Sometimes, a woman is perfectly capable of carrying a baby to term, but she’s unable to conceive because of diminished ovarian function. Should this be the case, using an egg donor may be the answer. An egg donor is a woman who donates eggs to those who don’t have enough viable eggs of their own. If your provider has recommended using an egg donor as part of your infertility treatment, here's what you should know about selecting one. 

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Egg Donor 

1. Relationship 

Some women prefer using an egg donor they know, while others want the donor to remain anonymous. Naturally, both approaches have advantages and drawbacks. Using a close relative or friend will allow the child to form a relationship with the donor later in life.

Using an anonymous party, on the other hand, will ensure total confidentiality and prevent complications that can come with having the donor in your child’s life.

2. Blood Type 

If you and the donor have the same blood type, you’ll be able to donate blood to your child if the need ever arises.

If you’re not planning on telling the child about the egg donor, this will also prevent them from questioning maternity at some point. If the child ends up with a blood type that’s not a possible combination of yours and your partner’s, they may eventually realize you’re not biologically related.

It's also wise to consider Rh factor, which refers to a type of protein found on red blood cells. If a mother is Rh negative, but her baby is Rh positive, she might develop antibodies to the fetus, which can cause complications. Matching Rh factors is an essential step in infertility treatment. 

3. Personal Characteristics 

If you want the baby to resemble you and your partner, you’ll want to consider factors like eye color, hair color, and skin tone. Reputable facilities will also provide information on each donor’s personality traits. While there’s no guarantee that the child will inherit specific features, it's worth looking for personality traits that you possess too, so you can better relate to the child if they do turn out like the donor. 

Using an egg donor is just one component of infertility treatment. If you’ve been trying unsuccessfully to conceive, turn to Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute to explore all your options. Located in Honolulu, HI, this practice has helped couples grow their families since 1985 with an impressive track record of 6,500 successful pregnancies. To explore all their infertility treatments, visit their website. To make an appointment, call (808) 946-2226.