Egg (oocyte) donation in Ukraine

Egg (oocyte) donation

Egg (oocyte) donation

The first pregnancy with borrowed female germ cells was obtained in 1984. And at present, egg donation clinics are quite common. Therefore, it is important for future parents, who have to try reproductive technologies, to choose a medical institution in which donors are carefully selected. In this article, we will tell you about the donor genetic material analyses, who can get into the donor catalogue and the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedure itself. A description of all the processes will perfectly show the scrupulousness with which specialists approach such a delicate issue.

In what cases can an egg be donated?

It can be necessary when a woman who wants to become a mother has her own sex cells produced in insufficient quantities or of inappropriate quality. This happens in the following cases:

• with extreme exhaustion of the ovaries;
• at late reproductive age;
• after surgery in the treatment of ovarian pathologies;
• after radiation or chemotherapy;
• in the presence of abnormalities in the development of the genital organs;
• due to a genetically reduced stock of eggs.

Donation of oocytes (germ cells) is also used to prevent hereditary diseases if there is a high risk of their development. In addition, borrowing biomaterial is recommended if previous numerous IVF attempts have been unsuccessful.

Who can be an egg donor?

Oocyte donation is possible only from a healthy woman aged 20 to 32.

Egg donation in Kharkiv, Kyiv and generally in Ukraine is regulated by law. Each donor applicant undergoes mandatory examinations in accordance with the Ministry of Health Order No. 787. These includes:

• blood type and Rh factor tests;
• general blood count, coagulation rate;
• coagulogram;
• fluorography;
• examinations by a gynaecologist and a therapist;
• viruses and infections tests;
• the vagina microflora smear;
• oncocytology tests;
• Ultrasound of the pelvis.

In addition, we carry out a number of additional tests:

1. antibodies to rubella and toxoplasmosis tests;
2. cytomegalovirus and chlamydia tests;
3. hormones AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone and prolactin tests.

Stages of the program with an oocyte donor

IVF with oocyte donation is somewhat different from the standard program due to the fact that synchronization of the donor and recipient cycles is necessary.

There are main phases of such a program:

1. Consultation and examination of a married couple.

At this stage, a decision is made on the readiness of the male body to produce high-quality genetic material, and the female body to bear the pregnancy.

If the health of the spouses is at the corresponding level, they proceed to the next stage - the choice of the donor.

2. Donor selection

Spouses can choose a donor from the donor catalogue.

The price of the oocyte donation program can vary significantly depending on what requirements the couple sets for the donor. When choosing a donor from the catalogue, the program is carried out anonymously. The couple will not know her name and any personal data. But in the questionnaire there is basic information about the applicants:

• height;
• weight;
• eyes and hair colour;
• the shape of the forehead, nose, etc.
• blood group and Rh factor;
• nationality;
• education.

In order to quickly make the choice, it is better to immediately voice the most important parameters to the reproductologist.

Next, the timing of the IVF with the future donor is agreed on.

3. Synchronization of menstrual cycles.

At this stage, the donor and the recipient should become a single organism.

The menstrual cycle of the donor should run parallel to the cycle of the recipient.

Synchronization is achieved through the use of hormonal drugs. The processes are controlled with a blood test for hormones and ultrasound of the ovaries and endometrium.

4. Stimulation of the donor.

An egg donor in Ukraine receives hormonal drugs approved by the World Health Organization. They contribute to the maturation of several oocytes at once in one cycle, which is required to increase the chances of successful IVF.

Oocyte growth and development are controlled with blood tests for hormones and ultrasound, starting from day 5 of the stimulation.

When the stimulated follicles in the ovaries reach a certain size, they are punctured and matured eggs are removed.

5. Fertilization.

The donor oocytes obtained are passed on to the embryologist, who assesses them, evaluates maturity and selects the best for fertilization.

On the same day, the future father is invited to donate sperm. The resulting male biomaterial is processed, cleaned of dead and immobile spermatozoa. Selected healthy male gametes are used for fertilization. Previously frozen semen can also be used.

6. Cultivation and replanting of embryos

The embryos obtained as a result of the successful fertilization are placed in a special incubator, where their development is recorded by video cameras. The embryologist has the ability to constantly monitor the embryos. By day 5-6 the embryos the highest quality are selected. One or two of these embryos will be inserted into the uterine cavity of the female recipient. The remaining embryos will be frozen for use in repeated IVF cycles, if necessary.

There are times when a married couple decides to give a birth to another child over time. Previously stored embryos can be used for these purposes, and the IVF procedure is greatly simplified.

Egg donor: price in Ukraine

The price of an oocyte donation program depends on many factors and may vary for different cases. The cost is affected by the initial state of health, donor choice, duration of preparation for the procedure, and much more.

Please, feel free to contact us on any arising issue through: feedback form, e-mail, viber, Skype, and we will be happy to advise you or arrange a free consultation with a reproductologist.