It’s an unfortunate fact that many women have significant fertility problems. Indeed, many women are unable to produce viable eggs or have a decreased chance of producing eggs that are viable for conception, even through IVF treatment. In these cases, it may be necessary to seek an egg donor to have a successful conception and pregnancy.

Of course, the women and the couples who receive such news are often highly emotional, scared, anxious, angry, and confused about the process. So, here are some tips for women and couples who are in a position where they need to consider starting a family through egg donation:

1. Take a Pause

When you’ve received the news that you may need to seriously consider using an egg donor, it’s really important to take a pause and breathe. It can be overwhelming to hear such news and many women have trouble accepting the fact that they will lose a genetic link to their child because they are using an egg from a donor instead of their own. This is perfectly normal and it’s important to accept that these feelings are a natural reaction to such news.

Instead of focusing on the negatives, take a long pause, breathe, relax, and consider the positive benefits of using an egg donor. Think about the process and the fact that having a child is still possible. If you are still struggling with the concept, it might be beneficial to arrange to see a therapist to talk through all of the emotions and thoughts involved.

2. Choosing the Right Clinic

It’s also really important to choose the right fertility clinic in Bangkok for your treatment. You should always go to a clinic where you feel valued and respected. They should be professional in their dealings and friendly. This is an emotional time and choosing the right clinic is a really crucial part of the process.

3. Choose the Right Donor Agency

It’s also really important to choose a clinic that has access to an egg donor pool that is as large and diverse as possible. Not all clinics will have easy access to a large egg donor pool. The right clinic will help you to choose an egg donor that is right for you and your family and this should be from as large a pool as possible so that the best choice can be made.

In this context, it’s also wise to remember that these egg donor agencies are simply providing a valuable service. They are there to work with you to find the right donor for your planned family, so you must also remember that you should be the one driving the whole process. If you can, always find an agency that offers contracts so that you can see everything in writing before you commit.

4. Make the Right Donor Choice

Many individuals and couples struggle with the whole process of choosing the right donor, but it’s important to understand that not all agencies are the same. Just because you pay a lot of money doesn’t mean that you’ll get the best quality egg from the best donor for your family.

Under these circumstances, you need to take a step back and remember what you’re in this for. Listen to your instincts and consider all options available before committing to a decision. Finally, just remember that the child you may have through this process is the one you were always meant to have.

5. Choose an Attorney

Once you’ve decided to go down this route, you’ll need to have some legal protections in place. Talk with an attorney who is experienced in these matters and have a contract drawn up between yourself and the egg donor you’ve chosen. These contracts are usually very long and cover the following areas:

• The egg donor has no legal status as part of your family even though she has a genetic link to your child
• Payment amount to the donor and when it will happen
• The egg donor’s compliance and cooperation once they have been paid for the egg donation

6. Remember Your Options

Even though the whole process is emotionally overwhelming, you always have to remember that you have plenty of options. You can ask as many questions as you want, and you can even see the photos of the egg donor if you want to.

Remember: This is about your family and will be one of the most important set of decisions you make in your life. You have a right to ask questions and have them answered. You have a right to hire an attorney. You have a right to change your mind. You also have every right to get everything in writing to protect yourself and your family. You’re the one in control.

7. What About the Embryos?

In many cases there are leftover embryos that are kept on ice after you’ve fallen pregnant and had your beautiful baby. It’s important to make a decision about what should happen to them.

They can be donated to another family who is seeking an egg donor. They can be donated to a scientific institution for research. They can be donated to another fertility clinic. They can even be destroyed. It’s all up to you.

8. Telling Your Children

If you’ve had children due to a successful egg donation program, you need to decide how to tell them. There’s always a lot of fear and stress around this issue, but it doesn’t have to be that difficult. The best way to approach it is to tell them from an early age so that they understand. Remember, you’re their mom even though another woman has donated an egg. If you’re struggling, there are service in this area that can offer sage advice.

9. Get Yourself the Right Support

Did you know that there are thousands of other people who go through the egg donation process every single year? This means that you’re not alone. If you’re having trouble with the process, make sure you seek out the right advice and support.

One great resource is a group called: Parents Via Egg Donation. They have an online forum and can also provide help and support by phone and in person.

10. Make Sure You Take Time for Yourself

If you have a partner, you need to remember to find the time to lean on them and get the emotional support you need. The egg donor process can be tiring and emotional, and you will need to take time for yourself. This means relying on your partner if you have one, speaking to family and friends, and seeking out others who understand, such as Parents Via Egg Donation.

Be good to yourself. Go for long walks. Do some exercise and eat well. Be intimate with your partner. Once you have a child, you’ll just be like millions of other stressed out parents!