everything about egg donation

 

Why Use an Egg Donor?

The most common reason why single women and couples turn to egg donation is poor egg quality due to advanced maternal age. A woman’s egg quality lessens as she ages and significantly declines after age 37.

Who Uses Egg Donation?

• Couples in which the woman has poor-quality or no eggs, but who want a biological child using the male’s sperm
• Women with no ovaries but an intact uterus
• Women with genetic factors that they do not want to pass on to their children
• Women over the age of 42

There are many things to consider when thinking about using an egg donor. If you have a partner, start by exploring these questions.

Fact: The first known pregnancy achieved with a donated egg occurred in 1984. In 2016, the CDC reported approximately 9,000 births resulting from donor eggs.

Egg Donation Requirements

Egg donors undergo psychological and medical screening, which includes a thorough medical history, physical exam, and ovarian reserve assessment to determine if she is likely to be a good donor candidate. Egg donors are healthy young women, usually between ages 21 and 30.

Egg Donation Process

1. The egg donor gets hormone injections to induce ovulation of multiple eggs. Women naturally release one egg a month and the injections allow a large number of eggs to mature at the same time. Once her eggs are mature and ready for retrieval, her fertility doctor schedules the procedure.
2. The egg donor is put under sedation and her doctor uses an ultrasound guided needle inserted into each mature follicle to retrieve each egg. The lab will attempt to fertilize several eggs in a laboratory using the recipient’s partner’s sperm or selected donor sperm. This process is in vitro fertilization (IVF).
3. An embryo (fertilized egg) is then transferred into the recipient’s uterus.

In a fresh transfer cycle, the donor and the recipient’s cycles are synchronized using medication.

In a frozen transfer, the embryos are frozen and typically transferred at a later time. Frozen transfers are sometimes utilized so that preimplantation genetic screening for aneuploidy (an abnormal number of chromosomes) can be performed.

If successful, the embryo will implant into the uterine lining and develop into a healthy baby.

Egg Donor Cost and Sources

Commercial egg donor agencies recruit, screen, and match healthy donors with couples and individuals. Many infertility clinics also offer donated eggs from couples who have produced excess eggs.

In some cases, the recipient may ask a close friend or relative to donate her eggs. Recipients may choose a fresh egg donation cycle or a frozen egg donation cycle (from a frozen egg bank).

 

Egg Donation Success Factors

Success depends on many factors including the age of the egg donor, retrieval process, quality of sperm, and the recipient’s overall health.

As with all third-party reproduction processes, recipients should seek counseling to explore emotional concerns and an experienced attorney to protect their, and their potential children’s, rights

 

everything about egg donation

Egg Quality in Women

The peak fertility for women is reached around age 25 and remains about the same until approximately age 32, when it begins to decline. At age forty, the rate of decline accelerates and by age 42 a woman has lost almost 70% of her fertility potential. This trend continues until menopause, which occurs around age 51 on average in the U.S.

 

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At birth there are approximately 1-2 million eggs in the ovaries. This number falls to about 500,000 at the time of puberty and results in approximately 400 ovulations during the reproductive years. The development of eggs is controlled by the pituitary gland which releases a hormone called Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) that stimulates follicular growth. Inside of each follicle is an egg, surrounded by granulosa cells and follicular fluid. The follicle produces estrogen, which signals the brain as a feed back. At the beginning of a woman’s reproductive life span, the ovary responses readily to stimulation from the brain to produce a mature egg. However, over time the number of eggs decreases in the ovary. These remaining eggs do not respond as easily to the FSH signal from the brain, which makes more FSH in an attempt to stimulate the ovary to produce an egg. We measure the FSH and estradiol (E2) on the third day of the menstrual cycle to determine ovarian reserve. Since E2 can falsely suppress FSH, the interpretation of FSH requires that the E2 concentration be less than 40 pg/ml on same day.

An elevated FSH level does not necessarily mean that the woman is about to enter menopause. Rather, it suggests that she has entered the transitional period, which is the period that precedes the onset of menopause. Most women with increased FSH levels continue to have regular periods and ovulate. Women with markedly elevated FSH levels (greater than 20) usually do not respond adequately to stimulation with fertility medications and are best treated using donor eggs. This is even more indicated when raised FSH levels are detected in a woman over 40, whose egg quality is likely to be reduced as well.

It is important to realize that while FSH levels are relatively reliable indicators of ovarian strength and sensitivity to fertility hormones, it is largely the woman’s age that determines her inherent egg quality. While a woman in her 30s with a raised FSH is likely to have ovarian resistance to fertility drugs, the outcome may be better than someone in her 40s with normal FSH.

Women in the late reproductive years not only have significantly lower pregnancy chances, but also a high miscarriage rate due to chromosomal abnormalities in their embryos. IVF through facilitating the delivery of multiple embryos to the uterus can enhance the birthrate in such women. IVF is accordingly the treatment of choice for infertile women in their early forties, who simply do not have the time to waste on relatively non-efficacious alternatives. If conventional IVF fails using one’s own eggs, ovum donation promises outstanding success rates regardless of the woman’s age or FSH level. The live birth rate of ovum donations (regardless of the woman’s age) ranges from 50-55% per fresh cycle, not including the additional frozen cycle pregnancies.

what to eat during ivf

For those couples embarking on the journey through IVF, diet is as important as ever. The foods you eat create a nutritional foundation upon which all your bodily functions are built. Your diet factors in hormone production, semen production, your egg count, egg quality, the quality of your uterine lining, and a whole slew of other fertility-related processes. Therefore, it stands to reason your diet plays a fairly significant role in the success of your IVF treatment, from the start.

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FOODS THAT AID IVF SUCCESS

An anti-inflammatory diet is instrumental in IVF success. To that end, minimize the intake of processed foods, fast foods, and sugar. Healthy fats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and clean proteins such as fish, legumes, and low-fat poultry are all part of an anti-inflammatory diet. Whole grains, omega 3 rich fish, and nuts contribute significantly to a healthy uterine lining. Soy products are fine, and even considered to be beneficial, for women undergoing IVF.

Here are some suggestions to power you through your day while you undergo IVF treatment:

 

BREAKFAST

Avocado toast is a healthy, easy-on-the-tummy way to start your day. Simply toast up your favorite whole grain bread, and top with sliced avocado. Not only will you keep the morning munchies at bay, you’ll also get a healthy dose of good fat, and important pregnancy vitamins C, E, and K, along with zinc, riboflavin, magnesium, and folate. Top that toast with a poached protein-rich egg and you’ll make breakfast even more nutritious.

Oatmeal is an easy, on-the-go breakfast that brings the pregnancy boosting ability of whole grain to the table. Top with some fresh fruit and low-fat, or dairy free milk and you have a complete breakfast.

 

MID-MORNING SNACK

Smoothies fire up your mid-morning slow down more than any coffee drink or donut ever could. Blend antioxidant-rich berries, some folate heavy greens like spinach, or kale, and nuts or wheat germ, yogurt, non-dairy or low-fat milk, and you have the power of nutrients to aid in IVF success. For a cool treat, make your smoothie the night before and leave on your desk until snack time.

 

LUNCH

Try to center your lunch around whole grains, fresh veggies, and lean protein. A salad of ancient grains like farro, freekeh, quinoa, and kamut, mixed with deep green leaf lettuces, kale, or spinach, sunflower seeds, and a light vinaigrette, served with low-mercury fish, grilled chicken, or tofu, is a delicious way to get all the best nutrients to aid in IVF.

 

AFTERNOON SNACK

Afternoon is the ideal time to enjoy a nice, healthy helping of fruit. Go for fresh fruits like pineapple, citrus, strawberries, grapes, kiwi, apple and papaya-whatever your favorite fresh fruits. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of chia seeds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds, or have some peanut, almond, or soy butter for a healthy fat addition.

 

DINNER

Dinner is a great time for an easy-prep “nourish bowl”. Delicious and comforting bowls begin with a foundation of brown rice, or any whole grain you prefer. Top with greens sautéed in olive oil, grilled vegetables, your choice of protein, and a tahini-lemon sauce, or the healthy sauce of your choosing.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on a diet that will improve your odds of IVF success. Of course diet is a huge part of your health, but lifestyle also plays a role in your successful IVF treatment.

 

what to eat during ivf

Lifestyle Tips for IVF Success

IVF hopes that millions of couples around the world will be able to live in the joy of their parents. Infertility is not uncommon. One in ten couples are facing infertility problems.

IVF or in vitro fertilization is one of the most common assisted reproductive technology (ART) for couples who cannot naturally become pregnant. However, this process does not guarantee a successful result on the first attempt. The chance of getting pregnant is about 15-20%. The most important step to a successful IVF is to know the tips and habits that will increase your chances of success.

How to prepare for IVF treatment?

First. Do all sorts of research to find out about the IVF clinic or center where you will receive your treatment. There may be one treatment process. However, how treatment is provided makes a big difference. Be mentally prepared for a long-term relationship. IVF success cannot be guaranteed in one cycle. Couples often have to go through multiple cycles. Therefore, it is very important to find out the location of the clinic, the availability of doctors, the approach of staff to you, the skills of technicians, the condition of the lab where fertilization takes place, etc. Create a list. A clinic that offers IVF treatment and confirms details before settling down. In addition, you should check the following information about your clinic or center:

– Pregnancy rate per embryo transfer

– Clinic fertility rate

– Procedure costs

– Clinic certification

– Doctor’s experience certificate

– Number of twins or multiple births

• Avoid increased sperm count and masturbation

 

According to IVF experts, refraining from masturbation or sexual intercourse 3-4 days before the sperm donation or fertilization process increases the chances of successful IVF. During this time, the male partner should not ejaculate. Sperm quality changes over time. Therefore, it is important to analyze semen before the IVF process begins.

 

Important Lifestyle Tips for IVF Success:

For a woman who is undergoing or planning IVF, it is important to understand that every small and large habit plays a major role in her lifestyle. Everything from the diet she consumes to how to deal with her emotionally and mentally therapeutic journey influences her overall lifestyle habits.

1. Good fat is a must

According to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, eating a diet rich in monounsaturated fats helps women seeking pregnancy through IVF achieve successful results. Monounsaturated fats are excellent fats that are known to protect the heart and improve fertility. Foods rich in monounsaturated fats include nuts, avocados, olive oil, and sunflower oil. These foods not only improve fertility, but also help the growth and development of the fetus. Adding good fat to your regular diet is the first tip to a successful IVF. Adding good fat does not guarantee 100% successful IVF, but it can definitely increase your chances.

Here’s how to renew your diet:

– Eat fresh fruits and vegetables

– Eat whole grains and lean protein

– Add legumes, beans, lentils, chickpeas

– Switch to low-fat dairy products

– Disable lean meats and processed foods

2. Trust the goodness of meditation

IVF is a complex process. In most cases, repetitive cycles, efforts, and costs can hurt the lives of couples, especially women. However, in reality, stress can affect the reproductive system and further delay the chances of successful IVF. When you start in vitro fertilization treatment, it is normal for stress and anxiety to hurt your life. However, the way to deal with anxiety is stress relief. Meditation is the best way to relieve stress. Breathing meditation can reduce stress and improve body performance.

3. Avoid alcohol, smoking and caffeine

Alcohol is a teratogenic substance, meaning that it can affect the normal functioning and formation of the fetus. Therefore, women who are trying to become pregnant at any cost should avoid alcohol. Smoking is another thing that can affect the success of IVF. Smoking affects the quality of eggs and sperm. Smoking can significantly reduce the chances of getting pregnant by in vitro fertilization Caffeine can adversely affect your baby’s health. Pregnant women or women preparing to carry a baby should not exceed 200 mg per day. Avoid coffee and soda. These are a rich source of caffeine. IVF experts suggest avoiding caffeine altogether once treatment begins.

4. Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity is not good for fetal development. Body mass index (BMI) has a direct impact on your health. Being overweight or obese reduces the chances of successful in vitro fertilization. Similar harm can occur in underweight women. If you are at both ends of your weight range, make the necessary changes to achieve a healthy weight. Eat a healthy diet and incorporate aerobic exercise as a basic lifestyle habit.

5. Avoid strenuous exercise

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for successful in vitro fertilization, but not through strenuous activity. Indulging in active activity can do more harm to your body than benefits and reduce your chances of successful conception. Avoid strenuous exercise after conception as it can cause implantation failure and miscarriage. If it is imperative to achieve a healthy weight, try to achieve it by doing low intensity exercises such as yoga, walking and swimming.

6. Get enough sleep

Sleep is an important determinant of the success or failure of IVF treatment. Before you book in vitro fertilization, you need to adjust your sleep cycle. Go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep for 7-8 hours every day. More or less sleep can reduce the chances of successful IVF. Keep electronic devices away from your body while you sleep. A good night’s sleep in a dark environment is thought to regulate melatonin in the body, which can improve a woman’s mental and emotional well-being.

7. Avoid harmful chemicals

Avoid chemicals that can interfere with the success of IVF.

– Manicure

– Cosmetics, soaps and shampoos containing parabens, triclosan and benzophenones

– Brominated flame retardants in furniture and electronic devices

8. Take supplements

Once you start IVF treatment, there are some important supplements you can take.

Start with prenatal vitamins before starting the first cycle. Increase your intake of folic acid.

Prenatal vitamins can even help your partner improve their sperm health. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to problems with fetal health development. Therefore, taking vitamin D supplements is very important for the success of IVF.

These are basic lifestyle tips that can guarantee a healthy and successful IVF for any couple. If you have a health problem or are facing a problem, it is always best to notify and consult an IVF specialist immediately and without delay, rather than relying on lifestyle tips from your side.

 

Lifestyle Tips for IVF Success

Lifestyle tips for IVF

lifestyle and diet go hand-in-hand, for the success of your IVF outcome. Obviously alcohol and smoking are counterproductive to your health, and the health of your baby, as are any other recreational drugs. If you’re feeling stressed try some of these healthy ways to cope, today and going forward.

 

 

• Talk with a friend, or seek out a therapist who specializes in helping those undergoing fertility treatment. Ask your fertility team for a referral.
• Exercise, especially if you’ve maintained a fitness program for a while. But, as always, check with your physician first.
• Practice yoga and meditation. These ancient arts have calmed and centered people for centuries.
• Treat yourself! Schedule a day at a spa. A little pampering and self-care does wonders for the soul. And don’t leave it at the spa. Extend your feel-good self-care by taking regular bubble baths, schedule therapeutic massages, and learn to listen to your body.
• Say no to outside stresses right now, including family gatherings and other social obligations, volunteering, extra work commitments, and even something as simple as doing the grocery shopping. Learning to say “not right now” is one of the healthiest things you can do for you and your future family.

Lifestyle tips for IVF

What to eat during IVF

 

During an IVF cycle, focus on eating healthy, balanced meals. Don’t make any major or significant changes during this time, like going gluten-free if you weren’t already.

 

Doctors recommend a Mediterranean-style diet. Its plant-based, colorful foundation should provide the positive nutrition your body needs.

 

In fact, research shows that a Mediterranean diet may improve the IVF success rate among women who are under 35 years old and who don’t have overweight or obesity.

 

While the study was small, eating a healthy diet during the weeks leading up to the cycle certainly doesn’t hurt.

Since diet also affects sperm health, encourage your partner to stick to the Mediterranean diet with you.

Here are easy ways to revamp your nutrition with the Mediterranean diet:

 

• Fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Choose lean proteins, like fish and poultry.
• Eat whole grains, like quinoa, farro, and whole grain pasta.
• Add in legumes, including beans, chickpeas, and lentils.
• Switch to low-fat dairy products.
• Eat healthy fats, such as avocado, extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
• Avoid red meat, sugar, refined grains, and other highly processed foods.
• Cut out salt. Flavor food with herbs and spices instead.

What to eat during IVF

when is IVF used for infertility treatment?

 

IVF is most definitely indicated when infertility is caused by one or more factors that are not effectively treated by other methods, severe tuberculosis due to previous infection or advanced endometriosis and severe male infertility, are the most obvious examples. IVF is also often the most important treatment for couples with age-related or unexplained infertility. IVF is the last option for women who have failed all other infertility treatments.

 

When is the best time for IVF and infertility treatment?

 

The best time for IVF and infertility treatment is when you are ready. It is recommended that you do not delay IVF and other infertility treatments for a variety of reasons. Because by delaying treatment and increasing age, your chances of IVF and fertility success are reduced.

 

 

So take the IVF and treatment for infertility as soon as possible.

 

 

IVF is one of the most effective infertility treatments in many authoritative and well-equipped medical centers in Iran. Hayat Medtour by facilitating travel to Iran and treating infertility in specialized centers accompanies you until you realize your dream and see your beloved child smile.

 

IVF in Tehran

 

Preparation tips for IVF

IVF treatment is beneficial for those who are experiencing infertility. Infertility is a term that is used to define the inability of a couple to conceive a baby naturally. This treatment is additionally known as In-Vitro Fertilization, so to get this treatment, you have to visit the IVF centers.

 

Here are certain ways to prepare your body for the IVF procedure.

• Eat fertility-enhancing foods
• Reduce stress
• Take your vitamins
• Improve sleep
• Quit smoking and drinking

Well, the preparation for IVF depends on the time. In this article, you will read how to prepare according to different time periods.

 

If You have 3 to 6 Months to Prepare for IVF

If you are planning to get IVF treatment after 3 or 6 months, then you have enough time to prepare your body for IVF. In addition to this, you will surely get the best results after the preparation of 3 months, because follicles or eggs take almost 3 months to mature. You may not know the quality of egg matters a lot, also give you positive results. In this time period, you have to talk to the doctor and get proper information about everything related to IVF preparation.

 

If You Have 1-2 Months to prepare for IVF treatment.

Quit smoking and drinking

If you are planning to undergo IVF within the next 2 months, then you have to stop smoking as well as limit your alcohol consumption. Since nicotine is too harmful to your ovaries and makes you unable to produce healthy eggs.

Take your vitamins

Along with this, you also need to take care of your nutrition too. You must take your vitamins properly for better and healthy pregnancy too. So, you must take high-quality prenatal supplements, these will help you to produce healthy eggs and will surely improve your body’s fertile environment. You have to start taking these supplements 2 months before trying to conceive a baby.

Must go with fertility improving foods

Yes, it is necessary to eat fertility-enhancing foods, so that you can simply conceive a baby without any problem. Essential foods include-:

• Royal jelly
• eggs
• sprouts
• fish roe
• seeds
• nettles
• nuts
• seaweed
• oats
• algae
• bone marrow
• caviar
• artichokes
• goji berries
• raw milk
• flax seeds
• oysters
• pollen

 

If You have only 2 Weeks to Prepare for IVF.

Improve sleep

In this condition, you have to take proper rest and sleep which contributes to sex hormones, ovulation, and sperm production too. Only adequate sleep matters a lot, so you have to take care of your sleeping habits.

Reduce stress

Taking too much stress may lead you to hormonal problems and makes you unable to produce healthy eggs. So, you must try breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation to reduce stress.

 

IVF preparation

How prepare for IVF?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology provide information online about U.S. clinics' individual pregnancy and live birth rates.

When choosing an in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic, keep in mind that a clinic's success rate depends on many factors, such as patients' ages and medical issues, as well as the clinic's treatment population and treatment approaches. Ask for detailed information about the costs associated with each step of the procedure.

 

Before beginning a cycle of IVF using your own eggs and sperm, you and your partner will likely need various screenings, including:

• Ovarian reserve testing. To determine the quantity and quality of your eggs, your doctor might test the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (estrogen), and anti-mullerian hormone in your blood during the first few days of your menstrual cycle. Test results often used together with an ultrasound of your ovaries, can help predict how your ovaries will respond to fertility medication.
• Semen analysis. If not done as part of your initial fertility evaluation, your doctor will conduct a semen analysis shortly before the start of an IVF treatment cycle.
• Infectious disease screening. You and your partner will both be screened for infectious diseases, including HIV.
• Practice (mock) embryo transfer. Your doctor might conduct a mock embryo transfer to determine the depth of your uterine cavity and the technique most likely to successfully place the embryos into your uterus.
• Uterine exam. Your doctor will examine the inside lining of the uterus before you start IVF. This might involve a sono hysterography — in which fluid is injected through the cervix into your uterus — and an ultrasound to create images of your uterine cavity. Or it might include a hysteroscopy — in which a thin, flexible, lighted telescope (hysteroscope) is inserted through your vagina and cervix into your uterus.

Before beginning a cycle of IVF, consider important questions, including:

• How many embryos will be transferred? The number of embryos transferred is typically based on age and the number of eggs retrieved. Since the rate of implantation is lower for older women, more embryos are usually transferred — except for women using donor eggs or genetically tested embryos. Most doctors follow specific guidelines to prevent higher-order multiple pregnancies — triplets or more — and in some countries, legislation limits the number of embryos that can be transferred. Make sure you and your doctor agree on the number of embryos that will be transferred before the transfer procedure.
• What will you do with any extra embryos? Extra embryos can be frozen and stored for future use for several years. Not all embryos will survive the freezing and thawing process, although most will. Cryopreservation can make future cycles of IVF less expensive and less invasive. Or, you might be able to donate unused frozen embryos to another couple or a research facility. You might also choose to discard unused embryos.
• How will you handle a multiple pregnancies? If more than one embryo is transferred to your uterus, IVF can result in multiple pregnancy — which poses health risks for you and your babies. In some cases, the fetal reduction can be used to help a woman deliver fewer babies with lower health risks. Pursuing fetal reduction, however, is a major decision with ethical, emotional, and psychological consequences.
• Have you considered the potential complications associated with using donor eggs, sperm or embryos, or a gestational carrier? A trained counselor with expertise in donor issues can help you understand the concerns, such as the legal rights of the donor. You may also need an attorney to file court papers to help you become legal parents of an implanted embryo.

 How prepare for IVF?