Use of donor eggs: indications, selection of donors and advantages

Donor eggs are oocytes from a donor made available to infertile couples. The donor's reproductive cell is fertilized by the partner's sperm, and the resulting embryo is then transferred into the woman's uterus, where she carries and gives birth to it. In cases where a couple faces additional difficulties in conception, it is also possible to use sperm from a donor in combination with an egg from a donor, referred to as double donation.

When is the use of donor eggs recommended?

Couples experiencing difficulties in conception due to the quality or insufficient quantity of their own oocytes may consider IVF with egg donation. Before making a decision, the patient undergoes a thorough examination, which includes

• a complete hormonal analysis;
• an ultrasound diagnosis of the ovaries and endometrium;
• genetic counseling;
• screening tests for infectious diseases;
• evaluation of general health status.

The use of donor eggs is recommended in cases of:

• natural menopause;
• premature ovarian exhaustion, early menopause;
• absence of ovaries (removal for medical reasons);
• poor quality of their own oocytes;
• contraindications to medically induced ovulation;
• Resistant Ovary Syndrome;
• presence of hereditary diseases that could be transmitted to the child;
• unsuccessful IVF attempts with their own oocytes;
• undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

How is the egg donor selected?

Women wishing to become egg donors undergo a complete medical examination, which includes:

• a somatic health analysis
• a psychological evaluation;
• genetic testing;
• screening tests for infectious diseases
• a hormonal analysis.

The couple who decides to benefit from the program receives a donor who meets various parameters, including

• the same ethnic background;
• the same anthropometric data;
• the same blood type and Rh factor;
• the same eye and hair color
• the same physique (height, weight, body shape..)
• a higher education level

Thanks to this personalized selection by the Natuvitro clinic, parents benefit from a donor who best matches their physical and genetic characteristics.

Advantages of using donor eggs

The use of eggs from young, healthy women significantly increases the chances of a successful pregnancy. The main advantages are as follows

• Increased chances of successful conception;
• reduced risk of transmitting genetic diseases
• high effectiveness of IVF protocols;
• the possibility of becoming parents for couples previously considered infertile.

Through the programs of IVF with egg donation, many couples can become parents even if their own eggs are not suitable for conception. It is important to keep in mind that there may be age restrictions for women using donor eggs. In most clinics, the upper age limit is 50-52 years, but the final decision is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the patient's health status and the recommendations of the doctors.