tests are performed to assess the recipient during this time.
Embryo Transfer
The embryo transfer is done approximately 5 days after the eggs are harvested from the donor. This procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance. The embryos are placed in a small catheter (tube). The catheter is placed through the cervix and into the uterus. There is minimal discomfort with this procedure and no sedation is needed. A blood pregnancy test can be done as early as 12 days after the transfer. Physical activity is limited for 2 days after the transfer.
Contact
For more information on our Egg Donor Program you may contact our egg donor coordinator at 515-222-3060 or donornurse@midiowafertility.com
For information on becoming an Egg Donor: click here
FAQ
Does your center have an age limit for using donor eggs?
Yes, you must be under age 50 to be a recipient of donor eggs.
How do I start the process of becoming an egg donor recipient?
It starts with a consultation with one of our physicians, followed by a visit with Cheryl, our Egg Donor Coordinator, to review the process and pretesting required.