It is a known fact that some women are unable to produce eggs. This happens naturally during menopause — typically when in the late 40s, early 50s or due to premature menopause which can occur at any age even as young as 26 years old.
Premature menopause or Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) can be of unknown origin or the outcome of chemotherapy or radiotherapy for the treatment of any kind of cancer. POF may also occur in cases where genetic conditions are present, such as hypoplastic atrophic ovaries, Turner Syndrome etc.
Egg Donation allows women who have undergone a number of unsuccessful IVF attempts or who do not respond to the usual ovulation induction treatment, the amazing opportunity to build a family.
With AdaliaHealthcare , we have a strict protocol for women who wish to anonymously donate their eggs. After signing a consent form, the donor must undergo meticulous screening before any donation can take place. They must have a full blood evaluation for: blood group, Rhesus, thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia, hepatitis B & C, AIDS, HIV I & II, syphilis and chlamydia. An ultrasound scan follows to assess the condition of the ovaries. The condition of the heart is also checked. The donors must attend regular screening and our egg donors also have regular hormone tests (FSH, LH, E2 and PRL).
According to legislation regarding Assisted Reproduction, anonymity between the egg donor and the recipient is essential. At Ada IVF, we have no age restriction for our Egg Donation treatment.
Egg Donation Treatment Process
Step 1 – Getting Started
The first step is to discuss our program details with our Patient Coordinators — either by calling or sending an email via our Contact Us page. You will be advised in detail the cost of treatment, tests required, and the details of our IVF process. Please use this opportunity to ask any questions, as it is very important for you to understand the treatment process entirely from beginning to end (and everything in between).
Step 2 – Tests
It is advisable for your partner to have a semen analysis carried out to ensure there are no male fertility issues before the start of IVF treatment. Before beginning Egg Donation treatment, we do ask for a deposit in order to schedule your treatment (this is non-refundable). We will also send you a medical form to be completed and returned via email.
If you still have your monthly menstrual cycle, it is possible to use a combined contraceptive pill in order to regulate your cycle and better plan ahead for your desired treatment date. If you no longer have a monthly period, you will simply choose which date is best for you to come for treatment and begin taking the medication to suit.
Step 3 – Choosing your donor
Since anonymity between the egg donor and the recipient is essential, no pictures of the donors can be provided. Our doctors in N. Cyprus will however ensure the closest match using your photograph and any additional information you wish to provide. The choice is YOURS. Egg donor details that we can provide include: Age, eye and hair color, weight, height, occupation and nationality. Ada IVF has an extensive range of donors in our program.
Step 4 – Medication
There is medication that you are required to take at home before arriving in Cyprus. Our staff will send you a prescription and a medication protocol clearly indicating what medication to take and when to take it, along with the options for obtaining the medication.
The medication is in the form of one subcutaneous injection the purpose of which is to supress the level of ovarian hormones and you will also have medication in oral tablet form taken to stimulate your womb lining (endometrium) in preparation for embryo transfer. If you no longer have a period then the injection is not required, and you will only need the oral medication. You will need further medication during your treatment in Cyprus which will be detailed on your protocol. Dr. Verda will advise of any changes to this if necessary once she has seen you and we can organize. Our staff will have the medication delivered to your hotel.
Step 5 – In Cyprus
Initial scan
Day one of your menstrual cycle marks day one of the treatment process,and on day 2 you begin the oral stimulation tablets. If you no longer have a period then you choose which day to begin the medication. On day 10, you are due to fly to Cyprus. Our experienced staff will be in touch that evening to advise your pick-up time for the following days appointmentOur nurse .is based at the hospital and so will be there to meet you for all of your appointments.
You will have a trans-vaginal ultrasound scan to check the lining of your uterus. If necessary, Our doctora may prescribe additional stimulation medication at this stage and any further medication as detailed on your protocol in preparation for the transfer.
Donor Egg & Sperm Collection
Our doctor will advise you when your donor’s eggs are ready for collection and your partner’s sperm collection will be scheduled the same day. Abstinence from ejaculation for 2-3 days prior to providing the semen specimen is recommended. We will discuss with you the amount of eggs collected from your donor on this same day.
The most motile sperms are selected for fertilization. To ensure fertilization, our team uses the ICSI procedure. This technique involves the insemination of sperm into each egg by micro-injection. After 24 hours, you will receive an update regarding the fertilization process and the amount of embryos.
Embryo Transfer
The embryos are transferred on either day three or day five of development. Our embryologist is highly skilled in identifying healthy embryos and in some cases will recommend extending embryo development to day five, also known as blastocyst stage. Blastocyst transfer is common in IVF cycles as it can increase chances for success while decreasing the likelihood of multiples. Our doctor will work closely with the Embryologist to determine if a day three or day five transfer is ideal for you.
On transfer day, our doctor will discuss with you the quality and quantity of your embryos. You can then decide how many you wish to have transferred. Again you will be shown to a room and provided with the necessary garments. Embryos are transferred to the uterus through a soft embryo transfer catheter. This painless procedure is similar to a pap smear and does not require any anaesthesia. The embryos are placed in a small amount of fluid inside the catheter, which is passed through the cervix at the time of a speculum examination and ultrasound guıdance. The embryos are placed in a position to reach the top part of the uterus. The catheter is removed and checked to ensure that all the embryos have been transferred.
You are required to have a full bladder for the transfer procedure and so we advise to begin drinking water on the way to the hospital. After the embryo transfer is complete, your bed will be wheeled from the procedure room into your private room, all while you remain lying flat on your back. Since you must remain as flat as possible, a bed pan will be brought to you by the nurse approximately 15 minutes after your transfer procedure if needed.
If you desire to use cryopreservation, the good quality embryos that are not transferred can be frozen in liquid nitrogen, carefully labeled and stored in the embryo bank. These can be used in subsequent cycles if pregnancy is not achieved on the first attempt or if you decide to have more children at a later date.
Step 5 – The Result
The most accurate test for pregnancy is the beta hCG blood test — 12 days after the embryo transfer (day 1 being the day after transfer took place). hCG is human chorionic gonadotropin, also known as ‘the pregnancy hormone’. The body begins to produce hCG when an embryo begins to implant in the uterus. While we understand many intended parents are anxious to find out the results at home, please wait until day 12. The ovulation trigger injection the nurse administered prior to egg collection contains hCG and if you test too soon you may pick up traces of this and NOT the hCG produced by pregnancy. The injection can remain in your system for 8-10 days so testing too soon may give a false positive. The beta hCG test will report the level of hCG hormone that is present.
In some cases, it can be difficult to have a blood test carried out. A home pregnancy test will indicate whether or not there is any detectable hCG in your urine and not the level present. Please wait to carry out a home pregnancy test 14 days after the embryo transfer. Please note hCG is present in urine in the highest concentration first thing in the morning.
If you have a positive result , it is very important that you continue the medication as advised by our doctor. You can also advise your doctor / gynaecologist as you will need support and subsequent tests and scans. You should repeat the beta test in 2 to 3 days. The goal is to have the level of hCG double every 3 days. If it does another beta test should be carried out in another 2-3 days time. If all three betas indicate a healthy pregnancy, then a vaginal ultrasound will be scheduled between 6 to 8 weeks of the pregnancy. At that time, your doctor will be looking for a heartbeat and a gestational sac to confirm the pregnancy.
If the result is negative and you have had a blood test on day 12, ALL medication should cease straight away. If the result is negative and you have carried out a urine test on day 14, werecommend that you continue taking the medication as advised by our doctor for another 2 days and test again. If the result is still negative, ALL medication should cease right away.
Please contact: info@adalia.com.tr Phone: + 90 532 5411451
