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.
Egg Donation
Women who use fresh embryos created by donor eggs have over a 70 percent chance of getting pregnant. Whether our patients choose this path because of early menopause, diminished ovarian reserve or multiple failed In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycles, we are committed to guiding them through the process and being there for them every step of the way.
Sperm Donation
This is an excellent choice for men who experience severe male infertility. Some other reasons our patients consider sperm donation include a women in a same-sex relationship or single women.
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.
Surrogacy
A surrogate is a wonderful option for women who have trouble carrying a baby to term and for men in a gay male partnership. You may have a surrogate in mind; however, if you do not you can choose one with the assistance of a surrogacy agency. The process of surrogacy entails the egg from the intended mother or an egg donor being fertilized by sperm from the intended father or donor sperm through IVF. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the gestational carrier.
The timeline is approximately 14 to 18 months from the beginning of the process to the birth of your baby.
Become an Egg Donor
Many women who choose to use donor eggs have struggled with infertility for a long period of time; your generosity helps them experience pregnancy, birth and the joys of parenthood. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing egg donors and recipients guidance and compassionate support throughout the entire process. Click below to learn more.