It’s a general truth that not every willing candidate is qualified to become an egg donor. Why is it that just an impulse to make a meaningful contribution to other people’s families is not enough for becoming an egg donor? Because all reputable surrogacy agencies are trying hard to ensure the highest success rate of a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Let’s explore which requirements should an egg donor meet?
Who cannot donate eggs?
To begin with, if you consider becoming an egg donor, please pay attention to these requirements:
- Age: between 21 and 31 years on average;
- Normal Body Mass Index (without a predisposition to obesity/extreme slimness);
- Stable menstrual cycles;
- Absence of bad habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs;
- Mentally and physically healthy;
- No inheritable genetic and chronic diseases of the egg donor and her family.
Such a criterion implies that those people who don’t meet the requirements expressed above are not eligible to become egg donors.
Can you still donate eggs with PCOS?
To answer this question, let’s find out what is PCOS first. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition caused by a hormonal disorder when women of reproductive age have a significantly increased level of male sex hormone (androgen). The symptoms of PCOS are as such:
- enlarged ovaries;
- production of many little follicles that surround eggs and negatively influence stable ovaries functioning;
- infrequent or prolonged menstrual cycle;
- possible obesity and higher risk of diabetes and heart diseases.
Since polycystic ovary syndrome affects women’s health in such a way that they cannot meet certain qualifications to become egg donors, this idea is quite challenging. However, there’re unique cases when PCOS patients become egg donors to their relatives in order to continue the genetic family link further on.
Does PCOS mean bad eggs?
There’s no such definition as bad eggs. Experienced fertility experts perceive each sample of biomaterial as a diamond, unique and unrepeatable. In the case of polycystic ovary syndrome, female eggs aren’t bad, they are just more exposed to developing chromosomally abnormal embryos and provoking future baby miscarriage.
Is there any way for women with PCOS to improve their egg quality? Fortunately, with advanced technological discoveries in the world of medicine, it’s possible to smoothen the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome on female eggs. The key to success is a balanced diet with physical exercises to overcome obesity and prerequisites for diabetes/heart diseases. Even more important is the prescription of special medicine which aims at regulating male hormone levels and thus raising chances for healthy conception.
If you’ve faced struggles alongside having PCOS and dream about having a kid or simply you’re interested in the egg donation process ― don’t hesitate to visit our website, complete a short form and get in touch with a WCOB fertility specialist.
