Egg donation is a process where a woman (known as the donor) provides her eggs to be used by another individual or couple (known as the recipients) for reproductive purposes. It is a form of assisted reproductive technology that allows individuals or couples who are unable to conceive using their own eggs to have a chance at pregnancy and childbirth.
The egg donation process involves several steps.
First, the donor undergoes medical and psychological screenings to ensure she is physically and mentally suitable for egg donation. Once cleared, the donor typically undergoes ovarian stimulation using hormone medications to produce multiple eggs during a single menstrual cycle. Throughout this process, the donor’s progress is monitored through ultrasounds and hormone level tests.
Once the eggs reach maturation, they are retrieved using a minimally invasive procedure called transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration. The procedure is performed under sedation, and a needle is used to collect the eggs from the donor’s ovaries. The retrieved eggs are then fertilized in the laboratory using either the recipient’s partner’s sperm or donor sperm in a process called in vitro fertilization (IVF).
After fertilization, the resulting embryos are monitored for development and quality. The healthiest and most viable embryos are selected for transfer into the recipient’s uterus. If successful, the embryo implants in the uterus, leading to pregnancy.
In Greece, egg donation is regulated by strict laws to protect both the couple and the donor. Donors must have a normal medical history and test results, and be under 35 years of age. The recipient can have a maximum of two embryos transferred into her uterus. Anonymity of the donor is also ensured by law.
Egg donation provides hope for individuals and couples facing infertility due to various reasons, such as advanced maternal age, diminished ovarian reserve, genetic disorders, or repeated IVF failures.
