Parenthood, Paused: Your Fertility Choices

Ever since you were a little girl, you dreamed of having your own child to take care of.

You’ve always wanted to nurture your maternal instincts. 

But, those dreams can seem impossible once you’ve received a negative diagnosis from your fertility doctor. Where do you turn next, when facing another hurdle in your ambitions toward being a parent? How can you achieve something you’ve always believed to be “natural” and “innate?”

Maybe it’s time to consider donor egg.

From finding the perfect egg donor from Donor Egg Bank USA, a California Cryobank Company to bringing your own child into the world, this wonderful gift can help you realize your dreams once and for all.

Let’s discover what’s involved in the donor egg process, including what to consider when you’re looking for your donor.

What Emotions Will You Go Through?

First, it’s important to embrace the whole host of emotions you’ll experience throughout this entire journey.

For example, having found a new fertility option for your family, you may feel a moment of elation, which could be followed by doubt and uncertainty.

Having an egg donor means there’s no genetic connection between you and your baby, right?

These hesitations, ups and downs are completely natural. Coming to terms with the fact there isn’t a genetic link between you and your child can be hard at first. However, as you learn more about the egg donor process, you’ll realize you’re still going to give birth to a child that’s irrevocably yours.

Did you know one study found it’s still possible for a mom-to-be to determine which of the baby’s genes are expressed through her endometrial fluid, even when she’s using an egg donor? 

This means you’ll still influence the baby you’re carrying in your womb, creating an unbreakable bond between you and your child.

Now you’re back to feeling elated, aren’t you?

It’s completely understandable you’ll experience this rollercoaster of emotions, but don’t fight them. Instead, keep talking to your partner about how you both feel, perhaps enlisting the help of a therapist, too.

What Can You Expect from the Egg Donor Selection Process?

When a couple mentions they’re using an egg donor, a lot of people (wrongly) assume they’ll be looking for a donor they know.

While this is an option available to you, many couples choose to use an agency instead.

Why?

Because using an agency reduces the risk of any awkward family/friend dynamics that may arise through someone you know donating their eggs to you.

How do you overcome the potential challenges you may face down the line? What if your egg donor doesn’t want to remain anonymous? What if your child wants to know who their egg donor was?

Alternatively, when you use an agency you’re presented with an extensive pool of potential candidates. They have gone through rigorous screenings, including various medical and psychological tests, to make sure they’re suitable for egg donation.

Then, you’re given access to the agency’s database, which includes details about donors’ interests, hobbies, academic achievements, likes and dislikes, medical history and so much more. You’ll see photos of when the donors  were younger (perhaps adulthood photos, too). Also, you’ll be able to read about their physical attributes, including the color of their eyes and hair, build, and athleticism.  This information will allow you to pick someone who looks like you or boasts characteristics you wish your child to inherit. 

With so many choices out there regarding fertility these days, Fertility Plus one of the leading UK based fertility clinics, specialise in services such as IVF and egg freezing.

Forging a Family for the Future

Once you’ve found the perfect donor, your uterus will be prepared for the implantation of the eggs, which have been thawed and fertilized with your partner’s sperm. 

The best part?

There’s no need to synchronize your menstrual cycle with the donor’s (as you would with fresh egg) since the eggs are frozen once the donor has undergone all of their tests. This means you can choose exactly when you want to have the eggs implanted. It removes the hassle, expense, and inconvenience of traveling to and from your donor’s clinic.

Two weeks after the implantation, you’ll return to the clinic for two blood tests and an ultrasound to  confirm your pregnancy. 

Nine months later, you’ll be enjoying the warmth and love of the family you’ve always dreamed of having.