Out of every ten couples visiting a fertility clinic for treatment, around 25% will be dealing with poor ovarian reserve and Azoospermia may eventually require donor eggs. Additionally, about 10% of couples face male infertility issues like azoospermia (absence of sperm in semen), many of whom will need donor sperm.
In India, the social stigma associated with using donor eggs or sperm often leads couples to seek such treatments in secrecy. The low level of social acceptance, rooted in myths and misconceptions about donor gametes, makes these treatments challenging and emotionally complex for many patients.
A common concern among couples is the fear that using a donor gamete might lead to emotional difficulties and impact their ability to bond with the child as their own.
A recent study involving several leading IVF centers in India found that Indian women generally have the same level of acceptance for both donor eggs and donor sperm. However, Indian men tend to find it easier to accept donor eggs rather than donor sperm.
Here, we address some frequently asked questions about gamete donation:
Do I Need IVF with Donor Eggs?
For detailed information on whether you need IVF with donor eggs, please refer to our dedicated blog on the topic.
How Common is IVF with Donor Eggs?
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is a leading cause of infertility among women seeking treatment. There is a significant decline in ovarian reserve after the age of 35, especially for Indian women, who typically reach menopause around six years earlier than their Western counterparts. For patients with poor ovarian reserve, IVF cycles result in fewer oocytes retrieved per cycle, reducing the success rate. Such patients often require donor eggs or oocytes. Visit our Donor Egg Program section to learn more about the factors influencing the decision to use donor eggs in IVF.
How Much Does IVF with Donor Eggs Cost?
The cost of IVF with donor eggs varies by location. For example, in Indore, the average cost is approximately 60,000 rupees.
Can We Meet an Egg Donor to See if She Matches Our Profile?
Egg donation is conducted anonymously to protect both the donor and the recipient. Therefore, you cannot meet or see pictures of egg donors. However, you can select a donor profile based on criteria such as skin color, hair color, eye color, height, weight, and blood group.
Can Someone Known to Me, Like My Sister, Be an Egg Donor for Me?
No. Gamete donations are strictly anonymous to ensure privacy and ethical compliance.
Are Egg Donors Tested for Their Medical Health?
Yes, egg donors undergo extensive medical screening to assess their overall health and fertility. Common tests include:
- Infectious disease testing (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B & C)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC), including hemoglobin levels
- Hb Electrophoresis to check for genetic disorders like thalassemia
- Tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- HbsAg to screen for hepatitis
- Comprehensive health assessments to rule out inherited disorders and conditions like hypertension
Are Egg Donors Genetically Tested?
While there is no mandatory guideline requiring genetic screening for egg donors, tests for chromosomal abnormalities like karyotyping are now affordable and can be completed within a week. Patients may request their IVF clinic to perform such tests.
Does My Child or Family Need to Know That I Used Donor Eggs?
There is no legal requirement to disclose the donor’s identity to the child or family. In India, children conceived using donor gametes do not have the right to know the identity of their genetic parents. Consequently, there is no risk of them discovering the donor’s identity or location.
Is There a Possibility That the Donor Will Know We Used Her Eggs?
IVF clinics do not interact directly with donors; they work with accredited ART banks that provide cryopreserved oocytes or facilitate donor egg retrieval. Therefore, there is no way for a donor to know which patient uses her eggs.
Will I Have Issues Accepting the Child If I Use Donor Eggs?
Research suggests that the joy of motherhood is not solely defined by genetic ties. While genetic connections may contribute to bonding, they are only a small part of the lifelong journey of parenthood. The nurturing, care, and love provided throughout a child’s life create an unbreakable bond between mother and child. Since the baby grows inside your womb and shares half of your partner’s genes, the bond is often felt even before birth. There is no reason to believe you will have difficulty accepting a child conceived with donor eggs.