Putting together a team that will bring you confidence and clarity in the egg donor IVF process
When pursuing Egg Donor IVF to build your family the process can be complex and intimidating but recruiting the most helpful and effective professionals will make the journey more manageable and ease the road to becoming pregnant.
Identifying these crucial members of your team will take the worry out of cycle logistics so you can focus on preparing yourself physically and mentally on getting pregnant.
Here are the professionals you want to be part of your egg donor IVF team:
Donor Agency
Some clinics offer in-house donors but if you are working with a frozen egg bank or egg donor agency, they will be an important member of your team while choosing a donor. The agency will help you prioritize the characteristics you are looking for and identify someone who fits your criteria such as availability, donor experience, and openness to communication. If you choose an anonymous donor, all correspondence with the donor will go through the donor agency.
Related Read: Can You Get Pregnant Over 40?
Doctor/ Reproductive Endocrinologist
You will be under the care of a RE while pursuing donor egg IVF. The doctor will take all medical history and previous cycles into consideration to prescribe the medications and treatments you need to prepare for an eventual embryo transfer.
Cycle Coordinator
You will likely work with a nurse or cycle coordinator for updates on your donor’s progress. This person should be able to share with you the donor’s calendar including testing dates, evaluations, cycle calendar, and then monitoring. Ask the cycle coordinator how often you will receive updates once the donor begins the medications and monitoring. As you approach the date of your donor’s egg retrieval, your coordinator will provide you with exciting news such as the number of eggs retrieved, eggs that fertilized and then the embryos that progress to day 3 or 5.
Related Read: Should I Consider Using An Egg Donor?
Attorney
A legal contract should be agreed upon and signed by both the donor and the intended couple to answer all questions about the arrangement. When looking for an attorney choose an individual who is an expert in third party reproduction law in your state. They likely have a standard contract template that covers all important details of the agreement and are well versed in the state law where the procedure is taking place.
Counselor or Coach:
Egg donation IVF can be complicated not only logistically but also emotionally. Many women struggle with the concept of not using their own eggs before deciding to take this route. An experienced counselor or coach can help you work through the difficult feelings you might be experiencing so you are fully prepared to commit to the process.
Egg Donor:
The egg donor is arguably the most important person on your team. Choosing this individual should be done with care and keeping a number of factors in mind such as:
What physical qualities are important to you?
What personality qualities are a priority?
Do you prefer an experienced donor or would you consider a first time donor?
Do you want an open donor or anonymous?
Have an open and honest conversation with your partner to be sure you are in agreement before making your choice.
Related Read: My Journey From Infertility To Motherhood
Having confidence with each member of your team will ensure a more positive experience with your donor egg cycle. Knowing that together everyone is working toward success will reduce stress and anxiety leading up to your cycle putting you in a more ideal space for an eventual embryo transfer and hopefully pregnancy.
If you are considering egg donation for family building, let’s set up a chat to talk through your concerns and feelings. A coach that has been through the process and understands the complexities can help give you confidence and calm moving forward.
