Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Donation

Egg donation involves one woman (a donor) "donating" her eggs so that another woman (a recipient) might be able to conceive.

In egg donation, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is performed in the usual manner, except that the donor may receive fertility medications to stimulate the production of multiple eggs in her ovaries. At the same time, the recipient may also receive medications so that her cycle mirrors the cycle of the donor and her body is prepared to receive the embryo. The egg is then fertilized in a laboratory and the embryos are implanted in the recipient's uterus.

Egg donation candidates

Generally, egg donation may be an option for a woman who:

  • Is older and has not succeeded with other therapies
  • Has reached menopause prematurely
  • May carry a genetic disorder that was determined through blood testing
  • Has experienced unexplained and repeated miscarriages

To learn more about egg donation, or to determine if you are an appropriate candidate, talk to your healthcare provider. You may also wish to learn about the donor process — how donors are found, what screening is required and what information you may receive about the donor.

Sperm donation

Using donated sperm is an option if the male partner:

  • Has no sperm or very poor-quality sperm
  • Has undergone previous radiation or chemotherapy treatment
  • Has a genetic disorder that might be inherited that he does not want to pass on to his unborn child.

Donor insemination is also a possible option for single women and same-sex couples who want a child.

Embryo donation

Embryo donation involves donor eggs that have been fertilized with sperm by the donor's partner or with donor sperm. Some women who undergo IVF may choose to donate the fertilized eggs not used in their cycle. The donated embryos are then transferred to the recipient's uterus.

Surrogacy

Surrogacy involves one woman carrying a pregnancy for another woman. There are two types of surrogacy:

  • Gestational surrogacy involves a woman carrying a pregnancy created by the egg and the sperm of two other people. For instance, in the case of a woman with functioning ovaries but without a uterus, or with a malformed uterus, she and her partner may opt to use IVF, then have the resulting embryo transferred into a gestational surrogate.
  • Traditional surrogacy involves insemination with the sperm from the male partner of an infertile couple. The female partner or couple must legally adopt the child after birth.

Emotional aspects of donation or surrogacy

Undergoing fertility treatments can sometimes be an emotional, frustrating process. Deciding whether or not to use donation or surrogacy can cause additional levels of complexity to surface in your relationship. For this reason, you and your partner should consider seeking psychological counseling before undertaking this procedure.

In addition, donation and surrogacy are often surrounded with complicated legal issues. It's a good idea to consult an attorney knowledgeable in this area before proceeding with third-party reproduction.

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Important Considerations:
Gonal-f® RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) is indicated for the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the oligo-anovulatory infertile patient in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure. Gonal-f® RFF Pen is also indicated for the development of multiple follicles in the ovulatory patient participating in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program. Gonal-f® RFF Pen (follitropin alfa injection) should only be prescribed by physicians specializing in fertility or reproductive health. Gonal-f® is a potent gonadotropic substance capable of causing mild to severe adverse reactions, including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women with or without pulmonary or vascular complications, and multiple births. Gonal-f® is contraindicated in women who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to FSH preparations, primary gonadal failure, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction and pregnancy. Nursing women should not use Gonal-f®. Common side effects include headache, abdominal pain, enlarged abdomen, and injection site disorders. For complete product details, see full prescribing information.

Important Considerations:
Women: Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) is indicated for the induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory infertile patient in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not due to primary ovarian failure. Gonal-f® is also indicated for the development of multiple follicles in the ovulatory patient participating in an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) program.
Men: Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) is indicated for the induction of spermatogenesis in men with primary and secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in whom the cause of infertility is not due to primary testicular failure. Gonal-f® (follitropin alfa for injection) should only be prescribed by physicians who are thoroughly familiar with infertility problems and their management. Gonal-f® is a potent gonadotropic substance capable of causing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) in women with or without pulmonary or vascular complications. Gonal-f® is contraindicated in women and men who exhibit prior hypersensitivity to recombinant FSH preparations or one of their excipients, high levels of FSH indicating primary gonadal failure, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction, sex hormone dependent tumors of the reproductive tract and accessory organs, and an organic intracranial lesion such as a pituitary tumor; and in women who exhibit abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin, ovarian cyst or enlargement of undetermined origin and pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use Gonal-f®. The most common side effects in patients using Gonal-f® include headache, ovarian cysts, nausea and upper respiratory infections in women and in men, acne, breast pain and growth, and fatigue. Injection site reactions were also reported. Reports of multiple births have been associated with Gonal-f® treatment. For complete product details, see the full prescribing information.

For complete product details, please read the Prescribing Information offered below.


© EMD Serono, Inc. CIM Last Update 2008-09-16
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