Sunday, August 10, 2008

Egg Sharing (Science at its best)



The egg-sharing programme brings together women who need IVF and cannot afford the cost of the programme and are willing to donate some of their eggs with other infertile women unable to produce their own eggs. Did you know that in 1994 an egg sharer and her matched recipient gave birth on exactly the same day but in different countries! Every attempt is made to closely match the physical characteristics between Egg-sharer and Egg-Recipient.

There are many women who have no hope of pregnancy without donated eggs. Their loss of ovarian function could be due to a genetic cause or to treatment for cancer. Premature menopause can be devastating and it can occur as early as the teenage years. To become an Egg-sharer HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) guidelines state that unless there are exceptional circumstances you should be 35 and 6 months or younger at the time of initial consultation and have completed your treatment cycle by your 36th birthday, have been a non-smoker for at least three months, and have an FSH (blood hormone level) of less than eight U.I. (International Units). You should also be free of transmissible diseases and inheritable disorders, and should not suffer from severe endometriosis or have demonstrated previous hyper-stimulation. Certain initial screening tests are required prior to acceptance and these will be discussed at your initial meeting. Generally these include HIV, hepatitis B & C (repeated six monthly) and blood group.

Some clinics offer free IVF treatment if you become an egg sharer. I think this is an amazing opportunity for couples who cannot afford to have the IVF cycle. By becoming an egg sharer you are not only fulfilling your dreams but also of another childless couple. Now, what more could be more amazing than that?

No comments:

 

Hit count

Oreck Vacuum
Oreck Vacuum