We put you – the patient – first,
discussing the options available
to you each step of the way.
10 Years of egg-sharing
Read an exhilarating account of the development of this important scheme of IVF treatments in the Summer issue of Ova.
Eligiblilty
Who can become an egg-sharer?
To become an Egg-sharer HFEA 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. Egg-sharers are required to undergo initial screening tests.
Who will I help by becoming an egg-sharer?
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. In other cases, women may carry an inheritable genetic disorder that they do not want to pass on to their children. Whatever the circumstances, your gift can restore hope.
Who can become an egg-recipient?
Not all patients are eligible to enter the programme. Each case is assessed on an individual basis by the consultant. In some circumstances, cases may be referred to the Clinic’s Ethics Committee for review.
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. Patients accepted on the programme are required to discuss their own and their family’s medical history with their consultant. We will also need your permission to contact your GP.
Egg-sharing originated in 1992, and the HFEA announced their support in December 1998.