If a patient has made several attempts to conceive (including through IVF) without success, and examinations show that there are no follicles in the ovaries, there is no need to despair. In fact, today there is a viable option. A woman can become a mother through IVF with donor eggs. In this case, the woman herself carries the pregnancy.
What is Different About IVF with Donor Eggs?
The only difference from standard IVF is that the egg used in fertilization is from a donor, not from the patient. Let’s explore all the peculiarities of the process and examine the chances of a successful pregnancy using donor eggs. We will also determine the main indications for the procedure.
When Are Donor Eggs Necessary?
Donor eggs are used in IVF when a woman has no viable reproductive cells (gametes) left. Such situations can occur and are relatively common. They may result from:
- Surgical removal of the ovaries
- Early menopause
- Premature ovarian failure (when there are no follicles in the ovaries)
- "Shutting down" of the ovaries due to chemotherapy or radiation therapy during cancer treatment
IVF with donor eggs can also be an option for women with a high risk of inheriting various genetic disorders.
At What Age Can Women Get Pregnant with Donor Eggs?
Women can get pregnant at any age if there are medical indications. Typically, menopause occurs between 50–52 years of age. In cases of premature or early menopause, menstruation may cease before age 40 or 45. However, these women still have chances of becoming pregnant. IVF and pregnancy with donor eggs are even possible during menopause.
It's crucial to understand that pregnancy and childbirth after age 45–50 impose significant stress on the body and are associated with health risks. Older patients are more prone to chronic conditions, especially obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Thus, the possibility of pregnancy is discussed on an individual basis in each case.
Advantages of IVF with Donor Eggs
Using donor material (gametes) allows a woman to become a happy mother. She carries and delivers the child herself, so there is no need for surrogacy. The baby will carry the genetic material of the father, enabling the couple to enjoy similarities in appearance and character traits.
When searching for a donor egg, one can select a donor based on certain racial and national backgrounds as well as specific physical traits. Patients will receive a catalog of egg donors that includes descriptions of appearance, education, and profession.
Sourcing and Testing Donor Eggs in IVF
Eggs are obtained from a donor. She must provide informed consent and undergo a thorough medical examination. Currently, there are 2 types of egg donation:
- Anonymous Donation: The patient does not know who the eggs belong to and relies on the donor's description. The IVF clinic guarantees that the donor has been screened according to current Russian legislation.
- Non-Anonymous Donation: The recipient woman knows the donor's personal details. Often, patients bring their own egg donors, such as relatives or friends.
It is important to remember that an egg donor must be between 18–35 years old. During her examination, contraindications for IVF may arise, with costs borne entirely by the recipient. Therefore, for financial and time-saving reasons, it is more convenient to choose a pre-screened woman from our catalog.
How to Choose a Donor Egg for IVF?
Simply inform the clinic's specialists of your desire. They will provide a database of donors. When selecting, parameters such as blood type, height, weight, age, eye color, and other features are typically considered. Often, a donor's resemblance to the future mother is prioritized.
It should be understood that only women who:
- Have good mental and physical health
- Have undergone medical genetic counseling to exclude hereditary diseases
- Fall within the age category of 18–35 years
are accepted into the donor program.
Women who:
- Have a laboratory-confirmed positive HIV status
- Have chromosomal abnormalities
- Have children with congenital diseases
- Suffer from cancer or have a history of cancer
- Have severe health problems in general
cannot become donors. Additionally, women with habitual pregnancy losses and those at increased risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections are also excluded.
Diagnostic Protocol for Egg Donors
The diagnostic program necessarily includes tests for:
- Hepatitis B and C
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Karyotyping (chromosome analysis)
The donor also provides certificates from narcological and psychiatric dispensaries confirming they are not registered with them. A genetics consultation is also required.
Is it Safe to Use Frozen Donor Eggs?
IVF with donor eggs can be performed using either fresh or frozen oocytes. In the first case, eggs are retrieved in a synchronized cycle with the recipient and donor. In the latter case, oocytes are frozen first. Before freezing, the donor's biomaterial is collected via ovarian puncture and then processed. The storage of gametes can last for an extended period. For use in the IVF program, oocytes are thawed.
Important Note: The freezing/thawing procedure does not reduce egg quality. IVF is considered safe in both cases. The complications associated with IVF using frozen and fresh oocytes are completely the same, including:
- Multiple Pregnancy: The risk increases when several embryos are transferred to the uterine cavity.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Here, the embryo develops outside the uterine cavity, often in the fallopian tube or abdomen. This complication occurs rarely, about 2–3% of protocols.
- Local Allergic Reactions: These occur in response to hormonal medications, such as itching at the injection site and swelling or redness.
Preparing the Recipient for IVF with Donor Eggs
The set of diagnostic procedures does not depend on whether a donor egg or the patient’s own egg is used.
How is IVF with Donor Eggs Performed?
The fertilization stages are determined by which egg will be used (fresh or frozen):
- IVF with Fresh Eggs: After comprehensive examination, a synchronization of the donor and recipient cycles is performed using hormonal medications. Upon detecting preovulatory follicles in the donor’s ovaries, they are retrieved. The retrieved eggs are then fertilized with the partner's sperm, resulting in embryos. No more than two embryos (typically one) are transferred into the recipient’s uterine cavity. The remaining embryos (if any) are cryopreserved for future programs.
- IVF with Frozen Oocytes: First, the patient selects a donor from our cryobank. At this stage, preferences concerning the donor's appearance and characteristics are taken into account. We recommend fertilization of at least 8–10 eggs. After fertilization with the male partner's sperm, the embryos are monitored for 5–6 days in our embryology laboratory, after which the developed embryo(s) are transferred into the uterine cavity. Remaining embryos can be cryopreserved for future use, as with fresh egg fertilization.
Post-Transfer Guidelines
After the embryo transfer, a woman should:
- Avoid sexual contact for 2 weeks. In some cases, the duration of abstinence may be extended.
- Avoid excessive physical activity.
- Maintain a balanced diet, avoiding both overeating and prolonged periods of hunger.
- Refrain from hot baths, sauna visits, tanning in solariums or outdoors.
Important Note: All medications, including dietary supplements, should only be taken after consulting a physician. It may be necessary to refrain from some products temporarily.
We hope this comprehensive guide clarifies questions regarding IVF with donor eggs and helps you understand the factors influencing the chances of successful conception. If you have further inquiries, feel free to ask our reproductive specialists during a personal consultation.
Start Your Journey Today
We recommend contacting ALFAMEDSTAR! With the help of the partner clinic’s specialists, any woman can become a mother! The first step towards achieving this goal is simply scheduling a consultation with a reproductive doctor. The specialists will answer all your questions regarding pregnancy planning and treatment, utilizing unique modern technologies. Importantly, all necessary services can be obtained within the same clinic.