Frequently asked questions

 

What are the tests I need to have done prior to treatment?

Before a recipient can be matched with an egg donor, the following tests must be carried out:

FEMALE                                                          MALE

CMV                                                             Hepatitis B                                                                                                            

Hepatitis B                                                     Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C                                                     HIV

HIV                                                                Semen Analysis

Syphillis                                                          Blood Type

Rubella

Blood Type        

Baseline scan or HSG

FSH, LH, E2 and Prolactin Hormone Tests

NB:  These tests must be less than 12 months old at the time of treatment. 

How will the egg donor be selected ?

You complete a donor characteristic form in which we document the characteristics you would like the donor to have.  We use this information to supply you with a list of donors that match your criteria and blood groups.  You select your first choice and a reserve donor.  This will allow flexibility and avoids delays in case the first choice donor does not produce enough number of eggs or for any reason, decides to withdraw from the programme.   

Will I be given any information about the donor ?

We will provide you with information on:

• Age
• Hair colour
• Body build
• Height
• Weight
• Education
• Eye Colour
• Number of children of their own if applicable
• Country of origin (ethnicity)

What is the drug regimen? ( Egg Donation)

There are two drug regimens

Patients who are menopausal (ie with no periods) Progynova or Estrofem is given for 10-12 days to thicken the uterus lining (endometrium).  An ultrasound scan will be performed to check the endometrial thickness. Progesterone support will commence 3-4 days before the embryo transfer.

Patients with naturally occurring periods (ie not thought to be menopausal).  In order to control your cycle, you will first need to take oral contraceptive before starting with oral Progynova to thicken the lining of the uterus and progesterone support as above.

In order to sychronise both recipient and donor cycles for fresh embryo transfer it is essential to "switch off" the recipients cycle using a long protocol.  The recipient will need to take Nafarelin (Synarel) nasal spray daily, from day 2 or 21 of the menstrual cycle, until the day before the donors egg collection.  The endometrium is prepared by giving oral Progynova or Estrofem and progesterone support as above.

For both sets of clients , the drug regime is continued until a pregnancy test is performed.