Did you know that it is possible to have a combination of using your own eggs and a donor egg in an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle?
We turned to Dr Karacan from IVF Turkey and asked to explain how and why some women are choosing to take this path to parenthood.
Dr Karacan, can you tell us how the process works?
In this scenario, the intended parent undergoing IVF would use both their own eggs (if available) and a donor egg for fertilisation with sperm. The intended parent’s eggs and the donor egg would be fertilised with sperm in the laboratory through the process of IVF. The resulting embryos can then be transferred to the uterus of the intended parent or a gestational carrier.
Why would a woman choose to do this?
There are various reasons why individuals or couples may opt for this process. For example, if the intended parent has diminished ovarian reserve, poor egg quality, or a medical condition that affects their ability to produce viable eggs, using a donor egg can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
If however a couple does not feel comfortable using a donor egg, they can use both the intended mother’s eggs along with donor eggs. This approach may reduce the anxiety during an IVF cycle since they will not know which egg is the origin of the fetus.
By using both their own eggs and a donor egg, women may hope to minimise potential psychological distress or conflicts that may arise from using only a donor egg. This combination can provide a sense of balance.
So the embryo isn’t tested to see if it was the woman’s eggs or the donor?
That is correct. In cases where a woman undergoes in vitro fertilization (IVF) using both her own eggs and donor eggs, the resulting embryos are typically not genetically tested to determine which ones originated from the woman’s own eggs and which ones came from the donor.
The reason for this is that during IVF, multiple embryos are often created using a mixture of the woman’s eggs and donor eggs, and it is difficult to determine the genetic origin of each individual embryo without genetic testing.
Once the embryos are transferred to the woman’s uterus and a pregnancy occurs, it is generally not possible to definitively identify which specific embryos resulted in a successful pregnancy. The resulting child is considered the biological child of the woman who carried the pregnancy, regardless of whether her own eggs or donor eggs were used.
It’s important to note that the specific procedures and policies regarding genetic testing and disclosure may vary depending on the fertility clinic and the preferences
So is there any paperwork that a woman needs to fill in afterwards to ensure the woman who carries the pregnancy is considered the biological mother, regardless of whether her own eggs or a donor egg were used?
From a legal and societal perspective, the woman who gives birth to the child is typically recognised as the legal mother. This is true even if a donor egg was used in the IVF process. The woman who carries the pregnancy provides the gestational environment and nurtures the developing fetus, which establishes the legal and social framework for her being recognised as the mother.
It’s important to note that the specific laws and regulations regarding IVF, parental rights, and legal parentage can vary between jurisdictions. It’s recommended to consult with legal professionals and fertility specialists to understand the legal implications and requirements in your specific region.
Additionally, it’s crucial for individuals and couples undergoing IVF with a donor egg to have open and honest conversations about the genetic and biological aspects of the process. These discussions can help establish expectations, facilitate emotional understanding, and ensure that all parties involved feel informed and supported throughout the journey.
It’s important to note that the specific details of the IVF process, including the selection and screening of the donor, the fertilisation method, and the embryo transfer, may vary depending on the fertility clinic and the specific circumstances of the individuals involved. If you are considering double-donor IVF, it’s recommended to consult with a fertility specialist or reproductive endocrinologist who can provide personalised guidance and information based on your specific situation.
Did you have IVF using both your eggs and donor eggs? We would love to hear from you. Drop us a line at sara@ivfbabble.com.
