Embryo donation

What is Embryo donation?

Embryo donation is an act of solidarity – it is defined as giving unused embryos after a fertility treatment, to help other couples achieve pregnancy.

Adventages

The main advantage of this technique is its cost. Additionally, the embryos come mostly from couples that have already been parents, with which the prognosis is good. On the other hand, the most uncomfortable stages of in-vitro fertilisation -ovarian stimulation and follicle puncture- are avoided.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of phenotypic matching to the recipient partner is that it tries to effectively adjust, but it is not always ideal.

The donation of embryos is an absolutely altruistic act of solidarity, donors do not receive any kind of financial compensation and their generosity makes it possible for other couples to make their dream come true of having a baby.

This treatment is absolutely legal in our country regardless of the nationality or origin of the recipient.

When is Embryo donation indicated?

Embryo donation is indicated in cases of:

Z

Single women.

Z

Sterility of female and male causes.

Z

Genetically transmissible disease.

In cases of embryo donation, couples may also undergo IVF treatment cycles with donor eggs and donor semen, which makes it possible to select the donor’s physical characteristics and conduct a cycle with the transfer of fresh embryos, as well as obtaining frozen embryos, thus increasing the possibilities of achieving a successful pregnancy.

Pregnancy rate
by Embryo donation

Clinical pregnancy rate showing a heart beat:

%

Pregnancy rate

Technique for embryo adoption

The laboratory personnel at Clínica Fertia selects the most optimal embryos in each case, taking into account the physical characteristics of the couple.
Donors of these embryos have undergone extensive tests to rule out any infectious diseases and have already achieved their goal of becoming parents.

Embryo donation is carried out in a natural cycle or by hormonal treatment.

If embryo donation with a natural cycle is chosen, the recipient must maintain regular cycles, the cycle is monitored by ultrasound control observing the development of the follicle and the precise moment of the LH surge, which marks the moment of ovulation. A vaginal progesterone support regimen is then started and the day of transfer is scheduled.

In some cases, the use of hormonal treatment is chosen because,

The recipient is in menopause, has irregular cycles, does not develop an adequate endometrium during her natural cycle.
She lives far from our clinic and scheduling her travel on a specific day is complicated. In these cases, the transfer date can be programmed.

First of all, we ensure the cessation of ovarian activity in the recipient, for which we usually use contraceptives or a single dose of GNRH analogues, except in women who are already in menopause in which case it is not necessary.
Next, an oestrogen substitution regimen is started, either orally or by transdermal patches, to ensure adequate preparation of the endometrium, where the embryos will be deposited. During this process, one or two ultrasounds will be performed to verify that the endometrium has reached the desired size. At that time, additional vaginal progesterone therapy is started, and the transfer day is scheduled.

This consists of the introduction of the embryos inside the uterine cavity. To do this, a speculum is placed in the vagina and a fine cannula is inserted that carries the embryos which are deposited in the uterus under ultrasound guidance. This process is quick and painless.

After the transfer we recommend relative bed rest during the rest of the day and the following day, after which the woman can return to her usual activities.

Our only recommendation is to avoid vigorous physical activities and sports during the two weeks after the transfer. Travelling and driving are not seen as a problem.

12 days after the embryo transfer, a BHCG (pregnancy) test will be done on the future birth mother to confirm the pregnancy.

Alternatively, a urine test can also be done 14 days after the embryo transfer.

Until the pregnancy is confirmed, the medication prescribed on the day of the embryo transfer must be continued.

15 days after the BHCG analysis, an ultrasound is performed to confirm the number of embryos that have implanted (embryo sac stage) and monitoring at the clinic will be maintained until the presence of a heartbeat is detected.

Frequently asked questions about reproduction treatments

If you would like more information about our treatments, we are always available to help and answer any of your questions.

Ask us

How long do I have to wait to start treatment?

If the evaluation is successful, treatment can be started immediately. Treatment can be scheduled for the month that best suits the couple. In the case of egg recipients, the waiting time is usually one or two months.

How many attempts can I make?

In the case of artificial insemination, here at the clinic we recommend a maximum of four attempts, since 90% of pregnancies occur in the first four cycles.
Regarding In-vitro fertilisation or microinjection, our clinic never makes more than four attempts using these techniques.
In the case of egg donation, it is more difficult to establish a limit, this will normally be determined by psychological and also economic factors.

Can you use these techniques when you have already entered menopause?

Yes. Nowadays, it is possible to become a mother after entering menopause, either physiological due to ovarian failure, or after treatment of neoplastic diseases.
In these cases, the reception of eggs from a donor must be used.

What are the biggest concerns of egg or sperm recipient couples?

Anonymity is what worries most couples and, at Clínica Fertia, this is absolutely always guaranteed. Although a patient accepts to undergo the treatment, they do want the upmost discretion.
Another factor that concerns a couple is the health of the donors and the physical resemblance to them.
In our centre, both in the case of sperm donors and egg donors, our goal is to seek that the physical resemblance is as similar as possible to the parents.

Are these treatments expensive?

For a couple with fertility problems to achieve a pregnancy it can cost between 800 and 6,000 euros, if an assisted reproduction technique is used. Although the price not only depends on the technique used, but also on the frequency of its application.
Clínica Fertia is a pioneer in maintaining an honest and transparent policy. Since 2002 we have published the information of the cost of our treatments on our website.

Check out our prices list