DONOR INFORMATION
What being a donor involves
- The first step is to read this information and if you have any questions please call the Fertility Design Clinic on +302106895001, Mondays to Fridays between 11:00am to 18.00pm.
- Please complete the attached registration form and send it to us when you feel that you are ready to become a donor. As soon as we receive your registration form, we will arrange a visit to see our counsellor where you will discuss the implications of donation. This session lasts approximately 45 minutes.
- We will also arrange a consultation with our doctor who will outline the treatment, the procedures involved and discuss the associated risks with you. You will be with the doctor for approximately an hour and a half and you are welcome to bring a partner, friend or family member.
- We must arrange for blood tests to be carried out. These tests can be carried out at the initial consultation if you are ready to proceed, however they can be arranged at a later date if you need more time to think about your decision.
- National Authority for Assisted Reproduction Treatments requires all prospective donors to be screened for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, Cystic Fibrosis and CMV (Cytomegalovirus), a virus found in about 80% of the population. We will also perform chromosomal analyses (Blood Karyotype) and Fragile X screening. These results will determine whether we will be able to match you with a particular recipient.
- We will then arrange for you to have a hormone test on Day 2 or 3 of your menstrual cycle. This will give us an idea about your ovarian reserve (the ability of your ovaries to respond to stimulants). You can either come to the clinic to have this done, or we can arrange for your blood to be tested locally.
- You will then be matched with a recipient. Your cycle will then be coordinated by our egg donation team. You are welcome to contact Fertility Design Clinic at any time as we will be organizing your treatment cycle.
- Your treatment cycle involves a series of self‐administered injections, using an injection pen similar to the insulin pen used by diabetics. The daily injections last for approximately 10 to 14 days. If you do not feel comfortable doing this on your own, we can arrange for a nurse to show you as soon as possible.
- During the two‐week course of injections you will need to have several vaginal ultrasound scans: 1 in the first week and about 3 in the second. These scans will show us how many eggs you are producing and help to monitor the medication. A donor will normally produce between 5 and 15 eggs in one cycle. You might also be required additional blood tests during this time. You can perform all the aforementioned in our clinic.
- Once we are happy with the development of the eggs you will be booked for egg collection. You will have an injection between 21:00 and 24:00 in the evening. The egg collection is under sedation and occurs 36 hours after the injection. It takes about twenty minutes. On the day of the egg collection you must bring someone with you to accompany you home. We strongly advise that you use contraception in the form of condoms throughout the egg donation cycle and for the time up until your next period because there is an increased chance of pregnancy.
Note: We would like you to be aware that you can withdraw from donation at any time up until the day of the embryo transfer. There will be no pressure, but we ask you to keep us informed about your decision as we will have to make alternative arrangements.
Counselling
As a policy of the center you must see our doctor for an assessment before treatment. If you wish to see a counsellor for support during or after your treatment, please call fertility Design Clinic on +302106895001 to arrange an appointment.
Regulations and Law
- Young with age ranges 18-35 years
- General health is a prerequisite
- All fertility hormone tests must show good ovarian reserves
- Examinations for infective diseases including: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis, C, HIV I & II, Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasma, Rubella
- Screening for genetic disorders including: Karyotype, Cystic Fibrosis, Thalassemia a & b, Fragile X and upon request any other test
- Intelligent and Responsible and upon request we can answer up to 3 extra questions about the donor
Note: According to the Greek legislation and the National Assisted Reproduction Authorities only unknown Egg Donation is allowed in Greece. The egg donor and the recipient are not allowed to know or exchange information among each other and exchange of information is only allowed in case the born child is carrying a serious disease.
Confidentiality
The donor and the recipients do not meet so that the donation can be kept anonymous, but it is possible for the donor to know if the recipient has achieved a pregnancy if she wishes and if the recipient agrees.
Guidance on Reasonable Expenses for Donors
In Greece it is illegal to pay donors for donating their eggs. However, when attending the center we do not want you to incur any out of pocket expenses.
You can always contact fertility Design Clinic at +302106895001 so we can guide you on the financial settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What requirements are there to become an egg donor?
You must be under 35 years old. You will not be able to donate if you have epilepsy, diabetes or any infectious disease such as HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C. If you are unsure about whether you would be able to donate, please call us and we will discuss this with you.
- If I have just had a baby can I still donate?
Once your periods have started again and you have finished breastfeeding you can donate.
- Will the procedure be painful?
You will be having injections during the donation cycle and although these are not painful they may cause some discomfort. You may also experience some “period pain” type cramps after the egg collection and you will be given tablets to ease any discomfort you may have.
- If I have not yet had any children will a donation cycle affect my chances of conceiving in the future?
This is unlikely. You will be assessed at the initial consultation and the doctor will inform you of the risks involved and what effect these may have on your future fertility. Your welfare will come first. There is a small chance of about 0.5 to 5% of Ovarian Hyper‐Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS). This will be discussed with you. If you need any medical advice at any point during your treatment, please speak to our doctor, Dr. Fragkoulidis, at Fertility Design Clinic.
- Will I have to attend the clinic every day for the injections?
No, the nurses can show you how to use the self‐injection pens (similar to the ones used by diabetics) that you can take away with you. If you have any problems using the pen or you cannot attend LFC daily, we can arrange for an agency nurse to visit your home as and when required.
- Can I donate if I have been sterilized?
You can still donate your eggs if you have had a sterilization, as we do not need your Fallopian tubes to be open to collect your eggs. It will not affect the quality of your eggs.
- Can I donate if I am taking the contraceptive injection?
Yes, although you will have to stop using it. Please try to note down when the last time was that you had an injection and do not have another injection if you are considering donating. You will be asked to use condoms for contraception.
- What drugs will I need and what are the possible side effects?
The drugs that you will be taking are a version of the hormones normally produced by your body during your menstrual cycle. These may give side effects normally associated with pre‐menstrual symptoms such as bloating, tenderness and loss of appetite. Please refer to the leaflets enclosed with the medication for possible side effects.
- Is the procedure totally anonymous?
Please refer to the section entitled “Regulations and Law” above for more information.
- Is there any chance of me becoming pregnant during the cycle?
If you have sex, we advise that you use barrier contraception (condoms) throughout the egg donation cycle, as there is a chance of pregnancy. There are times when there is a higher chance. The doctor will advise you of the times that you have a higher chance of pregnancy.
- Can I specify to whom I would like my eggs to go?
We treat a variety of couples at our center of different ages, ethnic backgrounds and religions. We also treat older women (aged 45 to 50), single ladies and lesbian couples and have obligations towards the welfare of any child resulting from fertility treatments. If you have selection criteria regarding your recipient (such as age, her relationship, and so on), please mention this to our doctors or nurse as soon as your cycle starts. We will never match you with a recipient unless they fulfil your specified criteria.
- How soon will my periods return back to normal?
Your first one or two periods after egg collection might start late and the amount of bleeding might be different but your normal menstrual pattern will resume shortly