Egg Donation

Egg donation forms part of a method of assisted reproduction. It has become increasingly common in recent years due to the social tendency for women to postpone having children until later on in life, when their fertility is often reduced. This method of assisted reproduction is also useful in many other situations and circumstances - for women with ovarian failure, hereditary diseases, chromosomal abnormalities, or those affected by endometriosis, to name just a few examples. Egg donation makes the most of our modern-day knowledge and understanding of biology, genetics, fertility and technology, in order to enable women and couples who may be struggling or unable to conceive a child to fulfil that wish. The process involves a donor giving her eggs to a recipient patient, who has requested them so to increase her chances of becoming pregnant and having her own biological child.

Why someone might opt for egg donation

A patient may choose to opt for egg donation as a form of assisted reproduction for various reasons. These range from primary or premature ovarian failure to the failure of a fertility treatment like In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), or from a natural reduction of fertility as women get older to specific diseases such as endometriosis. In fact, although egg donation plays a large role in helping women over the age of 40 to become pregnant, a quarter of The IVI Group's patients are affected by endometriosis. And it is for that reason that we are pioneering research into this chronic disease, to increase awareness and understanding of its causes and symptoms. Endometriosis causes growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, and it can lead to a decline in a woman's pool and quality of oocytes (therefore, her fertility and chances of conception). However, what is important here is that this diagnosis can be mitigated or alleviated, thanks to innovative assisted reproduction methods such as egg donation.