Donors

How are egg donors selected?

The egg donor selection process is rigorous and comprehensive to ensure both the donor's health and the quality of the donated eggs. Candidates must meet strict eligibility criteria, be between 18 and 35 years old, in good physical and mental health, and have no personal or family history of significant inherited diseases.

The complete medical evaluation includes physical exams, hormonal tests, and ultrasound to evaluate the ovarian reserve and rule out morphological alterations that could compromise the quality of the eggs or the donor's health during the process. In addition, genetic tests such as chromosomal studies (karyotyping) and analysis of carriers of frequent recessive genetic diseases are performed to minimize risks of transmission to offspring.

Health security is guaranteed through exhaustive tests for infectious diseases, ruling out sexually transmitted diseases through serological tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and other relevant pathologies. The psychological aspect is not neglected, and an evaluation is carried out by specialists to confirm the emotional stability of the candidates and their full understanding of the implications of the donation.

In the process of Matching or assignment, the greatest possible phenotypic similarity is sought between the donor and the recipient, considering characteristics such as blood group, physical traits (eye color, skin, hair), height and build. This meticulous selection is essential for the treatment success and the peace of mind of expectant parents.

What are the legal and ethical aspects of egg donation?

Egg donation in Mexico is regulated by legal and ethical frameworks that protect all parties involved. El Anonymity constitutes a fundamental pillar, ensuring that the identity of the donor is not revealed to the recipients, nor vice versa, which protects privacy and prevents possible future conflicts between the parties.

El informed consent represents another crucial aspect, requiring both donors and recipients to sign forms after receiving detailed information about the procedure, its risks and short- and long-term consequences. The altruistic nature of the donation is also preserved, because although donors receive financial compensation for the inconvenience caused, this does not constitute payment for eggs, maintaining the ethical principle of non-commercialization of human gametes.

La psychological evaluation mandatory ensures that both donors and recipients fully understand the implications of the donation and are emotionally prepared for the process. With regard to legal affiliation, children born using this technique are legally recognized as children of the woman giving birth and her partner (when applicable), without the donor having any parental rights or responsibilities.

To avoid inadvertent consanguinity problems, a limit is established on the number of births that can result from donations by the same person, an important preventive measure from a genetic and social perspective. These ethical and legal principles seek to balance respect for the autonomy of individuals with the protection of the well-being of all those involved, including children born through these techniques of assisted reproduction.

Indications

Who are candidates for IVF with donated eggs?

IVF with donor eggs is primarily indicated for women who have difficulty achieving a pregnancy with their own eggs due to a variety of medical conditions. This treatment is especially beneficial for women with advanced reproductive age, generally over 40 years of age, when oocyte quality decreases significantly, as well as for patients with premature ovarian failure or early menopause, who have lost their ovarian function before age 40.

It is also a suitable option for women with low ovarian reserve or compromised oocyte quality, confirmed by hormonal tests such as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Patients who have experienced multiple deployment failures in previous IVF cycles with their own eggs they can also benefit from this procedure.

Other candidates include carriers of genetic or chromosomal alterations transmittable to offspring, women who have been subjected to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or ovarian surgery who has compromised their reproductive function, patients with ovarian anomalies congenital or acquired, and women who have experienced recurrent miscarriages related to oocyte quality.

Each case requires an individualized evaluation by the medical team to determine if egg donation is the most appropriate option and to design a personalized protocol that optimizes the chances of success.

Why choose IVF with donated eggs over other techniques?

There are several reasons to consider IVF with donated eggs as an alternative to other assisted reproduction treatments. They mainly highlight their high success rates compared to IVF with own eggs, especially in older women or women with oocyte quality problems, as well as their ability to overcome biological limitations imposed by age or medical conditions affecting ovarian reserve.

This treatment also offers the advantage of reducing genetic risk, minimizing the likelihood of transmitting specific genetic diseases when the patient is a carrier of chromosomal alterations. In addition, it represents an effective alternative for patients who have experienced repeated failures with other treatments of Fertility.

A distinctive feature of IVF with donated eggs compared to other options such as adoption or surrogacy is that it allows women to experience pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, aspects that many patients value deeply on their journey to motherhood.

Before opting for this treatment, it is essential to receive detailed advice on the medical, emotional and legal implications, as well as to evaluate other alternatives available on a case-by-case basis, to make a fully informed decision appropriate to the individual circumstances.

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Results

What are the success rates of IVF with donor eggs?

IVF with donor eggs has significantly higher success rates than other assisted reproduction treatments, especially when using eggs from older women. This is mainly because the donors are young, healthy women, ensuring better quality eggs.

According to recent studies and clinical statistics, the pregnancy rate per transfer In IVF treatments with donated eggs it ranges from 55-70%, while clinical pregnancy rate with a confirmed heartbeat it is approximately 50-60%. La live birth rate per cycle completed, it is around 40-50%, figures considerably higher than those obtained in treatments with own eggs, where the woman's age significantly influences the results.

Several factors can influence the success of treatment, such as the quality of Sperm used for fertilization, the receptivity of endometrium of the patient, the experience and technology of the embryology laboratory, the existence of uterine pathologies in the receiver, and to a lesser extent, the Age of the recipient. With the advancement of embryo culture techniques and methods of embryo selection, the chances of success continue to improve, making egg donation one of the most effective options for many women struggling to conceive.

What factors influence the success of treatment?

Multiple factors can impact the chances of successful IVF treatment with donated eggs. La quality of donated eggs, determined primarily by the age and health of the donor, directly influences the viability of the resulting embryos. In parallel, the sperm quality significantly affects both the fertilization rate and subsequent embryonic development, being a determining factor in the final result.

La endometrial receptivity constitutes another crucial element, since the capacity of the endometrium to allow embryo implantation depends on factors such as endometrial thickness, adequate vascularization and the absence of uterine pathologies such as polyps, fibroids or adhesions. Las laboratory techniques used also play an important role; the use of advanced technologies such as blastocyst culture, state-of-the-art culture media and time-lapse incubation systems considerably improve results.

La experience of the medical team, including assisted reproduction specialists, embryologists and laboratory technicians, directly influences treatment success by making appropriate clinical decisions at each stage of the process. El general health status of the recipient Nor should it be underestimated, as conditions such as obesity, autoimmune diseases, thyroid problems or diabetes can negatively affect success rates.

Finally, the psychological support and stress management represent factors that, although less tangible, have a significant impact; emotional well-being and stress reduction can positively influence treatment outcomes. An individualized approach that considers these factors and adapts the protocol to the specific needs of each patient maximizes the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy through IVF with donor eggs.

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Preparation

How to prepare physically and emotionally for IVF with donated eggs?

Comprehensive preparation for IVF treatment with donated eggs covers both physical and emotional aspects that are essential to optimize results. From a physical point of view, it is advisable to optimize the general state of health by maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and engaging in moderate physical activity on a regular basis.

Preconception supplementation also plays an important role, and it is advisable to start taking folic acid and other supplements specifically recommended by a specialist in Fertility. Avoiding harmful habits is equally crucial; eliminating the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and reducing caffeine contribute significantly to improving endometrial receptivity. In addition, ensuring adequate control of pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or thyroid problems optimizes the environment to achieve and maintain a healthy pregnancy.

In the emotional field, information and education about the process facilitates a complete understanding of the treatment, its implications and helps to establish realistic expectations regarding the results. Specialized psychological support is particularly valuable, and it is advisable to consider counseling with professionals who are experts in assisted reproduction to address emotional aspects related to the loss of genetic connection.

Incorporating stress management strategies such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness or yoga can significantly reduce anxiety associated with treatment, while maintaining open communication with the partner about expectations, concerns, and feelings regarding the process strengthens mutual support during this stage. Adequate preparation, both physical and emotional, contributes significantly to improving the treatment experience and potentially its outcomes. At Avida Fertility we have multidisciplinary teams that accompany patients throughout the process, providing the necessary support at every stage of the journey to Motherhood.

What medical tests are needed before treatment?

Before starting IVF treatment with donated eggs, the recipient patient must undergo a series of medical tests to thoroughly evaluate her general and reproductive health status. The basic evaluation includes a complete medical history with detailed analysis of personal and family medical history, a transvaginal gynecological ultrasound to examine the uterus, endometrium and rule out possible pelvic pathologies, and hormonal tests to determine levels of thyroid hormones, prolactin and other hormones relevant to the reproductive process.

Additionally, specific tests such as hysteroscopy or hysterosonography are performed to accurately examine the uterine cavity and rule out structural anomalies that could affect implantation, such as polyps, fibroids or adhesions. In selected cases, particularly those with previous implantation failures, an endometrial receptivity test may be recommended to determine the optimal time for embryo transfer. For patients with a history of gestational loss or recurrent implantation problems, coagulation and thrombophilia tests may be indicated to identify possible underlying causes.

The detection of infectious diseases constitutes another important pillar of evaluation, using serologies for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and vaginal and cervical cultures to rule out infections that may negatively affect the implantation and early development of pregnancy. When appropriate, the male partner is also evaluated using a complete seminogram to analyze the characteristics of the semen and, in specific cases, genetic tests to rule out alterations that may affect fertility.

The methodical carrying out of these tests makes it possible to design a personalized protocol that optimizes the chances of success and guarantees the safety of the treatment. Our medical team at Avida Fertility thoroughly evaluates each case to provide the better treatment options adapted to the individual needs of each patient.

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Aspects

How to manage the psychological and emotional aspects of the process?

The IVF process with donated eggs can generate diverse emotions and psychological challenges that require attention and proper management. Among the most common emotional challenges, many women experience a process of genetic grief due to the loss of the genetic connection with their future child, a feeling that must be recognized and properly processed to make positive progress in treatment.

Anxiety about the outcome is another relevant factor; uncertainty about the success of treatment can generate high levels of anxiety and stress that, if not properly managed, could affect the patient's general well-being. Concerns about the mother-child bond also often arise, manifested as doubts about the ability to develop a full maternal bond without the genetic connection. Additionally, issues related to disclosure arise, raising questions as to if, when and how to communicate to the child about their genetic origin.

To address these challenges, a variety of strategies are beneficial. Specialized psychological therapy provides critical support for processing emotions and developing healthy coping mechanisms. Support groups provide a valuable space to share experiences with others in similar situations, providing emotional validation and different perspectives that enrich the process.

Specific stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga or breathing techniques help manage anxiety during the process, while maintaining open and sincere communication with the partner about feelings, expectations and concerns strengthens mutual emotional support. At Avida Fertility, we recognize the importance of psycho-emotional aspects on the path to motherhood through egg donation, so we offer specialized psychological support before, during and after treatment to facilitate this process.

What considerations need to be taken into account in the long term?

When choosing IVF treatment with donated eggs, it is important to consider several considerations that will have a long-term impact. From a health point of view, it is essential to ensure adequate obstetric monitoring, because despite using donor eggs, pregnancy may pose specific risks, especially in older women, such as hypertension or gestational diabetes, who require special monitoring.

Children's health also deserves special attention; although the risk is low thanks to the exhaustive checks carried out on donors, it is important to keep informed about the possible transmission of genetic diseases not detected during the selection process, and to know the relevant medical history that could affect the child in the future.

In the psychosocial field, the decision on disclosure represents a fundamental aspect to consider, determining if the child will be informed about their genetic origin, at what time and in what way to do so. Reproductive mental health specialists generally recommend honesty adapted to a child's age and maturity, gradually building their understanding of their origin story.

Managing information with the social environment also requires planning, deciding with whom to share information about the conception process and how to handle possible questions or comments from family, friends, or others. In parallel, anticipating and preparing for a child's possible future concerns about their genetic origin is important to help them integrate this information into their identity in a healthy way.

From a legal perspective, it is essential to clearly understand the aspects related to the donor's affiliation and the absence of legal rights, as well as to keep relevant medical records about the donor that could be important for the child's future health. Ongoing professional counseling and access to educational resources can significantly help families navigate these aspects in the long term. At Avida Fertility, we offer comprehensive guidance so that our patients can make informed decisions and adequately prepare for future challenges related to Formation of your family.

References

1. Spanish Fertility Society. (2024). National Activity Register 2023-SEF Record. https://www.sefertilidad.net Trusted Source.
2. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2023). Donor Eggs: Patient Guide. Fertility and Sterility, 118 (4), 78-85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.06.012 Trusted Source.
3. World Health Organization. (2023). WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen, sixth edition. https://www.who.int Trusted Source.

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