Pros and Cons of Using Donor Egg

VF with donor eggs is a relatively new method in treating infertility, but it has proven to be as effective as the older ones. In recent decades, it has helped many couples grow their families when other methods haven’t worked. Statistics show that a high number of IVFs with donor eggs result in successful pregnancy; therefore, this treatment is widely used around the world. However, like any medical treatment, it has some benefits and drawbacks that cannot be ignored. In this article, we have explained 7 advantages and 5 disadvantages of using donor eggs and answered some of your common questions. 

7 Advantages of IVF with Donor Eggs

The advantages of IVF with donor eggs are more than its drawbacks; that is why most doctors around the world recommend this method to couples with severe fertility issues.

1. It increases the chance of a successful pregnancy.

Donor eggs are retrieved from healthy ovaries and have a high quality; therefore, the chance of embryo implantation, successful pregnancy, and delivering a healthy baby is very high. This means that women who have a higher age, low ovarian reserve, early menopause, or poor egg quality can still become pregnant.

Read more: Everything About the Success Rate of Pregnancy with Donor Eggs

2. The risk of passing on a genetic disease is low.

The first step that all egg donors should go through is taking various medical and genetic tests to make sure they are physically and mentally healthy. Because of this, the risk of passing on a genetic disease through the donated egg is almost zero. Note that if the intended mother (who carries the baby) has a genetic disorder, it will not be passed to the baby, since the egg comes from another woman.



3. The couple can receive eggs from someone they know.

Many couples prefer that their child share genetics with someone they trust or know. So, some fertility clinics allow the couples to introduce their own egg donors. In these cases, the egg donor can be a close friend, a family member, or even a trusted coworker. Although there are controversies about this approach, some couples find it more reassuring that:

• They know the child’s biological mother
• Their baby’s genes are similar to theirs (if the donor is one of the relatives, like a cousin)

4. It saves time.

In the past, fertility treatments could take a year or even longer; however, IVF with donor eggs only takes a few months. This means the couples spend less time waiting and experience less stress during the process.



5. The egg donors get free checkups.

During the egg donation process, the donor takes different hormonal and physical tests for free. These tests check the donor’s genetics, infectious diseases, mental health, reproductive system, and blood factors. In other words, egg donors receive a full health checkup at no cost. The results of these tests give them valuable information about their physical and mental state.

6. The couple can choose a donor based on her physical traits.

In almost all fertility clinics, the donor’s identity is confidential, so the intended parents never meet the donor. However, the couple has access to physical information of the donor, such as her hair color, skin tone, eye color, height, and other features. This helps intended parents to choose a donor whose appearance is similar to theirs.



7. The mother feels more connected to the baby. 

Although the intended mother has no biological relation with the fetus, the baby grows inside her womb, receives nutrition from her body, and is affected by her emotional and physical condition during the pregnancy. This helps the mother to create a deeper physical and emotional connection with her baby, just like in natural pregnancies.

5 Disadvantages of Using Donor Eggs in IVF

As mentioned earlier, using donor eggs has many benefits, but it also has some emotional, financial, and legal challenges that couples should be aware of before starting the procedure.

1. The couple feels pressured.

IVF with donor eggs is completely legal in most other countries, even the Islamic ones like Iran. Although Shari’a (religious laws) and medical specialists have approved this treatment, some people still feel uncomfortable and uncertain about it. Couples may be under the cosh or get judged for what they are doing. Such negative vibes sometimes come from friends or family members who don’t fully understand the process.

This can sometimes increase the couple’s stress or anxiety for a long time. That’s why emotional support and counseling play a very important role throughout the treatment. It helps the parents-to-be feel more confident and at peace with their decision.

2. It is a costly procedure.

One of the main challenges of using donor eggs in IVF is its expense. The donor’s compensation and the costs of medications, pre-conception care, egg retrieval, embryo transfer, and post-treatment care are sometimes so high that the couples cannot afford them.

3. There are legal complexities.

In some countries, egg donation is either restricted or completely prohibited. To avoid any future legal issues, the egg donation should be done according to the legal agreements between the donor, the parents, and the fertility clinic. With a detailed legal document, everyone’s rights (especially the child’s) are protected, and there would be no misunderstanding afterwards.

4. Medical Concerns

Pregnancy with donor eggs has a very high success rate and is usually passed smoothly; however, research shows there are some medical risks for both the mother and the baby, such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or placental problems. These risks are higher if the intended mother is above the age of 45 or has serious health conditions. Therefore, the mother and the baby should be monitored carefully throughout the pregnancy.

5. The mother is not genetically related to the baby.

One of the most important drawbacks of IVF with donor eggs is that the mother and the child are not genetically related. For some couples (especially the mothers), this can be a huge downside. They may worry about how the mother or the child will feel in the future, or whether the lack of a biological connection could affect their relationship.

These feelings are completely normal and understandable. That’s why it’s important for couples to think through all aspects of this treatment and speak with a fertility counselor or psychologist before starting treatment.

Read more: Whose Genetics Will the Baby Inherit in Egg Donation?

Is Pregnancy with Donor Eggs Risky?

In general, pregnancy using donor eggs is safe and has a high success chance. However, there might be some risks depending on the intended mother’s age and her overall health. If the woman who carries the baby is healthy and under the age of 45, pregnancy has almost no risk and continues just like a normal one. However, if the mother is above 45 or has underlying health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, the chance of preterm birth, miscarriage, or preeclampsia is high. Note that if the mother gets regular check-ups during pregnancy, these risks can be greatly reduced.

The Last Words

IVF with donor eggs is one of the most effective methods of fertility treatment. This technique is usually used for women who have a low ovarian reserve, early menopause, or low egg quality. Couples who decide to grow their family with a donor egg can choose a donor based on her physical features, such as hair color, skin tone, and eye color. By doing so, they make sure that their baby will look similar to them. Note that using egg donors increases the chance of successful pregnancy, but it also has challenges and side effects that cannot be overlooked.

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FAQs

1.What are the benefits of using donor eggs?

Using donor eggs in IVF increases the chance of a successful pregnancy and delivery. Also, the risk of transmitting genetic diseases from the intended mother is zero, as she is not genetically related to the baby. Moreover, the couple can choose a donor whose physical appearance is similar to theirs.

2.Does the recipient mother affect the baby when carrying him/her?

Yes. When the embryo is transferred to the recipient mother’s womb, her physical and mental health directly affect the fetus. Studies show that the mother’s surroundings and emotions during pregnancy can affect the baby’s personality and general health.

3.Can we choose the egg donor?

Yes. Whether you want an anonymous donor or someone you know, you can choose them freely. If you don’t want to know the egg donor personally, you can choose her based on her physical features only.

3.Is using donor eggs legal and halal in Iran?

Yes. In Iran, IVF with a donor egg is legal and halal, as long as the recipient couple are married and heterosexual.