The Power Of A Donor With IVF

Doctors recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF) in cases of severe infertility, same-sex couples, or for those at an advanced reproductive age. IVF involves creating embryos using multiple eggs extracted from the ovaries. The eggs are combined with sperm samples from the hopeful dad to create embryos, which are then transferred to the uterus. IVF success rates hinge on high-quality eggs and sperm, and sometimes donor egg IVF is required. Women over 40, in particular, may consider donors due to the many fertility challenges that come at that age. Donor eggs for this demographic can have significantly improved outcomes, bringing hope to women or couples.

How does the donor egg process work?

With donor eggs in IVF, the fertility clinic will recommend the woman or couple use eggs from another woman instead of the recipient's eggs. Donor eggs help women who are unable to produce eggs for medical reasons or may have quality challenges due to unavoidable factors. The recipient will select the eggs from a donor bank where multiple frozen eggs are available for use. Some women or couples have a private arrangement with a friend or family member who will contribute the eggs for IVF. In this case, the donor will go through the process of ovarian stimulation using injectable hormone medication. At the appropriate time, the medical team will retrieve multiple eggs to continue the IVF process. Donors are typically young, healthy women with optimal reproductive health or a history of successful pregnancies.

Why women over 40 turn to donors

Age is arguably the biggest determinant of fertility in women. The ovaries contain a set number of follicles that develop into eggs with each ovulation cycle. By the time a woman reaches adulthood, the reserve is significantly diminished. By age 40, the egg quantity and quality can make natural pregnancy difficult. The fertility team will conduct hormone tests, which can indicate a diminished ovarian reserve or notice poor quality eggs during IVF. Some women unfortunately suffer from primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), where the ovaries lose function well before age 40. Other examples include multiple failed IVF cycles, damaged ovaries due to cancer, or genetic conditions. For these reasons, donor egg IVF may be best.

What the numbers say

IVF has a high success rate among younger women with healthy ovaries and egg production. While most cases need multiple cycles, the success rates are especially high. At the same time, IVF success decreases in concert with advanced age. For instance, statistics reveal that IVF success rates for women over 40 stand at 12%, which may decrease with each year. Donor eggs can mean higher-quality embryos, which can significantly boost outcomes. For instance, donor eggs can produce a 60% or 70% higher success rate than using the recipient's eggs. With donors, there is an increased chance of pregnancy, reduced instances of miscarriage, and genetic disorders.

Achieving your family goals is possible

Donor egg IVF provides better outcomes for women over 40. Yet, this decision is not for the faint of heart. There are significant emotional complexities as the future mother will not have a biological link to the child. Some cases carry legal and ethical considerations. Women or couples must also weigh the financial challenges, navigating insurance and other provisions where needed. A fertility clinic can help locate donor eggs and manage the complex process. On the other side are higher quality embryos, fewer IVF cycles, and significantly higher success rates.