EMBRYO DONATION
For donors, this act alleviates the ethical and emotional dilemmas of storing, discarding, or donating embryos for research. For recipients, embryo donation provides a hopeful and affordable path to parenthood.
What is Embryo Donation?
Embryo donation is a compassionate process where embryos created during in vitro fertilization (IVF) are donated by individuals or couples to help others achieve their dream of parenthood. These embryos, formed from either the donors' or a partner's eggs and sperm, are transferred to the recipient’s uterus, allowing them to experience pregnancy and childbirth. This option is often chosen when:
1
Unused Embryos
Couples who have completed their families may donate surplus embryos originally cryopreserved during IVF.
2
Infertility Challenges
Recipients facing infertility due to female, male, or combined factors can use donated embryos as a cost-effective and emotionally fulfilling alternative to traditional IVF.
Embryo donation offers profound benefits. Donors find fulfillment in giving their unused embryos a chance to help others, while recipients gain the opportunity to build their family and experience pregnancy. Although recipients may not share a genetic connection with the child, they embrace the unique journey of carrying and giving birth.
Anonymity in Embryo Donation
Embryo donation is typically anonymous, ensuring confidentiality and no contact between donors, recipients, or any resulting children. This approach fosters a secure and respectful experience for all parties involved.
Why Choose Embryo Donation?
Embryo donation is an extraordinary option for families for several reasons:
Inclusive Parenthood: Provides an opportunity for parenthood to those unable to conceive using their own eggs or sperm.
Personal Connection: Many recipients feel a deep connection to the embryo donation process because it allows them to carry and nurture their child through pregnancy.
Personal Connection: Many recipients feel a deep connection to the embryo donation process because it allows them to carry and nurture their child through pregnancy.
At Nicosia Fertility, we ensure that the process is transparent, ethical, and tailored to the unique needs of both donors and recipients.
Who Can Benefit from Embryo Donation?
Embryo donation is an ideal option for:
1
Women with Premature Ovarian Failure or Early Menopause
Women who have stopped producing viable eggs due to natural aging, chemotherapy, or other medical treatments.
2
Couples with Male and Female Infertility Factors
When both partners experience infertility challenges that prevent the use of their own eggs and sperm.
3
Same-Sex Couples and Single Parents
Provides an option for individuals or couples unable to conceive naturally.
4
Genetic Conditions or Inherited Disorders
Couples seeking to avoid passing on hereditary diseases or conditions to their child.
The Embryo Donation Process at Nicosia Fertility
Recipients meet with our fertility specialists to review medical history, assess fertility, and discuss their suitability for embryo donation. During the initial consultation, patients will undergo diagnostic testing.
Donors undergo rigorous medical and genetic screening to ensure the health and viability of the embryos. The process is guided by international best practices and local regulations. At Nicosia Fertility, patients will have the opportunity to discuss their preferences for specific embryo characteristics with our physicians. This may include factors such as race, gender (if preimplantation genetic testing has been performed), and attributes of the biological parents, such as hair color, height, and other traits. Our expert team will thoroughly review the patient’s medical records to ensure the most appropriate and personalized embryo matching.
Both parties sign comprehensive agreements to clarify rights, responsibilities, and confidentiality.
Once the embryos are donated, the recipient can begin a frozen embryo transfer process, which closely resembles an IVF cycle. The recipient mother will take medications to prepare her uterus for implantation.
If she has a regular menstrual cycle, the transfer typically occurs about three weeks after the start of her period. A high-quality embryo is thawed and transferred into the recipient’s uterus using a minimally invasive procedure. For women without regular cycles, the doctor will use medications to initiate a cycle and prepare for the embryo transfer.
Approximately two weeks after the embryo transfer, a blood test will determine if pregnancy has been achieved. If successful, the recipient will continue prescribed medications for up to five weeks to support the pregnancy. During this period, the pregnancy will be closely monitored through blood tests and ultrasounds. Once the pregnancy is stable and progressing, the recipient can transition her care to an obstetrician or gynecologist.
If the embryo transfer is unsuccessful, the recipient may opt for another transfer using any remaining donated embryos. For couples who achieve a successful pregnancy, additional embryos can be used in future transfers to expand their family if desired.
At Nicosia Fertility, we provide ongoing support to ensure the health and well-being of our patients throughout this journey. We also understand that embryo donation can evoke a range of emotions for both donors and recipients, especially concerning parenting and genetic connections. Our experienced physicians and compassionate counselors work closely with both parties, offering personalized guidance and addressing concerns to ensure an informed and thoughtful decision-making process.
Screening and Safety Protocols
At Nicosia Fertility, we prioritize the health and safety of everyone involved in the embryo donation process.
1
Donor Screening
Comprehensive genetic and medical tests are performed to rule out infectious or hereditary conditions.
Donors are evaluated for chromosomal normality and health history.
2
Recipient Assessment
Medical evaluations ensure the recipient is physically and emotionally prepared for pregnancy.
3
Cryopreservation and Storage
Embryos are frozen using advanced cryopreservation techniques to preserve their viability until they are ready for transfer.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Embryo donation in Northern Cyprus is regulated under the 57/2014 Law on Human Cells, Tissue, and Organ Transplantation Regulations. The law provides strict guidelines on donor and recipient eligibility, ensuring the process is carried out ethically and legally. Key considerations include:
1
Donor Confidentiality
Identifying information about the donors is not shared with the recipients, and vice versa, ensuring privacy for all parties.
2
Age Limits for Recipients
Women over 45 must obtain medical clearance from specialists to ensure they are fit for pregnancy.
3
Informed Consent
Both donors and recipients must provide informed consent before proceeding with the donation process.
Emotional and Psychological Support
The decision to participate in embryo donation can be an emotional journey for both donors and recipients. At Nicosia Fertility, we offer:
Counseling Services
Our trained counselors provide support to help individuals navigate the emotional aspects of embryo donation.
Support Groups
We connect patients with others who have experienced embryo donation, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
Risks of Embryo Donation
Embryo donation involves the transfer of genetic material from another individual, which carries a theoretical risk of infectious disease transmission. However, to date, no documented cases of infectious diseases have been linked to embryo donation.
Other potential risks associated with embryo donation include:
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The possibility that the embryos may not be viable.
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A 2–4% risk of ectopic (tubal) pregnancy, similar to all IVF procedures, including those using donated embryos.
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Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, or more) may lead to complications such as premature labor, an increased risk of birth defects, gestational diabetes, and/or elevated blood pressure during pregnancy.
At Nicosia Fertility, we take all necessary precautions to minimize risks, providing thorough screenings and personalized care throughout the embryo donation process.
FAQs for Embryo Donation Page at Nicosia Fertility
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Embryo donation is ideal for couples where both partners face infertility challenges, such as poor egg and sperm quality, genetic disorders, or medical treatments that have impacted fertility.
Donors undergo thorough medical, genetic, and psychological evaluations to ensure the quality and safety of the donated embryos. Physical characteristics and compatibility with the recipient couple are also considered.
With advanced techniques and personalized care, our embryo donation program boasts a success rate exceeding 80%, making it one of the most effective fertility treatments.
Embryo donation is conducted under strict regulations in Cyprus to ensure patient safety and confidentiality. Both donors and recipients must comply with legal requirements to guarantee ethical practices.
Typically, patients need to stay for 5–7 days to complete the embryo transfer process, including consultations, evaluations, and the procedure itself.
After the transfer, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities, follow a prescribed medication regimen, and maintain a healthy, stress-free environment to enhance implantation chances
Yes, any high-quality embryos that are not used during the initial cycle can be cryopreserved, giving you flexibility for additional attempts or family expansion in the future.
Cyprus is known for its liberal donation laws, cost-effective treatments, and high-quality medical services. The peaceful environment and supportive care also contribute to a stress-free experience.
No, anonymity is strictly maintained. Recipients receive non-identifiable information about donors, such as physical traits and medical history, ensuring privacy for all parties involved.
The cost typically covers donor selection, medical evaluations, laboratory fees, embryo transfer, and follow-up consultations. Additional services, such as embryo freezing or genetic testing, can be arranged based on individual needs.
Take the First Step Towards Parenthood
If you are considering sperm donation as part of your fertility journey, Nicosia Fertility is here to support and guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our services and begin building the family you’ve always dreamed of. Together, we can turn possibilities into reality.
