Donor Treatment
Donor treatment involves assisted reproductive procedures that utilize donated gametes (sperm or eggs) or embryos to help individuals or couples achieve pregnancy. These procedures are often chosen by those who cannot conceive using their own gametes due to factors like infertility, genetic conditions, or the absence of gametes
Who Should Consider Donor Treatment?
Donor treatment provides a viable option for individuals or couples unable to conceive using their own gametes. This approach allows them to achieve pregnancy and build a family through assisted reproductive techniques.
Women with suboptimal egg quality, often due to advanced maternal age or specific medical conditions, might consider donor egg IVF.
Women with a lower number or quality of eggs could benefit from using donor eggs to enhance their chances of pregnancy.
Couples facing multiple failed IVF cycles may look to donor egg IVF as an alternative route to pregnancy.
Women who experience a decline in ovarian function before age 40 may need donor eggs to conceive.
Men with severe male infertility issues, such as azoospermia or extremely low sperm count, may require donor sperm.
Couples aiming to prevent passing genetic conditions to their children may opt for donor sperm, eggs, or embryos.
Single individuals wishing to become parents without a partner might consider donor sperm, eggs, or embryos.
Same-sex female couples may use donor sperm, while same-sex male couples might use donor eggs and a gestational surrogate.
When infertility has no identifiable cause, donor sperm or eggs may be considered to improve conception chances.
Types of Donor Treatment
Donor treatment can involve sperm, eggs, or embryos, depending on the type and severity of infertility:
Donor Sperm:
Sperm donation helps individuals or couples conceive through intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF.
Egg Donation:
Donor egg IVF uses eggs from another woman to facilitate pregnancy in those unable to use their own eggs.
Donor Embryo Transfer:
Involves transferring embryos created from donor gametes into the recipient's uterus.
Should You Consider Donor Treatment?
If you have an underlying cause of infertility, know that parenthood is possible even with severe infertility issues thanks to advanced technology. Visit a fertility expert for assessment before choosing a treatment. Single individuals or same-sex female partners considering donor treatment should book an appointment with an ART certified Fertility Centre.
FAQ’s
Selecting a donor involves a thorough screening process that includes medical history, genetic testing, psychological evaluation, and legal considerations to ensure the donor meets all required criteria.
Whether you can meet your donor depends on the type of donation and the regulations of the fertility clinic. Some programs offer anonymous donations, while others may facilitate known or open donations.
Donor eggs are retrieved through a process called ovarian stimulation, where the donor receives hormone injections to produce multiple eggs, which are then collected through a minor surgical procedure.
Using donor eggs or sperm can increase the chances of pregnancy, especially for individuals with infertility issues, genetic concerns, or those who are older and have diminished ovarian reserve.
Donor sperm is collected through masturbation at a clinic or a specialized facility, where it is then analyzed, frozen, and stored for future use in fertility treatments.
Yes, legal considerations include parental rights, donor anonymity, and consent. It's important to work with a fertility clinic that adheres to all legal and ethical standards.
A gestational surrogate carries and delivers a baby for someone else. In donor treatments, the surrogate may carry an embryo created from donor eggs and sperm, or from donor eggs fertilized by the intended father's sperm.
Donor eggs and sperm can be stored for many years under the proper cryogenic conditions. The exact duration depends on local regulations and the policies of the fertility clinic.
Success rates for donor treatments vary but are generally high, especially with donor eggs and sperm from younger, healthy donors. Factors include the age and health of the recipient and the quality of the fertility clinic.
Yes, donor treatment is available for individuals or couples who already have children but are facing secondary infertility or other issues preventing them from conceiving again.