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Egg Donation, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and Other Options at Our Tucson , Arizona Clinic

At the Reproductive Health Center, we provide comprehensive infertility diagnosis and treatment in a compassionate, confidential environment. Utilizing the latest advances in Assisted Reproductive Technology, our specialists are able to overcome many of the infertility challenges our patients face. In addition to in vitro fertilization, we perform a range of procedures, including egg donation and intrauterine insemination (IUI), to help our patients who come from Tucson, Sierra Vista, Yuma, and other areas of Arizona achieve their reproductive goals. Our caring staff will thoroughly discuss your diagnosis and treatment options so you can make an informed decision that is right for you.

• Egg Donation and IVF
  • Egg Donation Process
    • Ovarian Stimulation
    • Removal
    • Embryo Transfer
• Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
  • IUI Process
    • Semen Preparation
    • Insemination Procedure
• Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
  • ICSI Process
• Ovulation Induction (OI)

Egg Donation and IVF

If in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts with a woman's own eggs are unsuccessful, egg (oocyte) donor IVF may be an option. The majority of egg donation procedures conducted at our Tucson facility are completed anonymously, but it is also possible to have a known egg donor, such as a friend or relative. At the Reproductive Health Center, we can help you understand the benefits of both egg donation options so you can make an informed decision.

Egg Donation Process

Each donor undergoes comprehensive physical, psychological, and genetic screening prior to beginning the egg donation process at our Tucson clinic. Both the donor and the recipient are prepared for the procedure using hormone replacement medication to suppress the menstrual cycle. Then, the donor begins ovarian stimulation medication to increase the number of eggs that will develop.

Ovarian Stimulation

These fertility drugs enable the donor's ovaries to produce up to 25 eggs. Doctors monitor the eggs using ultrasound and keep track of the donor's hormone levels through samples of her blood or urine. During this period, the recipient's medications are adjusted to synchronize her cycle with that of the donor and prepare her uterus for the embryo transfer.

Removal

Similar to IVF, the eggs are removed through follicular aspiration after being allowed to develop for 10 to 12 days. The procedure is performed under mild sedation and with a local anesthetic.

Embryo Transfer

At this stage in the egg donation process, the eggs are taken to our laboratory where they are combined with the man's sperm. Eggs that are fertilized are allowed to grow for two to three days. After that time, the developing embryos are introduced into the mother's uterus.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)

Also known as artificial insemination, intrauterine insemination performed at our clinic near Sierra Vista , Arizona has proven successful with many of our patients. IUI performed at our Tucson clinic is the process of inserting the man's sperm into the woman's uterus. Intrauterine insemination is often utilized with male factor infertility – such as low sperm count, or poor sperm motility – or with couples whose infertility remains unexplained. The sperm is supplied by the woman's partner, close friend, relative, or even an anonymous donor.

IUI Process

Infertility is diagnosed when a woman is unable to become pregnant or bring a pregnancy to term after a full year's attempt. As an increasing number of Americans delay the age at which they begin to have children, the rate of infertility has gradually risen. In fact, statistics show that 20 percent of all American couples are infertile (whether due to the man, woman, or both). In vitro fertilization is a wonderful option for these couples, affording them an excellent opportunity to have children.

Semen Preparation

Before implantation, the sperm must be washed to make sure that only the healthiest sperm will be used for the procedure. Sperm washing separates sperm cells from the semen, getting rid of white blood cells, mucous, and seminal fluid that may interfere with fertility, while eliminating dead or slow-moving sperm, ensuring the best chance at fertilization.

Insemination Procedure

Using a flexible catheter, the doctor will insert the sperm into the woman's uterus. The procedure is simple, requiring no anesthesia, and can be performed in a couple of minutes at our Tucson clinic.

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is an Assisted Reproductive Technology used when low sperm count, inability of the sperm to penetrate the egg wall, or insufficient sperm motility interferes with fertility. In this procedure, the sperm is directly injected through the wall of the egg.

The ICSI Process

ICSI begins with a regimen of fertility drugs intended to induce ovulation. As in the process of in vitro fertilization, the eggs are monitored using ultrasound. Hormone levels are observed through blood and urine samples. When the eggs reach the appropriate stage of development (typically 10 to 12 days after ovulation induction), the eggs are extracted through follicular aspiration.

The eggs are taken to the laboratory. The fertility specialist will inject a single sperm into a single egg. The eggs will be cultured overnight and checked for fertilization. Following an incubation period of three to five days, two to four of the developed embryos will be selected to be placed in the woman's uterus.

Ovulation Induction (OI)

Through ovulation induction a woman's ovaries are chemically stimulated by a combination of fertility drugs to produce multiple eggs in a single ovulation cycle. This process allows physicians to control the release of the eggs, allowing sexual intercourse, intrauterine insemination, or in vitro fertilization procedures to be planned accordingly to maximize the chances of success.

Contact Our Fertility Specialist for Egg Donation, IUI, and More

Dr. Scot Hutchison and the team at the Reproductive Health Center have years of clinical education and experience in infertility treatment. Utilizing the latest in Assisted Reproductive Technology, including egg donation and intrauterine insemination (IUI), Dr. Hutchison helps couples from Tucson, Sierra Vista, Yuma, and other Arizona communities to achieve their reproductive dreams. Contact the Reproductive Health Center with questions or to schedule a consultation.

To learn more about egg donation, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and other treatments, contact our Tucson clinic serving residents of Yuma, Sierra Vista, and other Arizona communities.

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