Egg Donation Program
Some women are unable to conceive because they cannot produce healthy eggs.
The Donor Egg Recipient Program at RMACT can help these women. Egg donation is also an option for women with unsuccessful superovulation therapies, early onset of natural menopause or surgically induced menopause, premature ovarian failure and repetitive failures with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Women who carry certain genetic disorders may also want to consider being a donor oocyte recipient.
Egg Donors
At RMACT, we help women conceive with eggs donated by both identified and anonymous donors. Identified egg donation uses eggs donated by a sister or a donor that is chosen by the patient through an outside agency. Anonymous egg donation uses eggs donated by an unknown, carefully-screened woman recruited specifically for egg donation. Anonymous donors are compensated for their significant commitment of time and effort throughout the donation cycle.
Screening of Egg Donors
Before donors are accepted into our program, they must undergo medical, genetic, and psychological evaluations. We screen anonymous egg donors according to guidelines recommended by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the Food and Drug Administration. We require similar screening of identified egg donors. Potential anonymous donors must be between the ages of 21 and 33. Candidates fill out a questionnaire reviewing their medical and family history and social habits, all of which are then reviewed by the Clinical Coordinator and the Medical Director to determine the donor's suitability and ascertain potential risk for significant medical or genetic disorders.
The potential donor and her partner (if applicable) are then invited to meet with our team to learn why women need an egg donor, the process used for egg donation, and the emotional, psychosocial, ethical and legal issues that pertain to egg donation. This counseling is important to evaluate the egg donor's well-being and level of comfort with the unique stresses of being a donor.
Donors also undergo various tests to assure good medical health. Donor screening includes a physical exam by one of our physicians or physician assistants, as well as laboratory and genetic testing.
Recipient Couples
Recipient couples, those receiving the donated eggs, are similarly screened and tested. A medical and psychological evaluation helps us educate the recipient and to determine whether egg donation is the best treatment option for them. Recipients and their partners are counseled regarding the donor screening process and the egg donation protocol, including synchronization of cycles and the IVF procedure. Psychological counseling is available to the couple throughout the process.
Confidentiality
We take great care to preserve the confidentiality and anonymity of both the donor and the recipient. Both parties remain anonymous (if applicable) and each must agree not to seek information concerning the other.
Donors - To receive a questionnaire, you can either download it from our website or call (203) 750-7410.
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