For many years, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has enabled countless people to have children, often after years of disappointment. It’s a complex process from a medical and emotional point of view. Those who embark on an IVF cycle focus on the child they crave. Most hope a cycle will produce multiple embryos because it usually takes more than one embryo transfer to achieve a successful full-term pregnancy.
However, after the formation of a family, frozen embryos may remain. What to do with them? One option is to donate embryos to another person or couple hoping to have children. Let’s talk about how and under what conditions it happens.
How to choose the type of embryo donation
The flexible donation program offers open embryo donation and a closed procedure. Specialists also provide «intermediate» options to meet the donor and recipient’s wishes.
- Closed embryo donation is when the identity of the donor and recipient is completely hidden. Intended parents are allowed access to the donor’s relevant medical information, but all identifying information remains hidden. Identifying information includes name, location, place of work, etc.
- Semi-open embryo donation means that both families mutually establish the boundaries of communication. It can range from indirect or direct contact on a planned or occasional basis. You are provided with more information about the host family than a closed adoption, with the opportunity to learn more in the future.
- Open embryo means that you are in direct contact with the host family. By mutual consent, there is an exchange of personal contact information. The identity of the host family is fully known. It will be helpful for children to learn about their genetic background, family members, and medical history.
Which option to choose? It depends on your wishes and needs.
Are embryos tested for diseases?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has developed clear guidelines for testing people who donate tissue, including eggs, sperm, and embryos. But since most donated embryos were originally intended for use by the people who created them, testing recommended by the FDA may not be done for an appropriate period.
At the time of donation, donors provide a detailed medical history and be tested for infectious diseases, including HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. If donors are unavailable or refuse to be tested at the time of donation, recipients are warned of the possibility of disease transmission.
Embryo donation success rates depend on the quality of the embryos at the time they were frozen, the age of the woman who donated the eggs, and the number of embryos transferred.
