The concept of "egg donation" today does not shock anyone. Reproductive technology makes it possible to become a mother to almost any woman, even with a terrible diagnosis of infertility. The conductor to the world of motherhood is a donor, or rather, an egg donor.
Let us try to reveal the main, frequently encountered and painful issues concerning both the ethical and moral aspects of donation. It would seem that the risk is great, because the woman who offered her egg is actually her owner. What if the egg donor then claims their rights? However, it is really not worth worrying about this, because people who have become donors of the liver or bone marrow simply help someone who is in dire need of their help. And often not at all for free. Everything is strictly confidential.
Not every woman can become an egg donor . In addition to normal appearance, age also matters (not younger than 20 and not older than 30 or 35 years). Preference is given to women who already have children. It is very important that the plans of the future donor do not include the desire to give birth to another child, since the process of separation of the egg can lead to damage to the ovary and even infertility. In general, such cases are an exception, but similar outcomes need to be foreseen. Typically, a woman who is a donor, practically does not risk health. The procedure is simple, carried out under venous (general) anesthesia.
But before the donation, the egg donor undergoes an examination, including:
- determination (clarification) of blood group and Rh factor;
- psychiatrist opinion;
- fluorography;
- gynecological examination;
- swabs for cleanliness;
- tests for RW, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C;
- determination of Ig G and M for herpes virus, rubella, toxoplasma, cytomegalovirus;
- study of the karyotype;
- smears for oncocytology ;
- bacteriological studies for gonorrhea, candida, trichomonads, chlamydia, etc .;
- carriage of cystic fibrosis.
If the donor is suitable, hormone therapy is used to increase the number of eggs that are formed, the growth process of which is observed with ultrasound. When using the material without freezing (immediately), correction of the cycles of both women (both the expectant mother and the donor) is also carried out, which sometimes can even take several months.
Ripen eggs are removed by a hollow thin needle through the peritoneum or through the vagina (general anesthesia). After 3 hours, the donor can already leave the clinic.
The egg is fertilized, and the embryo is transferred painlessly into the uterus of the patient. However, the embryo does not always take root the first time, therefore, perhaps, such a procedure will have to be repeated.
What about health risks? Of course, to some extent, both the patient and the egg donor are at risk. The risk is associated with ovarian stimulation. With excessive stimulation, even ruptured ovaries are possible . Damage during the removal of the egg is not excluded. There may be complications after illiterate hormonal therapy. Therefore, you need to apply only to clinics with an impeccable reputation. In most of these clinics, both parties insure against such problems.