Egg Donation & Surrogacy Consulting : Conceptual Options : Theresa Erickson : Embryo Donation, In-Vitro Fertilization

I found a website today that I really enjoyed reading.  It is written by a Reproductive Endocrinologist about his experiences.  It has an a question and answer area as well as an area with true stories.

In the story that I was reading, the women who was going through the ovary stimulation was the Intended Mother.  As I was reading it, it dawned on me that this would be excellent information for my intended parents and donors alike to know.

The benefit to using an experienced donor is not just simply that they understand the commitment and the medications.  It is that once the medical records are forwarded to the IVF Physician you are using, they know from past experience what medication and how much works to get the best results from that donor. 

I hope you enjoy reading this sight as much as I did.  I will returning to read more in the future.

• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

Many times when I speak with Intended Parents about retaining an egg donor they are wanting a donor who is available now.  While I completely understand their desire to move forward, I would like to explain the time line involved with Assisted Reproduction.

Intended Parents can feel discouraged when they find a donor they think is perfect and then they find out she isn't available for a few months.  To the parent who wants a baby or pregnancy now, that does sound like it is a long way out.  The reality is, it takes several weeks for the paperwork to be completed before a cycle can be started.

Once a donor is selected by the Intended Parents, the case manager will contact the donor to let her know that her next available cycle is contracted.  At this time, the donor will be given a match agreement to confirm she is aware of the commitment.  Once that is received, we will make arrangements for the donor to be screening by the Psychologist and the Intended Parents IVF Physician.  Sometimes it can be a few weeks before there is an opening at the IVF Center for the donor to be seen.  The cycle can not be started until after the donor passes all the screening.

While all the screening is taking place, the contracts are started.  The contracts can take anywhere from three (3) to five (5) weeks to complete.  This time line is dependent on how many revisions are made by each party and how efficiently all parties sign and return the contract.

Once the contracts are full executed and the donor has passed all the medical screening the cycle can begin. 

So if you are interested in a donor today, but she isn't available for 2-3 months, don't get discouraged.  That is actually perfect timing for getting all the paperwork and screening in order.  Then you will be having your cycle close to her availability instead of months after retaining her.

• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

Throughout my week in the office, I receive many calls from Intended Parents who are just starting to look at egg donors or surrogacy as an option.  Often they do not know what steps to take to make their dream of parenthood come true.  Thier website search had lead them to me, but they aren't sure what comes next. 

For obvious reasons, it will be necessary for the couple to have an IVF Physician or Center selected.  There are many factors you will want to consider when choosing an IVF Physician. 

• Success Rate of the Center
• Quality of Service (Compasion, Care, Cleamliness, etc.)
• Location

I would strongly suggest that you create a list of potential Centers, make an appoitment for a consultation at each and then take notes as you discuss the options with the Physician.  You can also ask to have a tour of the facility.  You wil want to see that the facility appears to run smoothly, meaning that office staff are being productive, communicating with eachother in a manner that creates a effective environment.  Are the examing rooms clean, nothing left behind from the previous patient or exams.  And most important, do you feel comfortable and possitive about the experience. 

The decision made is a personal one.  Just because a friend or family member used a particular facility, does not mean that facility will be right for you.  The best thing you can do is to research your choice before committing to your decision.

• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks

Thank you for taking the time to review my blog.  My name is Tracy.  I am a Case Manager for Conceptual Options and have been a surrogate for four families. 

It is my intent to provide readers with positive aspects of assisted reproduction.  I plan to cover a wide spectrum of information and reference material that will assist people in understanding the process. 

I will also spend time sharing my experiences as a surrogate to educate people on the emotional side and aspects that make surrogacy so rewarding for the surrogate. 

I welcome comments and suggestions.  I would be happy to provide you with the information you want to see.

• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks