Some couples are faced with the fact that either the man’s sperm is inadequate to fertilize an egg, or the woman’s eggs are unable to produce a viable pregnancy. When this arises, there is still hope.

Donor eggs and donor sperm make it possible for couples in this situation to still achieve pregnancy.

Donor Eggs

One of the most common reasons for infertility is advanced reproductive age of the female partner. Additionally, some women may go through menopause at a much earlier age than usual. In these instances, the ovaries may no longer be producing normal eggs, and the chance of pregnancy becomes unlikely. One option for pregnancy may be the use of donor eggs.

Donor eggs are typically obtained from an anonymous or known donor. An anonymous donor is an individual who is not known to the couple. A known donor is a donor who is known to the couple. The donors undergo infectious disease screening, psychological counselling, and medical screening.

A donor egg cycle is very similar to a standard IVF cycle, with the exception that the donor receives the stimulation medications and undergoes the egg retrieval procedure. The embryos that develop from the donor eggs and the male partner’s sperm are then transferred into the recipient (female partner). Although the child will only be genetically related to the male partner, both partners are the parents, and the female partner carries the pregnancy.

In Canada, compensation to the donor for egg donation is not allowed. Donation in Canada is performed for altruistic reasons.

Donor Sperm

Donor insemination involves the use of anonymous donor sperm obtained from a donor sperm bank. Sperm obtained from sperm banks must meet the stringent safety standards set out by Health Canada; most importantly, the requirement for infectious disease screening. Additionally, most sperm banks will provide the physical and social characteristics of the anonymous donor, allowing the patient or couple to select a donor based on their desired criteria.

Donors FAQ

Why do patients use donor sperm?

Donor sperm is often used for:

• Male factor infertility when intrauterine insemination is not appropriate, and ICSI is not an option
• Single women
• Same-sex couples
• Couples where the husband is a carrier of a genetic disease, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is not possible or desired.

The physicians, nurses, counselors, and laboratory team at PCRM are available to discuss the option of donor insemination for patients who are interested in pursuing this option. A counselling session is required prior to embarking on treatment with donor sperm.

Why do patients use donor egg?

Donor egg is often used for women with non-functional ovaries, poor ovarian reserve, or poor egg quality.