Using an egg donor with IVF treatment may be an option for those who can carry a child in their uterus, but not able to use their own eggs for conception. Decreased ovarian function, premature ovarian failure or genetic abnormalities are some conditions that may impact a woman's ability to conceive. Duke Fertility Clinic follows the highest standards for egg donation set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
If you elect to participate in the anonymous Donor Egg Recipient Program, your participation is confidential. We do not share your information with the donor and the donor's identity is also protected.
We will discuss our screening and matching procedures with you and make every effort to incorporate any special requests that you may have in the selection of your donor. If you decide to use a known donor, she must meet the same screening criteria as our anonymous donors.
The Egg Donation Cycle
Once a match is found, you and the donor will start taking medications that begin the cycle.
You will have periodic blood tests and ultrasounds to make sure your body is ready for the embryos. On the day your donors eggs are retrieved, a sperm specimen will need to be collected from your partner to fertilize the eggs.
Approximately three days after retrieval, embryos are transferred to you.
Two weeks after the embryo transfer we will perform a serum (blood) pregnancy test.
If the pregnancy test is positive, you will continue the supplemental estrogen and progesterone for another six weeks (until 10 weeks gestation when the placenta will be supporting the pregnancy).
Cancellation of a Cycle
There are several reasons for a cancellation of an anonymous oocyte donation including:
- poor stimulation of the donor’s ovaries
- excessive stimulation of the donor’s ovaries
- the presence of ovarian cysts prior to beginning a cycle
- change of heart for either the donor or recipient