{"id":22969,"date":"2015-07-20T12:00:47","date_gmt":"2015-07-20T10:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.ivi-fertility.com\/en\/?p=1999"},"modified":"2022-04-12T17:35:58","modified_gmt":"2022-04-12T15:35:58","slug":"donor-recipient-compatibility-what-are-the-key-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ivi-fertility.com\/blog\/donor-recipient-compatibility-what-are-the-key-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"Donor-recipient compatibility \u2013 what are the key issues?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Donated eggs are used in 35% of assisted reproduction treatments in IVI clinics. Sperm donation is often used in cases of male infertility or when there is no male partner. Our aim at IVI is to ensure that assisted reproduction treatments mirror natural reproduction as closely as possible. And that means that compatibility between donors and recipients is key.<\/p>\n

How are donated eggs or sperm selected?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Through a complex process, biologists classify eggs or sperm for recipients<\/strong> primarily in terms of what is known as a phenotype. The phenotype is determined by the physical features of an individual that can be observed with the naked eye, such as eye colour, skin colour, height and build.<\/p>\n

Spanish law sets out clear criteria that specialists must follow<\/strong> when selecting gametes for a recipient. It stipulates that there should the greatest phenotypic (external appearance) and immunological (blood group and Rh) similarity possible between the donor and the recipient.<\/p>\n

In the case of embryo adoption, the selection is made following the same protocol.<\/p>\n

It is the specialist who determines the phenotype<\/strong> in accordance with Spanish law. The parent(s) cannot, at any point, choose the physical features or sex of their future baby; this is prohibited by law.<\/p>\n

How long must I wait if I need a donor?<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the case of sperm donation, there is no waiting list at IVI. In the case of egg donation or embryo adoption, this will depend on the compatibility between the donor and the recipient. If a recipient has a more common phenotype there is virtually no waiting list. However, a recipient whose phenotype is less common among the population may experience a longer wait.<\/p>\n

All IVI donors undergo the most advanced genetic testing, such as TCG547,<\/a> to detect genetic diseases that could be transmitted. Using the information gathered from these tests, in conjunction with tests on the other partner who is using his or her own gametes, we can rule out the possibility of passing on up to 600 genetic diseases.<\/p>\n

What requirements must donors meet?<\/strong><\/p>\n