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.