The first successful IVF donor eggs procedure resulting into live birth happened last February 3, 1984. The procedure was performed by Dr. John Buster together with a research team at the Harbor UCLA Medical Center. The scientific breakthrough has brought hope to couples with infertility problems.
There are several factors that lead couples to acquire eggs through IVF donor eggs.
- Though it rarely happens, some women cannot produce eggs which make them incapable of getting pregnant.
- Some women reach the menopausal stage as early as the age of 30's, at which time many women are still starting to build a family.
- Some women are born with no ovaries; hence, they cannot produce eggs.
- There are women who suffer from different illnesses or circumstances that resulted to damage in their reproductive organs. A part or some parts needed to be surgically removed, preventing them from producing healthy eggs.
- A genetic disorder from the woman that she doesn't want to pass on to her child.
- If a woman has high levels of FSH. When FSH is too much, there is a tendency for fewer eggs to be produced.
- Even after many tries at IVF procedure, still there is no luck at getting pregnant.
Types of IVF Donor Eggs
There are different types of donors. They are:
- Anonymous donors – They are egg donors who are not related in any way to the recipients. They usually do it for money and they go through a series of evaluations before they can sell their eggs.
- Designated donors – These are donors known to the patient. They're a family member, a relative or a friend.
- Shared Oocyte programs – These are shared or donated eggs from women who also went through IVF.
Selecting IVF Donor Eggs
Selecting a donor is very crucial step. First is consider the type of donor you want- is it anonymous, designated or shared Oocyte. Any potential egg must also go through some series of tests and several factors should also be considered. They are:
- History of birth defects or any hereditary diseases
- Physical examination
- Medical history
- Social history
- Psychological screening
- Testing for any sexually transmitted disease
IVF Donor Check up Test
To be sure that the donor is physically, psychologically, and genetically healthy, she must undergo some series of tests:
- Blood test (to identify blood group, blood count and check for any infectious diseases)
- HIV tests
- Syphilis test
- Hepatitis B or C test
- Cystic fibrosis test
- Level of hormones to determine how fertile and if she is capable of producing healthy eggs.
- Medical history to check if any hereditary diseases can be passed down to her eggs.
Benefits of using IVF Donor Eggs
Using IVF donor eggs has several benefits.
- Increases the chance of conception of up to 50% especially if the donated eggs came from a younger woman.
- Less stressful physically, mentally, and financially compared to going through a full IVF procedure.
- To be able to conceive without the risk of passing down any deficiency.
- Though it's genetically not your baby, you can experience going through pregnancy together with your biological baby unlike getting an adoption.
Deciding to use IVF donor eggs is a big turning point for every couple. What's important is you have the growing child inside you, kept safe and nurtured.