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What egg donor candidates need to know about endometriosis
What does endometriosis mean as a diagnosis? Is a chronic disease (there is no efficient cure from it) characterized by endometrial tissue spreading in the pelvis and moving beyond its regular uterine environment. Uterine cells can be found on the pelvic wall and may even appear on the intestines. These cells tend to respond to natural hormonal changes inside a woman’s body. However, unlike the normal cells specific to the uterus, they cannot be eliminated from the body during the menstrual cycle as part of discharge. This problem leads to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue.
The endometriosis symptoms may vary and greatly depend on the severity of the condition. The majority of patients experience minor symptoms, while severe pain and discomfort may be registered by the lesser cohort of patients.
The symptoms may include:
- Pelvic pain, often worse during menstruation.
- Voluminous and painful discharge.
- Painful sexual intercourse or urination.
- Issues with digestion, including sudden nausea, constipation, diarrhea.
- Difficulties with natural conception.
Please note: If symptoms are present that are difficult to detect and diagnose, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
The connection between endometrioid disease and fertility problems is not fully understood. There are hypotheses explaining how the disease leads to infertility.
1. Changes in pelvic anatomy
Severe endometriosis. Tissue growth that causes adhesions. These adhesions deform the pelvis, making it difficult for the reproductive organs to function. If one ovary is covered in adhesions, the donor egg leaving it may become stuck and not reach the fallopian tube
2. Impact on ovarian reserve
Research shows that the disease affects ovarian reserve. Endometriosis causes endometriomas to form on or around the reproductive organ. Endometriomas are cysts, and they occur in 17-44% of people with endometriosis. Research shows that women diagnosed with multiple endometriomas have a lower egg count than women who are free of them.
3. Exposure to toxins
In cases of minimal or mild disease, infertility is likely due to toxins in the peritoneal fluid present in the body cavity. Toxins negatively affect conception by creating unfavorable conditions for fertilization.
4. Difficulties with egg transport
Problems with the fallopian tubes caused by endometriosis make the natural transport of eggs impossible, which means that after ovulation the egg will not make its way through fallopian tubes where it is supposed to meet a motile sperm.
5. Abnormal immune responses
Endometriosis causes abnormal tissue growth and unusual immune responses. The production of antibodies increases, which negatively affect fertility.
6. Luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome
Endometrioid disease causes the egg to not be released from the follicle, making conception difficult.
Surgical treatment of endometriosis is questionable as surgical intervention may negatively impact fertility as a whole and exacerbate the situation even further. A surgery can potentially damage the uterine wall, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, making it even more difficult to conceive. Instead of undergoing surgery, it is advised to control the development of endometriosis and undergo IVF treatment if the situation allows for it.
Because endometriosis has a strong impact on fertility, it should never be overlooked during any ObGyn health check-up. According to the 803n order, endometriosis means that a woman cannot donate eggs.
Impact on Egg Quality and Quantity
Endometriosis affects the quality and quantity of eggs, and NGC does not admit women with this diagnosis as donors. Research shows that women with endometriosis have reduced ovarian reserve and poor egg quality. Endometriosis causes inflammation and forms scar tissue, which complicates the ovulation process and egg retrieval.
The Egg Donation Process
If you are interested in becoming an egg donor, NGC will conduct a thorough health and fertility check. It is important that you stay open with our healthcare team. Be as transparent as possible with all your symptoms and conditions you may have had. This will help us make the right decision about whether or not you should donate eggs.
Real-life Examples
Here are the examples that illustrate how disease affects fertility process.
- Anna, 28, suffers from mild endometriosis. Despite her symptoms, her fertility remained good, although she was unable to donate eggs.
- Maria, 35, suffers from severe endometriosis with multiple endometriomas. The woman had difficulty retrieving eggs, and the quality of the eggs was lower than expected. In this case, doctors recommended additional treatments and counseling.
Cases like these highlight the importance of an individual approach and a thorough medical examination when selecting egg donors.
What makes a woman qualify as a donor?
If a woman does not have endometriosis and wants to donate eggs, it is important to assess other possible risks.
- Potential egg donors first meet with a fertility specialist at NGC. Their ovarian reserve and AMH level are checked.
- Afterwards, egg donor is screened for blood and sexually transmitted infections. Her karyotype is evaluated.
- Certificates from mental health and narcology clinics are obtained to confirm that the donor does not suffer from mental condition and leads a healthy lifestyle.
- Family history and genetics are assessed at a consultation with NGC’s geneticist.
- The donor passes GP doctor assessment.
- The ovarian stimulation begins.
When considering egg donation and your chances to help others, it is important to look for information first. NGC Clinic provides comprehensive care for potential egg donors, including top-qualified supervision of each program and good financial remuneration. We are very proud that our clinic is frequently recommended as one of the best fertility centers where one can donate their eggs.
Endometriosis is a serious challenge for women considering egg donation. This chronic disease complicates the donation process, affecting the quality and quantity of eggs, which requires a thorough medical examination and an individual approach. With the right approach, thoughtful therapy, guidance and support from a specialist NGC clinic, potential difficulties can be successfully overcome.
Diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis should be a priority for women. Discussing symptoms and conditions with qualified doctors will help to choose the best treatment methods and suitable donation programs. Many women successfully become donors, thanks to modern medical advances and approaches.
Support and advice from specialists will help to make an informed choice and increase the chances of successful donation.
