DONOR OOCYTE PROGRAM
Randall C. Dunn, M.D. / Leah M. Schenk, M.D. / Subodh Chauhan, M.D.
We want to thank you for your interest in our program. The following contains information
about our program and the staff.
Since the birth of the first “test tube” baby in 1979, new and safer techniques have been
developed with the goal of improving In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) services. In 1988 we setup our
IVF lab, and have performed over 3,000 IVF cycles since that time. In Vitro Fertilization
literally means “in glass fertilization.” IVF describes a process whereby oocytes (eggs) that are
removed from a woman’s ovaries are mixed with a man’s sperm outside the body, usually in a
glass dish. Eggs that are fertilized are called embryos. These embryos are subsequently placed
back into the woman’s uterus in hopes of achieving a pregnancy. In the Donor Oocyte
Program, it is the donor who undergoes treatment to stimulate the ovaries and then has her eggs
retrieved. The eggs are then inseminated in the lab with the sperm of the recipient’s husband.
After fertilization occurs, the resulting embryos are then transferred into the recipient’s uterus.
Our Donor Oocyte Program is a “team effort,” with everyone working together to achieve a
common goal. Dr. Randall Dunn, Dr. Leah Schenk, and Dr. Subodh Chauhan are reproductive
endocrinologists. A reproductive endocrinologist is a formally trained subspecialist in obstetrics
and gynecology who is capable of managing complex clinical problems related to reproductive
endocrinology and infertility. To achieve this competency, an obstetrician and gynecologist
must complete a separate board approved subspecialty fellowship. The “team” includes the
doctors, donor coordinators, and office and laboratory staff.
Why do women request egg donation?
Women may choose egg donation for a variety of reasons. Some of these women have tried to
become pregnant for years without success, mainly because they do not produce eggs of their
own. Previous chemotherapy, ovarian surgery, premature menopause and absence of ovaries
from birth are some of the common reasons why ovaries are absent or function poorly. Also,
some women carry a genetic disorder and do not want to transmit it to a child.
How do women become egg donors?
As an egg donor, ideally you should be between the ages of 20 and 28 years of age. To become
an egg donor you must complete the Donor Oocyte Health History form and return it to us with
your address and telephone number. Once this information has been reviewed and it has been
determined that you are eligible to be an egg donor, you will be contacted by the Program
Coordinator to schedule further screening. This would include a review of your past medical
history and family history, a physical examination and tests to ensure general health and the
absence of infectious disease (HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia). Potential donors
also undergo psychological screening which includes a visit to a psychologist and personality
testing. Unless you are disqualified during the screening process, you will be paired with a
recipient to begin your egg donation cycle. You will not meet the recipient and you will not
know if a pregnancy occurred from the recipient’s cycle.
Egg donors will experience some discomfort, inconvenience, and medical risk during the in vitro
fertilization cycle. You will receive up to three hormone shots a day, frequent vaginal
ultrasounds, blood tests, and finally a surgical procedure to remove the eggs. Egg donors are
compensated financially for their time, discomfort, and risk. Although rare, it is possible that a
donor who has not been through IVF before may respond poorly to medications. This could
result in cancellation of the cycle before aspiration of the eggs. If this occurs through no fault of
your own, your compensation will be prorated as determined by our Program.
Protocol for a Donor Egg Cycle
The actual egg donation cycle will require approximately one month of your time. You will be
put on birth control pills (OCPs) for 2-3 weeks, and then you will begin a medication called
Lupron. Lupron is used to suppress ovarian hormone production and synchronize your cycle
with that of the recipient. This injection will be given every day for about 3-4 weeks. You can
give these shots to yourself if you would like to do so. You will then begin daily injections of
FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) for 10 to 14 days. These
medicines stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple and mature eggs. All injections during this
process must be given at the same time every night. It is very important that you not miss or skip
a dose. If you are late for a dose, please take it as soon as you remember. After you have been
on FSH/LH for three days, you will need to come to our office for a blood test and ultrasound
approximately every other day by 11 a.m. when instructed. These blood tests and ultrasounds
will determine the proper time for us to retrieve the eggs you will be donating.
Egg Retrieval
The egg retrieval is performed in the IVF laboratory in our office. You will be given light
anesthesia to prevent pain. The procedure involves passing a thin needle through the top of the
vagina and into the ovary. Light suction is then applied to remove the eggs from the ovary. The
procedure is usually over within 20 minutes. Recovery is very quick and the majority of patients
are able to leave within two hours after the egg retrieval. You will not be able to drive yourself
home, so you must arrange for somebody to take you home. You can expect to feel sleepy for
the rest of the day. Most donors can return to their normal activity the following day.
It is very important that you comply with the following restrictions during your treatment. You
should use no medications other than Tylenol or that prescribed by the Program physician. The
donor should be on one-a-day vitamins. Any medicines required for other illnesses should be
discussed with our staff. You cannot smoke or drink alcohol and caffeine should be limited to
one or two beverages per day. You must abstain from intercourse or use barrier contraception
(condoms) during the time you are on medications and for the month following the egg retrieval.
After beginning FSH/LH, exercise should be done in moderation only (walking is preferred).
In Conclusion
In Vitro Fertilization with donor eggs is a highly technical and complicated process. We will do
everything we can to make this time easy for you. It is important to remember that the couple
who will be the fortunate recipient of your eggs is investing a great deal of time, money, and
emotion in this process. Please follow instructions very closely, never skip your medicine, and
always be at your scheduled appointments at the appropriate time. These steps are critical in
order to have a successful cycle.
If you are interested in becoming an egg donor, please fill out the information enclosed and mail
it to:
Drs. Dunn / Schenk / Chauhan
Attention: Donor Program
7900 Fannin #4400
Houston, Texas 77054
You may call the Program with any questions at (713) 512-7694 and leave a message for the Donor Program Coordinator to return your call.
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