Attempting A Successful IVF
Many couples with difficulty conceiving turn to fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, sometimes IVF can be unsuccessful and daunting for some couples. In such cases, the fertility specialist suggests alternate options, such as using donor eggs or sperm. Donor eggs or sperm are an effective way to improve IVF outcomes.
Attempting A Successful IVF
Many couples with difficulty conceiving turn to fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, sometimes IVF can be unsuccessful and daunting for some couples. In such cases, the fertility specialist suggests alternate options, such as using donor eggs or sperm. Donor eggs or sperm are an effective way to improve IVF outcomes.
Turning to donor eggs
After a complete patient evaluation, a fertility specialist will provide fertility treatment options. Donor eggs are advised in various circumstances such as advanced reproductive age, poor ovarian reserve, and premature ovarian failure. In an IVF scenario, donor eggs are recommended when there are multiple failed IVF cycles or if there is poor oocyte or embryo quality and the possibility of passing a genetic defect.
Using sperm donors
Sometimes, fertility issues may be due to the quality or quantity of sperm. Male sperm abnormality accounts for about a third of infertility. Sperm donors are used when there is no sperm, decreased sperm count, or ejaculation issues. Other reasons include failed fertility treatments using the partner’s sperm or the possibility of genetic defects. Failed fertility treatments include repeated cycles of IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
The selection process
According to current guidelines, the egg donor should be someone between 21 and 34 years old. The sperm donor is someone less than 40 years old. The donor may be known or not known to the carrier but, every donor is required to undergo screening. A detailed medical history is taken and if any abnormality is found, then one cannot be a donor. In some cases, additional testing is done such as genetic testing.
Going through IVF
After deciding on the donor candidate, the doctor will start will the IVF process. The doctor gives the donor fertility medications to stimulate the ovaries. The process of ovarian stimulation will result in the production of multiple eggs. The eggs are then fertilized with the sperm, which may or may not be a sperm donor in the lab. The embryo or fertilized egg is then transferred to the recipient’s uterus, hoping for a successful outcome.
Improve your odds
Going through multiple failed cycles of IVF due to poor eggs or sperm can be frustrating. However, there is still hope with donor eggs or sperm. Using donor eggs or sperm can increase the chances of a successful IVF. Speak to a fertility doctor for an opinion and more information.
