Many couples hit a few bumps in the road while growing their family. Sometimes, that means using donor eggs or a gestational carrier, also known as a surrogate. In the case of a same sex male couple, having a child requires both an egg donor and a surrogate.
If you and your partner find you need an egg donor, surrogate, or both, you may not know where to begin. Let us help guide you. Here, we offer some tips and suggestions that make finding egg donors and surrogates in Santa Monica, Brentwood, Venice, West Los Angeles, and surrounding areas easier.
What Are Donor Eggs?
Donor eggs help couples experiencing infertility as well as same-sex male couples. Many conditions affect the health of a woman’s eggs. They include:
- Treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy
- Primary ovarian insufficiency
- Diminished ovarian reserve
- Menopause
- Prior failed IVF due to poor embryo quality
- Poor response to ovarian stimulation
- Genetic condition
- Non-viable eggs
When a woman donates her egg, she is doing so to help someone else have a child. The egg retains the donor’s DNA and is always fertilized via IVF using the sperm of your partner or the chosen partner in a same-sex male couple. Some cases may require donor sperm as well.
After fertilization in the lab, the embryologist determines the viability of the embryo. After five days, your doctor transfers the embryo to the mother or a surrogate. The pregnancy develops accordingly, and soon you’ll have your baby.
How to Choose the Right Donor for You
Some couples maintain a biologic connection by using donor eggs from someone related to them. Others select an anonymous donor. Either way you have specific criteria surrounding your selection of an egg donor.
Selecting an egg donor involves many factors. You may want someone who has a similar physical appearance or ethnic background, or perhaps you have other criteria. Egg donors are as varied as the general population, so you’ll likely find someone who matches your requirements. Here are some other factors you should consider:
- The Donor’s Personality. While it can be difficult to get a sense of the personality of the woman donating their eggs, there are some things you can look for. How does the donor answer questions? How do they appear on video? Is there something you find attractive about a particular donor?
- The Donor’s Medical History: Although thoroughly vetted the donor may have a medical history that isn’t compatible. For example, your family history may indicate a genetic predisposition to some inherited conditions. If your donor has a similar family history your future child may be at risk. That’s why, in an article published by the NIH, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine strongly suggests thoroughly screening the donor for genetic conditions.
- Age of Donor: Women under the age of 30 typically produce higher quality eggs.
- Donor’s Lifestyle: Obviously, you want a donor who maintains a healthy lifestyle as lifestyle impacts the health of the eggs.
When reviewing possible donors, follow your instincts. You may feel drawn to a donor who doesn’t quite hit all the criteria on your checklist, and that’s OK. It’s also best that you keep in mind the emotions surrounding choosing a donor. The process is stressful, so be kind to yourself and your partner. If you’re feeling uneasy or overwhelmed, speak with your doctor. You may need a short break.
What is a Surrogate/Gestational Carrier?
A surrogate or gestational carrier carries your pregnancy to term. They give birth to your child, but they are not genetically related to that child. The surrogate is not the egg donor, which makes the legal situation surrounding the pregnancy and delivery much less complicated.
Typically, the surrogate receives compensation for their time, physical risk, and effort. You and your surrogate enter into a contractual arrangement that’s agreeable to both sides. There are a few reasons couples use surrogacy:
- They are in a same-sex male union.
- They are a woman with no uterus.
- They have a condition that prevents them from carrying a pregnancy.
How to Find the Right Person to Carry Your Baby in Santa Monica
Choosing a surrogate carries the same general factors as choosing an egg donor. You want someone in excellent health who maintains a healthy lifestyle. That person may be someone you know, someone to whom you’re related, or someone you don’t know.
The most important thing in a surrogate relationship is trust. Find someone who is reliable and committed to making your dream of parenthood come true. Your surrogate should have a strong support system and stable environment. Surrogacy may prove emotional for both parties, so take your time.
Your Santa Monica Fertility Expert
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact LA IVF. We are your Santa Monica and surrounding areas authority when it comes to finding egg donors and surrogates. Please reach out for a consultation, and let’s realize your dream of growing your family.
