The process of egg donation in Canada can vary slightly depending on whether you are working with an egg bank or a fresh egg donor. ReproMed is highly experienced at working with aspiring parents to build their family through this multi-step process, ensuring that all medical and legal requirements are met along the way.
Frozen Egg Banks or Fresh Egg Donation?
As mentioned, patients at ReproMed have two options to grow their families through egg donation: Frozen Egg Banks and Fresh Egg Donation. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, and the right solution for each patient group is a very personal decision based on many factors. Some of these factors include:
Egg Bank Donation:
- Convenience and Speed: Egg bank donations offer quicker and more flexible scheduling since the eggs are already frozen and available.
- Larger Pool of Donor Candidates: Since International Egg Banks can compensate Donors in the countries they operate in, there are typically more candidates to select from.
- Convenience: Egg bank donations offer quicker and more flexible scheduling since the eggs are already frozen and available.
Fresh Egg Donation:
- Higher Success Rates: Fresh eggs often result in higher fertilization and pregnancy rates compared to frozen eggs.
- Connection to Donor: Recipients may feel more connected knowing the eggs are fresh and directly from their selected donor. Fresh Egg Donors may be open to contact with the recipients or the children born from the donation.
The Process of Creating Embryos Using a Frozen Egg Bank
1. Egg Bank Selection:
- Pre-screened Donors: Donors in an egg bank have already undergone extensive screening and had their eggs frozen and stored. This can significantly reduce the time required for matching and preparation.
- Immediate Availability: Eggs from the bank are readily available, allowing recipients to proceed with treatment once they receive the eggs at their clinic. Since the eggs are coming from outside of the country, it can take approximately 2 months to arrange documentation and international shipping of gametes.
2. Thawing and Fertilization:
- Thawing: Once the eggs are received from the egg bank, the frozen eggs are thawed.
- Fertilization: The thawed eggs are immediately fertilized with sperm from the recipient’s partner or a donor in a laboratory, grown in the laboratory and typically frozen for transfer in the future. PGT-A testing may also be done, depending on the wishes of the intended parent(s).
3. Embryo Transfer:
- The embryo or embryos may be transferred to the intended mother or a gestational surrogate. The fertilized embryos are thawed before being transferred to the recipient’s uterus.
The Process of Creating Embryos Using a Fresh Egg Donor
1. Donor Selection and Matching:
- Matching Process: Intended parent(s) select a donor based on physical characteristics, medical history, and/or other personal preferences. This process may take some time, depending on the specific traits being sought by the recipient(s).
- Screening: Once a match is made, the donor undergoes further, extensive medical and psychological screening to ensure suitability.
2. Cycle Synchronization:
- Hormonal Treatment: The donor receives hormones to stimulate egg production.
3. Procedure: The donor undergoes an egg retrieval procedure, which is performed under sedation or light anesthesia. The eggs are retrieved using a needle guided by ultrasound.
- Fertilization: The retrieved eggs are immediately fertilized with sperm from the recipient’s partner or a donor in a laboratory, grown in the laboratory and typically frozen for transfer in the future. PGT-A testing may also be done, depending on the wishes of the intended parent(s).
4. Embryo Transfer:
- The embryo or embryos may be transferred to the intended mother or a gestational surrogate. The fertilized embryos are thawed before being transferred to the recipient’s uterus.
Additional Factors to be Aware of When Using a Fresh Egg Donor
1. Legal and Ethical Considerations:
- Legal Framework: The process must adhere to the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA), ensuring no financial compensation beyond expenses is made to donors.
- Counseling: Both donors and recipients receive counseling to understand the medical, ethical, and emotional aspects of the process.
2. Medical Monitoring:
- Donor Health: Regular medical check-ups for donors during the stimulation phase to monitor their response to hormones.
- Recipient Health: Medical supervision for recipients to ensure optimal uterine preparation and to monitor for potential complications post-transfer.
3. Expense Reimbursement:
- Donor Expenses: Donors are reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred during the donation process, such as travel and medical costs. Expenses acceptable are defined by the AHRA and may include travel, food, daycare, egg donation screening and procedure.
Conclusion
Whether opting for fresh egg donation or using an egg bank, the process in Canada is carefully regulated to ensure the safety and well-being of all parties involved. Fresh egg donation offers higher success rates and a more personalized experience, while egg bank donation provides greater convenience and faster access to donor eggs. Both options provide valuable pathways for individuals and couples seeking to build their families.
