Using Donor Egg Ivf After 35
This is a guest post.
From taking a gap year to saving up to buy our first home, there are a number of reasons why many of us are settling down to family life far later than our ancestors.
In our grandparents’ generation, the idea of getting pregnant in your late thirties was almost unheard of – but today it’s becoming increasingly common.
Statistics indicate that over the last 45 years, the average age of first-time moms has increased to 26.3 years – an increase of 5 whole years. In some countries, the mean age of first-time moms is over 30.
Sadly, while our mentality surrounding age has changed, the physical processes in a woman’s body - especially those pertaining to fertility - aren’t catching up.
What does this mean? An increasing number of women are suffering from infertility due to age- related factors.
But that doesn’t mean it’s the end. If you’re in your late thirties or forties and seeking infertility options, you may want to consider donor egg IVF. Let’s explore some of the aspects of this alternative below.
How is This Journey Going to Affect Me Emotionally?
Facing infertility and the choices this leads to can evoke a whole host of emotions, from anger and sadness to joy and elation. No emotion is wrong, but they can be a lot to deal with. Thankfully, there is support available for you – and, more importantly, there’s the hope that donor eggs bring. You have the chance to start or expand your family.
As you begin to consider using donor eggs, you may find it hard to accept that there’s no viable option for your own eggs, and the loss of a genetic link with your child. But unlike adoption, with donor eggs, you’re given the opportunity to nurture, carry, and give birth to your own baby. And if you’re using your partner’s sperm, they’ll pass on their genes to your child.
There is also the difficult decision of whether or not you’ll tell your family about using donor eggs – and whether you’ll tell your child in the future, too. This is a personal decision you and your partner will have to make, but you’ll find plenty of support around you to make the right choice for your family.
Many families may find it beneficial to undergo counseling for the aforementioned emotions, plus the medical and ethical choice you’re making.
How Does the Egg Donor Process Work?
First, you’ll need to find a donor. You may opt for a friend or family member, or choose an anonymous donor through an egg bank or agency. For the latter, you’re often able to choose your donor based on a plethora of criteria, including educational achievements, physical characteristics, occupation, and ethnic background. The majority of donors are between 21 to 32 years old, and all will have been through rigorous genetic and medical screening.
What about the legal aspect?
You’ll need to have contracts drawn up (if using a donor egg bank, this will have already been done) that stipulate your rights, the donor’s rights, future contact, and financial obligations. For example, having a contract in place is always helpful if parents and donors want to retain contact after the baby is born.
The Difference Between Fresh and Frozen Donor Eggs
For both fresh and frozen donor eggs, you’ll need to take medication to prepare your uterus for the embryo. However, if you’re using fresh donor eggs, your cycle will need to be synchronized with the donor’s, which can be quite a time-consuming and costly process.
After the eggs are retrieved, they’re fertilized with your partner’s (or a donor’s) sperm. After three to five days, these fertilized eggs become embryos and are transferred to your uterus, similarly to traditional IVF.
A pregnancy test two weeks later confirms the success of the transfer.
An Irrevocable Bond
Donor egg IVF gives you hope when you perhaps thought there was none. While you and your child’s DNA might not be the same, the opportunity to carry him and deliver him into this world before wrapping him up in your love creates an unwavering bond that genetics alone cannot.
