IVF With Donor Egg Process Step by Step: A Beginner's Guide

Assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) have been a beacon of hope for couples struggling with infertility. The mere thought of having a child of their own can be an emotional rollercoaster, with its ups and downs. The use of donor eggs in IVF treatments has been a game-changer for many couples, offering the possibility of having a healthy baby. But, for those who are new to this process, it can be an overwhelming experience. That's why we've created this guide - to help you navigate through the IVF with donor egg process step by step with confidence and clarity.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything from the process of IVF with donor egg and donor egg IVF success rates in India to donor egg IVF cost in India.

Introduction to Donor Egg IVF

Donor Egg IVF is a fertility treatment where a woman uses another woman's eggs that are fertilized and implanted into the recipient's uterus. This treatment is used by women who want children but cannot conceive with their eggs. It may be due to a lack of ovaries from birth, menopause, poor ovarian response to hormonal treatment, or low egg or embryo quality from previous IVF treatments. Poor egg quality owing to maternal age is the most common reason for egg donation. The quality of a woman's eggs reduces dramatically after age 37.

Who Needs a Donor Egg IVF?

Some of the most common reasons why a woman might choose donor eggs for IVF are:

• Premature ovarian failure
• Age (40 and above)
• Unexplained fertility problems
• A diminishing ovarian reserve
• High risk of foetal disease transmission
• Low levels of AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone).
• Multiple IVF treatments have failed
• Miscarriages

What Is the Maximum Age for IVF With Donor Egg?

The maximum age for IVF with donor eggs is not clearly defined. However, most IVF clinics have an age limit of 50-55 years for women who want to undergo IVF treatment using donor eggs. The age limit is established due to the obstetrical risks for older women carrying the pregnancy. Women who are 43-45 years old may consider using donor eggs, while women aged 46 or older are recommended to use donor oocytes.

IVF With Donor Egg Process Step by Step

Let us now understand how the process of IVF with donor egg is carried out step by step:

1. Initial Consultation and Screening

During the initial consultation and screening for donor egg IVF, you can expect a review of your medical history. The reproductive endocrinologist will ask about your menstrual cycle, any past pregnancies, and any medications you are currently taking. Both partners will undergo diagnostic testing, including a physical exam, blood tests, and a semen analysis for the male partner.

2. Getting Ready for the Journey

Conceiving a child through a donated egg can be an emotionally challenging decision for couples. That's why you and your partner should receive counseling and emotional support from a psychologist. During the sessions, you'll have the opportunity to discuss various issues such as non-biologic parenting, past fertility problems, parenting at an older age, and the potential positive and negative effects of disclosing the use of donated eggs to your future child.

3. Egg Acceptance Mock Cycle

The purpose of a Mock Cycle is to evaluate how your body will react to the medications prescribed for your matched recipient embryo transfer cycle. This helps to prepare your uterus to receive the fertilized egg. As part of the process, you will also undergo screening blood work to ensure that everything is in order.

4. Choosing an Egg Donor

Choosing the right egg donor for donor egg IVF can be a daunting task, but there are a few key factors to keep in mind. Egg donors are typically women aged between 21 and 34 years old. They can be acquaintances, family members or anonymous donors who have chosen not to release their identity through a frozen egg bank.

One of the most important factors to consider is the donor's health history, including any genetic or medical issues they may have. It is also important to consider whether you want an anonymous or known donor (from frozen egg banks to family and friends) and whether you prefer fresh or frozen eggs.

You may also like: Embryo Freezing: Purpose & Outcome

5. Egg Retrieval from the Donor

If you have chosen against frozen eggs, then the eggs will be harvested from a young, healthy, and fertile donor, and fertilized in the laboratory before being implanted into your uterus. Once the donor eggs are harvested or thawed, they are fertilized in the laboratory, and the recipient undergoes embryo transfer typically 3-5 days later.

In the meanwhile, your partner will provide a sperm sample or a sperm donor will provide their sample on the day of egg retrieval for insemination of the eggs.

6. Preparing for Embryo Replacement

During a fresh embryo replacement cycle using fresh donor eggs from a known (directed) donor, you will be monitored simultaneously with the donor's stimulation. To synchronize the donor and recipient, estrogen and progesterone are given to the recipient to replicate the hormonal pattern of a regular cycle. With frozen eggs, you can begin the treatment once your fertility clinic has recieved them.

You may also like: Recurrent Implantation Failure in IVF

7. Embryo Replacement

The most important part of IVF with donor egg process step by step is transferring the embryo. Once the donor oocytes are harvested or thawed, they are fertilized in the laboratory, and the embryos are transferred to the recipient's uterus via a soft catheter guided by ultrasound. The embryo transfer usually happens either on day three after insemination or five days after insemination if no PGT is performed.

The doctor may also recommend you to freeze any additional viable embryos for the future. The whole process, if frozen donor eggs are used, can occur within 6 to 8 weeks. However, if fresh eggs are used, the process typically takes 12 to 16 weeks from securing the donor.

8. After the Transfer

After the transfer, it can take between 9 to 14 days to detect pregnancy, and the first 24 hours after the transfer are critical for the embryo to attach to the uterine wall. Women may experience common symptoms such as cramping, bloating, and sore breasts after the transfer. However, you do not need to worry about doing something wrong as the embryo implants on its own.

Donor Egg IVF Success Rates in India

Donor egg IVF succes rates can depend on factors such as age of the recipient and donor, quality of the IVF laboratory, genetic connection to the baby and the possibility of miscarriages. Having a positive and realistic attitude can help you improve your chances of conceiving a baby. As far as the success rates for childbirth are concerned, donor egg IVF has a live birth rate of 55.9% when a fresh embryo is transferred and 40.2% when a frozen embryo is transferred.

Donor Egg IVF Cost in India

Now that you know the IVF with donor egg process step by step, it is important to know the cost of donor egg IVF in India. Couples using donor eggs have to bear all costs of the procedure, including the donor's medical expenses. The cost of IVF with donor eggs in India typically ranges between Rs 3-6 lakhs. This cost includes donor selection, donor therapy to stimulate ovaries, in vitro fertilization, and cryopreservation of pre-embryos. It can also vary depending on the hospital, room type, tests and procedures, and team of doctors.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, the donor egg IVF can be an overwhelming journey for many individuals and couples. However, with the right information, support, and guidance, it can also be a hopeful and rewarding experience. By providing an IVF with donor egg process step by step timeline, we hope to have provided you with a better understanding of what to expect during this journey. While there are no guarantees in IVF, the donor egg IVF success rates in India continue to improve, giving hope to those struggling with infertility.

References

1. Egbe TO, Wafo CY, Bollo BB, Pany C, Onomo MJ, Sandjon G. (2016). Successful pregnancy with donor eggs in-vitro fertilization after premature ovarian insufficiency in a tertiary hospital in a low-income setting: a case report. Fertil Res Pract.

2. Banerjee K, Singla B. (2018). Acceptance of Donor Eggs, Donor Sperms, or Donor Embryos in Indian Infertile Couples. J Hum Reprod Sci.

3. Makhijani R, Grow DR. (2020). Donor egg is the best second choice for many infertile couples: real progress in overcoming age-related fertility is not here yet. J Assist Reprod Genet.