Donor eggs and Donor sperm? - Fertility Network UK

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Donor eggs and Donor sperm?

9 Replies

If you used donor eggs as well as donor sperm, yet the baby had my blood, does that still mean there would be nothing with regards to the characteristics of the baby the same as mine. I understand about the genes etc but doesn't having the same blood have any affect on a baby as to linked to me? Of course I would much rather use my own eggs but not sure they are much good (as I've had 2 failed attempts on IUI).

Still trying to work out plan B and it isn't easy! x

9 Replies
pm27 profile image
pm27

It might be a bit early to think about DE. It was suggested that we use DE after 2 failed rounds of ICSI and given info on this option.

Are you planning on trying IVF with you eggs first?

We discussed physical characteristics (height, weight, skin tone, eye & hair colour) at the clinic and got a pen portrait of the lady, it was so like me. She's taller than my ideal, same height as my hubby, but I figure kids are getting taller anyhow.

Someone posted an article on this forum about DE babies taking on some of the recipient's DNA in the womb through embryonic fluid. You never know what you're going to get in the genetic mix anyhow so no guarantee that baby would look like the genetic parents. The baby would be like you in many ways, eg mannerisms, and you'd legally be the mum. Other ladies have said on here they get told that their donor conceived child looks like them.

Have you looked at the Donor Conception website?

in reply to pm27

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm trying to weigh everything up so that I have a plan B, I probably wouldn't be able to afford a round of IVF as well as a go with both donor eggs and sperm. As I'm an older trying mum it could be my eggs are scrambled, if that is the case (I probably wouldn't know till I've paid the money) than it might be better to use a donor for both.

I've not looked at the donor conception website yet but trying to see what would be the best option for me given my situation that I am on my own at the moment.

That's amazing that they had a good match for you - wow! I expect you felt better as well.

I've got another try of IUI to go first in February be feel I need to look at other options before then so I can try and stay focussed as much as I can x

pm27 profile image
pm27 in reply to

I wish you all the best.

I'm over 40, although we're considered older we're still young enough for treatment. Who knows maybe you'll get lucky with the IUI. They guess it's to do with my egg quality despite my ovaries being very active and good AMH for my age.

in reply to pm27

Yes I am over 40 too!! I kind of just want another plan in place really in case it doesn't work but till the next try I'm trying to prepare my body as much as I can.

Have you had your transfer yet? Let me know how you get on x

pm27 profile image
pm27 in reply to

Had transfer on Tuesday and both embryos survived thawing. One was grade 3 (2 cells) and other grade 2 (3 cells, lost one cell during defrost but had grown to 5 cells before transfer). I paid extra for embryo glue and my slightly hippy reflexology lady did a womb blessing (she blew on my tummy) so who knows perhaps this will make a difference?!?

Am keeping my fingers crossed that we get a BFP this time.

in reply to pm27

Good luck with your result coming up, it's so nerve racking when you are waiting your result! x

DianeArnold profile image
DianeArnoldPartnerNurseFertility Network UK in reply to

Hi Disdtinction72. Just read your post and though I would send you some scientific facts about blood grouping etc. I have dealt with many couples who have undergone egg, sperm, “both” and embryo donation, and you would be amazed at the mannerisms that these babies take on! Many of them looks like the mother who has given birth to them, it’s wonderful. Babies can have a different blood group to its mother if naturally conceived. Your blood group and Rhesus state only matters in pregnancy if the mother – who gives birth to the baby - is Rhesus negative (any group) and the father/donor is Rhesus positive, and the baby is also Rhesus positive. However, you will not know if the baby is Rhesus positive or negative until it is born, so all Rhesus negative mothers are treated routinely. This then covers the fact that a baby created with a donor egg or donor sperm who might be positive or negative, depending on what everyone involved is. If you remember from school days, that like signs attract and unlike signs repel – therefore +ve & +ve = +ve, -ve & -ve = +ve and +ve & -ve = -ve

Rhesus positive cells contain a substance which can stimulate Rhesus negative blood to produce harmful antibodies that destroy red cells. This can be produced if a mother is Rhesus negative but her baby is Rhesus positive. This is called Rhesus incompatibility.

Rhesus incompatibility doesn’t happen with first pregnancies because the antibodies aren’t present in the mother’s blood. However, in later pregnancies, if the babies are Rhesus positive, there may be a problem. This is because the mother may have started producing the antibodies, which will cross over the placenta into the baby’s blood and, regarding it as ‘foreign’ and will try to break it down.

In the UK an injection of anti-D is given routinely to Rhesus negative pregnant mothers at 28 and 34 weeks, to stop possible production of the harmful antibody, just in case. Hope this helps a little and doesn’t confuse you further. I do wish you both well with whatever you decide – whether to try with your own eggs or use donor. Diane

in reply to DianeArnold

Many thanks for your message Diane - because of my age (43) and the fact that my 3rd attempt at IUI may not work. I'm wondering if perhaps this is down to the quality of my eggs, I guess I won't know unless I have a round of IVF. That's the gamble I feel I am faced, do I try and see or take it that my eggs are scrambled and then go for donor sperm and eggs. It's a very hard decision to make, especially on my own as I have no partner sadly

DianeArnold profile image
DianeArnoldPartnerNurseFertility Network UK in reply to

Hi. Well, I guess it will ultimately be down to your blood hormones. If your FSH and AMH are still of reasonable measurements, then you could still be in with a chance of using your own eggs. Doubtful though (apart from investigations) that you would be offered any form of treatment with the NHS whether single or not. I would also ask about trying a cycle of mild IVF to encourage an egg(s) to be released that “want” to be released, rather than being forced out. I can send you a list of questions that you might like to have a look through, before going for your next consultation, if you want (too long to add here). Just email me in confidence to dianearnold@infertilitynetworkuk.com and I will send them to you. Apologies if you already have the list and good luck with whatever you decide. Obviously, your consultant will give you the best advice for “you”. Diane

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