Donor Eggs Make Parenthood Possible

Starting a family can seem like the most natural experience in the world. However, the process required to conceive is difficult for many people. As a result, many individuals and couples turn to in vitro fertilization (IVF) to start a family. While many women can use the eggs harvested from the hopeful parent, some participants may need to look to donor eggs. Thanks to assisted reproductive therapy and willing egg donors, a wider range of people can start a family when such options wouldn’t have been possible in the past. Whether because of underlying health issues or simply being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, consider all the ways donor eggs are expanding family planning solutions.

When age is a factor

To be clear, women can conceive well beyond age 40. However, the science doesn't lie. As the female body ages, egg quality declines. Specifically, women are born with all of the potential eggs that can be fertilized. Once puberty starts, the quality and quantity of available eggs begin to decline. After age 35, the number of viable eggs decreases significantly. If a woman didn't choose to freeze eggs younger in life or during a previous IVF cycle, conception can get harder when using what is available in the body. For these individuals, donor eggs can offer hope and a pathway to pregnancy.

Struggles with ovulation tracking

Age isn't the only reason that a person struggles to conceive. For many women, underlying health issues such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can make tracking ovulation difficult. While not impossible, when a person can't accurately pinpoint when ovulation occurs, timing intercourse for natural conception or even harvesting viable eggs during IVF can be tricky. By contrast, opting for donor eggs can serve as a workable solution around common issues people with PCOS or similar conditions that interfere with ovulation may face.

Helping LGBTQIA+ couples

People desiring children deserve to start a family, regardless of how the parents are paired. Specifically, LGBTQIA+ couples face inherent challenges since couples may include same-sex potential parents. Whether two men or two women, donor eggs can often help achieve the ultimate goal of expanding a family. While the need for donors and surrogates is obvious for same-sex male couples, even lesbian couples can benefit. Sometimes, the women may choose to use donor eggs, even if both individuals have viable eggs.

Donor eggs are a lifeline

Regardless of sexual orientation, conceiving can be difficult for a multitude of reasons. When egg quality, or even availability, is an issue, opting for donors can be a smart solution that still creates a viable opportunity to conceive for women or couples that would otherwise be limited from creating a family. Donor eggs are just one aspect of ART that helps people conceive when natural methods are not an option.