Can You Donate Eggs If You Have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the major causes of female infertility. Almost 40% of women suffer from polycystic ovaries (PCO) to some degree. Women with PCO may not have problems with conceiving, but due to their ovaries having fewer follicles they have more of a chance of getting stuck at a point of development before the actual production of an egg. This results in PCOS, and mainly happens due to a hormonal imbalance such as high levels of Luteinizing Hormones (LH).
PCOS has several identifying symptoms. The most common symptoms are:
Irregular Periods
Longer or shorter menstrual cycles are a sign of PCOS. If you have noticed infrequent periods in the last few months, you should check with your doctor to find out the reason. Prolonged menstruation along with heavy bleeding suggests PCOS in development.
Elevated androgen levels
Elevated levels of androgen hormones in the body causes facial hair growth in women. Such women often suffer from acne, baldness, and androgenetic alopecia. Women suffering from these symptoms should consult their gynecologist for PCOS.
Polycystic ovaries
Enlarged polycystic ovaries filled with multiple small fluid-filled sacs around the eggs are another common symptom of PCOS.
Can I Become an Egg Donor If I Have PCOS?
One in five women are affected by polycystic ovaries and most have normal fertility. However, severe PCOS is associated with ovulation problems. Your clinic will be able to advise you about the impact of your medical history on your desire to donate.
However, there are some exceptions. PCOS patients can donate eggs to their sisters and other relatives. If the intended mother wishes to maintain a genetic link to the future child, they usually choose a close relative for egg donation. PCOS usually causes issues with menstrual cycles. Therefore, if a PCOS patient were to donate eggs, that would require thorough planning and monitoring.
One of the steps of IVF is ovarian stimulation treatment. Women with PCOS are more likely to develop OHSS (i.e. ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome) due to the stimulation. It can cause symptoms such as swollen and painful ovaries, rapid weight gain, abdominal pains, shortness of breath etc. Thus, in many cases, women with PCOS aren’t eligible for egg donation.
A 2016 article studying 234 patients, with 36 oocyte donors with PCOS, shows that PCOS in donors does not seem to affect the pregnancy rates or implantation rate or the numbers of embryos transferred in oocyte donation programs. Women with PCOS should not be excluded from oocyte donation programs. However, strategies that minimize the occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome should be adopted.
About Iranian Surgery
Iranian surgery is an online medical tourism platform where you can find the best doctors and fertility specialists in Iran. The price of IVF in Iran can vary according to each individual’s case and will be determined by an in-person assessment with the doctor.
For more information about the cost of IVF in Iran and to schedule an appointment in advance, you can contact Iranian Surgery consultants via WhatsApp number 0098 901 929 0946. This service is completely free.
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