I attended a fascinating session lead by Dr. David Adamson, MD at this years SMART ART XI. His topic was Careers, Babies and Biological Clocks. I wanted to share one particular tid-bit that I don't think is in your typical woman's magazine or doctors office reading material.
Just how many eggs do we women have anyway? Have you ever wondered? I never have. I just figured that I had what I needed and left it at that. I never gave my husbands sperm a thought either...it seemed to be there when it was needed (and sometimes even when it was not! BTW male fertility drops to 70% in their 50's) But I never had a sit down with girl friends and chatted over how many eggs we had left or where they all came from. We might have talked about their expiration date but we used the word 'menopause' to describe those topics!
Dr. Adamson showed a slide that said this: In Utero (aprox at 5 months) an unborn baby girl has about 4 Million Eggs. At birth that same baby girl will have about 700,000 eggs and at puberty a young girl would have approximately 350,000! And just so you know...at menopause the number is about 1000 eggs and they are not doing well! Most of these eggs are lost to artesia, not ovulation which means that they are lost to the cells dying.
As you can see, we are born with all the eggs we will ever have. Amazing to know but now the question is just what will we do with those eggs?
Sharon LaMothe Infertility Answers, Inc. http://infertilityanswers.org/ LaMothe Services, LLC http://lamotheservices.com/ *Please note: Sharon LaMothe is not a MD, is not an attorney nor does she hold a mental health degree. All advice given is solely the experienced opinion of Ms. LaMothe. If you have any medical, legal or psychological questions or concerns, please contact your own Doctor, Attorney or Mental Health Professional.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Invitation: Donor Gametes, the Next Generation: Caring for Our Children
I just received this invitation from The American Fertility Association. If you are one of the first 15 to register you'll be in luck and can get personal support and have your questions answered regarding the use of donor eggs, sperm or embryos. If you are already parenting children conceived via these methods you may also participate.
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You're Invited to a FREE Telephone Coaching Support Group Thursday, November 18th Donor Gametes, the Next Generation: Caring for Our Children Are you considering the use of donor sperm, egg, or embryo to create children? Or, are you already parenting children created by donor sperm, egg, or embryo? During this one hour group conference call, you will receive information on: · The pros and cons of disclosure to children of their genetic origin · What and when to share this information with children if you so choose · How or whether to share this information with family or friends · Questions you may have if you have already begun to share this information You will also have the opportunity to share information and support one another in making the decision about disclosure and implementing this aspect of parenting. WHEN: Thursday, November 18, 2010 WHERE: Telephone Conference Line (call-in information will be given at time of registration) TIME: 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern time FACILITATORS: Joann Paley Galst, Ph.D. Patricia Mendell, L.C.S.W. COST: FREE! Registration limited to the first 15 responders who also send information regarding their particular situation and any questions they would like addressed. For further information and to register contact: Joanne Paley Galst, jgalst@aol.com, 212-759-2783 Patricia Mendell, pmendell@aol.com, 212-819-1778 |
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Series: Egg Donor Frequently Asked Questions - #6 and #7 Risks and Side Effects of Donating Eggs
Will donating eggs now affect my fertility or the ability to have children in the future?
No. All currently available information shows that there is no decrease in a donor's ability to get pregnant after completing a normal retrieval. You will not “run out” of eggs or go through menopause any sooner.
What are the primary risks and side effects of taking the fertility medication?
The primary risk is a condition called Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome. This is relatively rare (1-3% of cases). Your physician will monitor you carefully in order to avoid this possibility. Side effects include weight gain and a feeling of extreme bloating. Also, as with any procedure, a risk of infection exists, you will most likely be given antibiotics to avoid this.
At Heartfelt Egg Donation, LLC we do our best to educate prospective egg donors regarding possible side effects and risks associated with egg donation. Prior to the egg retrieval procedure, the treating physician and their staff will provide additional risk education.
Possible Medications, Side Effects and Risks:
These medications will be totally out of your system within a few days after completing the treatment. There is no evidence that these medications cause cancer or have any long term side effects. Not everyone will experience side effects and the degree to which they occur may vary widely among individuals.
• Birth Control Pills - An oral tablet used to synchronize your cycle to the Recipients. Side effects may include: headaches, bloating, nausea, breast tenderness and vaginal spotting.
• Lupron® or Antagon® - This suppresses the pituitary gland from allowing you to ovulate. This medication is given by injection. Side effects may include: hot flashes, sweats, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, decreased libido, joint pains, emotional lability, dizziness, general pain, nervousness, skin reactions, vaginal dryness/itching, weight gain/loss.
• Gonal-f®, Pergonal®, Repronex®, Follistim® - This contains natural pituitary hormones that are responsible for ovarian stimulation and aid in the production of eggs. This medication is given by injection. Side effects may include: ovarian hyperstimulation, ovarian enlargement/pain, ovarian cysts, abdominal pain/cramps, allergic reactions (fever, chills, musculoskeletal aches, joint paints, nausea), headaches, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, skin rashes, swelling or irritation at the site of injection, dizziness, increased heart rate, breast pain, back pain, emotional lability, weight increase.
• Human Chorionic Gonadotropins (HCG) - This simulates the body's normal LH surge causing the final maturation of the eggs. It is expected that ovulation will take place 36-40 hour later. This medication is given by injection.
• Antibiotic - A broad-spectrum antibiotic to prevent infection. This is an oral tablet.
• Pre-natal Vitamin - A multivitamin that is given for good general health and egg quality. This is an oral tablet.
• Low Dose Steroid - May be given to suppress the production of male hormones during the treatment cycle and helps with egg quality. This is an oral tablet.
Rare Complications
In the unlikely event that there are medical complications, Heartfelt Egg Donation, LLC purchases an Accident and Medical Complication Insurance Policy for the Donor and Intended Recipient on behalf of the Intended Parents.
• Minor discomfort or abdominal pain might occur following the egg retrieval and is controlled with pain medications.
• Bleeding from the site where the needle is introduced (in the vagina) can occur. Almost always it is controlled by applying pressure to the site. In the rare event that there is internal bleeding, surgery might be required to stop the bleeding.
• Vaginal and pelvic infections may result. As a preventative measure, the treating physician may prescribe antibiotics during the egg retrieval. Complicated infections may cause tubal damage and interfere with fertility in the future.
• The production of a large number of eggs (>30) which may cause abdominal swelling, discomfort and difficulty breathing. In rare instances the fluid that accumulates in the abdomen might have to be removed (through the vagina with a needle) to alleviate symptoms and in some cases admission to a hospital might be required for a few days. This complication can be prevented and physicians take all necessary measures to do so.
No. All currently available information shows that there is no decrease in a donor's ability to get pregnant after completing a normal retrieval. You will not “run out” of eggs or go through menopause any sooner.
What are the primary risks and side effects of taking the fertility medication?
The primary risk is a condition called Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome. This is relatively rare (1-3% of cases). Your physician will monitor you carefully in order to avoid this possibility. Side effects include weight gain and a feeling of extreme bloating. Also, as with any procedure, a risk of infection exists, you will most likely be given antibiotics to avoid this.
At Heartfelt Egg Donation, LLC we do our best to educate prospective egg donors regarding possible side effects and risks associated with egg donation. Prior to the egg retrieval procedure, the treating physician and their staff will provide additional risk education.
Possible Medications, Side Effects and Risks:
These medications will be totally out of your system within a few days after completing the treatment. There is no evidence that these medications cause cancer or have any long term side effects. Not everyone will experience side effects and the degree to which they occur may vary widely among individuals.
• Birth Control Pills - An oral tablet used to synchronize your cycle to the Recipients. Side effects may include: headaches, bloating, nausea, breast tenderness and vaginal spotting.
• Lupron® or Antagon® - This suppresses the pituitary gland from allowing you to ovulate. This medication is given by injection. Side effects may include: hot flashes, sweats, headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, decreased libido, joint pains, emotional lability, dizziness, general pain, nervousness, skin reactions, vaginal dryness/itching, weight gain/loss.
• Gonal-f®, Pergonal®, Repronex®, Follistim® - This contains natural pituitary hormones that are responsible for ovarian stimulation and aid in the production of eggs. This medication is given by injection. Side effects may include: ovarian hyperstimulation, ovarian enlargement/pain, ovarian cysts, abdominal pain/cramps, allergic reactions (fever, chills, musculoskeletal aches, joint paints, nausea), headaches, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, skin rashes, swelling or irritation at the site of injection, dizziness, increased heart rate, breast pain, back pain, emotional lability, weight increase.
• Human Chorionic Gonadotropins (HCG) - This simulates the body's normal LH surge causing the final maturation of the eggs. It is expected that ovulation will take place 36-40 hour later. This medication is given by injection.
• Antibiotic - A broad-spectrum antibiotic to prevent infection. This is an oral tablet.
• Pre-natal Vitamin - A multivitamin that is given for good general health and egg quality. This is an oral tablet.
• Low Dose Steroid - May be given to suppress the production of male hormones during the treatment cycle and helps with egg quality. This is an oral tablet.
Rare Complications
In the unlikely event that there are medical complications, Heartfelt Egg Donation, LLC purchases an Accident and Medical Complication Insurance Policy for the Donor and Intended Recipient on behalf of the Intended Parents.
• Minor discomfort or abdominal pain might occur following the egg retrieval and is controlled with pain medications.
• Bleeding from the site where the needle is introduced (in the vagina) can occur. Almost always it is controlled by applying pressure to the site. In the rare event that there is internal bleeding, surgery might be required to stop the bleeding.
• Vaginal and pelvic infections may result. As a preventative measure, the treating physician may prescribe antibiotics during the egg retrieval. Complicated infections may cause tubal damage and interfere with fertility in the future.
• The production of a large number of eggs (>30) which may cause abdominal swelling, discomfort and difficulty breathing. In rare instances the fluid that accumulates in the abdomen might have to be removed (through the vagina with a needle) to alleviate symptoms and in some cases admission to a hospital might be required for a few days. This complication can be prevented and physicians take all necessary measures to do so.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Series: Egg Donor Frequently Asked Questions - #5
Why is it important to be height and weight proportionate as an egg donor?
It is necessary for you to be within a healthy weight range so that you are not at an increased risk for medical complications while participating in an egg donation cycle.
You may visit the Centers for Disease Control website to determine your BMI or Body Mass Index. All of our egg donors fall within the normal range for height.
It is necessary for you to be within a healthy weight range so that you are not at an increased risk for medical complications while participating in an egg donation cycle.
You may visit the Centers for Disease Control website to determine your BMI or Body Mass Index. All of our egg donors fall within the normal range for height.
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