Egg retrieval from a donor

In which cases is egg retrieval from a donor recommended?

Donor egg retrieval is performed in cases of women who want to have children, but have few or poor-quality eggs, even if they are of reproductive age. It is also the first choice in cases of women with premature ovarian failure, premature menopause or in cases where the expectant mother has a genetic disease that she would not want to pass on to her child. Finally, the method of egg retrieval from a donor concerns women who have multiple IVF failures or multiple miscarriages with the main cause being the advanced age of the mother.

What criteria must the donor satisfy for egg retrieval?

Although many women may want to spread happiness through egg donation, not all can be donors. According to the legal framework (Law 3305/01/2005), the egg donor must satisfy certain criteria. These criteria are the following:

• Age between 18-35 years old
• Non-smoker
• Absence of history of genetic diseases (personal or family)
• Body mass index of less than 32
• Normal results in clinical and laboratory tests

In addition to the laboratory and clinical tests, the future egg donor should also undergo a psychological assessment.

How is egg retrieval performed?

1. With donor stimulation and fertilization immediately after egg retrieval (named or anonymous donor)

The donor can remain anonymous or not. The last category also includes the use of a relative as a donor, as it is allowed to receive eggs from a blood relative.

After a suitable egg donor is found, the controlled stimulation of the donor’s ovaries follows. The medication given is exactly the same as a woman who would receive IVF with her own eggs. Ovarian stimulation is carried out for a period of 10-12 days and is done with injected hormones (FSH and LH). During this time, the donor undergoes a hematological, hormonal and ultrasound check.

Ovulation is usually performed on day 12-14 ofthe cycle, under mild sedation and itsduration does not exceed 30 minutes. It is a painless procedure, which is carried out transvaginally through an ultrasound-guided needle. On the same day, the retrieved eggs are fertilized with the recipient’s partner’s sperm in a laboratory. The next day we know how many of the eggs have been fertilized and after 3-5 days the embryos are placed in the recipient’s uterus through embryo transfer.

• Through selection from already cryopreserved eggs in an egg bank

If you are experiencing fertility problems, you may contact the experienced Obstetrician-Gynecologist Melina Stassinou. The physician has specialized in assisted reproduction both in Greece and in England. Beyond her training, what distinguishes her is that she listens to the needs of each woman and individually designs the appropriate method, helping her make her dream come true.

If you are interested in becoming an egg donor, contact us. Egg donation is an act of altruism and can bring many smiles by helping a family grow!