For infertile couples who want to have children, the donor program is a blessing. This program organises different types of donations for childless couples.
Eggs, sperm, or embryos can be donated based on their requirements. Due to the fact that they use donors from outside, the method is also known as “third-party reproduction.”
About the Donor Program
The fertility test and subsequent treatment planning are the first and most important steps in the donor program. The donor and the couple are fully informed about the program’s costs and workings. The selection of an appropriate egg or sperm donor follows.
The couple finds the ideal donor, and they are provided with the complete medical histories of the suitable matches. When a potential donor is identified, the donation procedure begins.
Who qualifies for the Donor Program?
Before selecting the ideal donor, there are a few things to keep in mind. The donors should be chosen if they meet the following criteria:
- The donor needs to be in good physical and mental health.
- The sperm donor should be between the ages of 18 and 39, and the egg donor should be between the ages of 21 and 29.
- The female donor must experience regular monthly menstruation.
- They must provide a detailed family and medical history.
- They should be examined for a variety of genetic diseases.
- Donors should not have any communicable diseases, such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, hepatitis, or HIV.
Why the donor program is conducted?
The donor program is conducted under the following conditions :
An egg donation is conducted when :
- The woman has ovarian cysts, PCOS, endometriosis, or any other inherited genetic conditions.
- The patients have undergone numerous IVF or ICSI cycles without success.
- The patient is in the menopausal stage.
- Male couples or single men want to raise children.
Sperm donation is conducted when :
- A male has poor health conditions and male-factor infertility;
- There is a chance that the male will pass genetic disorders to his offspring.
- Lesbian couples or women who want to start a family
- The male is either severely oligospermic or has abnormal seminal fluid.
Embryo donation is conducted when :
- Neither partner can conceive using only his or her own eggs or semen.
- Their medical and genetic prognosis is not favourable.
Different Types of Donor Programs
Egg donation, sperm donation, and embryo donation are the three main parts of the donor program.
Donation of egg
Through egg donation, infertile women can experience the joy of pregnancy. In this procedure, the sperm from the patient’s husband is used to fertilise the eggs of a healthy egg donor. The patient’s uterus is then used to implant the generated embryos. The couple is given the blessing of parenthood through this process.
Donation of sperm
The pair can choose sperm donation if the male partner is incapable of producing sperm either naturally or through surgery. The sperm is selected from donors who are fertile and free from viral or genetic problems.
With the help of this donor sperm, the woman may be inseminated (IUI) or the eggs may be fertilised via an IVF procedure.
Donation of Embryos
In this procedure, the sperm and eggs of a healthy anonymous donor are combined. The embryos are subsequently implanted at the appropriate time into the woman’s womb. The couple should be aware that the child will be their biological child and not a genetic one.
However, if they choose embryo donation, the fact that they will be able to embrace parenthood is more than enough.
Benefits of the Donor Program
The donor program offers some of the following advantages, which are remarkable.
- The infertile couple can obtain healthy sperm, eggs, or embryos thanks to the donor program.
- They can feel all the maternal emotions associated with pregnancy.
- This is the best alternative to adoption, as there is also the use of genetic material.
- The donors receive payment for providing their sperm or eggs.
- The donor program will be very helpful to lesbians, single men and women, and families who are unable to conceive.
Risk or Complications of Donor Program
Here are a few risks and complications related to the donor program:
- The donors’ minds will be mentally disturbed during the process.
- The risk of the ovulation cycle changing permanently for egg donors is high.
- The donors are required to take fertility medication throughout the procedure; as a result, they may become personally pregnant.
- Sperm donors should be in good sexual health and refrain from ejaculating for a day or two prior to donating sperm.
Final Words
We believe the readers now have a basic understanding of the donation program and its different types. Nevertheless, if they have any concerns regarding the donor program, they should consult a doctor.
Yes, egg or sperm donation is permitted in India, according to the ICMR. The egg donor must sign assurances of confidentiality and anonymity, though.
The permitted age range to donate sperm or eggs is roughly between 21 and 35.
Couples who are unable to conceive due to sperm or egg issues might participate in the donation program.
The donor program has a total cost of ₹80,000 to ₹100,000. Additionally, it depends on the needs of the partners and the type of treatment required. To know more regarding the donor program request an appointment at: Apollo Fertility, Borivali East, Mumbai Call 1860 500 4424 to book an appointment.
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