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Understanding the Basics of Donor Egg IVF

Understanding the Basics of Donor Egg IVF

You might not be able to conceive a child independently. This could be for several reasons, which we’ll explain in further detail, but, whatever is responsible, your ovaries won’t produce the eggs necessary for conceiving a child.

If this is the case, you could benefit from using donor eggs in an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. There are a few things to consider about using donor eggs. Dr. Edward J. Ramirez of The Fertility & Gynecology Center - Monterey Bay IVF explains more about the basics of using donor eggs to help conceive your child.

Why you may need donor eggs

You may need donor eggs if you cannot provide them yourself. The circumstances under which this may occur include the following:

Or, you might choose to use donor eggs for other reasons. 

Why donor eggs are often better

When you choose donor eggs, they are usually combined with your male partner’s sperm, if applicable. You may want to feel like the child has some genetic connection to you. However, using donor eggs often ensures a healthier outcome for your child.

Although we are not an agency that provides donor eggs, we can help you find one. Generally speaking, most donors are young, healthy women. The odds of a successful IVF cycle increase over using your own eggs. Most often, the odds of successful IVF with donor eggs are about the same for recipients as they would be for the women who are donating them.

The details about IVF

In-vitro fertilization is a form of fertility assistance for couples who are having trouble conceiving. These are some details about the procedure.

The first stage of an IVF cycle usually involves ovarian induction. This means that you receive injectable fertility drugs which will stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs. In this particular case, the woman donating her eggs will receive injectable fertility drugs.

Once the ovaries produce eggs at the time of ovulation, the woman has her eggs retrieved. Retrieving the eggs is a relatively simple procedure that usually takes about 30 minutes.

Then, the eggs are fertilized by your partner’s sperm (or donor sperm, if applicable.) The eggs and sperm will develop for five days. The healthiest eggs will then be transferred into the uterus. 

You can choose to have the eggs implanted into your own uterus or to use a gestational surrogate. Two weeks after the eggs are inserted into the uterus, we will do a blood test to determine if you’re pregnant. If the test is positive, we’ll repeat the test again two days later to confirm the results.

If you are not pregnant, you can discuss your options with Dr. Ramirez.

Choosing an egg donor

When you select an egg donor, you’ll want to make sure that the woman is fully tested and screened for all diseases. This includes taking a comprehensive health history and doing blood tests to rule out any current illnesses. The goal is to find a healthy individual with a favorable family health history.

If you are having trouble conceiving, using an egg donor may be the right choice for you. Call or message Dr. Edward J. Ramirez at the Fertility & Gynecology Center - Monterey Bay IVF or request an appointment online.

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