Egg Donor

Egg Donor

Because of the increasing number of infertile couples due to inevitable conditions, researchers found a way to revive procreation and give a chance for couples to start a family.

What are the Indications of Egg Donation?

Egg donation is defined as providing egg cells to research institution for the purpose of helping those misfortunate (infertile) couples.  Most of these eggs are used in artificial insemination (in vitro fertilization).  Egg donation is needed by women with abnormalities in the reproductive system.  Women, as young as 20 years, can experience menopause.  Some women were born with mal-developed ovaries or without ovaries. Another reason for egg donation is for the benefit of those women who underwent hysterectomy or have reproductive problems.  Other women with genetic disorder or gay couples can benefit from egg donation.

Egg Donor’s Criteria and Motivation

Egg donors are screened both physically and mentally to assure of the soundness of the eggs.  Every egg donor is required to sign an informed consent before the start of insemination.  Egg donors agree to give up any claim of ownership to the egg.  Most egg donors come from donor registries and others are provided by couples who want to submit to artificial insemination.  After signing the informed consent, the donor undergoes IVF simulation and egg retrieval procedure.  After retrieving the egg, the sperm is then combined with the ova and is placed in the laboratory for several days.  When the embryo is formed, it is then placed in the recipient’s uterus to be carried for 9 months and treat the baby as her own.

Egg donors have only two reasons for motivation.  Some women served as volunteers to help couples who want to have a family.  They like the feeling of helping others without asking in anything return.  On the other hand, some women are attracted to the handsome monetary compensation offered by many health institutions.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Egg Donation

Definitely, egg donors are of great benefit to their recipients.  But donors and recipients still encounter problems after insemination.  Donors can suffer from hemorrhage or abnormal production of egg cells becomes of hormonal replacement therapies.  They can result to hyper-ovulation or liver failure.  Apparently, most donors increase their risk to ovarian cancer and early menopause.

On the other hand, recipients are at risk for communicable diseases.

In order to avail of the monetary compensation for egg donations, some donors conceal their true reputation.

Sometimes, physicians accidentally place two or more eggs in the recipient’s uterus. That’s why multiple births are common effects of egg donation.