Infertility issues can be surprising and devastating for couples, but it’s important not to lose hope if you are having some challenges with conceiving. There are many options available for those experiencing reproductive difficulties. Egg donation is one option to consider. If you are thinking about using donor eggs to become pregnant, it’s likely you may have some questions about the process. Here are five common questions that potential recipients have about egg donation.
How are Donors Chosen?
Donors are chosen in two different ways, through either an anonymous donation or an open donation. While most donations are anonymous, some are designated as open donations. In an anonymous donation, recipients are matched with donors but their name and contact information remains confidential. By contrast, recipients are aware of who their egg donor is through the open donation process. Many open donations involve families working with a friend or loved one as their recipient.
What Types of Screening do Donors go Through?
Egg donors go through a rigorous screening process in advance of their donation. Most often, potential donors are required to complete a comprehensive set of initial questions. If they pass the first screening, they are then interviewed by multiple medical professionals prior to donating. Potential donors go through drug screenings, STD tests, and extensive psychological testing before they are deemed eligible to participate in egg donation programs.
Do they Receive Medical Treatment?
After a donor has passed the testing phase, they become eligible to donate an egg. Donors work with a team of medical professionals throughout the process. They receive a step-by-step overview of what to expect before, during, and after donation. They also receive top-notch medical care and are typically paired with a counselor in case they have any questions or concerns.
What do I Need to Know About Donor Agencies?
Some couples choose to work with an agency when they are searching for an egg donor. While working with a donor agency can be more expensive, there are often more recipients available. This is helpful if you are trying to trying to find the right egg donor for your family quickly.
What are the Success Rates?
While success rates are variable from couple to couple, according to the American Pregnancy Association, 48 percent of egg donors become pregnant. This success rate depends on several other factors including the health and age of the recipient, strength of semen, and the egg donor’s age. To improve the chances of a successful pregnancy, some practices only accept donor eggs from women who are between the ages of 20 and 32. For more information about the success rate of a particular practice, consult your physician or the practice website.
If you are considering eliciting the help of an egg donor to become pregnant, you probably have many questions about the process. Learning about egg donation can help you understand the process better and feel more prepared as you’re weighing your options. If you’re interested in learning more, click here for additional information