Posted July 31, 2023 in Donor Egg IVF
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There are many paths to fertility. With so many options available, it is important for you to consider what is important for you and your family during your fertility journey. If you are a woman who has had difficulties conceiving but still wants to carry a pregnancy, donor egg IVF may be an option.
Donor egg IVF, like many other assisted reproductive technologies (ART), can seem overwhelming.
Below, we will discuss what you can expect from donor egg IVF, who might be a candidate, and the lesser-known pros and cons of the process to help you make an informed decision.
What Is Donor Egg IVF?
Rather than using a gestational surrogate or adoption, many women want the experience of being pregnant and giving birth, even if they struggle to conceive with their own eggs.
Donor egg IVF is an IVF cycle that utilizes another woman’s eggs (donor eggs) which are then fertilized and implanted into the recipient’s uterus. The process can be completed either using a male partner’s sperm or that of a sperm donor.
Who Can Benefit From Donor Egg IVF?
When deciding on assisted reproductive technology, it’s always helpful to take some time to think about what you want from the process (aside from a baby, of course) and what your body is telling you.
Women who might consider donor egg IVF include those:
- Who are over the age of 40
- With poor egg quality or ovarian reserve
- Who have undergone early menopause
- With genetic disorders
- With hormone imbalances
- Who have not responded to IVF in the past
If you have been diagnosed with any of the above conditions by your doctor or fertility specialist, donor egg IVF might be a great option for you.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Donor Egg IVF?
Many women and prospective parents have questions about using donor eggs.
While most women would prefer to use their own eggs for IVF, it may not be the most effective option. If this is the case, donor eggs can help you finally have the baby you’ve been trying to conceive.
Below are some pros and cons of the donor egg IVF process.
Pros of Donor Egg IVF
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Donor egg IVF has one of the highest success rates of assisted reproductive technologies. This is because egg donors are typically under the age of 30 and go through rigorous health and genetic testing which increases your odds of receiving a healthy, viable egg.
- If successful, you will have the opportunity to experience pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Women who undergo donor egg IVF often do so because they have difficulty conceiving on their own. Donor egg IVF can give you the experience of pregnancy and childbirth that you might not otherwise have.
- Using donor egg IVF allows LGBTQA+ couples to have a child genetically related to one of them.
- You will have full autonomy when it comes to selecting your donor. Couples may choose donors from an agency (anonymous) or a friend or family member. Either way, donors undergo extensive FDA medical history screening, blood tests, psychological screenings, and carrier (genetic) screenings. Additionally, parents can choose to select donor eggs from an egg bank. These eggs have been retrieved and frozen, with the screening processes already completed.
There is no difference in the health, happiness, and adjustment of children born from donor eggs and those born from your own egg.
Cons of Donor Egg IVF
- Donor egg IVF can be expensive, as you have the added cost of donated eggs. Dr. Krotz and the team at Inovi Fertility & Genetics Institute understand how important it is for you to move toward pregnancy, so we offer multiple financing options to help you confidently proceed on your fertility journey.
- There are emotional and mental factors to consider with donor egg IVF, as with any assisted reproductive technology and the fertility process. Some families have trouble accepting the difficulties of their infertility or the idea of having a child not genetically related to them. If you are considering donor egg IVF, make sure you have a support system to discuss the process with, have an open dialogue with your partner if you have one, and have access to a mental health professional to assist you if you need it.
Interested in Learning More About Donor Egg IVF in Houston, TX?
You deserve the best care during your fertility journey. Dr. Stephan Krotz is an internationally recognized fertility researcher and physician, serving the community through his contributions to the field and his fertility clinic, Inovi Fertility and Genetics Institute.
If you are considering donor egg IVF or other fertility options, or are just getting started, call us at (713) 401-9000 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.