Use of Donor Eggs or Sperm

Donor eggs or sperm can be considered if the production of eggs or sperm is markedly decreased or absent, or if the use of the couple's own cells has not resulted in pregnancy despite repeated attempts.

In most cases, the eggs used come from registered donors whose identity is not disclosed to the recipient; however, a donor known to the couple may also be used. The donor undergoes ovulation induction treatment and egg retrieval. The recipient receives treatment preparing the lining of the uterus before the embryo transfer.

Sperm obtained from registered donors is frozen and stored at the sperm bank that operates in all of Family Federation’s clinics. The identity of the sperm donor is not disclosed to the recipient. A man can also donate sperm to a designated recipient as a known donor.

Donated embryos can sometimes be used. Donated embryos are frozen embryos donated by other couples treated at the clinic.

Because of the special nature of the treatment, the use of a donor egg or sperm always requires careful planning and preparation as well as discussions with a psychologist.

All donors have undergone a careful selection process and a physical examination. Finnish law requires that all donors are registered, as the child born as a result of infertility treatment will have the right to learn the identity of the donor (Act on Assisted Fertility Treatments).