Egg Donation

Sometimes couples are unable to conceive even with the help of medical intervention. This means they may need sperm, eggs or even embryos donated by other people to help them have a child.

Women can also have babies for other people – this is called surrogacy. All of these procedures are highly emotive – you’ll need to think carefully about how you feel about carrying and giving birth to a child who’s not yours biologically. You’ll need plenty of counseling and support if you decide to go ahead.??

If your eggs are poor quality or there is a risk of genetic disease if you conceive a child that’s biologically yours, it may not be feasible to conceive a child using your own eggs. Some women are unable to produce eggs because they’ve gone through early menopause. In these cases, a donor egg can be used along with IVF treatment. The process involves removing eggs from a donor’s ovary, fertilizing them in a lab and implanting them into your uterus.

You may be able to use an egg from a known donor, such a relative or friend, which gives you the advantage of knowing your donor’s medical history. If the egg is donated by a close family member it may also help you bond better with your baby since she’ll be related to you. Alternately, you can opt to use an egg from an anonymous donor – and many couples feel more secure knowing their donor will not be known to their child as she grows. All eggs from anonymous donors are screened for genetic diseases and you’ll be given a detailed profile of a range of donors so you can closely match their appearance and background to your own.

The procedure is complex. The donor’s egg production has to be stimulated with fertility drugs, and the eggs have to be collected using surgical techniques. You’ll also be given fertility drugs to suppress your natural cycle and then kickstart it at a convenient time so the lining of your uterus is more likely to accept the fertilized egg – and these drugs can cause side effects such as headaches and depression.

Around 10 days after the fertilized egg is inserted into your uterus you’ll have a blood test to check if you’re pregnant. The success rate using donor eggs varies according to your age and health, and the quality of your partner’s sperm. It’s thought that up to 50 percent of women using donor eggs do become pregnant – but as with a normal pregnancy, there is a risk of miscarriage and birth defects. You’re also at more risk of conceiving twins and multiples, as it’s likely you’ll have more than one fertilized egg (four is said to give the best results) placed in your uterus to increase the chances of success.

The costs involved with pregnancy using donor eggs vary between clinics but you’re looking at anything between $15,000 and $20,000. Find out what exactly is included in the price before you go ahead.

Talk to other women now about the topic of egg donation by visiting our chat pages. If you have more questions, why not visit our questions page to get advice from other moms and our resident experts.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Last Modified: 03/05/2007

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