The use of donor eggs and sperm, or the help of a surrogate, can be an excellent option for couples facing infertility or if you’re an individual dreaming of becoming a parent. These techniques of reproductive medicine are known as third party reproduction.
Dr Kate is a fully qualified fertility specialist in Newcastle with a passion for seeing her patients grow their families. In addition to providing IVF, IUI, and ICSI, she can also facilitate third party reproduction with donor gametes or surrogacy for suitable patients.
The laws surrounding the donation of eggs and sperm (collectively called gametes) can vary slightly between states and territories. In NSW, this is governed by the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act 2007 (NSW) and the related Assisted Reproductive Technology Regulation 2009.
There can be some complexities surrounding receiving donor gametes (and donating them, too). These issues include emotional, medical, and ethical considerations. In recognition of this, Dr Kate recommends all of her patients considering third party reproduction undergo pre-treatment counselling offered through Genea.
All donor eggs and sperm accessed through the Genea Newcastle fertility clinic undergo rigorous testing to avoid as many genetic abnormalities or other problems as possible. You may choose to use a gamete from someone known to you, or you can use an anonymous donor, for example, one accessed through the Genea sperm bank.
Couples affected by male infertility where there is low sperm production may benefit from donor sperm. You can also consider this option if there is the possibility of passing on a genetic condition from the father-to-be’s side. Donor sperm has also made it possible for single women and same-sex female couples to start a family.
If you’re having trouble conceiving primarily due to female infertility factors, such as low ovarian reserve or poor ovarian function and egg quality, using a donor egg can help. Similar to the use of donor sperm, donor eggs can also help to avoid passing on a known genetic abnormality. Single men and same-sex male couples may use donor eggs combined with their own sperm to have children with the help of a surrogate.
Also known as a gestational carrier, a surrogate is a woman who agrees to carry a pregnancy created from an embryo transfer. This embryo can be developed from donor gametes or a combination of donor gametes and gametes from the individual or couple trying to have children.
You may wish to consider a gestational carrier if you are affected by factors resulting in being unable to carry a pregnancy to term.
Similar to gamete donation, there are several ethical, legal, social, and emotional considerations regarding the use of a surrogate. In order to support you properly on this journey, Dr Kate will organise counselling through Genea’s counselling service before you take the next steps.
