How to Get Pregnant with an Egg Donor?

The journey to parenthood can be filled with many challenges and obstacles, especially for those who struggle with infertility. However, thanks to advancements in reproductive technology, there are now various options available for individuals or couples who are unable to conceive naturally. One such option is the donor egg process, also known as egg donor IVF.

This process of egg donation has become increasingly popular, with countries like Iran offering affordable and accessible options for those seeking this treatment. For many IVF with donor eggs success rates have provided hope after experiencing IVF failure and has allowed them to fulfill their dreams of starting a family.

How Does Egg Donation Work?

Egg donation is a process in which a woman donates her eggs to be used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or other assisted reproductive technologies. The process involves several important steps, starting with the egg donor screening process, where the donor undergoes medical and psychological evaluations to ensure she is healthy enough for donation. After approval, the donor will undergo ovarian stimulation, where she takes hormones to stimulate the production of multiple eggs. 

These eggs are then retrieved through a minor surgical procedure and fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a donor. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the uterus of the intended mother or a gestational carrier.

If you're wondering how to donate eggs, the first step is to consult with a reputable fertility clinic or agency. The process typically involves screening, hormone treatments, and egg retrieval, all of which are carefully monitored by medical professionals.

IVF with Donor Egg Process Step-by-Step

The egg donation process involves multiple steps, ensuring a seamless and effective treatment journey for both donors and recipients. The donor egg is fertilized in the laboratory with sperm from the intended father or a donor. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the intended mother's uterus. The egg retrieval process is performed under local anesthesia. Below are the steps involved:

1. Donor Screening
2. Egg Donor Selection and Matching
3. Ovarian Stimulation for the Egg Donor
4. Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

Step 1: Donor Screening

The egg donation process begins with a thorough screening of potential donors. Donors are examined by a gynecologist, undergo ultrasound evaluations, and complete several tests, including those for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis, as well as general health assessments. Psychological and genetic evaluations may also be conducted to ensure the donor meets the criteria for egg donation.

Step 2: Egg Donor Selection and Matching

Once screened and approved, the donor is matched with a recipient. The matching process considers the donor's health profile and phenotypic characteristics, such as eye color, hair color, and skin tone, to ensure compatibility. Donor identities are kept confidential, and recipients are often provided with detailed profiles, including the donor's health history, interests, and motivations for donation.

Step 3: Ovarian Stimulation for the Egg Donor

After matching, the donor undergoes ovarian stimulation through hormonal medications to induce the production of multiple eggs. These medications are typically administered over a ten-day period and are closely monitored through ultrasound scans. When the follicles reach the desired size, a specific day is scheduled for egg retrieval.

Step 4: Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

On the day of egg retrieval, a sperm sample is collected from the intended father or donor. The eggs are retrieved through a minimally invasive outpatient procedure under local anesthesia and then fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. Once fertilization occurs, the embryos are cultured, and the most viable embryos are transferred into the recipient’s uterus. Usually, two to three embryos are transferred per cycle.

This structured approach ensures a higher likelihood of successful outcomes for individuals or couples pursuing IVF with donor eggs. Recipients can expect to take a pregnancy test approximately 14 days after the embryo transfer to determine success.

Success Rate of IVF with Donor Eggs

The success rate of pregnancy with a donor egg depends on several factors, such as the maternal age, the quality of sex cells and the embryo, the general health condition of the mother, and the number of embryos transferred. On average, the chance that an egg donation cycle results in pregnancy is 50%. Compared to the risk rate of the egg donation cycle, which is very low, IVF with donor egg success rates is quite acceptable.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Using Egg Donation?

The egg donation method is an alternative for women with poor egg quality or those who did not produce good-quality embryos in at least three cycles of assisted reproduction. This method can also be used where a genetic disease can be transmitted from mother to fetus. Sometimes, a laboratory method such as PGD cannot treat and identify genetic disorders. If you want to know more about preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), follow this article.

In general, the following people can use the egg donation method to treat fertility problems:

• Women over the age of 35;
• Women with hypogonadotropic;
• Women with early menopause;
• Women with a history of oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries);
• Women with a history of chemotherapy or radiation therapy;
• Not responding ovaries to ovulation-stimulating drugs;
• The existence of definite signs of diminished ovarian reserve;
• Recurrent incurable miscarriage;
• Menopause.

Egg Donor Requirements

Egg donors must meet specific criteria to ensure the safety and success of the donation process. Generally, egg donors are women aged 18 to 34, as this age range is associated with higher egg quality and fertility. Donors are required to have a healthy medical history, free from hereditary diseases or chronic conditions that could affect the health of the eggs or the recipient. They must undergo thorough screening, including physical exams, blood tests for infectious diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections), genetic testing, and psychological evaluations to ensure they are mentally and emotionally prepared for the process. Additionally, egg donors should not have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, and they must provide a detailed family medical history. Many egg donation programs also require that the donor has already had at least one successful pregnancy, as this indicates a higher likelihood of successful egg retrieval.

What is Involved in the Treatment Cycle?

The treatment cycle for using donor eggs typically follows a structured process. It begins with synchronization of the menstrual cycles of the donor and the recipient, often achieved through the use of hormonal medications. The donor undergoes ovarian stimulation with fertility drugs to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved through a minimally invasive procedure. At the same time, the recipient is prepared with medications to ensure her uterus is ready for the embryo transfer. After egg retrieval, the eggs are fertilized in a laboratory with sperm from the intended parent or donor to create embryos. These embryos are cultured for a few days before being transferred into the recipient's uterus. The recipient may take additional medications to support implantation and early pregnancy. A pregnancy test is conducted approximately two weeks after the transfer to confirm the outcome.

How Are Donors Selected?

The selection of egg donors is a rigorous process aimed at ensuring the health and compatibility of the donor. Donors typically undergo extensive medical, psychological, and genetic screenings to rule out any health concerns or hereditary conditions. A thorough review of the donor’s family medical history is also conducted to identify any potential genetic risks. Physical characteristics, such as eye color, hair color, and body structure, may be considered to find a match that aligns with the recipient’s preferences. Donors are also evaluated for their motivation and emotional readiness to participate in the program. Once the screening process is complete, the donor is officially approved for participation. This careful vetting process helps ensure the best possible outcomes for both the recipient and the child.

What does the donor have to do before egg retrieval?

The donor will probably be asked to abstain from eating and drinking for about 8 to 10 hours before the operation. She will also be asked not to wear contact lenses, jewelry, makeup, and nail polish on the day of surgery. The donor will be given anesthesia by intravenous injection or inhalation in the operating room.

Read more: What to Do After Embryo Transfer to Increase Success?

Donor Identity in Egg Donation

Whether or not the donor's identity is confidential depends on the recipient and donor's agreement. Sometimes, the recipient couple prefers to meet the egg donor and get to know her better. In contrast, in other cases, the recipients want to know important physical and mental information about the donor, not her full identity. It is also noteworthy that in some situations, the parents may let the donor contact the child once they reach a certain age. Hence, the recipient asks the fertility clinic to preserve the donor's identity for future use.

What does the donor have to do after egg retrieval?

After the egg retrieval, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and reduce inflammation in the genitals. The donor is asked to return to the hospital for a post-retrieval checkup. So that the doctor can ensure that she is recovering correctly from ovarian stimulation and retrieval, so donors can usually return to routine activities a day after egg retrieval. But in case any of the following complications occur, you should immediately report them to the doctor:

• Body temperature over 38° C;
• Severe abdominal pain or bloating;
• Chronic nausea and vomiting;
• abnormal uterine bleeding (low bleeding is normal);
• Painful or difficult urination;
• Weakness or dizziness.

Donor Egg Recipient Requirements

• Being between 21 to 35 years old;
• Being a divorcee or a non-lactating widow;
• Preferably having one healthy child;
• Being genetically healthy;
• Not having diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis, syphilis, etc.;
• Not being addicted;
• Having Normal ovarian volume and reserve;
• Having consulted a psychologist or psychiatrist
• Having a doctor's referral letter that shows the person is eligible to use egg donation.

How Should the Recipient of Donor Egg Be Evaluated?

In IVF with a donor egg, both the donor and the recipient must undergo a series of examinations. For recipients, particularly those over 40 considering IVF with donor eggs, it is essential to perform a thorough evaluation. The recipient should undergo a physical examination, a mammogram, colonoscopy, sonohysterography, and ultrasound screening. Also, she should take several blood tests with specific intervals so that her hormone level, blood type, rubella, hepatitis, HIV, etc., can be measured.

Getting Ready to Receive Donor Eggs

Preparing to receive donor eggs can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. It is important to first research and understand the process of receiving donor eggs and the potential risks and benefits. 

This may involve consulting with a fertility specialist or attending informational sessions. Once you decide to proceed with donor eggs, you must find a reputable egg donation agency or clinic. This involves completing medical and psychological screenings, as well as legal contracts.

It is also important to prepare yourself emotionally for the journey ahead, as receiving donor eggs can bring up a range of emotions, such as excitement, anxiety, and even grief. It may be helpful to seek support from loved ones or join a support group for individuals going through similar experiences.

Physically preparing for the procedure may involve taking certain medications or making lifestyle changes your doctor recommends. 

Disadvantages of Using Donor Eggs

• Injection problems
• Ovarian cysts
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
• Risks during egg retrieval
• Hot flash
• Depression and mental health problems
• Genital cancer

Injection problems

The physician uses injectable hormonal drugs to stimulate the ovaries to release healthy eggs. Most people will not have any problems during the injection, but in some cases, some will experience allergies, redness, bruising, and, in rare cases, fluid retention, breast pain, and mood swings. In addition, injections of hormonal drugs may cause irregular menstruation in subsequent menstrual cycles.

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts have been reported in about 1% of women who had donated their eggs.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Sometimes, the egg donor develops ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and complications such as dehydration, kidney damage, fluid retention in limbs, and blood clotting disorders.

Ovarian stimulating hormones are injected to perform egg retrieval so the ovary can release several eggs. If the donor's body fails to control the injected hormones, they may become allergic, and their health may be at risk.

Risks during egg retrieval

Suppose a donor prefers unreliable centers or inexperienced doctors for performing egg retrieval. In that case, she increases the risk of damage to her intestines, bladder, arteries around the ovaries, and damage to adjacent organs of the ovaries.

Hot flash

Some of the complications of ovarian stimulation hormone injection include hot flashes, sweating, anxiety, vaginal dryness, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, and feeling of extreme heat.

Depression and mental health problems

Some egg donors become depressed after the egg donor IVF. It is recommended that the person be prepared mentally for the donation before proceeding.

Genital cancer

Studies show that since a woman takes a lot of hormonal drugs during the egg donation process, frequently donating eggs can increase the risk of women's cancer.

Read more: What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Donor Egg in IVF?

Egg Donation and Surrogacy

The doctor suggests using donor eggs and surrogacy in patients with severe uterus or ovarian problems such as cancer, endometriosis, or MRKH syndrome. In the surrogacy method, the egg and sperm are fertilized in the laboratory, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the womb of the surrogate mother to be carried out for nine months. The surrogate doesn't share any DNA or biological features with the baby and only carries it until birth. Also, she has no legal right or responsibility toward the child.

Read more: Surrogacy in Iran

Disadvantages of Using Donor Eggs

Although egg donation offers a promising solution for many, there are some potential disadvantages. The disadvantages of egg donation include the emotional complexities involved for both the donor and recipient, potential health risks associated with hormonal treatments for the donor, and the possibility of not achieving a successful pregnancy in the first cycle. Additionally, recipients may struggle with the emotional challenges of not having a genetic connection to the child.

Legal System of Egg Donation in Iran

Before starting the egg donation process, the receivers and donors will be informed about their rights and duties during a legal consultation session. After having reached an agreement, the two parties sign a contract.

We should note that the donor will not have rights over the embryo produced through the IVF process. The resulting embryos legally belong to the receivers of the donor egg. If you want information about the best country for egg donation, do not miss this article. 

egg donation in Iran

Egg Donation in Islam

Shiite and Sunni scholars have held various opinions on using the egg donation method. Most Sunni scholars agree that egg donation is not permitted in Islam, while most Shiite scholars consider this method allowable. They agree that if the donor and recipient's partner temporarily marry together for a few hours before the egg retrieval, the resulting embryo in the laboratory will be legitimate.

So, we recommend you obtain the necessary information about the fatwā of your marji' taqlīd if you wish to use IVF with donor eggs.

Conclusion

If you want more information about the Egg Donation Process in Iran, don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation from Raadinahealth medical consultants. We help you find the best fertility treatment centers in Iran and the right specialist for your needs. To book an appointment with a doctor, begin here.

FAQs on Egg Donation

1) Can I donate eggs to a family member, friend, or someone I know?

Although the egg donor is often anonymous, you can donate an egg to a family member or friend if they ask. No moral or legal problem exists in donating eggs process to someone you know.

2) Can I donate eggs more than once?

Yes. Each fertile woman can donate eggs up to 6 times in her lifetime. 

3) Do I have legal responsibilities to the child after the egg donation?

No. Before egg donation, you sign a contract that removes all your responsibilities towards that child so that you won't have any legal rights and responsibilities associated with the child. 

4) Can I go to work during the egg donation cycle?

If your job is not physically demanding and does not interfere with your clinic appointments, you can resume work during the egg donation process.

5) Will egg donation reduce my eggs?

No. Every woman is born with a certain number of eggs. Each month, the uterus depletes one egg after the menstrual period. Fertility medications release some of these eggs that the body would naturally discard. So, egg donation does not reduce your ovarian reserve, and you will still be fertile after egg donation. 

6) How long does the egg donation process take?

The egg donation takes about 6 to 8 weeks: two to four weeks for medical evaluations, ultrasound monitoring, physical examinations, and four weeks for taking medications and egg retrieval.

7) Does donating eggs cause early menopause?

No, donating eggs does not lead to early menopause. At puberty, the ovaries hold around 400,000 to 500,000 eggs, but only 400 to 500 will mature and be ovulated during the reproductive years. The rest undergo a natural process called atresia, where they fail to develop and are reabsorbed by the body over time. Since fertility medications and egg donation only use a small portion of these surplus eggs, there is no evidence suggesting they deplete the egg reserve or hasten menopause.