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I have always wanted to have children, but recently found out there are some genetic disorders that run in my family – one of them being a blood clotting disorder called Factor Five Leiden. While it doesn’t impact my daily life, it is not something I would want to pass onto my children.
When I spoke to my doctor and discovered that many of the genetic disorders I carry would more then likely be passed on to my children, I thought I would never have children. I did not want to pass these disorders to my children, nor adopt a child that may come with genetic disorders of his or her own.
As I did more research on alternative options, I decided I would try to learn more about egg donation requirements. I was hopeful that egg donation may allow me to have a child, but still was wary of possible genetic disorders. If I was going to use a donor egg, I wanted to make sure screening was done on the donors.
What I found while doing research on egg donation was very comforting. Egg donors undergo medical, genetic, and endocrinologic screening before they are permitted to donate. In addition to those tests, donors also undergo a psychiatric screening, have their family histories reviewed, and even their education level is disclosed!
I would also be able to look through donor applications to select a donor. This would allow me to select a donor with similar characteristics to my husband and I, which was just another great option allowed to me through egg donation.
I may never feel comfortable having children from my own eggs, because of the genetic disorders I know run in my family. There are some disorders that run in my family, that I do not have, but could still be a carrier for. For me, receiving a donor egg definitely seems like a good option to ensure a healthy baby!