In our previous Fertility Preservation 101 issues, we covered Fertility Preservation options for both men and women.  This issue will focus on Third Party Reproduction, the use of eggs, sperm or embryos that have been donated by a third person (donor) to enable infertile individuals or couples to become parents.  The donor may be anonymous or known.

Third Party Reproduction also includes traditional surrogacy and gestational carrier arrangements.

Click here to view "Third Party Reproduction: A Guide for Parents" from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

• Sperm Donor:  may be chosen by couples unable to produce children due to male infertility or by females without a sperm source.  The intended parent(s) select a donor, either anonymous or known, via a sperm bank or agency, and pregnancy is achieved through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures.
• Costs:  $200-$700 per vial.  Additional insemination, shipping and storage costs apply.
• Egg (Oocyte) Donor: may be chosen when a woman is unable to produce her own eggs (oocytes).  The intended parent(s) select a donor, either anonymous or known, via an agency.  The donor's eggs (oocytes) are fertilized with a sperm source in a laboratory and the embryos are transferred into the recipient's uterus.
• Costs: $5,000-$10,000 range.  Additional costs for ART procedures, shipping and storage apply.
• Donor Embryos:  may be donated by couples once their families are complete.  Embryo donors complete extensive medical/genetic histories, evaluations and disease screening.  Waiting lists generally range from a few months to a year or more wait.
• Costs:  $2,000-$5,000 for the screening and legal agreements.  Additional costs for ART procedures, shipping and storage apply.
• Gestational Carrier (Surrogate):  a woman who carries a pregnancy for another woman or couple.  The intended parent provides the egg (oocyte), from which an embryo is created and transferred to the gestational carrier's uterus.  The Gestational Carrier has no genetic or biological link to the fetus.  In contrast, a Traditional Surrogate has a genetic link to a fetus she carries.  She is inseminated with sperm, from either the male partner or sperm donor, for the purpose of conceiving for an intended recipient.  Utilization of a Gestational Carrier, legally, is the lower risk, and is more common than Traditional Surrogacy in the U.S.  Legal status varies by state, so it is important that a knowledgeable and reputable attorney/agency be utilized.
• Costs:  Gestational Carrier costs range from $10,000-$100,000.  Traditional Surrogate costs range from $20,000-$120,000.  Both would incur additional costs for ART procedures, shipping and storage.

ReproTech thanks all of you for your never-ending care and support in helping oncology patients with their Fertility Preservation options.  For additional information, including celebration ideas and to download a poster for your office, please

Click here. 
  

Submit a Video for Oncology Nursing Month! 

Click here to sumbit and view videos for ONS' video contest, "Tell Us Why You Love Oncology Nursing".  For a particularly good one, submitted by and starring the Kingsport, TN Hematology/Oncology Nurses,

Click here.  

Nominate an Onco Nurse! 

Each month Patient Resource Cancer Guide holds a contest to honor an Oncology Nurse or Advocacy Group for thier Who Helps You Learn Well? 

National Women's Health Week kicks off on Mother's Day, May 8th. The theme for 2011 is "It's Your Time." National Women's Health Week empowers women to make health a top priority. It also encourages women to take steps to improve physical and mental health and to lower the risks of certain diseases.  For more information, including ideas for  activities and to order free educational materials, Click here.

Fact Sheet on Women's Health Week

For educational information on women's cancer from the CDC

Click here.