Many women have heard of the possibility of donating their eggs, you may even have a friend who has donated their eggs. Donating your eggs can help another couple achieve their dreams of having a child. Many women can’t get pregnant or carry a full-term pregnancy, and egg donation may be the only way for them to have a child. If you are considering donating your eggs it is important to be familiar with the process.

What is the procedure for egg donation?

If you decide to be a donor at a clinic, you may wait a while before you are selected. Donors will have to pass health tests and be what the prospective parent or parents are looking for. If you are selected you will most likely begin the process by taking medication that stops your typical menstrual cycle. You will then take fertility medication that makes your ovaries produce more eggs at the same time. Before your eggs are retrieved you have a high risk of pregnancy if you engage in intercourse during that period. Blood tests and ultrasounds will be taken often during this time. The eggs will be extracted during a thirty-minute procedure in which an ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina to extract the egg.

 

The medication can impact your health and there may be some side effects. Your hormones during this period may be out of the norm. The actual egg retrieval is a very quick and relatively painless process. [1]

What are the qualities an egg donor should have?

Most fertility clinics have some basic qualifications that they require any potential donor to meet. Physical health is important, you will have to have a healthy BMI and lifestyle. Your family history can not contain any history of genetic disease. Many clinics look at psychological health as well. A history of mental illness could be an issue for some clinics. You also have to be of prime childbearing age. For most clinics, this is between the ages of twenty-one and twenty-nine. 

 

There are a few other qualities that an egg donor should have that don’t have to do with health. You must want to donate eggs to give to others, and not for some personal gain. You should be compensated appropriately, but the process will be more enjoyable for you if you feel like you are helping others. A flexible schedule is important as egg donation can be time-consuming. There will be a series of appointments you must go to and if you are at a very busy time in your life egg donation could be too much. Most importantly all egg donors should be confident with their choice to donate their eggs. You can’t take it back in the future. [2]

Will your egg donation be anonymous or not?

It depends on the clinic, what you desire, and what the prospective parents want regarding whether the egg donation will be anonymous or known. Some prospective parents want your name and contact and others will not. You may want some baby pictures and this may be allowed. If you choose to be anonymous, the parents will have no identifying information about you.

If you choose to be a known donor you will have the parent’s contact information and could form a friendship with them. Being an anonymous donor leaves very little room for negotiation, when the donation is over it’s over. As a known donor your relationship with the family and possible child could take many forms, this is open to negotiation. Either way, you should make the choice you feel most comfortable with. If you can’t decide then maybe you are not quite ready to donate your eggs. As always your concerns and comfort level is the most important thing during this process. [3]

Sources:

It is often said that women who undergo IVF are more likely to have twins or triplets. Multiple births can be exciting to some women, and very scary to others. While IVF is a safe and popular process, many women have reservations about starting IVF and one of these reservations may be the possibility of multiple births. Is the likelihood of multiple births from IVF a rumor or reality?

Does IVF cause multiple births?

Multiple births are common with fertility treatments. During IVF, multiple births can be caused by the transfer of more than one embryo during the procedure. Throughout the last forty years, the birth of twins has doubled. This is partially due to the popularity and need for IVF and other fertility treatments. In the United States, a third of twins and three-quarters of triplets resulted from conception aided by fertility treatments. 

 

IVF technology is improving and fewer embryos are needed to transfer during the procedure, and this lessens the likelihood of multiple births. Younger women undergoing IVF may only have one embryo transfer, which will either result in one birth or none. Older women undergoing IVF are more likely to have more embryos transferred during the treatment to give them a better chance at conception. This creates a higher likelihood for multiples. The decision of how many embryos to transfer should be discussed between you and your doctor. Together you can decide what is healthiest for you and your body. [1]

What are the risks of multiple births?

Women who are pregnant with multiples can have a safe and healthy pregnancy, but there is a higher risk for complications. It is important to be aware of these complications, but understand that some or all may not impact you. About three-fifths of twins are born premature, they often must stay in the hospital for some time to continue healing. Premature babies are also often small and weigh less than 2500 grams. Often multiple-birth babies will spend some time in the NICU.

Besides premature babies and babies needing time in the NICU, there are other health issues to be aware of such as:

• Gestational high blood pressure
• Gestational diabetes
• Anemia
• Miscarriage
• Cesarean delivery
• Postpartum hemorrhage

Pregnancy with multiples can come with complications, it is important to discuss all of these complications with your doctor. During pregnancy with multiples your healthcare is so important and having a doctor you can trust with talking about any fears you may have is necessary. [2]

How to avoid multiples when undergoing IVF?

 

It is possible to avoid having multiples and still undergo IVF treatment. Instead of having multiple embryos transferred, you can choose to have an elective single-embryo transfer (eSET). eSET is a procedure in which one embryo is selected from a number of available embryos to be transferred to the uterus. The unused embryos can be left for future use. Through eSET, you can avoid multiples and the risks that come with the pregnancy and birth of multiples.

Research has shown that of women who have a good chance of success with IVF, there was a similar number of births from those who had one embryo transfer or multiple. eSET is a great alternative for those who want to start IVF, but know they do not want multiples. Your doctor and you should of course decide the best IVF route to take for your body and health. [3]

Sources:

Endometriosis is a condition that affects many women of reproductive age. This condition can have a real negative impact on many women’s lives and lifestyles. Sometimes it is difficult for women to get a diagnosis with this condition. Some women with endometriosis also have trouble conceiving. 

WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?

 

Endometriosis causes a range of problems including chronic pain and infertility. This condition is characterized by endometrial glands found in the pelvic compartment and an estrogen-dependent stroma. Often a surgical view is needed for a definite diagnosis. This condition affects about 5% of women between 25 and 35 years old. Diagnosis can be done non-invasively and this is more common. Ultrasonography, a physical examination, and biological clues can all be used to diagnose endometriosis without surgery.

Some of the symptoms of endometriosis that are incredibly difficult for many women include pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramps, and infertility. Pelvic pain is usually a dull, sharp, or burning feeling. Menstrual cramps are typically more painful for women with endometriosis. Symptoms can vary for many women and this can make the symptoms difficult to manage. [1]

IS THERE TREATMENT FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS?

 

Most treatments for endometriosis act by hindering ovulation, reducing serum estradiol levels, and lessening uterine blood flow. There are several medications that accomplish these goals, but the cost of these medications can vary. Pain is the most common symptom that patients are looking for a treatment to address. There are different approaches to pain management for endometriosis. Traditional hormonal therapies are helpful for some, these consist of estrogen-progestin contraceptives, progestins, and GnRH agonists. 

There are many other medications that your doctor may recommend to treat endometriosis. Anti-hormones, anti-progestogens, and analgesics are all medications that are common for addressing pain associated with endometriosis. It may take some time trying different medications to find the one that works the best for you and manages your pain. [2]

HOW CAN IVF HELP THOSE WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS?

 

Women with endometriosis often struggle with their fertility and have a difficult time conceiving naturally. Endometriosis can also have a negative impact on the likelihood of IVF working for many women, but IVF is still a viable option for women who want to have a child with endometriosis. About 50% of infertile women have endometriosis. Endometriosis does not mean that you will never have children, but it can complicate the process. Many women with endometriosis look for options to aid conception such as IVF. 

The most important factor of successful IVF is embryo implantation. The average success rate of implantation is 20% for the regular population. Endometriosis can make implantation more difficult. Controlling endometriosis activity can achieve a better outcome for women undergoing IVF. IVF for women who have endometriosis can be a tricky and difficult process. Still, IVF can help women conceive, who thought they may never be able to have children. IVF is an option you should explore with your doctor if you have endometriosis. There is no guarantee with any procedure that it will work, but that doesn’t mean that procedures like IVF are not worth a try. [3]

Sources:

[1] Filip L, Duică F, Prădatu A, Crețoiu D, Suciu N, Crețoiu SM, Predescu DV, Varlas VN, Voinea SC. Endometriosis Associated Infertility: A Critical Review and Analysis on Etiopathogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches. Medicina (Kaunas). 2020 Sep 9;56(9):460. doi: 10.3390/medicina56090460. PMID: 32916976; PMCID: PMC7559069.

[2] Rolla E. Endometriosis: advances and controversies in classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. F1000Res. 2019 Apr 23;8:F1000 Faculty Rev-529. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.14817.1. PMID: 31069056; PMCID: PMC6480968.

[3] Zhong C, Gao L, Shu L, Hou Z, Cai L, Huang J, Liu J, Mao Y. Analysis of IVF/ICSI Outcomes in Endometriosis Patients With Recurrent Implantation Failure: Influence on Cumulative Live Birth Rate. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2021 Jul 30;12:640288. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2021.640288. PMID: 34393990; PMCID: PMC8362597.

Many women may hear the term ovarian cysts and think that this issue is quite scary and can lead to infertility. For most women having an ovarian cyst does not equal infertility and most ovarian cysts are harmless. The term sounds scary, but usually, these cysts will not be harmful to you or your chances of fertility.

What are ovarian cysts and what symptoms are associated with ovarian cysts?

When you hear the term ovarian cysts you may think of painful symptoms that can go along with ovarian cysts. Most ovarian cysts are actually harmless. Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid located in an ovary or on the surface of an ovary. Women have two ovaries on each side of the uterus. Ovaries are where eggs develop and are eventually released monthly. Many women have ovarian cysts and often they will go unnoticed until you are examined by a doctor. Most cysts actually will go away without needing treatment. 

Large ovarian cysts can cause some noticeable symptoms including:

• Pelvic pain, this can feel like a dull ache or sharp pain below your belly button on your left or right side.

• Pressure or feeling fullness in your abdomen.

• Some noticeable bloating.

You should see a doctor if the abdomen pain is sudden or severe. The pain is associated with fever or vomiting. A feeling of shock is also a cause for concern if you have rapid breathing or lightheadedness. [1]

What are the different types of ovarian cysts?

There are a few different types of ovarian cysts. The most common type are functional cysts. These cysts occur from ovulation and these cysts show your ovaries are functioning correctly. These types of cysts shrink and disappear on their own. Some cysts do not form because of your menstrual cycle and these types of cysts need extra monitoring by a doctor. These types of cysts include:

• Cystadenomas, which form on the surface of your ovary. These cysts are filled with fluid that is either watery or mucus-like.

• Dermoid cysts are cells that make up different types of tissue in the body. The tissue in these cells can be skin, hair, teeth, or brain tissue. These can grow large without removal.

• Endometriomas are a type of cyst that is filled with endometrial tissue.

• Ovarian cancer, these are tumors that are solid masses of cancer cells. These are dangerous for your health and your doctor will most likely schedule you for the removal of these cysts and other cancer treatments.

Not all of these cysts will cause health problems or fertility problems, but your doctor will closely monitor any cysts that are not normal functional cysts. [2]

Can ovarian cysts cause infertility?

Usually, ovarian cysts do not impact fertility or cause infertility. Sometimes cysts are caused by endometriosis or PCOS and these conditions can cause fertility issues. Endometriosis is quite common and affects ten percent of women in the United States. This condition causes the lining of your uterus to grow outside of the uterus. 30 to 40 percent of women with endometriosis struggle with infertility. Treatment such as IVF and freezing your eggs can help you conceive if you have endometriosis or PCOS. If you have ovarian cysts you should go to all of your recommended screenings at your gynecologist and ask for additional testing if you are worried about your fertility. Most women with ovarian cysts can conceive easily and have few issues during their pregnancy.

Sources:

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/symptoms-ca…

[2] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9133-ovarian-cysts

[3] https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/fertility-blog/2016/august/ov…

Natural IVF, or In Vitro Maturation (IVM), is a system of fertility treatment useful for women under 35 years that have been trying to conceive for at least half a year without success. It includes the typical egg retrieval, sperm analysis and injection, embryo culture and transfer but without any hormones. Typically, the use of medications to hyperstimulate the ovaries would allow surgeons the chance to harvest more premature eggs and also treat someone with irregular cycles, but this isn’t always appealing to everyone. Thankfully, there have been new technologies developing in recent years that can help especially those women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hypothyroidism whom deal with ovulation fluctuations month after month. One snazzy new device in particular called the Kegg stands out on top as a go-to product, so that family planning can go on without the need for hormonal therapy.

 

 

Dealing with the complexity of fertility

If having inconsistent cycles has thrown you and your partner for a loop, plus you dislike the idea of being treated with hormones, a quick conversation with your doctor or fertility expert would likely lead you to one conclusion: it’s time to start paying attention to your cervical fluid. One of the tips you’ve probably heard already is to use tissue and your fingers to assess the fluid’s consistency, but maybe that still doesn’t seem like a catch-all. 

Yes, monitoring your cervical fluid is important because, without it, sperm cannot survive within or traverse the vagina. That’s also why an accurate tracking system based on this fluid can most benefit women with irregular cycles.

 

Kegg

Kegg is a 2-in1 fertility tracker that senses changes in the vagina and cervical fluid, plus it’s clever design also allows it to be used for pelvic floor exercises. Awesome. How does it work exactly? Well, Kegg senses the electrolyte levels in cervical fluid which ultimately detects the hormonal shifts that occur during your cycle between estrogen and progesterone dominance. It emits and receives back an identifiable electrical pulse that allows any impedance to be recorded. After multiple sessions, the device can start to predict your fertility and natural hormonal fluctuations. Thankfully, this process takes only about two minutes daily and never requires any overnight assessments, which can be required by some other competing femtech devices. Kegg keeps it simple, quick and even its gold-plated electrodes keep it classy.

 

How it compares to other femtech products

Founder of Lady Technologies, Kristina Cahojova, markets her product as an early indicator and more accurate predictor than other technologies available today, which often monitor only secondary fertility signs like temperature or urinary hormone levels. She says that a similar approach had even been developed before, but for dairy cows not women. So, she set out to develop a high-tech solution to help her and other women avoid hormonal-dependent family planning. Sounds like a good idea to me.

Trying for a baby may be tricky for some couples but, with a little help, tracking your fertility can serve as that first step down the path. At our fertility clinic, we also offer expertise to accompany fertility tracking and create a tailored plan for your quest towards parenthood.

Sources:

[1] Butkovic, Marija. “Kegg’s Kristina Cahojova On The Complexity Of Conception Journey, Raising $1.5 Million In Seed And Why FemTech Is The Next Big Thing In Asia.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 30 Nov. 2020, www.forbes.com/sites/marijabutkovic/2020/11/30/keggs-kristina-cahojova-o….

Imagine that something would be causing one less pregnancy from a group of 40 women whom had all been trying to conceive. That something is that all these women would be diagnosed with celiac disease two years later, which could quite possibly explain their troubles with conceiving and bringing a baby to full-term. This is the exact situation a Danish study uncovered in recent years, on top of the well-established fact that nearly 6.7 million American women have difficulty getting pregnant.[1] 

 

A correlation between infertility and celiac disease

 

How celiac disease exactly affects fertility of men and women has yet to be pinpointed, yet many hypothesize that nuances related to malabsorption may be to blame. On top of this, an Italian study related to men and celiac disease found a correlation between the disease and greater deficiencies of the male hormone androgen, gonadal dysfunction and even morphological issues in semen.[2]

Some elements of fertility were tracked meticulously in Denmark, thanks to the Danish National Patient Register who provided records of 63,166 women. Variables included chances and timing of certain outcomes in pregnancy, which ultimately included number of live and stillbirths, as well as existence of molar, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. When comparing the health records of undiagnosed celiac to non-celiac women, researchers found that more than one child wouldn’t make it to full-term after conception per 100 women whom had yet to be diagnosed with the autoimmune disease.[3]

In some cases, women suffer through still birth, repeated miscarriages and might carry a baby to full-term that is born severely underweight.[4] Yet, hope can be found! A Swedish medical study of 11,000 women revealed the potential to heal and regain your fertility, post-treatment and adherence to a gluten-free diet.[5]

 

Consider screening for celiac disease if struggling with unexplained infertility

 

Other fertility studies have indicated that a number of pregnancy complications could arise even when a woman has only subtle symptoms of celiac disease. These “silent” symptoms may be easily overlooked and could build up in intensity over many years simply due to the slow deterioration of intestinal villi and consistent inflammation. Meanwhile, this disease could be causing you:

• Miscarriages and other heartbreaking pregnancy complications

• Pregnancy-related hypertension

• Severe anemia

• Intrauterine growth retardation 

The point here is to avoid relying on gastrointestinal symptoms as a possible indication that you may have celiac disease, because unexplained infertility can serve as a symptom in of itself.[6]

 

Look beyond the fine print

 

When you begin looking for those various ingredients on a food label, you will inevitably be startled by what you’ll find. You might find gluten hidden in your favorite can of soup as a starch, surprisingly, or in a candy you like to splurge on listed as “natural flavor”. Some advice you’ll find spread throughout the internet is to vet every company you can manage to vet, support companies that swear by transparency and list cross-contamination risks, as well as purge your house of shampoos, toothpaste, lip balms and makeup products that aren’t verified to be gluten-free. Even your old wooden spoon could be harboring microparticles of gluten, and you don’t want to risk developing malnutrition, anemia or osteoporosis because of a sentimental attachment to an old, contaminated, wooden spoon, would you?

On a last thought, remember these two things. Get tested before adopting a gluten-free diet, which is recommended to increase the test’s accuracy, and, secondly, remember that altering your diet will help you reclaim your fertility.

At our Czech clinic, we offer affordable fertility treatment so that you can incorporate your family-planning goals into a memorable vacation. Check out this link here for more details.

Sources

[1] “Infertility and Celiac Disease.” Beyond Celiac, 10 Feb. 2021, www.beyondceliac.org/celiac-disease/related-conditions/infertility/.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ratner, Amy. “Celiac Disease Reproductive Health Heartbreak.” Beyond Celiac, 6 July 2018, www.beyondceliac.org/research-news/celiac-disease-reproductive-health-he…

[5] Anderson, Jane. “Is Celiac Disease Why You Can’t Get Pregnant?” Edited by Priyanka Chugh, Verywell Health, Dotdash, 26 Oct. 2020, www.verywellhealth.com/celiac-disease-and-infertility-562998.

[6] Ibid.

Your diet is an important thing to consider when you decide to start trying to conceive or at any point in your fertility journey. Being healthy physically and getting all the nutrients you need will improve your likelihood of conception.

Diet can impact so many different areas of health and this includes fertility. Be observant of what ingredients are in the foods you eat, as some of these ingredients can be harmful to your body and health.

Can diet impact your fertility?

 

Your diet can indeed have an impact on your likelihood to conceive. Maintaining a healthy diet is important for successfully conceiving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. You may be waiting to improve your diet when you get pregnant, but it is important to start looking into your diet before you start trying to conceive. 

Obese women especially usually have more complications with fertility and pregnancy. Start improving your diet and lifestyle now if you feel that some changes can be made. Exercise and having an active lifestyle will also improve your likelihood to conceive. Being healthier in all areas of your life will help your chances of getting pregnant and having a safe pregnancy. [1]

 

What foods and nutrients should you eat when trying to conceive?

 

Many foods and nutrients have been proven to improve fertility rates in both men and women. If you are trying to get pregnant, try some of the foods and nutrients on this list. No food or nutrient will magically assure conception, but studies have shown that many of the foods and nutrients on this list can help.

It is important to eat foods that have antioxidants: Folate and zinc are antioxidants that have been shown to improve fertility in men and women. Look for these ingredients or supplements on food labels. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains all have many antioxidants.

Eat fiber-rich foods: Fiber can help rid your body of excess hormones and keep your blood sugar balanced. Foods such as avocados, sweet potatoes, oats, beans, and fruits are fiber-rich and should be a part of your diet. The recommended daily intake of fiber is 25 grams for women and 31 grams for men.

Take a multivitamin: This is a simple step that may improve your fertility. The micronutrients in multivitamins can improve your chances of conceiving. Your doctor should look at your diet and recommend a multivitamin to help with nutrients you may be lacking. [2]

 

 

 

What food and nutrients should you avoid?

 

There are some foods and nutrients that have been proven to negatively impact fertility. Below is a list of some items to avoid when you do your shopping or are thinking about ingredients for a recipe.

• Don’t buy foods made from unpasteurized milk: Cheeses such as brie, camembert, and chèvre should be avoided. There is a chance that foods made from unpasteurized milk may have Listeria bacteria. This bacteria can cause an infection called Listeriosis that can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.

• Avoid raw or undercooked meat: meats such as salami, prosciutto, and chorizo shouldn’t be a part of your diet. There is a small chance that you could get toxoplasmosis when eating raw or undercooked meat. Toxoplasmosis can cause miscarriage.

• Be careful what fish you eat: Cooked fish and seafood are safe to eat. Smoked fish can be harmful. There has been a listeria outbreak connected to smoked fish. Make sure that if your fish is smoked it is cooked thoroughly. Fish not cooked thoroughly can be harmful to pregnant women or women trying to conceive. 

 

Be careful about what you eat when you are trying to conceive. Eat and drink everything in moderation. Excess of anything can be harmful to your health. Talk to a doctor about what you should and shouldn’t eat. Your doctor’s opinion is the most important one to follow. [3]

 

Sources:

 

[1] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fertility-and-diet-is-there-a-connection-2018053113949

[2] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-fertility-tips-to-get-pregnant#9.-Add-in-a-multivitamin

[3] https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/

 

Freezing one’s eggs has become much more popular in recent years. Women choose to freeze their eggs for a variety of reasons. As women, we don’t have an unlimited supply of eggs, unfortunately. The timing of our reproductive systems doesn’t always coincide with life timing. Many people want their eggs frozen as a backup plan. Whatever your reasoning may be it’s never too soon to think about freezing your eggs.

 

What is the process of egg freezing?

 

Freezing your eggs is neither a simple in and out procedure nor a complex tedious procedure. It is important to know the process of freezing eggs before you consider whether this is an option for you. 

 

Oocyte cryopreservation or the freezing of one’s eggs requires about a two-week process. Choosing a fertility clinic you trust and doctors who explain the procedure to you in detail is important. After you choose your clinic and doctor you will begin receiving hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. You will visit the clinic every five to ten days to monitor your ovaries and determine when the eggs are able to be extracted. After one to two weeks of the hormone treatments, your eggs will be retrieved. The egg retrieval process is very short, it may only take ten minutes. Typically the patient is sedated and the doctor will use an ultrasound to guide a needle to remove the eggs from the follicles. After this, the eggs will be frozen and kept safe for you if and when you want to use them. When you decide to use your eggs they will be harvested through IVF. [1]

 

Why should you freeze your eggs? 

 

There are a few reasons why freezing your eggs may be the right choice for you.

• Most importantly freezing your eggs takes away some of the biological time constraints that many women feel if they want to have children. You don’t have to have as much stress and worry when you hit 35, you have a safety net and could still have children.

• When women age the quality of their eggs decreases. This makes women more likely to miscarriage, have riskier pregnancies, or have children with birth defects.

• Women are born with all the eggs they will have, and we lose them over time. As women age women lose more of their eggs. 

• Many women may have an illness or fear of developing an illness that will jeopardize their ability to have children. Women with endometriosis, PCOS, or who have a high risk for ovarian cancer may choose to freeze their eggs to protect their chances of having a child. [2]

 

When should you think about freezing your eggs?

 

There is no one right time to freeze one’s eggs. If you can afford the procedure and know you want children one day then you should look into freezing your eggs. Life plans don’t always coincide with biology and women shouldn’t have to sacrifice a goal or plan to have children before a certain age. Freezing your eggs ensures that you have a great chance of having children when it is right for you and your life. 

 

The decision to freeze your eggs is medical and personal. You may have to consider the possibility of being a single mother in the future. Some women freeze their eggs when they are with a committed partner and some women are single. Single women who freeze their eggs may consider having their children without a partner in the future. 

 

Your medical background and personal goals are what are most important to consider when you wish to freeze your eggs. If you know this is something you want to do, the sooner the better. Freezing your eggs before you are in your late reproductive years is best to ensure you will have viable eggs. [3]

 

Sources:

 

[1] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/freeze-eggs#:~:text=The%20process%20of%20egg%2Dfreezing,thawed%20at%20a%20later%20date.

[2] https://www.atlantainfertility.com/about-us/blogs/2022/february/5-reasons-to-freeze-your-eggs/

[3] https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/egg-freezing-fertility

 

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

 

 

WHAT IS IVF?

IVF stands for “in vitro fertilisation” and is one of several methods available for people with fertility problems to help them become pregnant. 

During IVF treatment, an egg is removed from the women’s ovaries and is then fertilised in a laboratory. After fertilisation, the egg, known as an embryo, is then returned to the woman’s body to grow and develop, eventually resulting in pregnancy.

This procedure can be done using your eggs and your partner’s sperm, or eggs and sperm from a donor. [1]

 

DO YOU NEED BED REST AFTER AN EMBRYO TRANSFER?

In short, no – bed rest is not needed after an embryo transfer. Although bed rest has traditionally been recommended for women after any medical procedure.

Saying this, it’s still important to note that the first 24-hours are probably the most crucial as it’s within this timeframe that the inserted embryo has to attach to the uterine wall before it can fully implant. This can take a few days to happen, so it’s generally advised that you stay at home and relax for the first day or two to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

In the early days of IVF, women were told to stay in bed for the first two weeks after an embryo transfer. Interestingly, it was advised that they shouldn’t even stand up for a considerable amount of time afterward. Subsequently, they would have to use a bedpan when needed instead of going to the toilet.

These days, research and evidence have shown that full bed rest for this amount of time after IVF isn’t necessary and can actually be detrimental to your health. For instance, after delivery of a baby, women were prescribed 6 weeks of bed rest until it was later proven that inactivity increased their risk of DVT (blood clots in the deep veins). [2]

 

 

WHAT DOES RESEARCH SUGGEST?

Now that we know that bed rest isn’t necessary after an embryo transfer, here are some interesting findings from research on embryo transfers and bed rest:

• A study carried out in 1997 demonstrated that even a 24-hour bed rest didn’t produce any better results than a 20-minute rest period.

• Later in 2005, researchers determined that there was no difference in pregnancy rates between groups of women who got up immediately after an embryo transfer and those who rested an hour after an embryo transfer.

• Finally, a scientific review published in 2011 outlined various studies regarding bed rest and embryo transfer. The authors concluded that there wasn’t enough evidence to support the use of bed rest following IVF or embryo transfer procedures. [3]

 

So, to summarise, why don’t you need bed rest after an embryo transfer? Simply put, the main reason it isn’t needed is that inactivity combined with high levels of estrogen can promote blood clots as well as a rise in insulin resistance. These blood clots can impede blood flow critical to embryonic and foetal development. [2]

 

ACTIVITY AFTER IVF

Whilst you shouldn’t be totally inactive and bed-bound, you should still take it easy for a while as implantation usually takes place three to five days after an embryo transfer. Once pregnancy has been confirmed, you can usually return to your normal routine.

Doctors agree that you should avoid high-impact workouts such as weightlifting, running, interval training, or other heavy activities during fertility treatments as it will redirect blood circulation to the muscles instead of to the uterus, ovaries, and eggs.

Instead, you should be doing exercise that is light and moderate in intensity for short periods of time such as yoga, walking, or swimming. [4]

If you’re having trouble conceiving and may need treatment, click here to get in touch with us to start your IVF journey today.

 

SOURCES:

 

[1] IVF – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

[2] Do You Really Need Bed Rest After an Embryo Transfer? (cnyfertility.com)

[3] Do You Need Bed Rest After An Embryo Transfer? – ELITE IVF – Global IVF Clinic (elite-ivf.com)

[4] 5 Guidelines For Exercise And Fertility Treatments | Carolinas Fertility Institute