In simplest terms, Egg Donation or Oocyte Donation is the process of retrieving an egg from a woman to help another woman conceive. As per Wikipedia, “it is the part of assisted reproductive technology, or ART.” Lots of females face the issue of infertility across the globe; the idea of introducing the ART process is to give these females hope and a gift. Almost every country has a set of rules and regulations to make this a regularized process and avoid misuse.
Once the egg is retrieved, it is then fertilized in a lab and implanted in the infertile women through processes like IVF. There are several egg donation centers in Chandigarh, helping females conceive and give birth to healthy babies. When a doctor uses terms like third-party reproduction, egg donation, or Oocyte Donation, listening to this might get scary. However, having knowledge about the process might ease your worries. So, in this blog, we will discuss the process in detail.
Before diving further into the process of egg donation or egg donation centers in Chandigarh, you are not alone in this battle to have a baby. The Indian government and other countries have created laws and regulations to keep both parties safe and happy. These laws include a list of dos and don’ts for the donor and recipient. Your doctor can guide you through the legal talks. However, there are four facts you need to know in advance to get more relaxed.
Eligibility Criteria:
Indian law has introduced set rules of eligibility to increase the success percentage of the process. Egg donors need to meet all the points mentioned by the law to become donors. The eligibility criteria include the following points:
- Age: The donor’s age plays a vital role in the success of the process. As per guidelines, women must be between the ages of 23 and 35. It is said that the women in this age bracket have more quality eggs and are more adaptable to hormones and fertility drugs.
- Mental and Physical Health: Women must undergo a series of medical tests to identify their physical or mental health status. The Egg donor must pass these tests and should be in good, healthy condition. The donor also should not have any medical or genetic disorders.
- Medical History: Sometimes, the donors are rejected because of incomplete medical history. The egg donation process requires a detailed past medical history to make a well-informed decision.
- Lifestyle Choices: Egg donation is a complex process that requires continuous attention and a healthy donor and recipient. Donors’ lifestyle choices like smoking, drug use, and alcohol consumption can reject their application to be an egg donor by the centers and the recipient couple.
The Process is Anonymous:
It is necessary to respect the privacy of both parties. Hence, the process is anonymous. As per law, egg donation centers in Chandigarh or anywhere in India need to ensure confidentiality throughout the process. The identities of both parties need to be classified and not disclosed at any given point in time. The provision is created to help any social or legal ramifications against any parties involved. Details like medical history will be the only thing shared with the recipient.
Transparency:
The whole process is as transparent as possible. An official medical history of the donor is shared by the egg donation centers in Chandigarh to the recipient. The process is not about commercialization; hence, there is no compensation exchange between the parties. The only compensation provided to the donor is regarding their medical procedures, travel and accommodation for the same.
Consent:
Both parties have the right to make well-informed decisions regarding giving consent for the process. Donors and Recipients must provide written consent while acknowledging the understanding of the process and associated risks. The process is to bring happiness to the families in the most practical way possible.
Egg Donation/ Oocyte Donation process
Knowing that the process is completely supported by the law makes it less scary, doesn’t it? Now, to make it more believable and less scary, let’s discuss the process in detail.
Step 1 – Screening and Evaluation
There are set rules regarding the eligibility of the egg donor. During the Screening and evaluation process, egg donors must undergo a series of tests to rule out any inconsistency. These tests include medical, genetic and psychological assessment tests. The results of the tests decide whether the donors are eligible for the process or not.
Step 2 – Synchronization
The second step is to bring the menstrual cycles of both donor and recipient together. A series of injections and hormonal medications are performed on both to synchronize the cycles.
Step 3 – Egg stimulation and Retrieval
Usually, women release one egg every month. Egg donors are injected with hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries so that they can produce multiple eggs at a time. The process undergoes regular blood tests and ultrasound to keep track of the maturity of the eggs. Once the egg looks mature, a retrieval procedure is administered. It is typically a 20 – 30 mins process.
Step 4 – Egg Fertilization
Once the center has the egg, they are fertilized in the lab with the sperm provided by the recipient’s partner or the sperm donor, as discussed in advance between the parties. IVF is one of the procedures used for egg fertilization.
Step 5 – Embryo Transfer
Once the eggs are fertilized, they are transferred to the recipient’s uterus. Usually, one or more embryos are transferred. It is a simple and painless procedure.
Step 6 – Support and Follow-Up
This is the last step; once the embryos are transferred, the recipient must take proper medication and regular monitoring to have a healthy pregnancy.
Wrapping up:
The simple yet emotional decision of giving your egg to someone in need is as generous of an act as it is possible. It opens the door to parenthood for couples who are facing fertility issues due to one or another health or genetic condition. Currently, it is the most sought-after alternative for couples who have lost hope in traditional conception methods. Egg donation centers in Chandigarh share how it is an emotional journey for not only the parent-to-be but also the donor. Donors often experience a sense of pride and fulfillment, knowing they’ve helped create a family. For the recipients, it can bring a mix of hope, gratitude, and the joy of parenthood. It’s a journey that changes lives and leaves an enduring legacy of hope and new beginnings.