The miracle of a baby begins at conception—when sperm meets egg. But many women cannot conceive a child because they produce few or no eggs or embryos that do not develop properly. This is particularly common in women over the age of 40, in whom IVF with their own eggs has limited success. Other women may have a genetic disease and do not want to pass on that risk to their child. Options available to individuals or couples who face this include egg donation or adoption, both of which can be costly and may have other drawbacks.
Embryo Donation is also an option. There are thousands of embryos in cryostorage across the country and it is estimated that 1/3 of these embryos may result in a healthy baby. RSC no longer is able to offer "RSC embryos" from other RSC patients to another RSC patient. However, we can still receive embryos from outside clinics or individuals and facilitate the transfer into your uterus.
Success rates with donor frozen embryos
A number of factors determine the success rates of frozen embryo transfers, such as the quality of the embryos that are frozen, the stage of the embryos when they were frozen, and how well the embryos survive the thawing process.
Depending on the stage the embryos were in when they were frozen (at fertilization, day 3 or day 5), between 70 to 90 percent of the frozen embryos typically survive the thawing process and continue dividing. There is a possibility that no embryos will survive. The overall chance of pregnancy with a FET is 30 to 60 percent per transfer (usually of two quality embryos). While this number may seem low, it still offers great hope for the thousands of infertile couples who may benefit from receiving donated embryos. There is also the joy of being able to carry the pregnancy and be in control of the prenatal environment of your child.
There is an increased risk of multiple births when multiple embryos are transferred to the uterus. You should discuss this risk and any concerns with your doctor prior to transferring embryos.
There are no special risks to pregnancy resulting from embryo donation
A pregnancy resulting from embryo donation has the same risks, to the baby and the recipient, as any other pregnancy with the additional consideration of the age and medical conditions of the donors. It is extremely important to be open with your doctor regarding details of your prior pregnancies as this information may affect the specific care received. The genetic history of the donating parents will also contribute to the outcome of the child.
What is involved in the Frozen Embryo Transfer?
The Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) process using donor embryos is the same as the process using your own embryos. The procedure can be performed during a medicated or unmedicated cycle.
Mock cycle to minimize risk
For some patients your RSC physician will recommend a mock cycle. A mock cycle is a chance to see how your body responds to the medicines that are used in a frozen embryo cycle.
Federal legal eligibility criteria for donors and recipients
In accordance with federal law, RSC requires extensive testing and screening for donors and recipients. Before donated cryopreserved (frozen) embryos created after May 25, 2005 can be transferred to the recipient, federal law now requires that, if possible, an eligibility determination be made regarding the providers of the egg and sperm used to make the embryos. The donor eligibility determination process focuses on screening and testing for “relevant communicable disease agents and diseases.”
Legal consent by donors and recipients
Your RSC team will advise you of the relevant legal issues that must be considered in advance of FET. Both donors and recipients are advised to seek legal guidance from an attorney specializing in third party assisted reproduction regarding the applicable laws in the states where both parties reside. RSC will guide to you to expert legal counsel.
Psychological assessment of donors and recipients
RSC require that donors and recipients meet with a mental health professional who specializes in infertility and donor issues to ensure that they are fully informed and in agreement. The psychologist’s role is not necessarily to evaluate donors and recipients, per se, but more to help them explore the issues and their thoughts and feelings regarding the donation of embryos or the use of donor embryos. RSC requires that both partners be present for a consultation, or require some other evidence that they are both fully informed and in agreement (such as a signed document of informed consent from the spouse of the recipient female). This may have been performed by the outside clinic and does not need to be repeated.
Referrals for legal and psychological consultation
RSC encourages you to review our recommended legal and psychological resources that have top expertise in third party parenting issues.
Links:
Donor Eligibility
Recipient Eligibility
Legal and Psychological Referral Information for Embryo Donation
http://www.fertilehope.org/
http://www.fertilehope.org/
