When a couple begins surrogacy treatment and they find it necessary to seek such treatment with the support of the donation of any female or male gametes (eggs or sperm), it is common for them to have doubts about the donors they will need. Both eggs and sperm depending on the condition, and the biggest question is where the donation comes from.

This doubt that arises from donors and surrogacy causes multiple concerns, which lead us to wonder if we are really taking care of and protecting the health of our future baby, both physically and mentally.

Many surrogacy donor centers create alliances with donation banks, which are in charge of carrying out the preliminary studies to collect the genetic material that will be used in the different assisted reproduction techniques. However, the curiosity remains to know more about donors and the characteristics they evaluate so that a person can be a contributor.

Who can be a donor?

Artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization are one of the techniques that most require sperm or egg donation. Surrogacy centers are governed by international standards that allow the evaluation and screening of candidates who do not meet expectations to offer success rates in pregnancy or who are likely to transfer a hereditary disease to the baby.In the case of egg donation, the woman must direct herself voluntarily and in some countries she has financial compensation for the inconvenience caused during the procedure. The requirements that are generally requested are:

• Be between 18-35 years old. This age varies with the surrogacy center.
• Good physical and mental health.
• Not having a hereditary genetic background both in his person and in the family circle.

In the case of sperm donation, the man voluntarily and altruistically directs the examinations (he does not receive financial compensation) and the procedure is highly easy compared to egg donation. The requirements to become a donor are:

• Be over 18 years old and under 45 years old.
• Not having a family genetic history that alters the correct development of the fetus in the future.
• Make the donation anonymously and altruistically.
• It cannot be adopted, because family genetics are not evident.
• Be in good physical and mental health.

With these characteristics, a person can go to a donation bank in order to collaborate with thousands of couples or people who need a donation to become parents. Although health laws between countries may vary, internationally they are the minimum requirements to be a candidate. 

Each person must also be willing to perform certain tests that verify the information provided to begin the stage of collecting genetic material. There are countries with different campaigns in favor of donation, annually mobilizing the population to collaborate for a greater cause.

Donor examinations

Depending on whether the donor is male or female, some tests are similar and others are completely different. We are going to explain each one of them.

Women: Informative talk: First, information about the donation program is offered and the reasons that prompted you to make the decision are known. It is also intended to create confidence and comfort before starting the scheduling of tests and subsequent appointments.Medical check-up: A thorough analysis is performed to verify family health and genetics. Data such as height, skin and eye color, among other physical characteristics, are also collected. In the same way, the patient's blood is collected to analyze it for possible diseases. All the treatments and tests carried out are the responsibility of the chosen center.Gynecological test: The patient undergoes a review with the gynecologist and an ultrasound.Ovarian test: At the conclusion of the study phase, an ovarian stimulation is performed that can last between ten to twelve days. During this period the patient can carry out her activities normally.Ultrasound aspiration: Finally, the donor enters a minor surgery to extract the oocytes that will be frozen in a cryogenic chamber.

Men: Informative talk: A talk similar to the previous case is offered.

Seminal analysis: Semen tests are carried out with standard values mentioned in the WHO, in order to choose the best candidates. Values include sperm motility, viscosity, and color.Collection of patient data: As in the previous case, physical data and related to genetic inheritance are collected. This test is known as a genetic compatibility test.Psychological testing: Physical and mental health are important topics for donation, the patient and a psychologist engage in a conversation about their personal history and the conditions that must be met if they are accepted as a donor patient.Test result: If you meet the ideal profile. He is called again to make the formal donation.

How do stimulation medications work?

The drugs seek to artificially recreate the hormonal conditions so that the body produces two to four oocytes to be extracted by ovarian puncture. The treatment works because hormone levels increase internal conditions to the point of signaling to the body that it is time to form oocytes to wait for pregnancy.

Thanks to technology, it is possible to know the internal biological conditions of the woman when releasing the oocytes and through medications and a monitoring of the menstrual cycle it is possible to carry it out in the same way, where the body reacts to biological circumstances that he is used to. 

By what treatment is the egg retrieval performed?

The extraction of the ovules is carried out by means of the technique known as follicular aspiration, it is a painless and extremely fast process. This aspiration is a procedure that must be guided by an expert since the purpose is to obtain the eggs in a state that allows fertilization, therefore, the professional will carry out a series of tests and studies that will let you know which will be the most appropriate day to carry out the extraction of the ovules.

To perform the follicular puncture, the patient will be recommended to go on an empty stomach, and she must also be accompanied because the intervention includes the use of anesthetics and lasts 30 minutes, this means that she will return home that same day. , despite being a painless intervention.

The technique is performed with ultrasound, and with a "needle" which is a special instrument of the technique. The suction of the ovules is carried out, and once the process is finished, the patient is allowed to rest and then she can continue with her habits again. In the first instance, you will be recommended not to make a strong physical effort for approximately 2 days, otherwise you will be able to lead a completely normal life.

How are the extracted eggs preserved?

Once the eggs are extracted, the cryopreservation of mature oocytes is carried out, it is the most efficient method to preserve all the reproductive potential of women, once the eggs are extracted they are frozen without fertilizing them in order to preserve them for the future , so that frozen eggs can be thawed and fertilized without any major risks.These are the main reasons why you can cryopreserve your eggs: You are going to perform an in vitro fertilization: When performing this method, many people decide to freeze their eggs, the main reasons are religious and ethical.

They decide that it is best to keep eggs when you are young so that they can be used in the future: For different reasons, couples decide to freeze eggs when they are young to use them in the future.

When you suffer from a disease that may affect your fertility: There are different diseases and medical treatments that can affect fertility, in these cases the most advisable thing is to freeze the eggs and thus avoid that you cannot get pregnant in the future.

Find a solution with our Celagem clinic, we have all the services that you and your family need to make your dreams come true, in addition to taking care of each of the participants, before, during and after treatment.