If the mother has documented issues in conceiving then the issue of egg donation can be considered. In this instance, the eggs are donated by another woman in an approach very similar to IVF. The egg donor can be someone who is known to the couple – a relative or friend. These eggs can be fertilised by the father’s sperm and the resulting embryos returned to the uterus.
Where the mother’s egg quality is reduced, this is a highly effective technique. Obviously there are significant practical and psychological issues to consider.
Another situation is where donor sperm may be required. With the modern treatments that ISIS provides it is very rare that the father’s sperm can’t be used. However, should this be the case, then donor sperm may be an option.
Currently we only offer a known donor program. We may look at doing unknown donor programs in the future. This means that if you can identify a donor, we are more than happy to assist you. Australian law states that a child must be able to access information about their donor at the age of 18. Therefore “unknown” donors are not possible at any clinic.
Counselling
Counselling is an essential component of our donor program. We carry out counselling at our rooms. Our counsellors require one session with the recipient and partner (if relevant), one session with the donor and partner (if relevant) and one session with everyone together. The sessions must occur in this order. The counsellor completes a report after these three sessions. For information about costs associated with counselling, click here.
© ISIS Fertility 2010
Canberra Australia