• Egg Donation
  • Recommendations
  • Indian Law
  • Donor Selection
  • Donor

Egg Donation

Egg donation offers a viable option for individuals or couples facing infertility challenges where using their own eggs is not feasible. It provides the opportunity to experience pregnancy and biological parenthood, while also allowing for genetic diversity through the contribution of the egg donor. 

The procedure of egg donation typically involves extracting single or multiple eggs from the donor, getting the eggs fertilized in a laboratory, and finally implanting the resulting embryos into the recipient’s (intended mother or gestational carrier) uterus. 

Recommendations

  • Advanced maternal age
  • Menopause of the female partner
  • Low ovarian failure/Ovarian insufficiency
  • Single male with a gestational carrier
  • Gay male couple with a gestational carrier
  • Risk of genetic disease on female partner’s side
  • Women with ovaries or eggs that were damaged or removed post-cancer treatment
  • Unexplained repeated IVF failure
  • Rare cases of woman born without ovaries because of congenital anomaly

Indian Law

Based on the ICMR guidelines and common practices followed in ART centers, oocyte donors may undergo the following tests and evaluations:

  1. Medical Evaluation: Oocyte donors undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation that includes a detailed medical history assessment, physical examination, and assessment of general health.
  2. Hormonal Evaluation: Blood tests are performed to evaluate hormone levels, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol, and other relevant hormones to assess ovarian function.
  3. Infectious Disease Screening: Donors are screened for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and other sexually transmitted infections to ensure the safety of the donated eggs.
  4. Genetic Screening: Genetic screening tests are conducted to identify carriers of certain genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities that could be passed on to offspring. These tests may include carrier screening for common genetic disorders and karyotyping to assess chromosomal structure.
  5. Psychological Evaluation: Oocyte donors typically undergo a psychological evaluation or counseling to assess their understanding, motivation, and psychological well-being related to oocyte donation.
  6. Legal and Ethical Considerations: Donors may be required to provide informed consent for the donation process, undergo counseling regarding the legal and ethical aspects of oocyte donation, and comply with the relevant regulations and guidelines.

Donor Selection

Women between 21 and 35 years old are eligible to donate their eggs. However, specific age limits may vary depending on the fertility clinic or organization you choose. Potential Egg donors must be in good overall health, with no significant medical conditions or genetic disorders. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial throughout the process. Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, drug use, or excessive alcohol consumption, may disqualify a woman as an egg donor.

They will undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to assess your physical and psychological well-being. A detailed family medical history is taken to evaluate potential genetic risks associated with the donation. Oocytes donors have to undergo certain tests as recommended by the ICRM guidelines in India

Donor

IVF with Oocyte donor

Egg donation IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a specialized fertility treatment option that involves using donated eggs from a third-party donor to help individuals or couples achieve pregnancy. This treatment is specifically designed for individuals who are unable to produce viable eggs for various reasons, such as advanced maternal age, premature ovarian failure, genetic disorders, or poor egg quality.

It’s important to note that egg donation IVF involves legal, ethical, and emotional considerations, and individuals or couples considering this treatment should seek appropriate counseling, guidance, and support throughout the process.

Procedure

During egg donation IVF, the donated eggs are fertilized with sperm in the laboratory, creating embryos. These embryos are then transferred into the uterus of the intended mother or a gestational carrier, where they have the potential to implant and develop into a pregnancy. 

The process of egg donation IVF involves several key steps. 

1Couples' evaluation

First, the recipient or intended parent(s) undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including medical history assessments, physical examinations, and fertility tests to ensure they are suitable candidates for the procedure. 

2Donor Screening

Next, a suitable egg donor is selected. Egg donors are typically young, healthy women who undergo thorough screening processes, including medical and psychological evaluations, genetic testing, and infectious disease screening, to ensure the safety and quality of the donated eggs. 

3Synchronizations of cycle

Once a suitable donor is identified and the necessary legal and ethical considerations are addressed, the synchronization of menstrual cycles between the donor and recipient is achieved using hormonal medications. The donor undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple mature eggs, while the recipient prepares her uterine lining for embryo transfer. 

4Egg retrieval and Fertilization

Egg retrieval is performed under sedation or anesthesia, where the eggs are retrieved from the donor’s ovaries using a transvaginal ultrasound-guided procedure. The retrieved eggs are then fertilized with the intended father’ sperm in the laboratory using either conventional IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), depending on the specific circumstances and fertility factors involved.

5Embryo Transfer

Embryo development is monitored in the laboratory for several days, and the resulting embryos are evaluated for quality. Typically, one or two of the best quality embryos are selected for transfer into the recipient’s uterus. Any additional embryos of suitable quality can be cryopreserved for future use. 

Following the embryo transfer, the recipient undergoes a period of rest and awaits the outcome of the procedure. If successful, the transferred embryo(s) implant in the uterus, leading to pregnancy. Additional support in the form of hormonal medications may be provided to support implantation and early pregnancy. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

The Laws don’t require the donors to be matched for religion or ethnicity. Oocyte donors in India are typically young, healthy women who undergo thorough screening processes, including medical and psychological evaluations, genetic testing, and infectious disease screening. Donors are chosen based on compatibility with the recipient’s desired characteristics, as closely as possible. 

The proposed ART Regulation Bill, 2020 allows for anonymous oocyte donation in India. The identity of the donor is typically kept confidential, ensuring privacy and confidentiality for both the donor and recipient. 

Oocyte donation involves legal and ethical considerations, such as informed consent, confidentiality, compensation, and genetic screening of donors. It is important to consult with legal experts and adhere to the guidelines established by the relevant regulatory bodies. 

As per the proposed ART Regulation Bill, 2020, reasonable compensation may be provided to oocyte donors for their time, effort, and associated expenses. However, commercialization or sale of oocytes is prohibited.

The success rate of IVF with oocyte donation can vary depending on various factors, including the age and health of the recipient, the quality of the donated eggs, and the expertise of the fertility clinic. It is advisable to consult with a fertility specialist who can provide personalized information based on your specific circumstances.

Age restrictions for recipients of oocyte donation may vary depending on the policies of individual fertility clinics. Some clinics may have an upper age limit for recipients due to the potential risks associated with pregnancy at advanced ages. 

Yes, many fertility clinics in India offer counseling services to help individuals or couples navigate the emotional, ethical, and legal aspects of IVF with oocyte donation. These support services can provide valuable guidance and assistance throughout the treatment process.