In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In-vitro fertilization is a process in which eggs are fertilized outside the uterus in a laboratory before being implanted. The woman undergoes hormone treatment to stimulate ovulation. Her eggs are then harvested using a needle. Her partner's sperm is collected and used to fertilize the eggs in the laboratory. Once the eggs are fertilized and observed, a few are selected and placed into the woman's uterus or tubes, depending on the days since fertilization. Additional embryos that are created can be frozen for later use.
Some women choose to use an egg donor if they do not have sufficient quantity or quality of eggs themselves. This is especially true in women over 40. Donors are young women, ideally in their 20s or early 30s. Donated eggs from young women have higher pregnancy rates and lower miscarriage rates.
When you agree to undergo IVF treatment, you and your partner should carefully consider what you would like to have happen with unused embryos. They are usually frozen for later use, but if you never use them, you can destroy them, donate them for research, or donate them to other infertile couples. Deciding this up front can avoid confusion and waste later.
An egg donor takes fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation. Her eggs are then harvested and fertilized with your partner's sperm using IVF. The embryos can then be transferred to your uterus for the pregnancy. Any child you give birth to is legally yours, but it is still important to have documents drawn up by an attorney that waive the donor's rights. Egg donor programs may have long waiting lists. Using a known donor, such as a friend or relative, can bypass waiting but may raise parenting issues and have an impact on the families of both parties.
