Oocyte and Embryo Transplants

Some women may not be able to produce healthy ova due to ovarian failure or age — related infertility. For these women, oocyte (egg) and embryo donation have been suc­cessful. Live birth rates for oocyte and embryo donation range from 25% to 35% (Sauer et al., 1995). An embryo transplant involves artificial insemination of a donor’s ovum with the male partner’s sperm. After fertilization has occurred, the embryo is transferred to the female partner’s uterus. To be successful, it is imperative that fertil­ity drugs be used to synchronize both women’s menstrual cycles. Preliminary research shows that ovum donation offers even higher success rates than natural conception (Remohi et al., 1997).