Every month, a series of live webcasts takes place to cover various topics, including how to get started with the donor egg program. Recently, Dr. Jamie Thompson shared insights about this program and addressed some common audience inquiries. Here’s a breakdown of the most frequently asked questions.
Can we see photos of the donors?
Absolutely! Recipients have the opportunity to view childhood pictures of all available donors, as well as adult photos if the donor has given consent.
How are eggs allocated in the Shared Donor Egg Program?
In the Shared Donor Egg Program, the eggs are evenly distributed among all recipients. For instance, if you’re in the tertiary position in a 1:3 match, you will receive the same number and quality of eggs as those in the primary and secondary positions. The aim is for each recipient to obtain at least four mature eggs per cycle.
Do all recipients in the different programs have access to the same donor database?
Once you’ve completed your pre-screening and selected your program, you’ll receive an access code to view and choose your donor. Some recipients prefer to allow their donor to select the program for them. This means they can see all available donors and choose based on preference. Here’s how it breaks down:
- 1:1 Program: Access to all donors in 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 programs, except those already chosen by another recipient in the Shared Donor Egg Program.
- 1:2 Program: Access to donors in the 1:2 and 1:3 programs, excluding those in the 1:3 program already selected.
- 1:3 Program: Access to all donors in the 1:3 program.
How are recipients prioritized in the 1:2 and 1:3 programs?
Recipients are ranked based on their treatment history. For example, if three patients are in a 1:3 match:
- Patient A has undergone two unsuccessful donor egg cycles.
- Patient B is new to the practice.
- Patient C has had one unsuccessful IUI cycle.
In this scenario, Patient A would be first, Patient C second, and Patient B third. If you’re new to the practice and start in the Shared Donor Egg Program, be prepared to be placed in the tertiary position. All recipients receive eggs of the same quality, but the downside is that the tertiary recipient is the first to be canceled if the donor doesn’t produce enough eggs.
If you’re interested in discussing your fertility treatment options, it’s a good idea to reach out to a professional.
For more helpful tips on fertility, check out this post about hydration essentials for expecting mothers. It’s important to stay hydrated during pregnancy, and there are amazing resources available at Healthline for pregnancy-related information. Also, if you’re considering ways to boost fertility, you may want to look into supplements that can help.
Summary
In summary, the Donor Egg Program provides recipients with equal access to donors and ensures a fair distribution of eggs. Understanding how recipient prioritization works can help manage expectations. For more on fertility and home insemination, explore related topics that can guide you through this journey.