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Egg donors at our Texas program, both known and unknown, must complete the same
medical/genetic history form and physical exam and testing. All
potential egg donors will be screened for significant medical and
genetic problems. Blood testing of our Texas programs egg donors includes blood type
and Rh factor, HIV (AIDS), hepatitis screening, syphilis, Chlamydia/gonorrhea
culture, and a urine drug screen.
Egg donors ethnicities are considered when ordering genetic screening since certain genetic disorders are significantly
increased in specific ethnic groups. We screen each potential egg donor
accordingly. With Caucasian egg donors we screen for cystic fibrosis and
with African Americans we screen for sickle cell anemia.
The egg donors in our Texas program will be asked to visit a counselor who specializes in
infertility issues. This psychological screening is conducted
to evaluate the personality traits of the egg donor, as well as to
ensure that the egg donor recognizes what is involved in the oocyte-donation
process. Donors must understand that they have no "claim"
whatsoever to a baby born as a result of the donor egg program.
Both partners entering our donor egg program are strongly encouraged to complete
a psychological evaluation with a mental health professional to
discuss the psychological aspects of egg donation. Among other
topics, the issue of disclosure (to the child) of the donor egg
process will be discussed.
At the time of the initial consultation, our fertility specialist will outline specific procedures that must be completed before
and during the donor egg cycle. During one of these visits, a physical exam
will be conducted. Both partners will have several blood tests
and the husband must produce a semen sample for analysis.
 Sometimes patients participating in the donor egg program must undergo additional testing
to evaluate their general physical condition, much like an insurance
medical evaluation. Women greater than 44 years old may be asked
to undergo additional medical testing such as an exercise stress
test, chest x-ray,and blood testing. They may also need additional
in depth consultation with one of our physicians before attempting
fertility treatments.
It may be necessary to document that the uterus is
normally developed and free of polyps and fibroids. This can be
accomplished with a hysterosalpingogram (an x-ray of the uterus
and tubes) performed at the hospital, or a hysteroscopy (office
procedure to evaluate uterine cavity).
Sometimes patients are asked to undergo a "test"
cycle with hormones to determine if their uterine lining (endometrium)
responds normally by thickening and becoming more vascular.
Egg Donors are located through our Donor Egg Program,
an outside agency, or individually if the patient has a known,
designated egg donor. Those choosing a donor through our office must
schedule an appointment with our donor egg nurse coordinator.
Donor egg recipients have an opportunity to review our egg
donor list and donors characteristics. Every attempt is made to
match the egg donor and recipient with regards to race, height, weight,
hair, eye color, and personality traits. However, as the donor
pool is highly selective, we will not always be able to match
all characteristics for each egg donor and recipient. Matching blood
type of the wife to the egg donor is not necessary for oocyte donation.
Once a match is made, the potential egg donor will be
contacted to identify a "target" month during which
it is convenient for her to undergo ovulation induction and egg
retrieval. Waiting times vary depending on availability and eligibility
of egg donors. The potential egg donor will be referred for a psychological
evaluation, if not already done. Alternately, a donor can be located
through an outside agency. Once a donor is designated, the agency
will contact our donor egg program, giving us her information.
Both known and unknown egg donors must complete the same
medical/genetic history form and physical exam and testing. All
potential egg donors will be screened for significant medical and
genetic problems. Blood testing on egg donors includes blood type
and Rh factor, HIV (AIDS), hepatitis screening, syphilis, Chlamydia/gonorrhea
culture, and a urine drug screen.
Since certain genetic disorders are significantly
increased in specific ethnic groups, we screen each potential egg donor
accordingly. With Caucasians we screen for cystic fibrosis and
with African Americans we screen for sickle cell anemia. Finally,
the egg donor will be asked to visit a counselor who specializes in
infertility issues. This psychological screening is conducted
to evaluate the personality traits of the egg donor, as well as to
ensure that the egg donor recognizes what is involved in the oocyte-donation
process. Donors must understand that they have no "claim"
whatsoever to a baby born as a result of the donor egg program.
5. Synchronization of Menstrual Cycles
The procedures and requirements for a donor egg cycle can be stressful and emotionally draining. During an egg donation
cycle, there are no restrictions on activity except as stated
immediately after the embryo transfer. There are no limitations
on food but we advise a good general diet throughout and advise
patients to "take care of themselves". We ask patients
to refrain from sexual intercourse for 2 days prior to the retrieval
and until after the embryo transfer.
The egg donor will be given a "target" date
and detailed information about medications and how to
administer them. We emphasize that timing is extremely important! The recipient's uterus must be ready to receive the embryo and
the donor's eggs must be mature at the precise time of retrieval.
The egg donor will be monitored by blood tests and ultrasound
similar to that of our IVF program. The egg donor will be instructed
to avoid intercourse for at least 1 week before egg retrieval so
that there is no chance of pregnancy occurring during the treatment
cycle.
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