Dickinson Cowan
obstetrics · gynaecology · fertilityDonor eggs
Donor eggs may be recommended to you if you do not respond to ovarian stimulation. The commonest reason for failing to respond is that you are close to your menopause.
Known donor
If the egg donor is known to you, if she is a young relative or friend, the treatment is easier than if the donor remains anonymous.An egg donor has to go through an IVF treatment cycle. Her eggs are fertilised with your husband or partner's sperm. The resulting embryos are then placed in your womb. If the treatment is successful and a child is born, the child is legally yours and your husband or partner's. The donor has no rights over a child born in this way.
Anonymous donor
Anonymous egg donation is more difficult to organise and in the UK has become increasingly difficult since donors lost the right to remain anonymous in April 2006. A child born as a result of anonymous egg donation in the UK can find its genetic mother via the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.There are many countries in the European Union where egg donors can remain anonymous and Mr Cowan favours sending his patients to clinics in these countries. It is a relatively simple procedure to refer patients abroad.