Embryo adoption is a wonderful option for those couples who cannot produce their own embryos. Have you ever wondered where these donated embryos come from? In most IVF cases the destruction of embryo is rare. Most infertile couples who have undergone the IVF have leftover embryos that are carefully cryopreserved in the storage. (It means they are frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen at -197°C). Such couples donate these embryos for adoption. The donor may be known or anonymous. Patients who are eligible for egg donation are also eligible for embryo donation. These embryo donations are handled by the embryo banks or fertility clinics. Are you uncertain about what to do with your frozen embryos? Ease the “pain of infertility” for others – Give hope through embryo donation!

 

Embryo adoption is fairly a straight forward process. There are two options for couples considering embryo adoption – Frozen embryo donation and Embryo creation.

People who have extra frozen embryos remaining after an IVF legally donate these embryos to be used by couples who have trouble conceiving. After the legal contracts are executed the uterus is prepared using hormones to mimic the natural menstrual cycle. The uterine lining is then monitored with a transvaginal ultrasound. Once the uterine lining is optimal, the embryos are thawed and transferred into the recipient mother's womb with the help of a thin catheter, hoping that they will implant into the uterine lining and establish a pregnancy. Most patients remain awake during the procedure and can watch the transfer on a sonogram monitor. Though the embryo transfer procedure takes only 10 to 20 minutes, you will be advised to rest for a few hours at the clinic after which you can resume your normal daily activities.

Embryo creation involves using a donated egg and a donated sperm to create an embryo. The resulting embryo is then placed into your uterus, through the cervix with the help of a thin catheter. Though the embryo is not biologically related to you it helps you experience the joy and excitement of pregnancy, nurturing and caring for a baby.

Indications for Embryo adoption

The most suited candidates for embryo adoption include

A pregnancy resulting from embryo adoption bears the same risks and complications as any other pregnancy, with the additional consideration of the age and medical conditions of the recipient. There is also no guarantee that an adopted embryo will result in pregnancy. There is an increased risk of multiple births when multiple embryos are transferred into the uterus

 

The success rates for frozen embryo transfers are slightly lower than those achieved with fresh embryo transfers. The pregnancy rate will depend on the freezing techniques, the number and quality of embryos transferred, your age and your cause of infertility. However, babies born from frozen embryos had higher birth weights than babies born from fresh embryos. There is also no guarantee that a pregnancy and live birth will result from the donation of embryos.