Why should you think about embryo donation?

When you are struggling with infertility there are a myriad of treatments to consider. It is hard to know what treatment will work best for you. This may require some trial and error, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Embryo donation is just one option of many, but it could be the right option for you and your family.

What is embryo donation?

Embryo adoption is for those who have a goal of pregnancy. There are many ways to have a child and some couples opt for adopting a child when they can not conceive. Embryo adoption is when the couple selects egg and sperm donors and an embryo is created from these donors in a lab. The couple completely owns this embryo and there is no question of parenthood. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus through a medical procedure. 

 Many couples opt for this treatment since they want to experience the process of pregnancy and birth. This treatment also interests couples who would not be able to conceive without donated healthy eggs and sperm. This is a reality for many couples. With embryo donation infertility doesn’t always prevent the couple from experiencing pregnancy and birth with their child. Embryo donation is a completely valid and accepted way to bring a child into your family. This may be the treatment you have been looking for, or it could not be, but it is important to look into all of your options. [1]

Who is a good candidate for embryo donation?

Women who don’t have any viable eggs are those who typically seek out embryo donation. This woman’s partner typically can’t produce sperm as well. Women and their partners that can’t produce viable eggs and sperm are typically either:

•  Older than the age of forty, and their body doesn’t produce viable eggs.

•  Some women may be born without ovaries.

• Women who had to have their ovaries removed.

• Some candidates are women and men that have had their reproductive systems damaged due to illness or treatment. [2]

All of these reasons to explore embryo donation are valid, and there are many other reasons why an individual or couple would want to try embryo donation. Fertility clinics can help you explore your options when it comes to choosing the egg and sperm donor for embryo donation. At GYNEM fertility clinic there is a database of options for the female donor and you can choose your male donor. [3]

How does the embryo donation procedure work?

After the selection of the egg and sperm donation, there is a process. At GYNEM there are a few steps to take:

•  You will be prescribed medications to stimulate your ovaries. These medications will be taken at home leading up to the procedure. These medications thicken your uterine lining and prepare your body for the embryo.

• On the 10th day of your cycle, the thickness of your uterine lining will be checked with an ultrasound.

• On or around the 20th day of your cycle the embryo is thawed and transferred to your uterus.

• More medications are prescribed to help the embryo turn into a pregnancy. 

This process may seem a bit daunting, but after completion, you may be on your way to a successful pregnancy. For many women, embryo adoption is the only way to have a child and experience pregnancy, and give birth. Embryo adoption doesn’t work for everyone, but it may be the solution to your struggles with infertility. [3]

Sources:

[1] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/paths-to-parenthood-receiving-an-embryo-donation-202202032682

[2] https://www.whattoexpect.com/getting-pregnant/fertility-tests-and-treatments/donor-egg/

[3] https://gynem.co.uk/process/embryo-donation-process