Egg donation is not the only option for infertile couples to conceive or start a family. Scientific advancements have created many medical options that should be considered prior to undergoing the egg donation process or after an egg donation procedure was unsuccessful. Several of these options are discussed below.
1. In Vitro Fertilization
While many women find that their eggs are not viable or cannot produce eggs, some female fertility patients have useable eggs that are not released timely or at all. This means that these patients can use their eggs and merely be implanted with a fertilized egg. This procedure is called In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). In IVF, the female patient’s egg and her partner’s sperm are combined outside of the womb and then implanted into her uterus or fallopian tube. Gamete intrafallopian transfer, in which the egg and sperm are transferred directly to the fallopian tubes, and zygote intrafallopian transfer, in which the combined egg and sperm are combined and then transferred to the woman’s fallopian tubes, are variations of IVF.
2. Surrogacy
Surrogacy is the process whereby an egg and sperm are combined and implanted in a third party’s uterus, who will then carry the baby for nine months and then turn the child over to the parents. Typically, after the baby is delivered to the parents, they must then adopt the baby. Surrogacy is illegal in many states. If it is the mother’s eggs, and not damage to her uterus that prevents her from becoming pregnant, this method requires using a donated egg.
3. Adoption
A child put up for adoption is in no way genetically related to either of the adopting parents. This means that a donated egg does not need to be used. Adoption, however, can be costly and take several years until completed. International adoptions are becoming more frequent, but are extremely expensive and time consuming. Adopting through a private charity will significantly cut down on the length of time to adopt and the costs associated with adoption.
4. Fertility Medications
Medications and treatments for infertility change constantly. Women that have not tried fertility medications in over a year should ask their specialist whether any new medications have proven successful, and if they are an option for them. It may be possible that these new medications will stimulate egg production, eliminating the need to use an egg donor or adopt. Unfortunately, not all medications will assist everyone in egg production and release.
5. Tubal Surgery
If the difficulty of getting pregnant derives from blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, your physician may suggest tubal surgery to repair the defect. However, this procedure should only be undertaken if the physician has checked your ovaries to ensure that they are properly creating viable eggs. If your ovaries are not functioning properly, this surgery will be futile as you will still not be able to become pregnant.
There are many alternatives to using donated eggs to treat infertility. However, many of these options require a woman to be producing viable eggs and that ovarian function not be the source of fertility problems. Talk to your specialist about the many available options regarding fertility treatment.
