EGG SHARING - GENERAL INFORMATION
Egg sharing is an arrangement whereby a couple undergoing a cycle of IVF or ICSI treatment (provider) agree to donate half their eggs to another couple where the woman cannot produce her own eggs (recipient).
Why share eggs?
There are many women who cannot produce eggs and therefore need donated eggs to have the chance of having their own family. There is a serious shortage of altruistic egg donors in the UK (i.e. women undergoing ovarian stimulation solely to produce eggs for donation to another woman). Egg sharing gives the recipient a chance to have own family; in return the donor receives her own treatment at a reduced cost.
Who is suitable to be an Egg Provider in an Egg-Sharing Scheme?
Anyone under the age of 35 can be considered for egg sharing (provider). However she needs to undergo screening tests to ensure that she is fit and healthy and free of inheritable or infectious diseases. A prospective egg-sharer (provider) will be seen by the Consultant who will take a detailed medical, family and social history, followed by a general examination. Prior to this appointment she will be sent a detailed information leaflet on egg sharing. The whole process will be explained in detail. We will ask your consent so we can write to your GP to provide any relevant information. We will arrange an appointment for you to see our counsellor who will talk through with you, your feelings about donating some of your eggs to another person.
Screening tests
All sharer providers will be tested for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Cytomegalovirus as well as Karyotype (chromosomes) and a test to check if you are a carrier for Cystic fibrosis.
Preparation for treatment
The egg-provider will be given the medications required. She will be taught how to self-administer the injections.
How are the eggs shared?
Our protocol stipulates that the egg-provider will produce a minimum of six eggs to make sharing possible. The eggs will be divided equally between the provider and the recipient. If less than 6 eggs are produced, the provider will keep all for her own treatment and there is no financial penalty for this.
Can the Egg-Provider choose to share again?
Provided she is still under 36 years of age, responds well to the drugs and achieved a good yield of eggs with a good rate of fertilisation, she can share again.
Counselling
You will meet the counsellor as part of the preparation for treatment. You will have free access to the counsellor at any time during and after the treatment cycle.