Fertility treatments have seen a lot of advancements in the way we tackle infertility in today’s age. Most couples who have trouble conceiving turn towards assisted reproductive technology (ART), the process includes finding an egg donor, sperm donor, or a surrogate individual for the process. While men continue to reproduce sperm their entire lives, women’s eggs lose quality after the age of 35, and even with treatments like IVF the percentage of conceiving remains about 30%-35%. Onlymyhealth editorial team talked to Dr. Souren Bhattacharjee- Consultant - Birla Fertility & IVF, about things to know before becoming an egg donor.
The WHO states that, infertility prevalence in India is in between 3.9% to 16.8%. However, lower fertility rates are becoming more common globally over time due to various health issues. In light of this, it is not surprising that women seek pregnancy through egg donors, which gives them a second chance at starting a family. When no other option is available, younger eggs from various egg donors help with the impregnating process.
Things to know before becoming and egg donor
The current ICMR recommendation is for donors to be between 23 and 35 years of age. At a younger age, the response to fertility drugs is very favourable and both the quality and quantity of eggs produced are much better. The following are five essential facts you should know before becoming an egg donor:
1. Criteria for choosing donors
This treatment process usually requires many tests before being accepted as a donor due to its complexity. A rigorous screening test is conducted to check for STDs, such as HIV, hepatitis, etc. Other general tests include blood tests, ultrasound for detecting reproductive organs, and other possible diseases. In addition, a psychological evaluation will be done for donors who will be under extreme emotional stress as a result of the procedure. The evaluation is conducted as per ICMR guidelines.
Also read: Egg Donor? Watch Out For These Health Risks Before Donating Eggs
2. Are there risks involved?
Even though all precautions are taken to prevent such complications, occasionally bleeding or damage to nearby blood vessels or bowel might occur while injecting the needle into the ovary. Rarely, infections can occur when removing the eggs, but they can be treated with antibiotics. In some cases, mild or severe OHSS can be caused by ovarian stimulation, which may require hospitalization.
3. Time period for IVF
It takes around 2-3 months for the entire process, which entails getting in touch with a recommended donor, harvesting the eggs from them and the transfer of the frozen embryo. Furthermore, the female partner is also induced with certain medications for an embryo transfer to take place in the uterus, after which a pregnancy test is done for confirming the results.
4. Collaboration with ART bank
Various ART banks can also be approached, they are usually registered with ICMR and assist in the supply of semen samples, eggs and egg donors. A formal process with all documentation as per ICMR guidelines will be required to be followed, after which the necessary treatment procedures can be carried out with complete anonymity of the donor.
Also read: Are Delayed Marriage & Childbearing Causing Infertility In Indian Women? Doctor Answers
5. Treatments
The IVF process can be demanding at times and requires a dedicated amount of patience, mental and physical strength for positive results to occur. With the advancement in innovation, there have been a rise in the number of success rates. Even though it does not provide a cure to being infertile, it assists couples in giving birth naturally through the means of genetics.
These were some essential things that you should know before becoming an egg donor by Dr. Souren Bhattacharjee. Fertility treatments have been advancing everyday and have gone a long way in today's age. You can even discuss with your doctor about all the questions, queries and important things to know about donating eggs.