Egg Donation Process

Some people rely on donated sperm to build their families, while others rely on donated eggs for the same. Assisted reproduction technologies have made it possible for all types of families to have a fair chance at building their families. Egg donation is typically used by people who do not produce eggs naturally, such as same-sex male couples. In order to understand this process better, we shall be discussing each of the steps that egg donation entails. 

Who Uses Egg Donation?

There are many reasons as to why individuals would opt to use egg donation to build their families. Some of them include a person who is experiencing menopause, people who have had unsuccessful ART treatments, people who want to prevent the passing on genetic condition to their child. 

What Is Egg Donation?

Egg donation is a process. A person agrees to have their eggs retrieved from their ovaries in order for the eggs to be used by another person to become pregnant. A donor is the person who gives their eggs, and a recipient is the person who uses the eggs to build their family. As is the practice, a donor may be known to the recipient, and at times, they may be unknown.  

The Egg Retrieval Process

There are several steps to the egg donation process, as well, a donor must be clear on the role they play by being an egg donor. The following section is a step-by-step guide to the egg retrieval process.

Pre-Retrieval Checkups

The check-ups conducted before the retrieval process can begin are to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of healthy eggs for donation. This means that assessment will be done not just on the quantity and the quality, but the DNA will also be screened for any disease markers that would make the child born susceptible to illnesses.

Ovarian Stimulation

Due to the fact that natural ovulation only produces one mature egg per cycle, ART therapies rely on ovarian stimulation to facilitate the ovaries in producing a group of mature eggs at one go. Having several eggs available is not only time saving but provides a reserve for future fertility treatments and a contingency if a round of treatment is not successful.

Egg Retrieval

At the onset of ovarian stimulation, the development of the eggs is closely monitored in order to ensure that a good number of eggs matures in time for retrieval. The actual retrieval process is a brief one, taking no more than 45 minutes typically. A probe and long needle are used to perform the procedure. The probe serves as a guide for the needle that is used to retrieve the fully developed eggs. Once the eggs are successfully retrieved, they are placed into a controlled environment immediately for further screening. 

Eligibility for Egg Donation

A vetting process is conducted before one can donate their eggs. This is to ensure the best possible outcomes for those relying on the donated eggs to build their families. Typically a donor must be 21 to 31 years old and be in good health, having a good Body Mass Index (BMI). Not only that, they should not have any sexually transmitted infections, have any hereditary genetic conditions, or use tobacco, drugs or alcohol. Most importantly, a psychological assessment will determine if the donor is ready and willing to relinquish all parental rights and responsibilities toward the child that will be born from their eggs. 

Side Effects of Egg Retrieval

In general, while egg donation is generally safe, medical procedures done using medical equipment and anesthesia have some degree of risk. As a result, professional medical practitioners will explain these to a person after which the person can sign their consent. That being said, donors may experience a few side effects from both ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. About three to six percent of women who undergo ovarian stimulation experience ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) which presents as some weight gain, mild abdominal pain or some swelling. As well, mild or acute discomfort, moodiness, nausea and swelling could occur following the egg retrieval procedure. Typically these side effect resolve within a short amount of time.  

Legal Implications of Egg Donation

It is the practice to ensure that both the donor and recipient understand the implications of egg donation. As such typically a contract is drawn up outlining each of their roles and responsibilities during and after the egg donation process. This contract also breaks down the expenses and costs that would be paid throughout the procedure, and what financial responsibilities must be undertaken by each party. 

Since the role of donors does not extend to parental responsibilities, they are not accorded any parental rights or obligations. As well, should a donor have a change of heart in the middle of the process, they are likely to bear the financial responsibility of costs incurred up until the point they change their mind. However, they are free to change their minds should they feel unable to proceed. In order to avoid disruptions in the egg donation process, it is prudent for both donor and recipient to have professional legal counsel.

In Conclusion

Whereas egg donation enables people to build families, it is a delicate process that ought to be navigated with proper guidance, both legally and medically. For donors, the commitment to donating their eggs ends ends once the eggs are retrieved. For recipients, egg donation enables them to fulfil their desire for family. For more information on how you can be an egg donor or recipient, contact Virginia Fertility & IVF. Each family matters to us, let our expert team of professionals walk with you as you build your family.