Donor Embryo Program
Some couples that have undergone IVF successfully have embryos left that they do not plan to use. One of the options they have is donation of these embryos to another infertile couple for their use. We have a program of embryo donation established from these embryos. In contrast to egg (oocyte) donation, these are embryos that have resulted from fertilization of the donor’s eggs by the donor’s sperm. They have been obtained from women of any age and have been frozen at various developmental stages. Although there is no genetic link to the recipient couple, all the other advantages over adoption may be realized. The embryos are available free of charge so the expense incurred is that of a frozen embryo treatment cycle.
Embryo Donation Procedure
In order to use donated embryos, the recipient only needs to take oral medication to prepare the uterus for embryo implantation starting at the beginning of her menstrual cycle. This process usually takes about 2 weeks. The development of the uterine lining is monitored by ultrasound until it reaches the appropriate thickness and composition. Then, progesterone is started and the embryos are transferred into the uterus 2 to 4 days later depending on the stage of development they were at when frozen. After this, the woman is treated just as she would if she had used her own embryos.
Embryo Donation vs. Egg Donation
There are several differences between embryo donation and egg donation. Unlike egg donors, embryo donors may be of any age. There are most often fewer embryos available than in an egg donation cycle since many of the embryos have already been used by the couple who donated them. The screening process of the embryo donor is not the same as it is for the egg donor. The couples have all been screened for infectious diseases but are free to disclose as much or as little else about themselves as they choose. This means that relatively little may be known about the couple donating the embryos other than their ages in some cases. However, embryo donation is done without a charge for the embryos. The costs are only those related to the actual treatment that the recipient undergoes along with the corresponding laboratory fees.
Legal Issues with Embryo Donation
Just like egg donation, there are many places where embryo donation is not permitted by law. In California, we are not restricted by law from providing embryo donation to our patients. We have successfully treated women from all over the world with this procedure for many years. Contact us to receive more information about our Embryo Donation Program.
