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Women who do not produce eggs or those in whom the quality of eggs is very poor, may be advised to seek treatment with donated eggs.
The sequence of events is as follows:
Physical characteristics and blood groups of both partners are recorded.
You may be required to undergo a "practice" treatment cycle, called a "Dummy Run" and Endometrial Biopsy. This may be done in a natural ovulatory cycle or in a cycle modified by a combination of hormone tablets and Vaginal Gel. This is performed to ensure that the uterus can be adequately primed to achieve successful implantation.The charge for this procedure is listed in the price list.
The male partner is required to freeze one or two sperm samples as a standby procedure in case suitable eggs become available at short notice and the partner is out of town.
The waiting time for a suitable donor can be anything from 6 to 24 months depending on availability of donors.
The unit staff are well aware of the stress and strains of waiting and are available to answer queries where possible.
We do have independent, trained counsellors and recommend at least one session to discuss the implications of this treatment.
You will be given a booklet published by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) about egg donation. This is available from the Centre's waiting room.
When a donor has been found we will discuss the donor's characteristics with you before allocating that donor to you. This is usually done when the donor actually starts her injections. Thus you may have 10 to 14 days notice when the donor is available.
The egg donor has the right to withdraw her consent for use of her eggs at any time up to the replacement of embryos into the recipient.
Once the donor has started drugs you will be sent an invoice. This payment covers the donor's treatment, freezing of embryos and your first replacement attempt. The charge for this is listed in the price list.
Your partner will be required to provide a semen sample to fertilise the donor eggs approximately, 7-14 days after the donor starts her treatment. He will have approximately 48 hours notice. The relevant instructions will be given by the Centre's staff nearer the time.
The donor is screened for HIV syphilis, hepatitis and cystic fibrosis before donating eggs and again for HIV six months after embryo freezing.
Once the eggs have been fertilised and the embryos frozen, there is a quarantine period of six months for HIV clearance. This in accordance with The Harley Street Fertility Centre's guidelines.
When the embryos are cleared for use you will be given the appropriate instructions for the recipient treatment cycle and the relevant dates to attend the Centre.
Frozen embryos are thawed on the day before replacement. Timing of this will be similar to the "Dummy Run" and may require 2 or 3 visits to the Centre. Up to three embryos may be replaced, depending on quality, to optimise the chances of pregnancy.
If the pregnancy test is negative the Centre's staff will give you instructions for a follow-up with Mr. Goswamy, to discuss plans for future treatment.
Further cycles of embryo replacement will be charged as "Frozen Embryo Replacement". The current charge is given in the price list.
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