Using Frozen Eggs To Successfully Achieve Healthy Pregnancies

It has been nearly three decades since the first live birth was achieved using frozen eggs. Since that time, many advances have been made in the field of reproductive medicine, most notably the introduction of modern vitrification (fast freezing) techniques. Numerous studies have been published confirming the outcome of cycles using frozen eggs to be just as favorable as using fresh eggs.

Recent advances in the supporting technology for reproductive medicine have allowed for us to take a closer look at the development of the embryo. In a recent study, published in the September 2017 edition of the Fertility and Sterility Journal, embryo development was evaluated utilizing time-lapse analysis and morphokinetic parameters (physical features and biological activity parameters) for assessment of embryo quality. The study revealed that there was on average only a 1-hour delay in the formation of the blastocyst (mature stage of embryo development, ideal for embryo transfer); that the quality of the embryo was not impaired; and that there was no difference in the quality, implantation rate, and clinical pregnancy rate.

This study adds to the growing body of evidence of the safety and equivalency of using frozen eggs to successfully achieve healthy pregnancies, and here at The World Egg Bank, we continuously pursue the highest standards of excellence in providing quality donor eggs for our recipients.

from The World Egg Bank http://www.theworldeggbank.com/blogs/using-frozen-eggs-to-successfully-achieve-healthy-pregnancies/

Under the Microscope: An Examination of Embryo Transfer Technique

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has allowed millions of couples to bear children over the last 40 years, but it remains less than 100% successful. Attention has focused on improving ovarian stimulation, insemination methods, culture techniques, and screening for genetic status of resulting embryos. These measures have increased pregnancy outcomes year by year, allowing for single embryo transfer as the standard approach in many instances.

It is indisputable that the embryo transfer (ET) itself is a vital component of the process. It seems however that the technical aspects of embryo transfer have been “below the radar” for many ART practitioners. We have known that there is a learning curve and that some operators have consistently better outcomes than their colleagues in the same practice. One concern is many fellows in US training programs perform very few ET procedures, leaving new graduates to learn on their patients. After recognizing this, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) commissioned the development of an ET trainer device, a virtual reality based simulator. A recent study showed that use of the simulator shortened the learning curve considerably for fellows (Embryo transfer simulation improves pregnancy rates and decreases time to proficiency in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellow embryo transfers. Heitmann, Ryan J. et al. Fertil Steril, 2017; 107, 1166 ).

Many standard techniques of ET have never been rigorously evaluated, and when they have, the results have been somewhat inconsistent. ASRM formed an Embryo Transfer Advisory Panel, seeking to improve performance of the ET by utilizing a combination of literature search and surveying Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) member practices regarding their use of various procedures. The findings have recently been published (ASRM standard embryo transfer protocol template: a committee opinion. Penzias, Alan et al. Fertil Steril, 2017; 107, 897 – 900).

The conclusions are slightly surprising and definitely worth review. Turns out that only a handful of the component steps of the ET practice are proven to be beneficial, for example transabdominal ultrasound guidance and use of a soft catheter. A few commonly employed practices such as, bed rest after ET and powder-free gloves have been demonstrated not to be beneficial. The benefits of a number of other practices are still unclear.

After review, the Practice Committee issued guidance for the basic approach to ET. The Committee also reminds us of the many benefits of standardization of clinical methods, recommending that each ART program develop a set of standard procedures to reduce risk and to optimize outcomes. It is time well spent for IVF practitioners to review these guidelines and discuss them with their clinical teams.

from The World Egg Bank http://www.theworldeggbank.com/blogs/under-the-microscope-an-examination-of-embryo-transfer-technique/

Understanding Egg Donation – Anonymous vs. Full Disclosure

The World Egg Bank offers two different types of disclosure to our donors: anonymous or full disclosure.

What is anonymous?
Anonymous egg donations apply to United States recipients and in other regions where by law egg donation remain anonymous. In these cases the only information about the egg donor shared with the recipient is; age, ethnicity, medical his tory, family history, childhood or recent photographs, education, etc. Identifying information such as name, address, contact information is never released to the recipients.

What is full-disclosure?
Full-disclosure is an option for our donors who agree to donate their eggs to UK and Australian recipients. In these regions, anonymous donations are no longer allowed so that people born from donated gametes are able to trace their biological history if they desire. Agreeing to full disclosure means that the donor is open to the possibility that if a child is born from her donation, the child might be able to contact her. By doing so the egg donor is opening herself to being an eligible donor for about 50% of The World Egg Bank’s current recipient’s in full disclosure regions in addition to the recipients from anonymous regions.

Legal Implications of full-disclosure: Donors, recipients and the individuals born as result of the donation, have legal rights and responsibilities.

• Individuals born from donor procedures have a right to obtain identifying information of their donor, once they reach the age of 18.
• As a donor you do not have any legal responsibility for the people/person born as result of your donation.
• All donors and recipients are required to have counselling before proceeding to donor treatment.
• If you and the recipient agree to the release of identifying information, contact, and/or information exchange can occur before the child is 18 years of age.

Donor’s identifying information will be kept in a government registry in the region the recipient/intended parents reside/where the child is born. If a child whom resulted from donation chooses that they want to have access to the identifying information of the egg donor they must apply through the government registry and go through counselling to get approved access.

If the child is approved access the donor would be contacted, offered counselling and asked if she is comfortable giving consent to the release of information.

Keep in mind that just because a donor agrees to full-disclosure does not guarantee their eggs will be sold to recipients who reside in full-disclosure regions. It also does not guarantee that if their eggs are sold to recipients in these regions that a birth will occur or that a child born from a donation would contact their biological donors.

from The World Egg Bank http://www.theworldeggbank.com/blogs/understanding-egg-donation-anonymous-vs-full-disclosure/

Top foods for egg donors

Many egg donors describe their experience during their donation cycle and post-retrieval as being similar to PMS symptoms, such as cramping, bloating, fatigue, soreness, etc. There is a way to help conquer these common side effects and that is through the magic of food! We’ve compiled a list for donors to help fuel their body of key nutrients before, during and after their cycle:

• Quinoa: This complex carb boosts serotonin levels, the feel-good hormone
• Omega-3s: Whether it’s salmon, chia seeds, or fortified greens Omega-3s have essential anti-inflammatory properties
• Lean Meats: Such as red meat, chicken or turkey have B12 to fight the fatigue
• Dark Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, romaine have great supply of vitamin A, an antioxidant which helps in supporting immune functions
• Bananas: The less you sleep, the more susceptible to pain you are and bananas carry melatonin, the sleep hormone, to help you get a good night sleep before and after retrieval
• Fiber: Foods with high fiber and water content such as lentils, berries, and beans will relieve the feeling of bloating and discomfort
• Pumpkin Seeds: If a headache has you down then eat some of these magnesium-filled super seeds
• Eggs: Rich in protein and healthy fatty acids, eggs will make donor’s feel full and satisfied while also fueling up on vitamins A, B2, B5, B12, K and many more
• Saltine Crackers: These crackers give a good fix of sodium while also being easy on the tummy, an ideal combo those who might be dealing with nausea or depleted appetite

In addition to these yummy options, our clinical staff also advises our donors to remember to drink plenty of fluids during and after their retrieval to stay properly hydrated. Sports drinks such as Gatorade are ideal since they give donors electrolytes and sugar that help aide in reviving the body of nutirents and promote recovery.

*Please note that every body is different and cycle related side effects to medications, retrieval and recovery can vary from person to person.

from The World Egg Bank http://www.theworldeggbank.com/blogs/top-foods-for-egg-donors/

Eggsquisite facts about ovum (aka eggs)

1) An egg is the largest cell in the female body. It’s about the size of a needle point and could even be seen with the human eye. Even more fascinating, it’d take about 15,000 sperm to make the size of one egg!

2) I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “You’re born with all the eggs you’ll ever have,” which is true, however the average woman will only ovulate about 400 – 500 times in her life between puberty and menopause. That means hundreds of thousands of eggs are naturally absorbed into the body.

3) The lifespan of a matured egg is only about 12-24 hours. If it is not fertilized during that timeframe then it is flushed out of the body. Although the egg’s lifespan short a sperm can live in a woman’s fallopian tubes for 1 to 5 days, so it’s possible to get pregnant within a 5 day period after unprotected sex if the egg ovulates while sperm is still present in the reproductive tract.

4) When vitirified (frozen), female eggs have a much longer lifespan. The oldest egg used to produce healthy baby was frozen for nearly 25 years.

from The World Egg Bank http://www.theworldeggbank.com/blogs/eggsquisite-facts-about-ovum-aka-eggs/

STDs – The Silent Epidemic

The World Egg Bank’s main focus, as you might assume by our name, is operating as an egg bank. In addition to our day-to-day business we also believe that we have the unique ability to be an educational tool on a communal level, especially in regards to women’s reproductive health. 

Every month we screen prospective egg donors to ensure they’re healthy and meet FDA requirements to donate. Through this testing protocol our organization has become hyperaware of the amount of women who live low-risk (and in many case monogamist) lifestyles that are unknowingly infected with an STD. In many of these cases women are in complete shock and can’t even think or who/when they would’ve contracted from. At TWEB, we want to educate and promote STD awareness, risks and prevention in hopes that all women can better protect their bodies in an informed manner.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that more than 1 in 2 people will have an STD at some point in their life. That’s right – 1 in 2, as in 50% of the population. Many of these STDs contracted are those that can usually be treated with antibiotics, however, it’s worth pointing out that there are now reported strains of the once treatable Gonorrhea that are becoming antibiotic resistent. Scary stuff to say the least! Young people account for a substantial portion of new STDs and the consequences can be particularly severe for women. It is reported by the CDC that undiagnosed STDs cause an estimated 24,000 women to become infertile each year. This is often times due to lack of symptoms and/or delayed testing. If STDs go left untreated for long periods of time it can lead to irreparable damage to the reproductive oregons. 

As you heard in sex ed the surest was to avoid STDs is abstinence, but realistically that route isn’t for everyone. For those who are sexually active their best line of defense and protection against STDs is the following – get tested, use condoms and communicate with partners. Regular testing for STDs is important because many infections can have little to no symptoms, so there is a chance that you and/or a partner could be infected and spreading the disease without even knowing it. Using a condom consistently and correctly greatly reduces the risk of contracting STDs through genital fluids, as well as sligtly lessens the risk herpes and HPV (although these can still be transmitted through skin to skin contact). 

If you are considering having unprotected sex, be sure to discuss with your partner the following:

•  Whether they’ve been tested for STDs
•  Which STDs they have been tested for and how recently
•  Whether or not they have had sex with anyone since they were last tested
•  Whether they have been vaccinated for HPV
•  Whether they have ever had a herpes outbreak (although many people have herpes but experience no symptoms)

Although this can seem like an uncomfortable discussion, it is important to have rather than assume a partner has been tested and free of STDs. Keep in mind you both have the right to know and make an informed decision before having unprotected sex. By taking necessary procautions and opening the lines of communication you will have reins to take control of your own sexual health.

 

For more information on protecting your body from an STD, visit the links below.

http://www.cdc.gov/std/products/infographics.html

http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats/sti-estimates-fact-sheet-feb-2013.pdf

 

from The World Egg Bank http://www.theworldeggbank.com/blogs/stds-the-silent-epidemic/

A Letter from an Egg Donor Recruiter:

Whenever I meet someone new they ask the standard question, “What do you do for a living”? I say, “I’m a donor recruiter for an egg bank”. They respond with “Oh okay”, which usually follows with a long pause while they process the information, because needless to say it’s not a job you hear about everyday. Finally, they continue with “So…what is that exactly”?  Two and half years ago I would’ve asked the same question, then I was offered a position as donor recruiter at The World Egg Bank. Coming into the company I knew the basics – we find egg donors for recipients who cannot have kids, but after becoming an egg donor recruiter I realize that what The World Egg Bank does is so much more than that…

It didn’t take a long time in my position to gain a personal connection to every aspect of my job. Each woman that calls the office asking for “a little information” about egg donation leads to me going into a 5 minute spiel about eligibility requirements, the application process and an overview of what an egg donation cycle entails. You see most people who call think it’s a quick an easy thing to donate; they don’t realize the first time around it takes 2-3 months to complete the screening, doctor’s appointments and medications until one can have the procedure to donate eggs. Many women become overwhelmed when I tell them this information which is understandable, it’s a lot to take in at once. I then open the door for them to ask any question that could help them in their decision because the most important part of my job is to ensure that each woman knows what’s could potentially be in store. Some of them apply and some of them decide to not to proceed, and that’s okay. Egg donation isn’t for everyone. It requires a lot of honesty, time and commitment. Most of all it requires a true desire to help others and a willingness to give part of yourself to help others in need. It is the ultimate act of selflessness…and it’s beautiful.

When a woman applies to become an egg donor I gain insight into their whole life: their career, their education, their hobbies, their personality, their family history. Each answer I analyze thoroughly, but my favorite part of the application is when I get to read their answer to the question “why do you want to become an egg donor”? It’s while reading their answer to this question that I understand where their heart and intentions lye. Hundreds of women apply every month, but I’ve come to find that ones who follow through with the application process and become active are the ones who have 1) given a lot of thought and research into egg donation and 2) have a strong, genuine desire to change the lives of others. These women answer this question with excitement and love. Some tell me about how their aunt has struggled to have a baby so they want to help others who might be in the same situation. Some tell me they do not want children of their own so they want to share the gift of life with others instead of letting their eggs go to waste. Some tell me that they’ve always dreamed of having a family and they would love to help other’s who have that dream too. Some tell me that although they may not be ready for kids right now, they want to partake in an incredible opportunity to help others while also helping themselves financially.

As a donor recruiter every day I get to see the true power of when humanity and science come together as one to make extraordinary things come to life. It’s an honor to be a part of the process and get to educate the public on what egg donation is and how it changes lives worldwide.

If you’re reading this and you’re thinking that egg donation might be something you’d be interested in, first and foremost I want to say thank you and that you’re incredible for even considering it. Second, I would suggest you to check out the most frequently asked questions on our website to get a little more information and to apply. Finally, if you ever have any questions or if you just want to talk about the process send me an email – donors@theworldeggbank.com or give me a call 602.678.1906. Ask for Anna or Clarissa, we got you covered!

from The World Egg Bank http://www.theworldeggbank.com/blogs/a-letter-from-an-egg-donor-recruiter/

Who Needs an Egg Donor?

Good Question. In short, people facing infertility challenges, cancer survivors, married couples, members of the LGBTQ community, singles and many others need egg donors. In an ideal world, making a baby is a decision between two consenting adults. Sex is meant to be an intimate and tender occurrence. When you struggle with infertility, making a baby is not a private affair anymore; it is a stressful, scientific experience now shared with receptionists, doctors, nurses, drug
companies and ultrasound technicians. Unfortunately, we do not live in an ideal world.

Infertility is still somewhat of a taboo topic, but it’s certainly not rare. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 12 percent of women between the ages of 25 and 44 have difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to term – which is almost one out of every seven women. It is difficult to describe the desperate feeling a person/woman/couple feels when told they have infertility issues and overwhelming when presented with the options for treatment. The process is long, exhausting, emotional and takes a hard toll on the woman and marriage both physically, emotionally and financially.

For most women, they do not realize there are infertility concerns until months of trying to conceive. Women are
waiting later in life to conceive choosing to focus on education or career first. A woman’s ability to conceive
diminishes greatly as we age – especially by the age of 34. But after months of trying, couples must consider
alternatives such as medications, IVF, IUI’s, egg donation, surrogacy and/or adoption.

from The World Egg Bank http://www.theworldeggbank.com/blogs/who-needs-an-egg-donor/

3 Steps to a Strong Donor Profile

Getting selected as a donor, and ultimately cycling quicker, can be as simple as making changes and updates to your donor profile. Think of your profile like that of used in online dating, where the goal is to present the best version of yourself. When a recipient goes to our roster they’re looking for a woman whose genetics will help them create their future child, so they take all elements of a profile from photos to responses to education into consideration when making their selection. Here are 3 easy ways to strengthen your donor profile –

1) Photos

Photos are key to being a selected because they are the sole glimpses the recipients have as to what a donor looks like. Therefore, the more photos and variety of photos displayed on the profile the better! Recipients like to see current photos both portrait and full body and they also like to see photos with family members. Photos taken throughout childhood and teenage years are also helpful as they show progression. Photos should be clear, high-quality and minimally altered and/or filtered (in other words please keep the flower crown or dog ears on Snapchat). Professionally done photos are highly encouraged although not required. Donors should have a minimum of 4 photos on their profile, but can upload up to 10!

2) Application answers

On the TWEB application we ask a lot questions about a donor’s interests, hobbies and personality. These give recipients insight as to who the donor is on a personable level. Donors should make sure that each of these questions are carefully answered and thought out, usage of complete sentences and proper grammar is essential.

Example:

Question – “What are some of your talents/abilities?”

Weak answer – “Dancing and sports”

Strong answer – “I have been in love with dancing since I started ballet at the age of five. My favorite styles are jazz and hip-hop. I am naturally athletic and played sports throughout high school. I varsity lettered in softball as well as played club volleyball. I currently play in a co-ed volleyball league on the weekends with some of my friends!” The more thorough and open the response the more of a chance the recipient has of understanding the donor’s personality and genuine interests.

from The World Egg Bank http://www.theworldeggbank.com/blogs/3-steps-to-a-strong-donor-profile/

What is it like to be a parent of a donor egg child?

What is it like to be a parent of a donor egg child? Taking the fear out of the experience.
– Tonya Heilbrun
Recipient Representative

I was recently asked to write a full article about what it means to be a parent via donor eggs and to specifically address the fear that can and does often occur during the experience. I found this request relatable as I will admit, I did experience fear. But, what I have learned is that my “fear” was only of the unknown and with all “unknowns” in my life, my desires always overcame.

At first, it is the inability to know what people will do, think and say. Then, it is more about what the child will think, feel and say. Finally, it is how you the parent will feel when impacted by all of these unknowns. While these are certainly valid “fears” or thoughts, what I have learned is that it was my first real experiences of being a mother. And honestly, these are only the beginning. Once you feel that baby kick – the fears quadruple as does the excitement. But most importantly – the “fear” of what will my child think is long past.

What this all boils down to in the end is our own insecurities. Let us think about the logic behind it. At first, we as women are devastated that we have been told we have bad/old eggs. As a young girl, it is just a given that most of us want to grow up to be a mother one day. This in itself is a lot to process. So we learn that we can in fact carry a child and all that we need to do is accept the fact that we will need to use a donor egg.

from The World Egg Bank http://www.theworldeggbank.com/blogs/what-is-it-like-to-be-a-parent-of-a-donor-egg-child-2/

Meet The Team-Dr. Kimball Pomeroy Scientific Director

Kimball O. Pomeroy is a clinical embryologist who has directed several clinical laboratories throughout the United States. He was trained in Bristol, England as a human embryologist and prior to that was educated at Colorado State University, where he received a Ph.D. in Animal Physiology, and then worked at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies where he did post-doctoral work in molecular biology. At the Salk Institute, Dr. Pomeroy was a molecular biologist and worked with Dr. Glen Evans on the Human Genome Project (chromosome 11) and did work in transgenics.

Dr. Pomeroy has worked as a consultant for several projects in Mexico, Nepal, China, Bolivia and the Bahamas. He has served as a member of the SART Executive Board, Chair of the Reproductive Laboratory Technician’s Group, Chair of the College of Reproductive Biology and a founding member of the Regulatory Task Force and the Southwest Embryologist Summit.

Dr. Pomeroy has lectured at many scientific meetings and has been involved in the organization and presentations at several symposia for the education of embryologists. He has coauthored numerous papers, mostly dealing with the detection of embryo toxins and cryopreservation. Recently he has coauthored several papers on the risks of cross-contamination of microbes during storage of tissue in liquid nitrogen, the usefulness of embryo morphology in predicting pregnancy and the source of microbial contamination during embryo culture.

To learn about other members of our team, visit our website.

from The World Egg Bank http://www.theworldeggbank.com/blogs/dr-kimball-pomeroy-scientific-director/