Experiencing the Heartbreak of Infertility

It may be difficult to conceive and achieve your dream of parenthood for many reasons. Whether it’s from a lack of ovaries, ovarian cancer, a predisposition to a genetic disease, or diminished egg quality due to age, it’s disheartening to consistently try to get pregnant without success.

If you’ve recently received an infertility diagnosis and are curious about using donor eggs, you may wish to learn more about the process to see if it’s right for you. If you’ve already decided to move forward with donor egg IVF, we’re here to help equip you with the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate the rollercoaster of emotions you may experience during your journey.


Quelling Donor Egg IVF Misconceptions and Fears

You may experience unnecessary anxiety or fear surrounding the choice of donor eggs due to commonly held societal misconceptions. Gaining an accurate picture of the donor egg IVF process will help you decide if donor egg is a viable option for your family. By clearing up these misunderstandings, you can ensure a smoother emotional journey during treatment.

Misconception #1: Mothers using donor eggs aren’t related to the child
One common misconception that many assume about donor eggs is that the mother won’t be related to her child. This is false; the mother is the biological mother of her child! The egg donor only provides a single genetic piece, which enables the biological mother to weave and grow her child during pregnancy just like any other mother does. Furthermore, studies show microRNAs within the embryonic fluid of the pregnant mother can help determine which of the child’s DNA traits are expressed.

Additionally, using donor eggs gives you significant control over your future child’s DNA. When selecting your donor, you can consider characteristics important to you like personality, medical history, family and educational backgrounds, photos, and more.

Misconception #2: Bonding between mother and child will be difficult
Some mothers are afraid bonding with their baby will be difficult. Rest assured, the bonding process taking place in your womb is quite powerful! Voice recognition is a great example of mother-child bonding during pregnancy.

Should You Tell Your Child, Family, and/or Friends You Used Donor Eggs?

You may feel significant stress over who you should tell about using donor eggs.

The decision is entirely yours, but it’s beneficial to tell your child as he or she grows, so s/he can understand the circumstances surrounding his or her conception. In fact, your child should feel special knowing he or she was “wanted by Mummy and Daddy very much.”

If you’re open to sharing with others, talking casually with your immediate family and close friends can help instill a sense of normalcy around the topic rather than fear or secrecy.

However, you should use your discretion around less-informed or judgmental individuals. You can take the opportunity to educate someone, but understand you’re entitled to keep your family’s personal information to yourself.

Talk to Someone If You Need It

Hopefully, you feel more confident in your decision after being armed with the information above. However, if you have additional questions or wish to speak with a professional, please feel free to confide in those who can offer you advice. Your egg bank or clinic may be able to provide resources to find these professionals for you.

Fertility Specialist
A fertility specialist is an expert who will guide and educate you during your donor egg journey. Fertility specialists have a gynecological background, with additional training and experience in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

Connect with Similar Women
With societal misconceptions and assumptions surrounding donor egg IVF, you may feel misunderstood and isolated during your treatment. Fortunately, in the age of the internet, you have access to a profound community of women with shared experiences at your fingertips. It’s important to explore this community, perhaps starting by reading success stories of other women. There are online support communities you can participate in, ask questions, and feel emotionally at ease knowing these women understand and you’re not alone! You can even chat with women who are interested in learning to become an egg donor for support.

Coping with Infertility and Donor Egg IVF Emotions

Infertility and undergoing fertility treatment can be emotionally, physically, and mentally challenging. However, with the right knowledge, expert help, and support system, you can continue your journey to pregnancy and motherhood with minimal ups and downs.