Donor programs

Ovule donation

In many couples the problem is that the woman has lost the capacity to produce ovules, or the ovules produced lack the quality necessary for fertilization. In such situations the advised treatment is in vitro fertilization with ovules from a donor, and using sperm from her partner to fertilize the ovules.
Preparation of the donor chosen by the receptor female is the same as in the case of ICSI.

In order to achieve fertilization of the ovules outside the female body, the first step is to extract the ovules from the ovary, after which they are placed in contact with the sperm to facilitate the fertilization process.
The donor female will have completed the ovarian stimulation process, with oocyte harvesting in the operating theatre for the receptor.

The receptor female will be prepared for receiving the embryo and thus secure pregnancy. Preparation in this case is simple and consists of estrogen-based medication. The latter acts upon the endometrium, intrauterine bed and site of reception of the embryo.
It is common practice to evaluate the endometrium using transvaginal ultrasound, with testing of estradiol (the hormone that prepares the endometrium) concentration in blood. These two techniques allow us to determine whether treatment is adequate, or whether correction is needed. After obtaining the embryos, generally through ICSI (fertilized ovules) or IVF, they are transferred to the uterus in the same way as in in vitro fertilization.

Semen donation

Some males lack sperm in their ejaculate, or sperm have not been obtainable through testicular biopsy (TESA-MESA), or the patient rejects the technique. In such cases sperm from an anonymous donor must be used.

The Instituto de Medicina Reproductiva has its own sperm bank, which can be used following prior request.

All semen donors have been subjected to the selection process required by law, and have been tested genetically (karyotype). The donors previously undergo different clinical and laboratory tests, with interviews to determine their social and intellectual characteristics, their conception of life and their daily activities.

This makes it possible to know the donor in detail without knowing his identity. Revealing donor identity is prohibited by law.