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Egg Donation is a standard solution for infertility on the female partner’s side. If you have had unsuccessful infertility treatments in the past, egg donation is highly recommended. Using egg donation is advised for women who have ovarian problems.
Women are endowed with a finite number of eggs in their ovaries. With advancing age, the number of eggs steadily decline and after age 40 the eggs are lost at an accelerated rate. Around 10 years before the actual age of menopause (48 years for Thai women), a change in ovarian function is quite evident. For example, the level of basal FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) during cycle days 1-3 is higher than that in younger women, indicating a decline in ovarian reserve. Moreover, the quality of the remaining eggs is not as good as those in the ovaries of younger females. These eggs are less sensitive to FSH, implying that a higher dose of FSH will be required for ovarian stimulation. Poor quality eggs also leads to a lower fertilization rate and results in embryos of inferior quality. It is, therefore, predictable that the pregnancy rate and the implantation rate per embryo will lower for older women than for younger women. Even if the embryo does implant, it may end up aborting. The miscarriage rate increases with advancing age, and it approaches 50% at age 44 years. Advancing maternal age predisposes to chromosomal abnormality in the offspring. If the pregnancy goes on to term, there can be a higher incidence of congenital abnormality in the newborn, especially mental retardation (Down's syndrome). Egg or embryo donation from younger donors (<35 years of age) will help some older couples to realize their dreams. Female relatives or others can serve as sources of egg donation.
Recipient Information page
Women who do not produce eggs or for those, in whom the quality of eggs is very poor, may be advised to seek treatment with donated eggs. The expectant couple can know the egg donor or both parties can remain anonymous.
Introduction
The doctor and InterHealthCenter staff will coordinate the egg donation with the patient. Our Fertility Center will conduct the complete in vitro fertilization process with the egg donor. Starting with ovulation induction to stimulate ovaries, eggs are harvested through an ultrasound-guided technique. The egg is then fertilized by the biological father and grown in a laboratory for 3 to 5 days after which the embryos are transferred to the expectant mother's uterus.
For women who have had embryos frozen from a prior IVF cycle, the process of frozen embryo transfer is available during which thawed embryos are placed into the uterus.
About The Donors
The patient can use their own egg donor or we have potential egg donors that have come forward voluntarily because of a desire to help others. The egg donors should be between the ages of 20 and 30 must be fit and healthy. They are to be asked about hereditary and transmissible infectious diseases and have consented to their eggs being donated.
Initial Consultation
Physical characteristics and blood groups of both partners are recorded and discussed.
Relevant investigations to be performed include:
• A screening blood test for HIV, VDRL and Hepatitis B + C, among others.
• An ultrasound scan
• A semen analysis
The egg donor will attend a consultation with Dr. Wiwat where a full medical and family history will be taken. Screening for infectious diseases will be carried out and counseling sessions arranged.
Outline of The Stages Involved In IVF Using Donated Eggs
1. Preparation of donor and expectant mother
2. Obtaining oocytes from donor
3. Fertilization of oocytes by biological father
4. Embryo transfer into expectant mother
5. Hormonal supplements for expectant mother
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