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How does the egg donor matching process work?
If you are trying to conceive, experiencing fertility issues or are an LGBTQ+ individual wishing to have a child, using a donor egg can be a vital option for you. Choosing an egg donor is one of the most personal and significant decisions a future parent can make, so it’s essential to find the right match. After all, you will be nurturing and growing the baby inside you, making that emotional connection crucial. This is why we work hard to help you select an egg donor that feels right for you.
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The egg donor matching process
Step 1: Choose profile - Recipients have the opportunity to review donor profiles based on their personal preferences. These profiles include physical characteristics, such as height, hair and eye colour. Some recipients may want to know about the donor’s occupation, educational background, hobbies, interests and personality traits, which are detailed in the profile.
The profiles also indicate the number of families the donor wishes to assist and where they are from, which is kept private to maintain anonymity between the donor and recipient. Throughout the process, the recipient and egg donor will remain anonymous to each other.
Step 2: Donor matching consent -After selecting a donor, our fertility specialists will review the profile with the recipient, reiterating all the details, including eye colour, height, and weight. The recipient will then confirm if they are satisfied with the chosen donor.
Step 3: Treatment - Once the donor is confirmed, a treatment plan is created to prepare the recipient for embryo transfer. A course of medications is prescribed to help build up the womb lining, assisting with implantation. Prior to this, the partner will need to visit the clinic and provide a sperm sample. Alternatively, if you don’t have a partner, you can opt for a sperm donor. The donor egg will then be thawed in preparation for insemination, which is conducted via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). If successful, the recipient will be scheduled for an embryo transfer.
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Step 4: Goodwill message
Some donors choose to leave a goodwill message for any children born from their donation. This will also be read by the recipient when choosing a donor.
We encourage donors to complete the form as much as possible using non-identifying information, so the recipients can make an informed decision that feels right for them.
Making your decision
We understand that choosing your donor can start with selecting physical traits, and your priorities may change during the decision-making process - that’s okay. You might feel a strong connection to a particular donor or be drawn to someone with specific characteristics. You’ll likely want your baby to resemble you in terms of looks and personality traits, so it’s important to take your time when making your decision. Don’t hesitate to seek support from your fertility clinic, which can connect you with clinical counsellors. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.
What are the success rates for using donor eggs?
The success rate of using a donor egg ranges from approximately 40% to 50%. However, several factors can influence the outcome, especially for older women. For instance, menopause can impact a woman's reproductive health. If a woman is post-menopausal, it becomes very challenging to reactivate the uterus and successfully receive an embryo. Additionally, male factor issues can arise, where compromised sperm quality affects the quality of the embryo and, consequently, the overall success rate.
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Do egg donors have to wait to be matched to a recipient?
Donors can altruistically contribute their eggs without needing to wait for a recipient to be matched. All donated eggs are frozen, so, for example, if a donor donates 20 eggs, these could potentially be allocated to three different families on the waiting list. However, recipients must meet certain requirements to qualify for donation.
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Speak to our patient support team for advice about your options and to book your first consultation with a fertility expert.