Exploring IVF with egg donors in Portugal

  • Guides
29 Jun 2024
Couple sit together at a table looking at a laptop

New hope

Choosing donor conception is a big step for many individuals and couples. Whether it’s due to infertility, genetic concerns, or single parenthood, the donor route offers a hopeful path to building your family. At Procriar, Portugal’s leading fertility clinic, we provide unique options for those considering Portuguese egg or sperm donors.

First things first, what is egg donation?

Egg donation involves using eggs from a donor to achieve pregnancy. This is particularly beneficial for women with diminished ovarian reserve, poor egg quality, or other fertility issues. The donated eggs are fertilised with sperm in a lab, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the recipient’s uterus. This process offers the opportunity for women to carry and give birth to a child even when their own eggs are not viable.

What about open-ID egg donation?

Open-ID, or non-anonymous, donation means you can access detailed profiles about your donor, including physical traits, education, cognitive abilities, and personality. This transparency can give you peace of mind if you’re considering donor conception.

Dr. Leonor Neves, a Psychology Specialist at Procriar, gives some insight below on what information is included in a donor profile at Procriar.

In Portugal, donor-conceived children have the right to know their donor’s identity once they turn 18. This access, guaranteed by the state for 75 years, makes it easier to discuss your family’s origins and allows your child to learn about their donor’s medical history and other important information.

How does IVF with egg donation work?

Embarking on the journey of donor-assisted conception can be both exciting and daunting. At Procriar, we are committed to providing you with comprehensive support and personalised care throughout this process. From your initial medical consultation to the final confirmation of your chosen donor, our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way. Below is an overview of the key stages involved in selecting and securing the perfect donor for your treatment, ensuring a smooth and reassuring experience.

Medical Consultation

During your initial visit, your doctor will determine if using a donor is suitable for your treatment plan.

Consultation with our Donation Coordination Team

Our Donation Team will help you explore options, identify key donor attributes important to you, and find a donor that matches your preferences.

Donor Proposal

Based on your preferences, our Donation Team will send you a donor profile that best fits your criteria. This donor will be reserved exclusively for you for three working days.

Donor Confirmation

Once you confirm your choice within the three-day window, your donor will be secured, and treatment can begin. If the profile doesn’t meet your expectations, we’ll assist you in finding another suitable match.

In the video below, Dr. Leonor Neves, gives some insight below on how you are matched with your perfect donor.

Finding hope with donor eggs

Experiencing the inability to conceive with your own eggs can be deeply disappointing and emotionally challenging. It’s essential to acknowledge these feelings and give yourself time to process them. However, it’s equally important to recognise the incredible possibilities that using donor eggs can offer.

Your baby, your love

Choosing to use donor eggs doesn’t diminish your role as the mother. In fact, modern science, particularly the field of epigenetics, supports the idea that you will still play a vital role in your child’s development. Epigenetics is the study of how your behaviours and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. During pregnancy, your body will influence the expression of your baby’s genes, meaning your biological connection goes beyond just DNA.

The role of epigenetics

When you carry a baby conceived from a donor egg, your body provides the environment in which your baby grows and develops. This environment includes your blood, your nutrients, and your unique biological signals, all of which play a crucial role in shaping your baby’s genetic expression. This means that you will still have a profound impact on your child’s health, personality, and even their predisposition to certain traits.

Embracing the journey

It’s important to focus on the aspects of motherhood that go beyond genetics. The bond between a mother and her child is formed through love, care, and shared experiences. From the moment you carry your baby, to the day they are born, and throughout their entire life, the nurturing and love you provide will shape who they become.

Support and community

Remember, you are not alone. Many women have faced the same challenge and have gone on to have fulfilling experiences with donor conception. Seeking support from fertility counsellors, joining support groups, and talking to others who have been through similar experiences can provide comfort and reassurance.

 

At Procriar, we are committed to supporting you through every step of this journey. Our team is here to provide not just medical care, but emotional and psychological support to help you embrace the possibilities and joys that donor conception can bring.

Moving forward

Embracing donor eggs is not just a second option; it is a powerful path to parenthood that many have taken with great success. Your baby will be yours in every meaningful way, and the journey you share together will be uniquely your own.

Comprehensive support

Support during fertility treatments is crucial because it helps reduce stress, provides emotional reassurance, and ensures all logistical aspects are managed smoothly. Studies have shown that emotional support and reducing stress can significantly improve fertility rates. At Procriar, you’ll find a dedicated support team with extensive experience in coordinating treatments from afar. Our fertility doctors and nurses are highly skilled, ensuring you receive top-notch medical care. Portugal’s progressive IVF legislation, combined with our compassionate approach, makes it a welcoming place for your fertility journey.

Here is Dr. Leonor Neves on the type of support you can expect. 

 

No waiting lists

One of the great advantages of choosing Procriar is that there are no waiting lists for open-ID egg and sperm donors. We’re here to support you every step of the way with compassionate care and world-leading treatment.

Partnering with Procriar

Choosing Procriar means gaining a friendly partner in your fertility journey. Connect with our team for more information, personalised education, and to begin your path to building your family with the help of Portuguese donors.

Learn more about how we can help

Arrange a free call with one of our expert Care Advisors today and learn more about how we can help you to achieve your dream of a family.