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Cofertility’s Fresh Vs. Frozen Egg Donation Program: Which is Right for Me?
If you’re embarking on the donor egg IVF journey as an intended parent, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to do a fresh or frozen egg donation cycle. At Cofertility, we offer both options, each with its own unique advantages.
If you’re embarking on the donor egg IVF journey as an intended parent, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to do a fresh or frozen egg donation cycle. At Cofertility, we offer both options, each with its own unique advantages. But before we dive into the specifics of our fresh and frozen egg donation programs, it's important to highlight a few key aspects of the Cofertility model and experience that remain constant, regardless of which path you choose.
First and foremost, every donor at Cofertility participates in our unique egg sharing model. Instead of receiving cash compensation, Cofertility donors complete a split cycle in which they keep half of the mature eggs retrieved, and donate the other half to intended parents. This means that our donors aren't motivated by financial compensation, but rather by the opportunity to help your family today alongside their own future family building goals. It's a win-win situation that ensures our donors are genuinely committed to the process and aligns their interests with those of intended parents.
Secondly, no matter which program you opt for, you'll be protected by our Baby Guarantee. While the scope of the guarantee varies with fresh versus frozen, know that everyone on our team is deeply committed to helping you achieve your dream of parenthood, and this guarantee reflects that commitment. We truly want you to go home with a baby, and we're willing to stand behind that commitment.
Third, regardless of the program you choose, you’ll have the option to decide between having a disclosed or undisclosed relationship with the egg donor. You can also meet with the donor in either program, though the timing of that meeting varies based on whether you go fresh or frozen.
With these promises in place, let's explore the specific features of our fresh and frozen programs to help you determine which path might be the best fit for your family-building journey.
Cofertility’s frozen egg donation program
Matching with a donor in our frozen egg donation program offers several benefits that make it an attractive option for many intended parents.
Increased certainty
A significant advantage of matching with a donor in our frozen program is the increased certainty it brings to the egg donation process. When you match with an egg donor who is available for a frozen cycle, she has either completed her retrieval or has completed most or all of her medical screening and will be starting her cycle soon. With things like genetic testing results and psych clearance in hand, this means fewer unknowns and a smoother path forward.
But what does this mean for you in practical terms? It means less waiting, less anxiety, and more confidence in the process. You'll know from the start that your chosen donor has met all medical requirements to donate, reducing the risk of last-minute surprises or disappointments. This can be particularly reassuring for intended parents who have experienced setbacks in their fertility journey and are seeking a more predictable path forward.
Speed
If time is of the essence in your family-building journey, matching with donors participating in our frozen program might be a great fit. Since the time-consuming screening process is either complete or well underway, the period from matching to cycling can be significantly shorter. This is particularly beneficial if you're eager to transfer embryos as soon as possible.
Consider this: with a fresh egg donation cycle, you might wait one to three months for your donor to complete all necessary screenings and synchronize her cycle with yours. When you match with a donor in our frozen program, you could potentially be ready to create embryos within days of matching. For many intended parents, especially those who feel that time is of the essence, this acceleration of the process can be a game-changer.
Baby Guarantee
Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of working with Cofertility is our unprecedented Frozen Baby Guarantee. Unlike traditional egg banks that might offer a blastocyst guarantee, we go a step further with a live birth guarantee. This means if the frozen eggs you receive do not result in a live birth, we'll replace them with an equivalent number of eggs from a new donor at no additional cost. You won't have to pay for any screening or retrieval fees again. This guarantee covers the entire cost of the match, providing you with peace of mind and financial protection.
Essentially, we're sharing the financial risk of the egg donation process. This can provide immense peace of mind, knowing that your investment is protected and that we're committed to your success.
Cofertility’s fresh egg donation program: Immediacy, personalization, and connection
While matching with a donor from our frozen egg donation program offers significant advantages, matching with a donor from our fresh egg donation program also has its own unique benefits that many intended parents find appealing.
Fresh egg embryo creation
One of the primary advantages of fresh egg donation is the ability to create embryos immediately upon egg retrieval. Some doctors prefer to fertilize fresh eggs vs. previously frozen eggs. This is because it could potentially lead to a higher number of healthy embryos, as it eliminates the need for egg thawing, a process that can sometimes result in the loss of some eggs.
Every egg is precious in this process. So while freezing techniques have advanced significantly in recent years, with vitrification there's still a 5% chance that some eggs may not survive the thawing process. With fresh eggs, you're working with eggs in their most viable state, potentially increasing your chances of creating healthy embryos.
Local cycles and continuity of care
When you match with a donor from our fresh egg donation program, you have the option of having that donor cycle at your clinic under the care of your own doctor. If you've already established a strong relationship with your fertility team, this ensures continuity throughout the entire process, from egg retrieval to embryo transfer.
This continuity can be incredibly valuable. Your fertility team already knows your medical history, understands your specific situation, and has likely built a rapport with you. Being able to continue working with them through the egg donation process can provide an added layer of comfort and familiarity during what can be an emotionally charged time.
Additionally, having the egg retrieval performed at your local clinic means you have more control over the process. You can be present (if you choose) on the day of the retrieval, adding to the sense of involvement and connection to the process.
A chance to meet the donor before the match is official
With either program, you’ll have the option of having a disclosed or undisclosed donation and can choose to meet the donor if that’s something both parties are interested in.
However, if you’re interested in matching with a donor from our fresh program, you’ll have the unique opportunity to potentially meet with the donor before she begins her cycle as part of our mutual matching process. This can be a meaningful experience for intended parents who value this personal connection from the outset.
For some intended parents, meeting the donor before the retrieval can help solidify their choice and create a sense of connection to the process. It can be an opportunity to express gratitude, ask questions, or simply put a face to the generous individual who is helping to make your dreams of parenthood a reality.
It's important to note, however, that this meeting is entirely optional. We understand that every intended parent and egg donor has different comfort levels when it comes to donor contact, and we respect whatever level of interaction you prefer.
Making your decision: it's all about finding your perfect match
Ultimately, for many intended parents, the choice between our fresh and frozen programs often comes down to finding the right donor. Both programs have their merits, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific circumstances, preferences, and the connection you feel with potential donors.
If you're open to either journey, we recommend exploring both options. You might find that you connect deeply with a donor in our fresh egg donation program, or you might discover that the perfect donor for you has already completed her cycle as a part of our frozen egg donation program.
Consider your priorities:
- Is time a critical factor for you? If so, frozen egg donation might be your best bet.
- Do you feel strongly about using fresh eggs? Then fresh egg donation could be the way to go.
- Is the ability to meet your donor before the retrieval important to you? With donors in our fresh egg donation program, you could have this opportunity.
- Are you looking for the highest level of financial protection? The Frozen Baby Guarantee might be particularly appealing.
At Cofertility, we're committed to supporting you through every step of your journey, regardless of which program you choose. Our team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you navigate this important decision.
Remember, this is your journey. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and don't hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance. We're here to help you navigate these decisions and find the path that feels right for you.
In the end, whether you go fresh or frozen, what matters most is the family you're building and the love that will fill your home. That is the most beautiful outcome of all. Your future child won't care whether they came from fresh or frozen eggs – they'll just be thrilled to be part of your family.
So take a deep breath, trust in the process, and know that with Cofertility by your side, you're one step closer to holding your baby in your arms. We’ve got hundreds of incredible donors on our egg donation platform who would love to help you make your dreams of parenthood a reality.
An Intended Parents Guide to Frozen Egg Donation with Cofertility
Everything you need to know about matching with a donor in Cofertility's frozen egg donation program, including the process, benefits, our frozen Baby Guarantee, and more.
At Cofertility, we believe that everyone deserves the ability to build the family of their dreams. Part of this is ensuring intended parents have access to different options for working with an egg donor, including both fresh and frozen egg donation programs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about working with a donor in our frozen egg donation program.
If you’re interested in learning more about our options for fresh egg donation, click here.
An overview of frozen egg donation
Our unique egg sharing model provides intended parents with an alternative to cash compensation for egg donation. At Cofertility, our donors always go through a split cycle in which she keeps half of the eggs retrieved for her own future family planning and donates half to your family.
The key difference between fresh and frozen egg donation with Cofertility is the point at which the donor completes her screening and egg retrieval. The donor’s screening, and in some cases the screening and retrieval process, is completed in advance of matching.
Donors in the frozen egg donation program will undergo the same rigorous screening process as those in our fresh egg donation program. All donors have been pre-qualified to move forward with egg donation per ASRM, FDA, and standard egg donation guidelines. A preliminary screening for donors includes:
- Confirming the donor's age is within ASRM guidelines. All donors on our matching platform are 21-33 years old.
- Reviewing the donor’s personal medical history, including lifestyle, chronic conditions, mental health, and reproductive health, in line with ASRM, FDA, and standard egg donation guidelines.
- Reviewing the donor’s biological family’s medical history, inclusive of evidence of genetic disorders, cancer history, and other conditions and illnesses, in line with ASRM, FDA, and standard guidelines.
- Collecting and reviewing past egg donation history with outcomes, if applicable.
- AMH testing via blood draw. All Cofertility donors are required to have an AMH level of 2.0 or higher.
At the time a donor in our frozen egg donation program is listed on our platform, they will have also already completed or are in the process of completing additional screening that includes:
- Antral follicle count (AFC) assessment
- General health examination
- Genetic carrier screening
- Psychological screening
Considerations for frozen egg donation
Both fresh or frozen egg donation can be great options, depending on your individual goals and what you’re looking for at this point in time. There are several reasons intended parents may choose to pursue frozen egg donation with Cofertility.
Quicker process
Matching with a donor in our frozen program can provide a unique opportunity to move forward with your family-building plans faster, as frozen eggs can be fertilized or shipped to your clinic immediately or as soon as the cycle is complete. Time from match to cycle can be a lot faster with frozen since the screening – which is what takes the most time – is already completed. If you’re looking to transfer embryos ASAP, matching with a frozen donor can help make that happen.
Added certainty
Because a frozen donor has completed most or all of her medical screening in advance of matching, it brings a little more certainty to the process. With screening results in hand, you’ll have more certainty over whether a donor is the right fit for your family building goals from the outset which can help alleviate some of the speed bumps or heartaches that may come with a fresh donation journey. Every frozen match is also guaranteed to have a minimum of at least 6 frozen eggs.
Generous guarantee
The pricing model of the frozen program allows us to put our Baby Guarantee on the entire cost of the match. Whereas traditional egg banks may offer a blastocyst guarantee, we offer a live birth guarantee. If the frozen eggs that you receive do not lead to a live birth, we’ll replace those with an equivalent number of eggs for $0. You don’t have to pay for any screening or retrieval fees again.
Finding the right donor
Ultimately, the most important thing is that you feel great about the donor who you match with. If you’re open to either journey, it might just be a question of finding the right donor and then accommodating whichever program she’s in.
Our Baby Guarantee
We’re truly committed to helping families grow — that’s why we’ve built one of the most parent-friendly programs out there, inclusive of our Baby Guarantee.
As highlighted above, Cofertility’s signature Baby Guarantee goes above and beyond what traditional egg banks offer. If, for any reason outside your control, the frozen eggs that you receive do not lead to a live birth, we’ll rematch you with a new donor with an equivalent number of eggs at no additional cost. That means all of the medical expenses of the second cycle are covered and the only costs you’d need to pay are the additional fertilization expenses at the clinic.
If you rematch with a donor who has more frozen eggs available, you will be responsible for covering the difference in cost.
If you prefer to rematch with a donor in the fresh program, we would refund the medical expenses and put your Cofertility Coordination Fee toward a new match. You would be responsible for the administrative and medical costs associated with her fresh donation cycle.
How it works
We understand how daunting the process of looking for an egg donor can be. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that the process of finding your perfect match is as straightforward and as positive of an experience as possible. If you are interested in matching with a donor participating in our frozen egg donation program, here’s how the process works:
- Create a free account: Simply answer a few questions about what you’re looking for to get immediate access to our donor matching platform. From there, you’ll be able to view profiles for the hundreds of donors that are available to match with families like yours. Donors participating in our frozen program will have a note in the “About this donor” section of their profile.
- Find your match: When you find a donor with whom you’d like to match. Just press the “hold this match” button at the top of her profile. From there, you’ll be directed to pay your $500 match deposit, which will immediately remove the donor from the platform so no other intended parents can match with her while we confirm details with all parties.
- Match kickoff: Shortly after you place a hold on a match, you’ll be assigned a dedicated member advocate you will be with you through the process end-to-end. Your Member Advocate will reach out to set up a kickoff call, during which you’ll go over the details of the process and confirm your match preferences.
- Donor screening and retrieval: When you match with a donor in our frozen egg donation program, the donor’s screening and retrieval is either complete or well underway.
- The split and embryo creation: On the day of the donor’s retrieval, the mature egg yield is split into two even cohorts (if there is an odd number of eggs retrieved, the “extra” egg will be in the donated half). Both the eggs that the donor keeps and the ones that she donates will be immediately frozen and stored. The donated portion of the eggs will be stored at our clinic partner where the retrieval is done and can be shipped to your clinic or thawed and fertilized on site..
The number of eggs that you receive will vary based on the donor’s cycle outcomes and the total cost of each match varies based on the number of frozen eggs included. Some donors in our frozen egg donation program will have already cycled and the outcomes will be known, while others may not have completed their cycle just yet and there will be some uncertainty around the number of eggs that she’ll retrieve.
What happens next is entirely up to you. You can ship frozen eggs to your clinic, where they’ll be thawed and fertilized. You can also work with the clinic where the retrieval took place, thawing the eggs and creating embryos onsite. Some intended parents choose to complete PGT testing on their embryos prior to implantation, while others may not. Some intended parents plan to carry the pregnancy themselves, while others are working with a gestational carrier. In any case, we’re passionate about creating an egg donation experience that is anything but transactional, and we are here to help make the process as seamless as possible — from embryo creation, to pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
Pricing
With the frozen program, you’ll pay a single lump sum fee that covers all of the costs involved in the donor’s retrieval cycle. This includes:
- Cofertility’s Coordination Fee
- All expenses associated the donor’s screening
- All expenses associated with the donor’s medication and retrieval
The number of eggs that you receive will vary based on the donor’s cycle outcomes and the total cost of each match varies based on the number of frozen eggs included. To preserve the integrity of our split model, you will be required to keep the entire cohort of donated eggs, which can be between 6 and 16 frozen eggs. The full cost breakdown can be found on our pricing page.
Conclusion
At Cofertility, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to growing your family with donor eggs. We’re proud to offer our unique no-cash compensation egg sharing model for both fresh and frozen donation to give intended parents as many paths as possible to grow their families. To create a free account and get instant access to our donor matching platform, click here. We can’t wait to be part of your journey.
An Intended Parents Guide to Fresh Egg Donation with Cofertility
Everything you need to know about matching with a donor in Cofertility's fresh egg donation program, including the donation, screening, and retrieval process.
At Cofertility, we believe that everyone deserves the ability to build the family of their dreams. Part of this is ensuring intended parents have access to different options for working with an egg donor, including both fresh and frozen egg donation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about working with a donor in our fresh program.
If you’re interested in learning more about our options for frozen egg donation, click here.
An overview of fresh egg donation
Our unique egg sharing model provides intended parents with an alternative to cash compensation for egg donation. At Cofertility, our donors always go through a split cycle in which she keeps half of the eggs retrieved for her own future family planning and donates half to your family.
The key difference between fresh and frozen egg donation with Cofertility is the point at which the donor completes her screening and egg retrieval. With fresh egg donation, the screening and retrieval process is started after you match with the donor.
Rest assured, we complete preliminary screening for donors prior to listing them on our platform, so all donors have been pre-qualified to move forward with egg donation per ASRM, FDA, and standard egg donation guidelines. Initial screening includes:
- Confirming the donor's age is within ASRM guidelines. All donors on our matching platform are 21-33 years old.
- Reviewing the donor’s personal medical history, including lifestyle, chronic conditions, mental health, and reproductive health, in line with ASRM, FDA, and standard egg donation guidelines.
- Reviewing the donor’s biological family’s medical history, inclusive of evidence of genetic disorders, cancer history, and other conditions and illnesses, in line with ASRM, FDA, and standard guidelines.
- Collecting and reviewing past egg donation history with outcomes, if applicable.
- AMH testing via blood draw. All Cofertility donors are required to have an AMH level of 2.0 or higher.
Upon confirming a mutual match between you and the donor, additional screening will be initiated to include:
- Antral follicle count (AFC) assessment
- General health examination
- Genetic carrier screening
- Psychological screening
Once the donor completes the necessary screening and receives your doctor’s approval to move forward as a donor, you’ll enter into a legal agreement directly with the donor. From there, the egg retrieval process will begin.
Considerations for fresh egg donation
Both fresh or frozen egg donation can be great options, depending on your individual goals and what you’re looking for at this point in time. There are several reasons intended parents may choose to pursue fresh egg donation with Cofertility.
Embryo creation
One of the main perks of fresh egg donation is that embryos can be created immediately upon retrieval, rather than being created from previously-frozen eggs. This could potentially lead to more healthy embryos being successfully created, since the thawing process can lead to a loss of some eggs.
Local cycles
Additionally, working with a donor in our fresh program allows for the opportunity to have the donor cycle at your clinic, potentially even with your doctor. If you have already established a great relationship with your doctor and their team, this can ensure continuity throughout the entire process.
Meeting the donor pre-retrieval
While both programs allow you to meet with the donor (and both allow for disclosed or undisclosed donations), with fresh egg donation, you can meet with the donor in advance of her completing her retrieval cycle.
Finding the right donor
Ultimately, the most important thing is that you feel great about the donor who you match with. If you’re open to either journey, it might just be a question of finding the right donor and then accommodating whichever program she’s in.
Our Baby Guarantee
We’re truly committed to helping families grow — that’s why we’ve built one of the most parent-friendly programs out there, inclusive of our Baby Guarantee.
While some agencies require you to pay extra to guarantee a set number of embryos, Cofertility’s Baby Guarantee is built into our fees upfront. That means from the second you place a hold on a match, you're covered by this guarantee, which states that if anything happens during the process that prevents you from bringing your baby home, we will re-match you for free, as many times as it takes.
What does this mean, exactly? If you match with a donor who doesn’t pass screening, we’ll rematch you. If the donor’s egg retrieval does not result in any mature eggs, we’ll rematch you. If no healthy embryos are created, we’ll rematch you. If no embryos result in a live birth, we’ll rematch you. In other words, we’re in this together, and we’re committed to helping your family grow.
How it works
We understand how daunting the process of looking for an egg donor can be. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that the process of finding your perfect match is as straightforward and as positive of an experience as possible. If you are interested in matching with a donor participating in our fresh egg donation program, here’s how the process works:
- Create a free account: Simply answer a few questions about what you’re looking for to get immediate access to our donor matching platform at no cost. From there, you’ll be able to view profiles for the hundreds of donors that are available to match with families like yours. All donors listed on our platform are available for fresh donation unless noted otherwise in the “About this donor” section of her profile.
- Find your match: When you find a donor with whom you’d like to match. Just press the “hold this match” button at the top of her profile. From there, you’ll be directed to pay your $500 match deposit, which will immediately remove the donor from the platform so no other intended parents can match with her while we confirm details with all parties.
At any time, you can also schedule a free consultation with a member of our team so that we can help you find your match.
- Mutual match confirmation: Shortly after you place a hold on a match, you’ll be assigned a dedicated Member Advocate who will be with you through the process end-to-end. Your Member Advocate will reach out to set up a kickoff call, during which you’ll go over the details of the process and confirm your match preferences. At the same time, the donor will go through the same process, to ensure a mutual match all around.
Additionally, if both parties are interested, we can facilitate a virtual or in-person meeting between you and your donor. This can be done on- or off- camera and with or without names revealed, in order to accommodate both disclosed and undisclosed matches.
- Donor screening and retrieval: Once the match is confirmed by you and the donor, we’ll get started on coordinating the donor’s in-person screening. This can be done either at your clinic (you’ll be responsible for paying for the donor’s travel expenses) or at a clinic local to the donor. Once all screening results are in and we receive approval from your doctor, you’ll work with an attorney who will draft a legal agreement between you and the donor. Once there’s legal clearance, the donor’s retrieval cycle will be scheduled.
- The split and embryo creation: On the day of the donor’s retrieval, the mature egg yield will be split evenly between both parties (if there is an odd number of eggs retrieved, you will receive the “extra” egg). The donor’s portion of the eggs retrieved will be immediately frozen and put into long term storage. Most intended parents choose to create embryos immediately upon retrieval, but you’ll also have the option to freeze unfertilized eggs, if preferred.
Post-embryo creation, what happens next is entirely up to you. Some intended parents opt to complete a fresh embryo transfer, while others may decide to freeze and store embryos for later use. Some intended parents choose to complete PGT testing on their embryos prior to implantation, while others may not. Some intended parents plan to carry the pregnancy themselves, while others are working with a gestational carrier. In any case, we’re passionate about creating an egg donation experience that is anything but transactional, and we are here to help make the process as seamless as possible — from embryo creation, to pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
Pricing
With a fresh cycle, you can expect to pay the match deposit, Cofertility’s Coordination Fee, and a range of expenses to various third parties involved in the process, including lawyers, genetic counselors, and your clinic. We break this down in more detail on our pricing page.
Conclusion
At Cofertility, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to growing your family with donor eggs. We’re proud to offer our unique no-cash compensation egg sharing model for both fresh and frozen donation to give intended parents as many paths as possible to grow their families. To create a free account and get instant access to our donor matching platform, click here. We can’t wait to be part of your journey.
Working with an American Egg Donor as an International Intended Parent
The United States has become a popular destination for international intended parents seeking egg donation services, thanks to its advanced reproductive technologies and comprehensive donor screening processes.In this article, we'll explore the advantages of working with American egg donors and guide you through the process as an international intended parent. We'll cover everything from matching with a donor to understanding additional considerations unique to your situation.
For many international intended parents, working with an American egg donor offers a path to parenthood that combines high medical standards, a diverse donor pool, and well-established legal protections. If you're considering this route, you're not alone. The United States has become a popular destination for international intended parents seeking egg donation services, thanks to its advanced reproductive technologies and comprehensive donor screening processes.
In this article, we'll explore the advantages of working with American egg donors and guide you through the process as an international intended parent. We'll cover everything from matching with a donor to understanding additional considerations unique to your situation.
Advantages of working with an American egg donor agency
Choosing to work with an American egg donor comes with several benefits:
- High medical standards: The U.S. has some of the world's most advanced fertility clinics and stringent medical regulations, ensuring high-quality care throughout the process.
- Diverse donor pool: America's large and multicultural population means you're more likely to find a donor who matches your family, whether that's in terms of ethnicity or personality.
- Comprehensive screening: U.S. agencies like Cofertility typically conduct thorough genetic and medical screenings of potential donors, providing you with detailed health information.
- Legal protections: The U.S. has well-established legal processes for egg donation, offering clear protections for all parties involved.
Understanding the process
Timeline: The egg donation process can take several months from start to finish. This includes time for matching with a donor, medical screenings, legal processes, and the actual medical procedures.
Matching with a Cofertility donor: At Cofertility, we offer two primary options for egg donation: fresh egg donation and frozen egg donation.
Fresh cycle donation: If you match with a donor who is undergoing a fresh cycle, you'll need to work with a U.S.-based fertility clinic. While you don't have to reside in the U.S., you'll need to establish care with the clinic and provide a sperm sample, which may require an in-person visit. Cofertility can help you select a clinic in a city you're likely to visit or where your chosen donor is based, minimizing travel for all parties.
Frozen egg donation: If you match with a donor whose eggs are already frozen, her retrieval would have taken place in the US but these eggs may be able to be shipped to your home clinic, potentially eliminating the need for you to travel to the U.S. Note that countries have varying laws around accepting frozen eggs - we share more on this below.
All Cofertility donors undergo comprehensive medical clearance before donation, and our services come with our Baby Guarantee, providing additional peace of mind for intended parents.
Disclosed vs. undisclosed relationships: You'll have the option to choose the type of donor relationship that works best for your family. In a disclosed arrangement, you and the donor may share identifying information and potentially maintain contact. An undisclosed arrangement means that there are no names or contact information exchanged between the two parties.
Parentage and citizenship considerations
While we can't provide specific legal advice, it's important to consult with a lawyer experienced in international reproductive law. They can guide you on issues of legal parentage and potential citizenship considerations for your child, especially if you're also working with a surrogate.
Laws vary significantly between countries, and it's essential to understand how your home country's laws interact with U.S. laws regarding egg donation and parentage. Some countries may require additional steps to recognize you as the legal parent or to grant citizenship to a child born through egg donation.
Shipping eggs or embryos abroad
If you're planning to use the donated eggs or resulting embryos in your home country, you'll need to consider the logistics and legalities of international shipping.
Eggs and embryos are routinely shipped internationally. They can survive in specially designed tanks for over a week, making intercontinental transport feasible. You’ll want to work with a reputable shipping company that specializes in transporting genetic material. These companies understand the delicate nature of the cargo and the strict temperature controls required.
The ability to import eggs or embryos varies by country. Some nations have strict regulations or even prohibitions on importing genetic material. For instance, countries like India and Turkey require special permission from their respective Ministries of Health to import genetic materials. Research your country's specific laws or consult with a local fertility clinic familiar with international cases.
You’ll also want to ensure that your home clinic is equipped to receive and work with shipped eggs or embryos. They should have experience with international cases and be familiar with the protocols for handling shipped genetic material.
How much does it cost to match with a U.S.-based egg donor?
Working with an American egg donor may involve higher costs compared to some other countries. However, many intended parents find the advantages outweigh the additional expense. Be prepared for:
- Agency fees
- Medical procedure costs
- Legal fees
- Potential travel expenses
- International shipping costs (if applicable)
- Donor compensation (with everyone except Cofertility!)
If you work with Cofertility, you won’t have to pay donor compensation. Our unique egg sharing model means donors aren’t doing it for cash – they keep half the eggs retrieved for their own future use, and donate half to your family. This empowers egg donors to take control of their own reproductive health while giving you the gift of a lifetime.
Visit our pricing page to learn more about costs.
Summing it up
Working with an American egg donor as an international intended parent offers many advantages, from high medical standards to a more diverse donor pool. While the process involves unique considerations around legal issues, logistics, and cultural differences, with proper planning and support, it can be a rewarding path to parenthood.
At Cofertility, we're committed to supporting international intended parents throughout their journey. Our team understands the unique challenges you face and is here to provide guidance, support, and access to our thoroughly screened egg donors.
Remember, every family-building journey is unique. By choosing to work with an American egg donor, you're taking a significant step towards realizing your dreams of parenthood. With careful planning, open communication, and the right support team, you can navigate this process successfully, no matter where in the world you call home.
Will My Donor Conceived Child Want To Meet Their Egg Donor?
As parents who have chosen to build their family through egg donation, one question that may linger in your mind is whether your child will one day want to meet the egg donor that made their birth possible. Understanding the range of experiences and feelings donor-conceived individuals often have can help you prepare for this possibility and be the best parent possible!
As parents who have chosen to build their family through egg donation, one question that may linger in your mind is whether your child will one day want to meet the egg donor that made their birth possible. The answer is maybe. Some donor-conceived people do want to meet the egg donor, some want to just know more about them, and others simply do not care to know them at all. Understanding the range of experiences and feelings donor-conceived individuals often have can help you prepare for this possibility and be the best parent possible!
The curiosity factor
It's natural for donor-conceived individuals to be curious about their genetic origins. This curiosity doesn't necessarily reflect dissatisfaction with their family life or a lack of connection with their parents. Rather, it's often driven by a desire to understand more about their biological background, medical history, or simply to put a face to the person who played a role in their existence.
Think about it this way: some people are really interested in genealogy. They want to know where their ancestors are from, and spend lots of time and money mapping their family tree, while others simply could care less. Donor-conceived individuals are the same way. Some want to know as much as possible about their genetic origins, and others less so.
Research on donor-conceived individuals
Studies have shown that many donor-conceived individuals do express interest in learning about or meeting their donors. However, these studies may have some response bias as they tend to use donor registries to collect responses. Donor registries are optional registries used by donor-conceived people to find out their genetic heritage and to find half-siblings from the same egg or sperm donor. If someone is on a registry, then they have already expressed interest in learning more about their genetic origins.
These studies also tend to focus on donor-conceived children via sperm donation. It’s unclear how the experiences of individuals born from sperm donation differ from those born via egg donation.
One such study looked at survey responses from individuals recruited from the Donor Sibling Registry (DSR). Of the 165 donor offspring who completed the survey, 15% were searching for their donor siblings, 13% were searching for their donor, and 64% were searching for both. Those who had found out about their donor conception after age 18 were more likely to be searching for medical reasons, whereas those who had found out before age 18 tended to be searching out of curiosity.
When asked why they were searching for their donor, 89% of respondents stated a curiosity about the characteristics of the donor. 71% wanted to meet the donor, but notably 0 stated a desire to form a relationship. Other common reasons included a better understanding of their ancestral history (79%), medical reasons (54%), and “to have a better understanding of why I am who I am” (75%)
Factors influencing a child's interest
Several factors can influence whether and how much a donor-conceived child wants to know about or meet their donor:
- Age of disclosure: Children who learn about their donor conception at a young age often process this information more easily than those who find out later in life.
- Family dynamics: Open communication and a supportive family environment can help children feel more secure in exploring their feelings about their donor.
- Individual personality: Some individuals are naturally more curious about their origins than others.
- Access to information: The amount of information available about the donor can impact a child's desire to know more.
- Cultural and societal attitudes: Changing perspectives on donor conception and family structures can influence how donor-conceived individuals view their situation.
We always encourage families to be open with their children about their biological roots. Experts suggest normalizing the conversation from a young age, to remove any shame.
Read more in How to Talk to Your Donor-Conceived Child About Their Conception Story
Supporting your child
If your child grows up and expresses to you that they would like to know more about their egg donor, that means you’ve done a great job giving them a safe space to explore who they are. We know mothers via egg donation are great moms. In fact, one study found that children in egg donation families viewed their relationships with their mothers as significantly higher in warmth and enjoyment than did children in the control group of IVF families.
While you can't predict whether your child will want to meet their donor, you can prepare for this possibility:
- Open communication: Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their feelings about their donor conception.
- Early disclosure: Experts recommend telling children about their donor conception from an early age, making it a natural part of their story.
- Gather information: Collect as much information about the donor as possible, which you can share with your child as they grow older.
- Respect your child's feelings: If your child expresses interest in their donor, acknowledge and validate their feelings, even if they differ from your own.
- Seek support: Consider joining support groups for families formed through egg donation. These can provide valuable insights and resources.
As a parent, you might experience a range of emotions if your child expresses interest in their donor. It's normal to feel a mix of curiosity, anxiety, or even jealousy. Remember that your child's interest in their donor doesn't diminish their love for you or your role as their parent. It's simply part of their journey of self-discovery.
Summing it up
The question of whether your donor-conceived child will want to meet their egg donor is one that only time can answer. What's most important is creating an environment of openness, honesty, and support, where your child feels free to explore their feelings and ask questions as they grow.
Remember, your child's interest in their donor doesn't diminish their connection to you as their parent. It's simply another aspect of their identity and personal history. By approaching this possibility with understanding and preparation, you can help your child navigate their feelings about their donor conception in a healthy way.
Ultimately, every donor-conceived person's journey is unique. Some may have a strong desire to meet their donor, others may be content with the information they have, and still others may have little interest in exploring this aspect of their background. What matters most is that they feel loved, supported, and secure in their family, regardless of how their family was formed.
At Cofertility, we're committed to supporting families throughout their egg donation journey. Whether you're just starting to consider egg donation or you're navigating life as a parent of a donor-conceived child, we're here to provide resources, support, and a community of families who understand your experience.
Read more:
So You Were Diagnosed With Diminished Ovarian Reserve: What Now?
Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) is a condition that affects many women, often catching them off guard as they embark on their journey to parenthood. While receiving a DOR diagnosis can be challenging, understanding the condition is the first step in navigating your reproductive options. This article aims to demystify DOR, explore its prevalence, discuss the chances of conception, and outline the available options for those diagnosed with this condition.
Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR) is a condition that affects many women, often catching them off guard as they embark on their journey to parenthood. While receiving a DOR diagnosis can be challenging, understanding the condition is the first step in navigating your reproductive options. This article aims to demystify DOR, explore its prevalence, discuss the chances of conception, and outline the available options for those diagnosed with this condition.
What is diminished ovarian reserve (DOR?)
Diminished ovarian reserve refers to a reduction in the quantity of your remaining eggs. Every female is born with all the eggs she'll ever have, and this number naturally declines with age. However, some experience a faster decline than expected for their age, leading to a diagnosis of DOR.
DOR is not the same as infertility. While it can make conception more challenging, it doesn't necessarily mean pregnancy is impossible. Instead, think of DOR as a warning sign that your reproductive window may be shorter than anticipated. The sooner you get a DOR diagnosis. The sooner you can begin to explore your reproductive options, including treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg freezing, and potentially increase your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
How common is diminished ovarian reserve?
The prevalence of DOR increases with age, but it can affect women of all ages. According to one study, approximately 10% of women seeking fertility treatment are diagnosed with DOR. However, this number may not accurately represent the general population, as many women with DOR may not seek fertility treatment or may remain undiagnosed.
Age is the most significant risk factor for DOR. As women approach their late 30s and early 40s, the likelihood of experiencing DOR increases significantly. However, DOR can also occur in younger women too, sometimes due to genetic factors, medical treatments like chemotherapy, or unknown causes.
Some lifestyle factors have also been known to contribute to a diminished ovarian reserve. Smoking is one of the most significant factors, as a history of heavy smoking can accelerate the loss of eggs and may lead to earlier menopause.
Diagnosing diminished ovarian reserve
Diagnosis of DOR typically involves a combination of blood tests and ultrasound imaging. The most common blood tests measure levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). High FSH levels or low AMH levels can indicate DOR. Additionally, an ultrasound to count antral follicles (small follicles in the ovaries) can provide further insight into ovarian reserve.
It's worth noting that these tests provide a snapshot of your current ovarian reserve, not a prediction of your ability to conceive. A low ovarian reserve doesn't necessarily mean you can't get pregnant, just as a high reserve doesn't guarantee conception.
Chances of getting pregnant with diminished ovarian reserve
The probability of achieving pregnancy without assistance (meaning “the old fashioned way”) when diagnosed with DOR varies widely depending on individual factors, including age, the severity of the condition, and overall health. A study published in JAMA found that women aged 30-44 with low AMH (an indicator of DOR) did not have a significantly different probability of conceiving after six months of trying.
However, these statistics don't tell the whole story. Some women with DOR do conceive unassisted, while others may require IVF or donor egg IVF. Every woman's fertility journey is unique, and statistics can't predict individual outcomes.
Options for women diagnosed with DOR
If you are facing infertility due to DOR or other reasons, the good news is that there are options. Here are some paths you might consider:
- Fertility treatments
For women with DOR who wish to conceive using their own eggs, fertility treatments can potentially improve the chances of pregnancy. These may include:
- Ovulation Induction: Medications to stimulate egg production
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): A procedure where sperm is placed directly into the uterus
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A process where eggs are fertilized outside the body and then transferred to the uterus
It's worth noting that success rates for these treatments may be lower in women with DOR compared to those with normal ovarian reserve. A fertility doctor can give you a better idea of your chances of success based on your unique health history.
- Egg donation
For some women with DOR, using donor eggs may offer the best chance of achieving pregnancy. This option allows for the experience of pregnancy and childbirth, even if the child isn't genetically related to the mother. Success rates with egg donation are generally higher than when using your own eggs
- Adoption
Adoption is another path to parenthood for those diagnosed with DOR. While it doesn't involve a genetic connection or the experience of pregnancy, it offers the opportunity to provide a loving home to a child in need.
Conclusion
DOR is a challenging diagnosis, but it doesn't have to mean the end of your dreams of parenthood. By understanding your condition, exploring your options, and working closely with healthcare providers, you can make informed decisions about your fertility journey.
Remember, DOR is a medical condition, not a personal failing. It's okay to feel frustrated, sad, or anxious about this diagnosis. Many women find it helpful to seek emotional support, whether through counseling, support groups, or open conversations with loved ones.
Ultimately, the path you choose will depend on your personal circumstances, values, and goals. Whether you decide to pursue fertility treatments, consider egg donation, explore adoption, or take a different route entirely, know that there are multiple ways to build a family and experience the joys of parenthood.
Your fertility journey may not look exactly as you imagined, but with perseverance, support, and the right medical guidance, you can navigate the challenges of DOR and move forward with hope and determination.
Find an amazing egg donor at Cofertility
At Cofertility, our program is unique. After meeting with hundreds of intended parents, egg donors, and donor-conceived people, we decided on an egg donation model that we think best serves everyone involved: egg sharing.
Here’s how it works: our unique model empowers women to take control of their own reproductive health while giving you the gift of a lifetime. Our donors aren’t doing it for cash – they keep half the eggs retrieved for their own future use, and donate half to your family.
We aim to be the best egg-sharing program, providing an experience that honors, respects, and uplifts everyone involved. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Human-centered. We didn’t like the status quo in egg donation. So we’re doing things differently, starting with our human-centered matching platform.
- Donor empowerment. Our model empowers donors to preserve their own fertility, while lifting you up on your own journey. It’s a win-win.
- Diversity: We’re proud of the fact that the donors on our platform are as diverse as the intended parents seeking to match with them. We work with intended parents to understand their own cultural values — including regional nuances — in hopes of finding them the perfect match.
- Baby guarantee. We truly want to help you bring your baby home, and we will re-match you for free until that happens.
- Lifetime support: Historically, other egg donation options have treated egg donor matching as a one-and-done experience. Beyond matching, beyond a pregnancy, beyond a birth…we believe in supporting the donor-conceived family for life. Our resources and education provide intended parents with the guidance they need to raise happy, healthy kids and celebrate their origin stories.
We are obsessed with improving the family-building journey — today or in the future — and are in an endless pursuit to make these experiences more positive. Create a free account to get started today!
Does It Matter If Your Egg Donor Is a Different Ethnicity or Race? A Guide for Intended Parents
If you are pursuing parenthood via donor egg IVF, you may find yourself drawn to a donor who shares many of your qualities but differs in one significant aspect: ethnicity or race. This scenario, known as transracial egg donation, is actually quite common. While expanding your egg donor search beyond your own race opens up more possibilities for family building, it also comes with unique considerations and responsibilities. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this scenario.
If you are pursuing parenthood via donor egg IVF, you may find yourself drawn to a donor who shares many of your qualities but differs in one significant aspect: ethnicity or race. This scenario, known as transracial egg donation, is actually quite common. While expanding your egg donor search beyond your own race opens up more possibilities for family building, it also comes with unique considerations and responsibilities. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this scenario.
There are many reasons why intended parents might consider a donor of a different race or ethnicity. For some, it's a matter of limited options— they may struggle to find a donor who matches their specific ethnic background. While Cofertility’s donors represent over 55 ethnicities, this has historically been the case for intended parents from minority ethnic groups or those with mixed racial heritage. Others may simply feel a strong connection to a particular donor based on her personality, achievements, or values, finding that race becomes a secondary consideration.
However, parents who choose this path must be prepared to navigate discussions about identity, cultural heritage, and societal perceptions. By approaching these challenges with openness, education, and a commitment to celebrating diversity, families created through transracial egg donation can thrive and contribute to a more inclusive society.
Considerations for intended parents
As you consider matching with an egg donor, here are some things to think about as it comes to race and ethnicity.
- Family resemblance
One of the primary considerations in selecting a donor who doesn’t look like you is that it may result in a family where the differences in appearance between parents and children are noticeable to others. This visibility can lead to increased attention, questions, and sometimes unwelcome comments from strangers or even well-meaning friends and family. Some parents don’t mind this at all, whereas others prefer to match with a donor that increases the chances of family resemblance (remember, even in families where the child is genetically related to each parent, they can look nothing like their family).
You’ll want to prepare yourself for these situations and develop strategies to address them in a way that affirms your child's identity and your family structure. Many parents find that open, age-appropriate communication about their family's story from an early age helps children navigate these situations with confidence.
- Identity and cultural connection
Children born through donor eggs from an egg donor of a different race or ethnicity may grow up with questions about their genetic roots that differ from yours. Some are simply curious while others might struggle with aspects of their identity or feel a disconnect from their genetic heritage. As parents, you’ll want to proactively address these potential challenges.
Experts recommend talking about race and cultural diversity from day one. Make it a priority to expose your child to their genetic culture, even if it's not your own. This might involve learning about and celebrating cultural traditions, reading books that reflect your child's heritage, or seeking out community events that connect with their background.
- Diverse social circles
If you do match with a donor of a different race or heritage, it's beneficial to ensure that your social circles reflect the diversity of your family. Seek out opportunities to interact with people from various cultural backgrounds, particularly those that reflect your child's genetic heritage. This exposure can help your child feel a sense of belonging and see positive representations of their racial or ethnic background.
Consider joining support groups or social networks for multiracial families or families formed through adoption or egg donation across racial lines. These communities can provide valuable support, shared experiences, and opportunities for your child to connect with others in similar family structures.
- Education and self-reflection
Before proceeding, it's important to educate yourself about race, racism, and the experiences of people from different racial or ethnic backgrounds. This might involve reading books, attending workshops, or seeking guidance from professionals experienced in multiracial family building.
Engage in honest self-reflection about your own biases, privileges, and attitudes towards race. Consider how prepared you feel to parent a child of a different race and what additional resources or support you might need.
- Lifelong commitment
Choosing a donor of a different race or ethnicity is a lifelong commitment to honoring and supporting your child's full identity. This means being prepared to have ongoing conversations about race, identity, and family structure throughout your child's life.
It also involves being an advocate for your child in various settings, from schools to social situations. You may need to address racism or microaggressions directed at your child and help them develop strategies to navigate these challenges.
- Openness and honesty
Experts in the field of third-party reproduction consistently emphasize the importance of openness and honesty with children about their origins. In the case of transracial or cross-cultural egg donation, this openness extends to discussions about race, ethnicity, and genetic heritage.
Consider how and when you'll share information about your child's genetic origins. Many families find that introducing these concepts early and naturally, as part of ongoing family conversations, helps children integrate this information into their sense of self more easily.
Summing it up
Egg donation can be a beautiful way to build your family. However, it's a path that requires careful thought, preparation, and a lifelong commitment to supporting your child's full identity.
As you consider this option, take time to reflect on your motivations, educate yourself about the potential challenges, and seek support from professionals and communities experienced in multiracial family building. Remember that every family's journey is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue egg donation is yours alone. By approaching it with openness, education, and a commitment to honoring your child's full identity, you can create a loving, supportive environment for your child to thrive. Your family's story will be uniquely beautiful, woven with threads of diversity, love, and the shared experiences that bind you together.
Understanding Genetics and Egg Donation: A Guide for Gay Dads-to-Be
For gay men embarking on the journey to fatherhood, egg donation and surrogacy offer a promising path to creating the family they've always dreamed of. This route to parenthood, while filled with excitement and hope, also comes with a unique set of considerations and decisions. Among these, the role of genetics in egg donation is a topic we’re often asked about. Whether you're just starting to explore your options or you're further along in the process, this guide will offer valuable insights to help you make informed decisions as you take this exciting step towards fatherhood.
For gay men embarking on the journey to fatherhood, egg donation and surrogacy offer a promising path to creating the family they've always dreamed of. This route to parenthood, while filled with excitement and hope, also comes with a unique set of considerations and decisions. Among these, the role of genetics in egg donation is a topic we’re often asked about.
Many prospective gay dads find themselves grappling with questions about genetic inheritance, donor matching, and the biological connections that will shape their future child. This article aims to demystify these genetic factors, providing a comprehensive guide to understanding the role of DNA in egg donation. By breaking down the science into accessible terms and exploring the practical implications, we hope to equip prospective gay dads with the knowledge they need to navigate this journey with confidence.
Whether you're just starting to explore your options or you're further along in the process, this guide will offer valuable insights to help you make informed decisions as you take this exciting step towards fatherhood.
Understanding genetics in reproduction
Genetics plays a big role in human reproduction, influencing everything from physical traits to predispositions for certain health conditions. Each biological parent contributes 50% of their genetic material to their offspring, resulting in a unique combination that determines the child's characteristics.
During the reproductive process, an egg and sperm each contribute 23 chromosomes, forming a complete set of 46 chromosomes in the resulting embryo. These chromosomes carry thousands of genes that influence traits such as eye color, height, and even aspects of personality and intelligence.
In third-party reproduction, genetic material or gestational services from a third party, someone who is not the intended parent, is utilized to have a baby. This broadens the possibilities for those who may not be able to conceive using their own gametes (eggs and sperm) or carry a pregnancy themselves. If donor eggs are used, as is the case with gay dads, then the child will share DNA with the egg donor.
While genetics play a significant role, environmental factors also contribute to a child's development. The interplay between genetics and environment, known as epigenetics, is a growing field of study that highlights the complexity of human development.
Using donor eggs
For gay male couples, creating a family often involves using donor eggs and a surrogate. The egg donation process typically begins with selecting a donor, followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF) where the donor's eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm from one (or both!) of the intended fathers.
At Cofertility, the egg donor selection process is thoughtful and comprehensive. Potential donors undergo rigorous screening, including genetic, medical, and psychological evaluations. Intended parents can review detailed profiles of donors on our website, which include information about physical characteristics, medical history, educational background, and personal interests.
Once your family matches with a donor, her eggs are retrieved and fertilized in a laboratory setting. Or, if you match with an egg donor who has already frozen her eggs, the eggs will be shipped to your fertility clinic. The resulting embryos are then transferred to a surrogate who will carry the pregnancy to term. This process allows gay couples to have a child who is genetically related to one of the fathers.
Read more in Gay Men Having Babies: Four Genetic Options with Donor Eggs
The genetic influence of the egg donor
The egg donor contributes half of the genetic material to the child, influencing many physical and potentially some behavioral traits. This genetic contribution means that the choice of egg donor can have a significant impact on the future child's characteristics.
When selecting an egg donor, intended parents often consider factors ranging from physical appearance to health history, ethnicity, and even talents. If one intended father is providing the sperm, some couples may seek a donor who shares similar traits to the non-biologically related father to create a sense of physical connection with both parents.
Genetic screening is a required part of the egg donation process. Donors undergo genetic testing to identify whether they are carriers for any potential hereditary conditions. This screening helps minimize the risk of passing on any genetic disorders to the child.
Balancing genetic and non-genetic factors in donor selection
While genetics are important, they're not the only factor to consider when choosing an egg donor. Non-genetic aspects such as the donor's personality, values, and life experiences can also be significant. Some intended parents find comfort in choosing a donor whose personal qualities align with their own.
It's also important to remember that while genetics influence many traits, they don't determine everything about a person. Environmental factors, including parenting and life experiences, play a substantial role in shaping a child's development and personality.
We live in a world where adoption, step and foster families and blended families are the norm.
Research shows that in general, there are no differences in the bonds created between parents and children born unassisted versus those born through surrogacy or egg donation.
The psychological impact
The decision to use an egg donor can have psychological implications for both the intended parents and the future child. For the parents, it may involve coming to terms with the lack of a genetic connection for one father. It's normal to experience a range of emotions during this process, and many find it helpful to work with a mental health professional who specializes in fertility and family building.
For the child, questions of identity and genetic origins may arise as they grow older. Being open and honest about the child's conception story from an early age can help foster a healthy understanding of their unique family structure.
Read more in I'm a Fertility Psychologist. Here's What I Want You to Know About Growing Your Family Through Egg Donation
Summing it up
Understanding the role of genetics in egg donation is important for gay couples pursuing fatherhood. While genetics play a significant role in shaping a child's characteristics, it's important to remember that love, nurture, and shared experiences are equally vital in creating a family bond.
As you navigate egg donation, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We can help provide support and educational information tailored to your unique situation.
Cofertility is committed to supporting LGBTQ+ families throughout their family-building journey. We aim to make the path to parenthood as smooth as possible for gay dads-to-be. Remember, your journey to fatherhood is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Trust in your ability to make the best decisions for your future family, and embrace the exciting path ahead. Your family’s story has many authors, and science is just one of them.
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How Do You Know if an IVF Clinic's Lab is Good? Here Are 14 Questions to Ask
Choosing a fertility clinic is a significant decision. While the expertise and bedside manner of the Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI) is what most patients focus on, there's another important aspect that often remains hidden in plain sight: the IVF laboratory. Here are 14 key questions you can ask to ensure your chosen clinic has a lab that can maximize your chances of your success.
Choosing a fertility clinic is a significant decision. While the expertise and bedside manner of the Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI) is what most patients focus on, there's another important aspect that often remains hidden in plain sight: the IVF laboratory.
The lab is where your embryos will be created, nurtured, and stored – so it's essential to ensure they have the expertise, technology, and track record to optimize your chances of success.
In this article, I’ll share key questions you can ask to ensure your chosen clinic has a lab that can maximize your chances of success.
First off, why is a good IVF lab important?
Within the controlled environment of the lab, highly skilled embryologists meticulously handle your eggs, sperm, and embryos, employing cutting-edge technologies and adhering to rigorous protocols. This is where fertilization takes place, where embryos develop, and where critical decisions are made that can significantly impact your chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy.
A high-performing IVF lab will impact the chances your fertility treatment is successful. Even the most experienced and compassionate REI cannot compensate for a lab that lacks state-of-the-art equipment, meticulous protocols, or a team of highly trained embryologists.
You may never see the lab, but it still plays an enormous role. It's where your eggs and sperm are carefully prepared for fertilization, where delicate procedures like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are performed, and where your embryos are nurtured and monitored during their crucial early stages of development. The lab's environment, technology, and expertise directly influence the quality and viability of your embryos, ultimately affecting your chances of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.
By asking the right questions and understanding the key factors that contribute to a lab's success, you can ensure that your embryos are in the best possible hands, increasing your chances of achieving your dream of parenthood. So let’s take a look at some of the questions you can ask:
Embryologist qualifications and staffing:
- Education: What are the educational backgrounds of the embryologists? Ideally, they should have master's degrees or higher in reproductive science or a related field. Some states, such as New York, New Jersey, Florida, and California, have specific requirements for the laboratory director.
- Experience: How many years of experience do the embryologists have? Inquire about their specific experience with procedures relevant to your case (e.g., ICSI, PGT-A).
The lab supervisor should have documented completion of training in and performance of a minimum of 60 ART procedures under supervision with attestation from the training laboratory.
- Staffing levels: How many embryologists are on the team? The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends 2-3 embryologists at minimum for clinics with under 150 annual cycles. That number goes up to 4-5 for clinics with 301–600 annual cycles. It’s also good to ask whether the lab director is on site or not.
- Communication: How often will I receive updates on my embryos' development? Will you hear from the lab or your fertility doctor? Clear and frequent communication is helpful to feeling informed and involved in your IVF journey.
Lab technology and procedures:
- Disaster preparedness: How are the embryos stored? Every ART laboratory needs to maintain an up-to-date disaster preparedness or emergency plan which includes robust protocols for power outages or disasters, such as backup generators and alarm systems.
- Incubators: What type of incubators do you use? The most advanced labs use "desktop" incubators with 5% oxygen levels, which mimic the conditions of the fallopian tube and promote embryo development. Avoid labs that use "big box" incubators with 20% oxygen.
- Cleanliness: How often are the incubators and other equipment cleaned and maintained? Rigorous hygiene practices are essential to prevent contamination and ensure embryo health.
- Air quality: What measures are in place to control air quality within the lab? IVF labs should have specialized air filtration systems to remove particles and pollutants.
Note: Questions 6-8 are not necessary to ask if your clinic has good success rates, as you can assume they are doing the little things right. However, they could be helpful if the clinic is new or does not have known success rates.
Lab performance and outcomes
- Certification and accreditation: Is the lab certified? The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) requires its members to have an embryology laboratory that is accredited by either the College of American Pathologists (CAP) or The Joint Commission (TJC).
- Fertilization rates: What percentage of the eggs fertilize? A good lab should have a fertilization rate between 65-70%.
- Blastocyst development rate: What percentage of embryos reach the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6) in your lab? A good lab should have a 50% blastocyst rate.
- ICSI or insemination: Does the lab do 100% ICSI or do they use conventional insemination? Every clinic has their own protocol, and most are 100% ICSI.
- Success rates: Can you provide data on the clinic's IVF success rates, specifically for patients with similar characteristics to me? Ask about live birth rates, pregnancy rates, and implantation rates. You can also refer to SART.org for this data.
- Research involvement: Does the lab participate in any ongoing research or clinical trials? Participation in research can indicate a commitment to staying at the forefront of IVF technology and techniques.
The IVF lab isn't just a sterile environment filled with microscopes and petri dishes; it's the birthplace of your dreams, the silent partner working tirelessly to bring your hopes for a family to fruition. By taking the time to investigate and understand the inner workings of the lab, you empower yourself to make informed decisions about your fertility treatment.
Remember, your journey to parenthood and the choice of an IVF clinic should reflect your individual needs and priorities. Don't hesitate to ask the hard questions and seek out detailed information. A good clinic will be proud of their lab and willing to share answers to all your questions! I’m wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
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How to Find Happiness for Others When You're Struggling with Infertility
Experiencing infertility can be a rollercoaster of emotions. While you're struggling to conceive, it can be particularly difficult to share in the joy of others as they announce pregnancies or welcome new babies into the world. I’m a fertility psychologist and I have worked with countless individuals struggling with infertility. This article explores the complex emotions surrounding infertility and offers strategies for navigating this challenging terrain.
Experiencing infertility can be a rollercoaster of emotions. While you're struggling to conceive, it can be particularly difficult to share in the joy of others as they announce pregnancies or welcome new babies into the world. I’m a fertility psychologist and I have worked with countless individuals struggling with infertility. This article explores the complex emotions surrounding infertility and offers strategies for navigating this challenging terrain.
Allow Yourself to Grieve
Struggling with infertility can be an incredibly challenging and emotional experience. It can make it difficult to find joy and happiness for others, especially those who are experiencing the very thing you desire most. It's natural to feel sadness, anger, or even envy when you're struggling with infertility and are watching others around you achieve their family building goals. Acknowledging these feelings rather than suppressing them can be the first step towards healing. Give yourself permission to feel your emotions without judgment. Understand that feeling these feelings does not make you a bad person; it makes you human. It’s a natural reaction to a difficult situation.
Cultivate Self-Compassion
During this time, be aware of how you speak to yourself. It is very easy for self-criticism to show its face during difficult times. When you catch yourself, think how would I speak to a friend going through a similar situation? Would I tell them to get over it? Or that they must have done something to deserve this? Probably not. So, talk to yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would a friend in a similar situation.
Cultivating self-compassion is a helpful starting point to healing. So is engaging in self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Things like journaling, art, music, exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time in nature or with loved ones are just a few things that you can do.
Embrace Gratitude
This can be such a difficult time that it can seem impossible and maybe even annoying to focus on the positive aspects of life. But sometimes keeping a gratitude journal where you list things you're thankful for each day can help shift your focus away from what you believe you lack to what you actually have. Acknowledge and celebrate small victories in your life, even if they seem unrelated to your fertility journey. Reflect on how your experiences have shaped you and consider the personal growth that has come from facing these challenges. Even if doing some of these things shifts your mind a tiny bit, each day those tiny movements add up. Like they say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Establish Healthy Boundaries
It's important to set boundaries as this is a form of self-care and a way to protect your emotional health. Recognize what situations, conversations or people cause you the most stress and start putting up the boundaries. If attending baby showers is too painful, it's okay to not attend. But there may be times that you feel obligated to attend so you can find ways to be happy for others that feel right for you. This might mean sending a card or a gift instead of attending in person or spending time together after the event.
Seek Support and Community
Talking to others who understand what you're going through can be incredibly helpful. Consider joining a support group, where you can share your experiences and feelings with others who are facing similar challenges without fear of judgment. A professional therapist can also be beneficial in that they can provide you with tools and can offer a safe space to express your emotions in a healthy way.
Navigating infertility is a deeply personal journey. By acknowledging your feelings, practicing self-compassion, seeking support, and setting boundaries, you can begin to find happiness for others while also caring for your own emotional well-being. Remember, it's okay to prioritize your own needs and to seek help when needed. It's okay to not feel happy for others immediately. With time you can find a way to balance your own struggles with genuine happiness for others.
IVF Embryo Development by Stages
This article walks through the step-by-step processes involved in unassisted and assisted embryo development, highlighting underlying biological events, how IVF works, and the factors influencing fertilization success.
Starting with a fertilized egg, embryo development is a complex biological phenomenon that has fascinated scientists for centuries. With advances in assisted reproductive technology (ART), particularly in vitro fertilization (IVF), our understanding of embryo development has expanded dramatically — contributing to the birth of 91,771 ART-conceived babies in 2022!
This article walks through the step-by-step processes involved in unassisted and assisted embryo development, highlighting underlying biological events, how IVF works, and the factors influencing fertilization success. Let’s jump in.
It starts with the egg
Ovulation is the starting point of embryo development. It is the part of the menstrual cycle when one ovary releases a mature egg. Once it is released, the egg moves down into one of the fallopian tubes, where it can survive for about 24 hours. This can result in pregnancy if the egg gets fertilized by sperm during that time – if it doesn’t get fertilized, the egg will break down and eventually will shed along with the lining of the uterus when you have your period. This typically occurs around the 14th day in a 28-day cycle, though not for everyone. The day of ovulation varies based on cycle length, anything ranging 21 - 35 days is considered normal. Hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) play critical roles in inducing ovulation. These hormones are always in your body, but your FSH levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, typically peaking just before LH levels peak to trigger ovulation.
During an egg freezing / IVF cycle, understanding the timing of your menstrual cycle is important as it influences the scheduling of your treatment. Ovulation is carefully controlled through the administration of hormonal drugs that stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs and bring them to peak maturity. The development of these eggs is monitored through regular ultrasounds and blood tests, which are crucial to ensure the specific medication protocol you are given is personalized to you. Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved surgically under anesthesia.
Then, the eggs are fertilized
Fertilization marks a pivotal stage of embryo development. During unassisted embryo fertilization, it occurs in the fallopian tubes and begins when a sperm cell breaks through the outer layer of the egg, the zona pellucida. This penetration triggers reactions that prevent other sperm from entering the egg. Then, the nuclei of the sperm merge with the nuclei of the egg, combining their genetic material to form a zygote, the earliest stage of the embryo.
During IVF, fertilization takes place in a lab setting, using the retrieved eggs and sperm. An embryologist combines each egg with sperm, under a controlled, microscopic watch to monitor daily development. Ideally, the same response occurs as during an unassisted fertilization process. To enhance success rates, especially in cases of male factor infertility and low sperm counts, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg using a technique called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
The early embryo develops through cleavage
Once the fertilized egg has created a zygote, it then begins a series of rapid divisions in a process known as cleavage. This stage of embryo development involves the embryo splitting without growing in size, essentially forming a compact ball of cells. Cleavage is vital as it transforms the single-cell zygote into a multicellular entity, setting the foundation for further differentiation and growth. Both in unassisted conception and IVF, studies have shown the quality and speed of these divisions can be an early indicator of the embryo's health and viability.
The blastocyst forms
About five days after fertilization, the developing embryo hopefully(!) reaches the blastocyst stage. This is when the embryo is made up of two parts: a cluster of cells inside that will develop into the baby (called the inner cell mass) and a shell on the outside that will help form the placenta (called the trophoblast).
During unassisted conception, the blastocyst travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus throughout this five day period. During IVF, however, the blastocyst first develops within the lab and then is frozen. At this point, many families opt for genetic testing of the embryo.
Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) allows families to know whether embryos possess the right number of chromosomes. A “euploid” embryo is genetically healthy enough to transfer. Embryos with chromosomal additions or deletions are considered aneuploid. Mosaics are somewhere in between and we’re still learning more about their potential.
PGT-M (preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders), on the other hand, takes place if there is a specific genetic diagnosis for which both reproductive partners are carriers. This technology allows embryologists to identify embryos possessing those specific genetic abnormalities. That way, parents can choose to avoid transferring one of these embryos if it would put the future child at risk.
A healthy embryo is transferred and grows in the uterus
Your PGT results (should you choose to pursue that testing), combined with the grades given to each of your blastocyst embryos, will both factor into your and your doctor’s decision on which embryo would be best suited for transfer.
During IVF, an embryo transfer procedure is done with great care under ultrasound guidance to optimize the placement of the embryo(s) within the uterine cavity, enhancing the chances of successful implantation. The timing of this transfer is crucial and is carefully synchronized with the recipient's menstrual cycle to ensure the uterine lining is optimally receptive.
Implantation and fetal development
Ideally, the hope is that the transferred blastocyst will attach itself to the uterine wall— a process known as implantation. During implantation, the outer layer of the blastocyst, known as the trophoblast, connects itself to the uterine lining. As we mentioned, timing is everything — implantation success is influenced by the hormonal balance of the body and the receptivity of the uterine lining, which needs to be thick enough to “accept” the embryo. This will eventually grow into placenta, and will be an essential connection for the transfer of nutrients and oxygen to the embryo as it develops into a fetus and, ultimately, a baby.
The heart is the first organ to develop within an embryo — by the sixth week of pregnancy, the embryo may have developed an actual heartbeat, which can be measured on ultrasound.
Factors influencing embryo development success
Several factors affect the success of both unassisted and assisted embryo development:
- Age and quality of eggs: Older women tend to have fewer eggs, and the quality of eggs decreases with age, affecting fertilization rates and embryo development. Utilizing donor eggs can significantly improve outcomes in IVF treatments.
- Sperm quality: Parameters such as sperm count, motility, and morphology are crucial in both unassisted and assisted fertilization processes.
- Clinic and lab quality: Not all fertility clinics are created equal, and the same goes for labs. If you have not yet begun the IVF process, ask your clinic about their blastocyst development success rates (it’s key to use this language, as opposed to fertilization rate, for example) and feel free to call other local clinics and do the same.
- Embryonic development: The ability of an embryo to reach the blastocyst stage is a key indicator of its viability and potential for successful pregnancy.
A recent study examined a few reasons why embryo growth may stall — in summary, this is largely due to chromosomal fragility and abnormalities. If possible, we recommend undergoing genetic carrier screening before pursuing IVF so as to make the experience as successful as possible and ideally provide a healthy pregnancy.
Summing it up
In conclusion, the path from egg to blastocyst formation is pretty incredible and requires the completion of several successful steps even before a transfer attempt. As technological capabilities expand within the field of embryology, so too does the potential to assist those facing challenges in unassisted conception.
If you’re interested in working with an egg donor to help create embryos and start or grow your family, click here to browse our platform with tons of egg donors eager to help.
FAQs about embryo development
What percentage of fertilized embryos make it to day 5?
About one-half of fertilized embryos continue developing to become a day 5 blastocyst. When an embryo is created using donor eggs, this stat jumps to 60%.
How long does it take for an embryo to develop after IVF?
In IVF, embryos are typically cultured in the laboratory for 5-6 days to reach the blastocyst stage, which is considered optimal for transfer. However, occasionally embryos may be transferred earlier, at the cleavage stage (day 3).
Where does the embryo develop?
In unassisted conception, the embryo develops in the uterus. After fertilization, the embryo travels down the fallopian tube and reaches the uterus, where it undergoes several stages of development starting from a zygote to a blastocyst. Successful implantation into the uterine wall is essential for the continued growth and development of the embryo.
While the implantation process remains the same for an embryo’s development during IVF, the actual fertilization process for assisted conception takes place within a lab, where an embryologist combines an egg with sperm under close watch. Only once the embryo has spent 5 days developing into a blastocyst is it transferred into the recipient’s uterus, or may be frozen for a future embryo transfer cycle.
What is the first organ to develop in the embryo?
The first organ to develop in the embryo is the heart. The heart begins as a simple tube-like structure and starts beating and pumping blood by around the 22nd day after conception, which is essential for the circulation of nutrients and oxygen to the developing embryo.
When does an embryo develop a heartbeat?
An embryo typically develops a heartbeat by the end of the fifth week of pregnancy, which is about three weeks after fertilization. This milestone can often be seen during an early ultrasound scan, and is a crucial indicator of the embryo's viability.
What is preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)?
PGT is a process that screens embryos created through IVF for specific genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities. This can help increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage. Read more about PGT testing here.
Does using frozen eggs affect embryo development?
Research suggests that eggs frozen through vitrification have similar success rates to fresh eggs in IVF. However, the success rates of utilizing frozen eggs still depends on the age of the egg when it was frozen. The younger the egg(s), the greater its potential for successful fertilization and development into a healthy embryo.
Genetic Carrier Screening and Donor Egg IVF - Everything You Need to Know
Dive deeper into what carrier screening is, its significance in donor egg IVF, and the different options available.
Genetic carrier screening is an important part of family building with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), particularly donor egg IVF. It provides essential information about the genetic makeup of both donors and recipients (the person receiving the eggs), enabling them to make informed decisions about their family-building journey and increasing the chances of a healthy baby.
Carrier screening helps assess the risk of passing on inherited genetic conditions to future offspring. It empowers intended parents to understand their risks and make proactive choices about their reproductive health. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what carrier screening is, its significance in donor egg IVF, and the different options available.
What is carrier screening?
Carrier screening is a type of genetic testing that reveals whether an individual "carries" a gene linked to a particular genetic disorder. Being a carrier doesn't mean a person has the disease themselves, but they have the potential to pass the gene to their offspring. This type of screening originally emerged in the 1970s to prevent the transmission of certain diseases, focusing mainly on high-risk ethnic groups with known elevated chances of carrying specific disorders, such as Tay–Sachs disease in the Ashkenazi Jewish populations.1
Over time, carrier screening has evolved and advanced. In 2010, expanded carrier screening (ECS) emerged as a more affordable and comprehensive option2. This allows for testing hundreds of genes, not just the handful targeted in older methods. ECS is offered regardless of a person's ancestry or ethnicity, as it aims to identify carriers for a wider array of genetic conditions. The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) now recommends a standardized panel for carrier screening, including a list of 113 conditions.3
Most carrier screening today focuses on recessive disorders. These conditions only manifest when a child inherits two copies of a mutated gene, one from each parent. If only one copy is inherited, the person is considered a carrier. Carriers typically don't experience any symptoms of the disorder, or might have very mild ones, and often remain unaware of their carrier status.6
ASRM recommendations
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) strongly recommends that all egg donors be screened for cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and conditions like thalassemia and sickle cell disease.4 Additionally, screening for fragile X syndrome is recommended for donors with a family history of related disorders, and may be considered for all donors regardless of their history.
The ASRM also suggests that expanded carrier screening (ECS), which looks at a wider range of genetic conditions, should be considered, ideally using the same panel for both the egg donor and the intended parent.4 While this isn't always mandatory, it's the most effective way to assess potential risks to future children. These recommendations are meant to guide decision-making, not create rigid rules. You’ll want to talk to your fertility doctor about tailoring these recommendations to your specific situation.
How is carrier screening done?
Genetic carrier screening for both egg donors and recipients typically involves a simple blood test or saliva sample. The lab then analyzes the DNA within the sample for specific gene variants or mutations that might increase the risk of certain genetic conditions. The results are usually ready within 3-4 weeks and are discussed with a genetic counselor and/or your fertility doctor.
What does a positive carrier screen mean?
A positive result means that the person tested carries one copy of a gene mutation associated with a specific condition. Research suggests that all individuals carry at least one genetic variant that could lead to a severe recessive childhood disease. Therefore, as expanded carrier screening panels test for a greater number of genes and associated conditions, the likelihood of a positive carrier screen also increases.7
Remember, being a carrier doesn't mean you have the condition yourself. However, if both you and the donor (or your partner in the case of autologous IVF) are carriers of the same recessive condition, there is a higher risk of your child inheriting the condition.
What does a negative carrier screen mean?
A negative result means that no mutations were detected for the conditions tested. While a negative carrier screening result is reassuring, it's important to understand it doesn't completely eliminate the risk of passing on a genetic condition. Current technology allows us to test for a wide range of known genetic mutations, but it's impossible to screen for every possible one.5
Are genetic carrier screens accurate?
While carrier screening is generally reliable, it's important to understand that, like any medical test, there is a small chance of receiving inaccurate results.6
- False negative: This occurs when the test indicates a negative result, suggesting the absence of a gene variant, even though the individual is actually a carrier for the condition.
- False positive: This happens when the test indicates a positive result, indicating the presence of a gene variant, even though the individual does not actually carry it.
While false-positive results can lead to anxiety and further testing, false-negative results can be more concerning as they may provide false reassurance about the risk of passing on a genetic condition. That being said, these tests are considered safe and reliable.
How is carrier screening different from PGS testing?
If you plan to do preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) of embryos, do you also have to do carrier screening? And if you do carrier screening, do you still have to do PGS testing of embryos? It's important to understand that carrier screening and PGS are not the same thing:
- Carrier screening: This tests the egg donor's genes as well as the intended father’s (or sperm donor’s) genes to assess the risk of passing on certain genetic conditions. Your future child could inherit a condition if both parties carry the same recessive gene.
- PGS (also called PGT-A): This tests embryos created during IVF for chromosomal abnormalities. This can help identify embryos with the highest chance of leading to a healthy pregnancy.
While both carrier screening and PGS testing play important roles in IVF, they serve different purposes. Carrier screening identifies potential risks carried in the DNA of the intended mother (or egg donor) and intended father (or sperm donor), while PGS assesses the chromosomal health of embryos after they've been created.
Most families choose to undergo both carrier screening and PGS. Carrier screening helps you understand if you or the potential donor carry recessive genes, which helps during the donor matching process. Most clinics would not recommend a recipient move forward with a particular donor if both the sperm source and the donor are carriers for the same gene. With Cofertility, we’d offer a free rematch in this scenario. PGS, on the other hand, ensures the embryos being transferred are chromosomally normal, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy and reducing the risk of miscarriage.
Even if you have a normal carrier screen with no known genetic risks, eggs can still carry an incorrect number of chromosomes, a condition called aneuploidy. Aneuploidy increases with age and affects ~10–25% of eggs in women in their early 30s, and more than 50% of eggs from women over 40. This is why the use of donor eggs is so common for women over 40.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue either or both types of testing is up to you, best made in consultation with your fertility doctor and a genetic counselor. They can help you weigh the benefits and limitations of each test based on your individual circumstances and family history.
Why is carrier screening important in donor egg IVF?
Carrier screening is important when using donor eggs because it allows both the egg donor and the intended father (or sperm donor) to be tested for the same set of genetic conditions. If both the donor and the intended father (or sperm donor) are carriers for the same condition, the risk of passing that condition to their child increases significantly. By knowing this information beforehand, you and your doctor can make informed decisions about which donor to match with.
What do different panels mean?
Carrier screening panels can vary in the number and types of conditions they test for. There are smaller panels that focus on common recessive disorders and larger, expanded carrier screening (ECS) panels that look at a broader range of conditions. Many clinics recommend donors complete a panel around 275 genes, but there isn't one "right" panel for everyone. Your fertility doctor will be able to help recommend a test that aligns with your individual risk factors and family history.
Do we need to use the same carrier screening test as the donor?
There are several genetic testing companies, including Natera, Fulgent, Myriad, and each has panels of varying sizes. When you’re working with a donor, the testing company doesn’t have to be the same, but you will want to make sure the panel looks at the same set of conditions. This ensures that you are both screened for the same things, allowing for accurate risk assessment. If you’ve already completed testing, you can share the panel you completed ahead of time to ensure that your donor is tested for the same genes.
What's the difference between carrier screening and genetic counseling?
Genetic counseling is a process where a trained healthcare professional, called a genetic counselor, guides individuals or families through complex information about genetic health. They provide support and education about how inherited conditions might affect them or their children, interpret genetic test results, and help them make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Carrier screening is best done in conjunction with genetic counseling. A genetic counselor can help you understand your results, discuss the implications, and navigate any decisions about family planning.
The bottom line
Carrier screening is an important tool in the donor egg IVF journey, offering a window into the genetic health of both donors and recipients. By proactively understanding your genetic risks, you gain the power to make informed decisions about your family-building options. While a positive result may seem daunting, it doesn't automatically rule out certain paths. With guidance from your doctor and a genetic counselor, you can explore various possibilities to ensure the best possible outcome for your future child.
Remember, genetic carrier screening is not about eliminating all risk, as no test is perfect. It's about empowering you with knowledge and enabling you to navigate this process with more confidence. If you're considering egg donation, don't hesitate to talk to your fertility doctor about carrier screening. It's an important step towards building a healthy and happy family.
References
- Kraft, S.A., Duenas, D., Wilfond, B.S. et al. The evolving landscape of expanded carrier screening: challenges and opportunities. Genet Med 21, 790–797 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41436-018-0273-4
- Srinivasan BS, Evans EA, Flannick J, et al. A universal carrier test for the long tail of Mendelian disease. Reprod Biomed Online. 2010;21(4):537-551. doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.05.012
- Crockin S, Gibbons W. Genetic carrier screening in donors: a challenging frontier. F S Rep. 2023;4(1):20-21. Published 2023 Feb 8. doi:10.1016/j.xfre.2023.02.003
- ASRM. “Guidance regarding gamete and embryo donation”. 2021. URL.
- CDC. “Genetic Testing”. 2022. URL.
- ACOG. “Carrier Screening”. 2022. URL.
- Payne MR, Skytte AB, Harper JC. The use of expanded carrier screening of gamete donors. Hum Reprod. 2021;36(6):1702-1710. doi:10.1093/humrep/deab067