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IVF has brought new opportunities to a variety of couples and individuals with infertility issues. Another alternative that comes into the discussion is that of donor eggs or donor sperm. When should you consider this route?
This blog is an easy-to-read, gently timed introduction to when and why donor gametes (eggs or sperm) are used in IVF- and what it means to your parenthood experience.
In IVF, donor eggs or sperm are used when there is little to no chance that eggs or sperm provided by the intended parent will lead to a successful pregnancy. This does not imply abandoning the dream of having a baby, but it is just a way of approaching the goal with the same dream in mind.
It can be the choice of an individual because of a variety of reasons, which can be connected to medical or genetic issues. Let us take a closer look at them.
Low Ovarian Reserve or Poor Egg Quality
The egg reserve will naturally deplete as women progressively get older after age 35. In some cases, this deterioration can occur sooner, either because of genetics, medical treatment or simply unknown causes. IVF cycles with their eggs will be repeated or miscarry in these cases.
Younger and healthier women's eggs enhance the possibility of viable embryos and pregnancy.
Early Menopause or Premature Ovarian Failure
Some women undergo menopause at an age that is much earlier than anticipated, even in their 20s or 30s. This can be by birth, autoimmune disorder or following cancer therapy such as chemotherapy or radiation. Donor eggs are a good option when the ovaries cease to work prematurely.
Suggest to Read :- Managing Stress During IVF Treatment
Inherited Genetic Disorders
In case a woman has a high chance of transmitting a genetic disorder that she does not wish to take chances of communicating to the unborn child, the risk may be eliminated by the use of donor eggs from a screened, healthy donor.
Multiple Failed IVF Attempts
Once the problem appears to be poor embryo development or implantation failure after several unsuccessful IVF cycles, even with hormonal and ethical issues fixed, the doctor may consider that the problem lies with the eggs. Under these circumstances, donor eggs may give a new beginning.
Severe Male Infertility
In case the male partner has a very low sperm count, no sperm in semen (azoospermia) or inferior sperm motility/morphology, it may have to be done with donor sperm. In some cases, even such an advanced method as ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is not of assistance when there is no viable sperm.
Donor sperm provides an assurance that the process can proceed with good-quality sperm of a healthy, screened donor.
Genetic Conditions
Similar to women, in case a man bears a hereditary genetic disorder, he can decide to employ donor sperm to prevent transmitting it to the child.
Single Women or Same-Sex Female Couples
Lesbian couples, or single women wishing to become mothers through IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI), commonly choose to use donor sperm.
The decision to use a donor egg or sperm is an emotionally complicated one. Most of the intended parents experience a moment of grief, i.e. they relinquish the thought of a genetically unrelated child and then accept the new way forward.
Such typical emotions are:
Such feelings are not wrong and should be heard. It can be of great assistance to speak with a fertility counsellor or psychologist who has training in third-party reproduction.
In-house counselling is available at Maaeri, which assists the family in going through this journey with confidence and clarity.
Both egg and sperm donors are carefully selected concerning:
You can also see information regarding the education, hobbies, or physical features of a donor in case you want to find someone who suits you.
Other clinics have anonymous donors, and others advocate known donors (e.g., a relative or close friend). This is a purely individual choice, which must be made with all the legal and emotional clarity.
In India, IVF with donor gametes is governed under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021.
Key points:
Whether you used donor sperm or eggs, it does not in any way diminish your experience of parenthood. It shows how strong and dedicated you are in creating your family, even though it is by another path.
According to many parents who decide to do this, they cannot imagine their life without a child. When love, nurture and deliberate parenthood are in the forefront, genetics are less critical.
And even when you are not sure and have some questions about the possibilities, feel free to contact a fertility expert. We take you through the whole process at Maaeri, step by step, clearly, with compassion.
