Feb2008
Donor Eggs Complete the Puzzle
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The use of another woman's egg cells to create a
viable embryo is no longer experimental. The first
donor egg baby was born in 1983, and "third-party
reproduction" is now standard practice.
For some, donor egg with IVF is the only way to
establish a pregnancy.
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Who Needs Donor Eggs
Women who don't have ovaries or whose ovaries
aren't producing eggs at all are candidates for donor
eggs as long as their uterus is functioning. Also,
women whose egg cells are of poor quality might
consider the use of donor eggs.
Poor quality egg cells either will not fertilize or will
result in embryos that are not viable. Many women
who have several failed IVF attempts will turn to donor
egg for pregnancy success. For some, pre-IVF testing
will help to determine the best course of treatment,
avoiding possible IVF failures in the first place.
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Conscious Considerations
Sometimes, it really does take three to tango. We
recognize it's a difficult choice to make, going from the
idea of you and your partner creating a unique,
genetically-related individual to the involvement of
someone else's genes.
Counseling is recommended for couples who need to
explore their feelings and thoughts about using donor
egg. We refer to Kathy Stern, MA, a licensed
professional counselor who has specialized for many
years in the needs of fertility patients.
After getting somewhat settled with their feelings
about needing to use a donor's eggs, most patients'
next concern is about the donor herself -- What is she
like? Can you depend on the donor process?
With the help of Ms. Stern, all HIC donors are
screened in accordance with guidelines provided by
the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. The
screening includes mental and physical health, family
history and present behavior. Our donors range in age
from 21 to 30, to increase the chances of excellent
ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval.
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In Summary
I'm very happy to be able to provide patients with the
option of donor egg use with IVF. This technique has
allowed innumerable women to carry a pregnancy to
term and give birth to their children. In many cases,
using a donor's egg was quite literally the only way
that successful pregnancy could happen.
My staff and I welcome your questions and want to
hear your concerns about donor egg and other fertility
treatments.
Sincerely,
Sonja B. Kristiansen, MD
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