Bourn Hall Clinic

What is Egg Donation?

For some women the gift of donated eggs is their only chance to have a baby, but unfortunately there is an acute shortage of egg donors. To reduce its waiting list, Bourn Hall Clinic runs an egg donation programme and this has proved very successful in attracting altruistic women to donate their eggs.

However, more donors are always needed and if you are 18-35 and healthy then you could help another woman in this way. If you have had a hysterectomy or have been sterilized you could still be a suitable egg donor.

There should be no history of mental disorders or family history of genetic or inheritable diseases. The HFEA allows payment to egg donors of a flat rate fee of £750 towards expenses.

Who Benefits From Egg Donation?

Donated eggs are needed by women who may have:

• a premature menopause, this affects 1-2 percent of women under 40
• ovaries damaged by chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer
• been born without functioning ovaries (e.g. Turner's syndrome)
• ovaries resistant to stimulation by the pituitary hormones
• a high risk of passing on genetic disorders to their offspring
• poorly functioning ovaries as they get older

Egg donors often remark that knowing they have given a couple the chance to fulfil their dream of a family is one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.

What Happens at the Clinic?

All donors are screened to ensure they are free of infections, diseases or genetic conditions that might be transmitted. They will be asked about their medical and family history and will be given a medical examination and blood tests.

Prospective donors will be cared for by one of the clinics consultants who will explain the treatment process, potential risks and possible side effects.

Prospective donors will also receive implications counselling from an independent counsellor before embarking on treatment. The treatment is the same as for a woman going through an IVF cycle but the treatment is complete once her eggs have been collected.

The donated eggs are then fertilized using the sperm of the partner of the recipient and the resulting embryos transferred to her womb.

To find out more please ring Gillian Bellars on 01954 717221 or contact us.