There are some circumstances in which a woman can stop producing mature eggs capable of being fertilised. The most common circumstance, and the most well-known , is the menopause, usually reached between the ages of 40 and 50. However, it is possible for women as young as 30 to experience the problem known as premature ovarian failure, when a woman enters the menopause and is no longer able to conceive. There are also other causes such as the removal of the ovaries as a result of cancer. These women are only able to become pregnant with egg donation.
Just as there are people who donate blood and organs, there are women who voluntarily donate their eggs. The donation is anonymous and the donors are young healthy women. We carry our rigorous health tests, in fact we insist on more tests than is dictated by the Spanish health authority. Our control includes a chromosome study (karyotype), to test for genes carrying cystic fibrosis or fragile X syndrome, analyses to check for sexually transmitted illnesses such as AIDS and hepatitis Band C, as well as a gynaecological examination, a complete family medical history and a psychological study.
Cases in which a patient might opt for egg donation are:
Patients who are going to receive donor eggs must undergo preparation of the uterus so that the embryos can implant themselves. They are administered medication that basically reproduces the implantation phase of a normal menstruation cycle. Once they are ready, an egg donor is chosen according to characteristics similar to the patient.
… by law the process requires the signature of both partners on a consent form. Serological screening must give negative results to guarantee the health of the foetus.