Trying not to be Naieve but...

[catalicious]

Hi,
Before I got pregnant with my second son, I had seen a magazine article about egg donation. In which I thought it is something I would really like to do.

I know some people wish for it but to me I am too bloody fertile.

(Sorry, just wished for better timing.)

Anyways, what I wanted to know is,

is the process always done by a clinic?

Or Can you offer someone or someone ask you?

Why do you need counselling??

I am still breastfeeding my second son, would i not be able to donate because of this?

I just guess my theory is you never know the full extent of love till you have a baby to love and raise.... And i just want other people to have as much happiness as my boys bring me...

Anyway sorry if my questions are a bit naieve but just wanted to know...

Thanks from Cat

[Roxy]

Hi Cat!

What a lovely person you are to be thinking about donating...

I'm not sure what you mean when you ask if the process is always done by a clinic...you are free to find your own recipients, but all cycling etc is done through a clinic (either you go to the IP's clinic, or they travel to one near you)...

You can offer, or someone can ask you (although you cant be asked here, you need to approach anyone on bubhub looking for a donor via pm only).

The couselliing is important, as it goes through the issues that might come up, and make sure that you are fully aware of all the leglaities, your rights and responsibilities, expectations, etc. I found it great to cement what I already felt, and to have the counsellor reaffirm my feelings.

Ideally,you will need to have finished breastfeeding before you will be able to cycle, but there is no reason why you couldnt be spending this time getting to know a couple until you finishe breastfeeding.

No question is naive hon - no question is silly either! Its getting all these little questions answered that either cements it for you that it is something that you really want to do or not. It is so important to sweat the small stuff with ED...because its the little things that can build to make your donation experience less that rosy.

HTH, and feel free to ask anything else that comes to mind :)

[catalicious]

Thanks heaps for your reply.!!
Well that has definatly made more sense to me now and is definatly something that I am interested in doing, when I finish Breastfeeding. I am only doing in fully for 6 months anyway.:yelclap: . I just really want people to experience what I do now. The unconditional love of my kids. :hugs: :kiss:

Your help and advice is very appreciated. Talk soon.!

[PMS]

Sorry to take over your thread mummycat but I have an egg donation question too. This is for Roxy, Cindy or anyone else who may be able to answer. I have read all of Cindy's info on donation and I have been to various websites but I cant find the answer to my question. Ok; I have the Factor V Leiden gene(heterozygous ie. only one gene has changed so low risk of blood clots).
What I would like to know is - Would this be something that would stop me from being able to donate?
Thanks in advance for any information you can give me.:)

[sarahstarfish]

Hey Pete

That would be one for your local IVF clinic to answer, for both risk to you during the procedure and the genetic risk for any lives concieved. They are usually happy to answer questions so just ring your local one and ask to speak to someone who would be able to help you - and let us know hey. Sometimes there are no issues at all with some genetic problems as long as the IPs are aware, and sometimes they sign waivers to indicate they are happy to take the risk. However there are also genetic issues that clinics don't want to risk passing on, or don't want to risk harming a donor.

Good question - would love to know the answer too!

Love

Cindy

[PMS]

Thanks Cindy. Now I just have to find the local clinic! Will do a search and try to contact them. If I can get an answer I will keep you updated.:)

[sarahstarfish]

Hey Sweet

The ACCESS website has all the details of clinics nation-wide....

http://www.access.org.au/

Love

Cindy

the Bub Hub has got lists of fertility clinics too on the following page: http://www.bubhub.com.au/servicesprepregnancy.shtml (http://www.bubhub.com.au/servicesprepregnancy.shtml) - then click for your particular state/territory

[PMS]

I found one of the local clinics; Qld Fertility Group. I have emailed them and am waiting for a reply. But thanks for the list!

:hugs: Peta

[charlottesweb]

Hi Peta

This may be a naive question too but how do you find out you have this gene. I knew of one egg donor who had some 'condition' with her blood so just presumed she found out when doing genetic testing.

thnks

[PMS]

Hi charlottesweb. This is a great question. My mum suffered from a blood clot to the leg just brfore my daughter was born and found out she had the factor V gene. Although she has both genes changed therefore she has to take warfarin tablets for the rest of her life. Because of this myself and my two sisters wre tested as well. My older sister and I both have the heterozygous gene and my younger sister seems to have missed out totally and is fine. The only way you can be tested for Factor V is if you have a family history of it or you start having problems with blood clots.
Don't quote me on this; but doctors think there may be a link between Factor V and miscarriage. You can develop blood clots in the uteras and this compromises the pregnancy. I think it also reduces the quality of your eggs?
I hope I have answered your question for you. If you do want to know anything else I would be very happy to do some more research!:)

[charlottesweb]

I guess the fact that you weren't aware is an indication of how serious a condition it is. Though I would think that blood clotting may become a little more serious as you age because of the risk of strokes etc. However knowing you have the condition may assist. I have an aunt who has issue with clotting and I think she takes aspirin or perhaps something stronger. I also know she is not allowed to cross her legs at any point.

As for the possibility of miscarriage, in IVF there are a number of drugs that can be taken to minimise this possibility so doesn't also signal doomsday. Did you miscarry at all (hope that is not an intrusive question)

[PMS]

Hi charlottes web; no not an intrusive question. I have not miscarried. I have been blessed with two beautiful children and had no problems besides the usual through my pregnancies. That is why I have now pretty much made the decision to donate eggs. I couldn't imagine my world without my beautiful angels in it and that is what I would like to share with someone else. :)

[PMS]

Hi all. An update on my question; I got a call back from Monash IVF. They spoke to one of their geneticists and Factor V will not exclude me from donating! :) It will be up to the IP whether they want the donation; they would also have to have counselling as to get the right information and support to make an informed decision.:thumbsup:

[provencein3]

Hi Peta

Good news for you!

I just did a quick google and Monash states the following:

Donors (plus their partners) and recipients are required to undergo counselling and blood tests for HIV (AIDS virus), Hepatitis B and C. Donors also have screening blood tests for venereal diseases, Cystic Fibrosis and blood groups. Necessary consent forms must also be completed.

It also states that couples may use donors to avoid passing on a genetic condition so obviously they would test for that as well.

I would assume that list is not conclusive but a good indication of what is being checked and most others probably at the discretion of the IP. Always good to check of course

rgds

[sarahstarfish]

Yay Peta - I look forward to following your journey, know you are excited!

We have an eggdonorchat every Wednesday night, just a few has beens (!) and new donors get together for a chat about everything - just PM me your MSN addy if you'd like to join in, is lovely bunch of caring ladies with a lot to share.

Love

Cindy