Infertility can be a challenging experience for both men and women, but modern medical science offers a range of treatments to help couples achieve their dream of becoming parents. One such option is Donor Egg IVF, a procedure where a woman donates her eggs to help another woman conceive. This is a vital part of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and falls under the broader umbrella of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Doctor Shwetha of Janisthaa IVF, one of the leading IVF specialists in Bangalore, frequently recommends Donor Egg IVF to her patients struggling with infertility. This procedure provides a path to parenthood for women who may not be able to conceive naturally due to various fertility issues.

Egg donors offer the incredible gift of life, helping parents who cannot conceive naturally experience the joy of having a child. In this procedure, a female donor gives her eggs to an intended mother to help her become pregnant and give birth to a healthy baby. In some cases, a surrogate may be involved in carrying the pregnancy for the intended parents. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process involved in Donor Egg IVF and surrogacy.

What is Egg Donation in In-Vitro Fertilization?

Donor Egg IVF is a process where a female donor provides her eggs to an intended mother who cannot produce viable eggs. Specialists like Dr. Shwetha, recognized as one of the best IVF specialists in Bangalore, guide both the donor and the intended mother through every step of the process. Before egg retrieval, donors are required to undergo hormone treatments to stimulate the production of multiple eggs in a single cycle. These eggs are then collected via a needle that is inserted through the vaginal tissue using ultrasound guidance. Once the eggs are retrieved, they are evaluated by embryologists. The eggs are then fertilized using sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor, creating embryos for implantation.

At Janisthaa IVF Center, fresh eggs can be used immediately, and the entire procedure typically takes about two weeks. Alternatively, frozen eggs may also be used in the process.

A Step-by-Step Timeline Procedure for an Egg Donor

When an infertile couple opts for Donor Egg IVF under the guidance of experienced doctors like Dr. Shwetha at Janisthaa IVF, they follow the steps outlined below.

Step 1: Selecting an Egg Donor

Finding a suitable egg donor is often the first hurdle. Many couples turn to egg donor agencies that specialize in matching them with an appropriate donor. To initiate the process, the recipient must register with the agency by providing personal details and completing an application form. Based on this application, the donor team at Janisthaa IVF Center will begin the matching process, moving the recipient forward to the next phase.

Step 2: Initial Testing

On the second or third day of their menstrual cycle, both the donor and the intended mother visit the IVF center for baseline tests, including blood work and an ultrasound. These tests are critical in determining the health of both the donor and the recipient and ensuring the procedure can move forward smoothly.

Step 3: Sperm Collection

After selecting the donor, the next step is to obtain sperm for fertilization. At Janisthaa IVF Center, Dr. Shwetha and her team either freeze sperm samples ahead of time or use fresh samples on the day of egg retrieval, depending on the couple’s preference.

Step 4: Medical Screening for the Donor

Medical screening is a crucial aspect of the Donor Egg IVF process. Dr. Shwetha and her team at Janisthaa ensure that the donor undergoes thorough medical evaluation to guarantee the best chances of success.

The donor screening process includes:

A review of the donor’s complete medical history, including psychological assessments and a genetic risk evaluation.
A detailed physical exam, including a pelvic ultrasound, to assess the health of the donor’s ovaries.
Comprehensive blood tests, including genetic carrier screening and tests for infectious diseases.

Step 5: Legal Contracts

Before moving forward, both the donor and the intended couple must sign legal agreements. These contracts outline the rights and responsibilities of both parties and ensure that the procedure complies with legal standards. The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the case and the specific legal requirements of the clinic or country.

Step 6: Egg Retrieval and Stimulation Process

Once the donor has completed her medical screening and legal contracts are in place, she undergoes hormonal stimulation to encourage the production of multiple eggs. This phase lasts between 10 to 14 days, though it can vary based on individual conditions.

Step 7: Fertilization and Embryo Development

Once the eggs are retrieved, they are fertilized with sperm, and the embryologists at Janisthaa IVF Center closely monitor the development of the embryos. The embryos are cultured for five to seven days before being biopsied for Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PGT). Results are typically available within one to two weeks, at which point the healthiest embryos are selected for transfer.

What is Surrogacy?

Surrogacy is another fertility treatment option in which a woman, known as the surrogate, carries a pregnancy for another person or couple. This process is often used when a couple cannot carry a pregnancy to term due to medical reasons. Upon the child’s birth, the surrogate transfers parental rights to the intended parents. Surrogacy involves both legal and medical procedures that must be followed closely.

The best IVF specialists in Bangalore, such as Dr. Shwetha at Janisthaa IVF, are well-versed in the complexities of surrogacy. They provide guidance to intended parents, ensuring the process goes smoothly from beginning to end.

A Step-by-Step Timeline for Surrogacy

There are three types of surrogacy: altruistic surrogacy, traditional surrogacy, and commercial surrogacy. Each option comes with its unique legal and ethical considerations. The following steps outline the typical surrogacy process under the supervision of Dr. Shwetha, one of the best IVF specialists in Bangalore.

Step 1: Selecting a Surrogate

The first and often most difficult step is finding a surrogate. Surrogacy agencies help connect intended parents with potential surrogates, a process that can take some time.

Step 2: Medical Screening for the Surrogate

Once a surrogate is selected, she undergoes a thorough medical screening process that includes:

A review of her medical history and past pregnancies.
A physical and pelvic examination.
Pelvic ultrasounds to check the health of her ovaries and reproductive organs.
Comprehensive blood tests, including genetic screening.

Step 3: Legal Contracts

As with Donor Egg IVF, legal contracts are essential in surrogacy. A reproductive law attorney works with both the surrogate and the intended parents to draft a contract that outlines their roles and responsibilities. This step can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the agreement.

Step 4: Embryo Transfer

Once legal agreements are in place, the IVF center proceeds with the embryo transfer. This procedure typically occurs between the 19th and 21st day of the surrogate’s menstrual cycle. After the transfer, a pregnancy blood test is performed about 10 days later to confirm whether the procedure was successful.

Step 5: Monitoring and Follow-up

If the surrogate becomes pregnant, she remains under the care of the fertility clinic until her 10-week Obstetric (OB) ultrasound. At this point, the clinic discharges the surrogate, who then continues her pregnancy with regular obstetric care.

Conclusion:

Donating eggs through Donor Egg IVF and opting for surrogacy are both complex but highly effective methods for helping couples achieve their dreams of parenthood. Before beginning either process, it’s essential for couples to fully understand the procedures involved and consult with experienced specialists. Dr. Shwetha, one of the best IVF specialists in Bangalore, and her team at Janisthaa IVF Center are dedicated to providing the highest level of care, ensuring that every step of the journey toward parenthood is well-supported and as stress-free as possible.

Couples considering Donor Egg IVF or surrogacy can rest assured that they are in good hands at Janisthaa IVF Center, where patient well-being and successful pregnancies are always the top priorities. This article provides an in-depth look at both procedures, offering valuable insights into how egg donation and surrogacy work, making it easier for intended parents to make informed decisions