Shared donor program?

katie121209

At my IUI I asked the nurse for the financial packet for IVF so we could get an idea of costs and figure out a savings plan. DH does not want to do another round of IUI if the current one is unsuccessful.

One sheet mentioned a shared donor program where you give half your eggs to an anonymous couple in the office and they pay half your costs. We have no insurance coverage for any aspect of treatment. Has anyone done this program? My biggest worry is whether half the eggs from a retrieval would be enough to fertilize and survive to blastocyte. Thanks for any input or advice you all have.

KLake42

That sounds like it could be a good deal if you don't have low reserve.  But I'd be cautious about total anonymity.

I'm using donor sperm, and it is very important to us to use a donor who's willing to be contacted when the kid turns 18.  Children born of donor eggs and/or donor sperm, when they grow up, overwhelmingly tend to feel that they should have some right to that information-- even if they have no relationship with the donor, they should be able to ask about genetic history.

That's my position on anonymous donation, but I understand that other people feel different ways, and I do respect different opinions on this.  But it's important to me, when it comes to decisions I make.

HBamama2B

Our IVF was mostly covered so we didn't do a shared donor program, but I really like the idea. It helps two infertile couples if it works. How well it will work for you depends on how well you will respond and if they decide you are a candidate for it (age is a big factor).

For me, I had PCOS which meant lots of follies and lots of eggs (25 retrieved, 25 mature, 21 fertilized, 19 to blast stage, 1 implanted, and 10 to freeze) But responses can run anywhere from 5 follies to 60+, if it's low, it could be disappointing for both families.

Also, keep in mind, for the financial support you're taking on all the physical stress of the egg production and retrieval. You'd be doing it anyway, but if the yield is low you may find you're upset about what you went through. You would have to sync your cycle to this other women as well, if she's doing a fresh transfer. Just some thoughts! Keep us updated on how it goes for you either way!

katie121209

Thank you those are both great perspectives!