Egg Donation
Some women unfortunately cannot conceive due to various reasons. So, they have to opt for other methods, such as IVF treatment, etc. During such treatments, the quality of eggs and semen should be of a certain level for increased chances of successful treatment. Sometimes, due to various reasons, women do not produce good quality eggs to conduct treatments like IVF. In such cases, alternative ways are suggested, such as donor eggs. IVF treatment can be conducted with egg donation to enhance its success rate.
Let's understand what is egg donation in India and how it works:
What is Egg Donation?
Egg donation is a medical process in which a woman, also called an egg donor, donates her eggs to another woman, the recipient, for conception. The fertility experts conduct assessments on both to ensure healthy egg retrieval for fertilization. The eggs can be used by women (the recipient) in IVF treatment. In addition, the recipient can also be a surrogate who will carry the baby for another person.
During the egg donation procedure, donor eggs are monitored for at least 2 to 3 weeks using ultrasound. Once the eggs are mature, doctors inject donors that trigger the ovulation. Once done, using the needle and ultrasound, fertility experts retrieve the egg from the ovaries. The fluid which carries the egg is drained from each follicle.
Are There Any Legal and Emotional Repercussions to Egg Donations?
In order to ensure there are no emotional repercussions, the identity of donors is kept anonymous unless there is any unavoidable situation. If the donor in the IVF process already knows the patient as a relative or friend, it is recommended to have an emotional and legal understanding between them before proceeding with the egg donation procedure to avoid any repercussions.
During the donation process, starting from consultation to egg retrieval, donors can stop the egg donation process at any time. However, once the egg is retrieved, it belongs legally to the patient. The donors are suggested to understand the legal process and clear their emotional status beforehand to avoid such situations.
What is the Criteria to Become an Egg Donor?
There are certain factors that may affect the donor's ability to donate eggs. These factors determine the likelihood of pregnancy. So, there are strict criteria to follow when selecting the donors or anyone who wants to donate. Here are the criteria for egg donation:
- The egg donation age limit is between 21 to 35 years of age. During this age, women tend to have better quantity and quality of eggs for fertility.
- Donors must be free from infections like HIV and hepatitis C. They must not have any genetic disease such as cystic fibrosis genes.
- Donors do not have high exposure or exposure to HIV or any other infections.
- Donors have to provide detailed family medical history. If they cannot, they won't be able to donate eggs.
What is Egg Donor Screening?
To minimize the risk of complications and other issues, the egg donor has to go through screening. Fertility clinics have a standard screening process to ensure effective procedures. The screening for the egg donation procedure includes:
- Assessment: A physical examination of donors is conducted to know their ability to donate eggs, any medical history, and other details. In addition, ultrasound of reproductive organs and blood tests are conducted for assessment. It is mainly done to ensure the donor is healthy and eligible to donate eggs.
- Infectious disease screening: A special examination for infectious diseases is conducted. These include HIV, hepatitis C, etc.
- Psychological screening: After medical screening, a psychological assessment is done to ensure the emotional well-being of the donor. Egg donation for IVF can involve emotions that can have repercussions later. So, to avoid such issues, psychological screening is conducted.
- Paperwork: Once everything is confirmed, paperwork is done for legal requirements and laws in India for egg donation. The donor cannot claim after egg retrieval; it will legally belong to the patient once the eggs are retrieved.
What to Expect in the Egg Donation Process?
The fertility experts conduct careful analysis and assessment in the screening before allowing egg donation. There might be some medications that donors have to take before the procedure that will stop the normal menstrual cycle. The donor might also take some series of drugs that increase the production of several eggs at once.
What are the Side Effects of Egg Donation?
The egg donation process is safe in usual circumstances. However, just like any other medical procedure, it has some side effects that you need to know. These risks are relatively lower; serious problems are uncommon. Here is the list of side effects to consider:
Before starting the egg donation procedure, the donor has to take some medications. These medications can result in:
- Hot flashes
- Headaches
- Body ache
- Fatigue
Bleeding in some cases after the doctor inserted a needle in the ovary.
Some infections might also occur, but to avoid this, doctors prescribe antibiotics.
Some rare symptoms when you need to consult a doctor immediately include difficulty breathing, stomach pain, rapid weight gain, and vomiting.
Is Egg Donation Paid?
No! The Indian government does not allow the selling and buying of eggs. Therefore, there is no payment made for donating eggs. It is totally based on the willingness of the donor or any relative who wants to help with IVF. Currently, it's not allowed. Maybe later, after the Indian Council Of Medical Research revises laws, it might be allowed.
Bloom IVF- Egg Donation and Fertility Clinic
If you are facing difficulties in conceiving, Bloom IVF can be your reliable option. Bloom IVF is one of the best fertility clinics in India, providing the latest treatments in the field to enhance the chances of pregnancy. Whether you need IVF, preimplantation genetic testing, egg donation, or want to become an egg donor, semen freezing Bloom IVF can help you. We offer you a smooth and easy process of egg donation. Our team will conduct an assessment test to confirm if egg donation is suitable for you. We will guide you through all the medical and legal procedures for egg donation. So, if you need an egg donation or are planning for an egg donation, consult Bloom IVF.