Many people who struggle with infertility find egg donation, sperm donation or surrogacy appealing options to grow their family. Although not quite the path you thought you would travel, these options can have high success rates and patients who choose them report feeling very happy that they did.
Discovering that donor eggs or sperm is your best chance of having a baby can be hard to hear and often people respond quite emotionally. A biological connection is very important to many people, and realizing that is not possible can be difficult. Although everyone responds differently, the majority of our patients who use donor eggs or sperm tell us that the experience of pregnancy creates an amazing intimacy and connection with the baby, every flutter and kick strengthens your bond. You will experience the process of giving birth, be the first to hold your baby and then share a home and life with the child you created.
The Process
Donated eggs are used only with IVF cycles. After egg retrieval — the initial step of the IVF process — the donor’s eggs are fertilized with the partner’s sperm or donor sperm. The resulting embryo(s), when ready, are transferred to your uterus. Your cycle will have been timed, via medication, so your uterus is prepared to receive the embryo(s).
Generally, egg and sperm donors are between 21 and 30 years old. You may ask someone you know to donate, or, more commonly, patients choose a donor from an anonymous database. All donors must participate in extensive medical and psychological screening.