Egg donation is an advanced assisted reproduction technique for women who, for various reasons, cannot use their own eggs to achieve a viable pregnancy. This may be due to causes such as low ovarian reserve, repeated failures in previous fertility treatments, the presence of genetic abnormalities in the eggs, early menopause or the absence of ovaries. In these cases, the solution is to perform in vitro fertilization (IVF) using eggs donated by a healthy, young woman, combined with the couple’s sperm or banked sperm. The resulting embryos are transferred to the recipient woman, who will carry out the pregnancy.
Oocyte Donation
Who can benefit from egg donation?
Egg donation is especially indicated for women with any of the following conditions:
– Women with premature ovarian failure or early menopause.
– Women who have had their ovaries removed due to surgery or cancer treatment.
– Women who have undergone several unsuccessful IVF cycles due to poor egg quality.
– Women who are carriers of genetic diseases that they do not wish to transmit to their descendants.
– Older women, where the ovarian reserve has decreased and the quality of the eggs is insufficient.
– Same-sex couples or single women who resort to assisted reproduction and cannot use their own eggs.
The egg donation process
The egg donation process follows a series of carefully planned steps for both the donor and the recipient:
Donor selection:
Egg donors are young women, usually between the ages of 18 and 30, who undergo a rigorous medical and psychological screening process. They undergo exhaustive examinations, including genetic studies and infectious tests to ensure that they are healthy and do not transmit any disease. In addition, physical characteristics, such as blood type, eye, skin and hair color, are taken into account to achieve the greatest possible similarity with the recipient couple, guaranteeing a process that meets the expectations of the future parents.
Cycle synchronization:
To maximize the chances of success, it is essential to coordinate the donor’s menstrual cycle with that of the recipient. The donor receives a controlled ovarian stimulation treatment to obtain several mature eggs, while the recipient begins a hormone replacement treatment with estrogen and progesterone. This treatment prepares the recipient’s endometrium to be in optimal conditions for embryo implantation. Synchronization is crucial so that the uterus is ready to receive the embryos at the right time.
3. Egg retrieval and fertilization:
On the same day that the donor eggs are retrieved, they are fertilized in the laboratory with the couple’s sperm or with sperm from a donor bank. This process follows the conventional in vitro fertilization protocol, or the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique can be used, depending on the quality of the sperm.
4. Embryo development and transfer to the uterus:
Once the eggs have been fertilized, the embryos are cultured in the laboratory for about five days, until they reach the blastocyst stage, which has a greater capacity for implantation in the uterus. The best selected embryos are transferred to the recipient’s uterus in a simple and virtually painless procedure performed in the clinic. Surplus embryos of good quality can be cryopreserved for use in future pregnancy attempts.
Coordination and facilities for international patients
At IREMA, we understand that many of our patients come from distant towns or even abroad, so we offer a comprehensive service that minimizes inconvenience and travel. If you are traveling from outside Spain, the whole process can be organized to suit your needs:
1. Previous studies in your place of residence:
To facilitate treatment planning, we provide a list of medical tests that can be performed in your hometown. These tests include blood tests, hormonal studies and, in the case of the male, a seminogram. Once the results are received, our medical team will evaluate your case before the first face-to-face consultation.
2. First consultation at IREMA:
During the first consultation at our clinic, the medical history is opened and additional tests are performed, such as an ultrasound and bacteriological analysis in the woman, and the freezing of a semen sample in the man. This allows that, in subsequent visits, it is not necessary for the male to be present, reducing the need for additional travel.
3. Accommodation and transportation facilities:
If you prefer to stay in the area during your treatment, we can help you arrange accommodation in hotels near the clinic. In addition, for your convenience, we offer a shuttle service from Alicante or Valencia airports. A driver will pick you up and take you back to the airport once the consultation or embryo transfer is completed, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
Advantages of egg donation
– High success rate: Thanks to the use of eggs from young and healthy donors, the success rates of egg donation treatments are significantly higher compared to other fertility treatments.
– Fresh eggs: At IREMA we work with fresh eggs.
– Personalization and follow-up: We are committed to offer a personalized and coordinated treatment, adjusting the protocol to the specific needs of each patient. In addition, our professionals will accompany you throughout the process, offering medical and emotional support.
