Understanding Donor Gamete IVF

IVF can be a blessing, but it can also be a complex and emotionally draining process. In some cases, using donated gametes may be required to achieve a successful pregnancy, but most often, couples are very hesitant to use donated eggs and sperm in IVF. We asked an IVF expert in Dr L H Hiranandani IVF Hospital in Mumbai to explain donor gamete IVF to you.

IVF is a blessing for many childless couples attempting to establish families since it enables them to realize their desire of having children.  At DR L H Hiranandani Hospital, which is known as the best IVF Center in Mumbai, we provide top-notch IVF treatment to our patients, while most couples arrive at their doctor’s offices with a rudimentary understanding of IVF, many others are surprised by the procedure, particularly when donated gametes are involved.

Contrary to popular opinion and widespread misinformation, not all IVF procedures employ donated eggs or sperm. Instead, they are only used in cases where the couple’s gametes—eggs or sperm—cannot be used to develop an embryo. The IVF doctor in Dr L H Hiranandani IVF center, says that donor gametes should only be utilized when necessary.

Who needs donor eggs?

It’s likely that you won’t require donor eggs if you’re young and have a healthy ovarian reserve when doing IVF. But occasionally, utilizing someone else’s eggs is the only way to proceed with IVF. The IVF expert advised the following signs that point to you needing a donor egg IVF cycle:

1. You are older than 45 years old.
2. Your ovary has prematurely failed.
3. Your eggs are of poor quality.
4. Your ovarian reserve is poor.
5. You’ve had a number of unsuccessful IVF cycles.
6. Your family has a history of genetic problems

Who needs donor sperm?

When the male partner’s gametes cannot be used to develop an embryo, donor sperms are required, just like donor eggs are. According to the IVF expert, the following scenarios necessitate the use of donor sperm in order to successfully complete an IVF cycle:

1. You don’t want to choose ICSI because you have azoospermia or no sperm at all.
2. You have a serious genetic flaw.
3. You’ve had a number of unsuccessful IVF cycles.
4. You want to become pregnant but have no male partner.

But how are donor eggs and sperm sourced?

According to the IVF expert, fertility clinics only use ART banks to receive donor gametes; known donors of either sperm or eggs are not allowed.

To assist you in making an informed decision, you are given basic information on the donor when you undergo donor IVF. The pair are given general information on the donor, such as height, weight, skin tone, educational background, and medical history (including HIV/AIDS status), according to the author. However, the donor’s name is fully concealed, and any information about the individual is never made public.

What about IVF success rates with donor gametes?

According to the IVF expert, “donor egg or sperm is associated with a better success rate in treating infertility.” In truth, research indicates that couples undergoing a donor egg IVF cycle have a 50 to 60% chance of becoming pregnant on the first try; this possibility rises to 90% with additional attempts. “However, you must remember that the most important element influencing an IVF cycle’s high success rate is the donor age. Nevertheless, the recipient’s endometrial health and the embryo’s quality are equally crucial, she says.

 Are there any drawbacks to using donor gametes?

There is no denying the numerous benefits of using donated sperm and eggs. However, they do occasionally carry some hazards. The IVF expert explains that there is a considerably higher risk of preeclampsia, fatal growth restriction, and preterm birth when using donor eggs for IVF than when using one’s own eggs.

 Should you go in for a donor gamete IVF? Here’s what the IVF expert has to say.

“With recent advancements and new technologies, DIY egg/sperm IVF is becoming more and more popular, especially in difficult situations. Unless donor gametes are the only option, I recommend families to have their own genetic kid,” the doctor adds.

Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital is the best IVF center in Mumbai. Our expert team and personalized approach ensure that you receive the best possible IVF treatment. We recognize the significance of having a child in your life and are committed to making your path to parenthood as easy and stress-free as possible. Trust us to walk you through every step of the process and help you realize your dream of having a child.