How an Egg Bank May Help With Conception and Fertilization

Each individual imagines their ideal conception. For some individuals, conception should occur by a certain age. For others, conception should occur when they have met their ideal partner. Unfortunately, biology is not always in synch with our goals and timelines. Experts suggest that we should have a baby by the age of 28 to increase our chances of having a healthy baby. By the age of 35, the likelihood of conception decreases by 50%. The percentages decrease to 1% by the age of 45. Some females choose to delay pregnancy. For those individuals, an egg bank may be a viable option. Until you conceive or freeze your eggs, you must make the proper lifestyle choices in order to increase their likelihood of a healthy conception. Some of the tips will be discussed below along with fertility options.

Infertility Risks

Women must maintain a healthy weight in order to remain fertile. Females are born with a certain amount of eggs at birth. When a woman passes the age of ovulation, she will no longer produce eggs. Therefore, it is important to have children when women and men are at their healthiest and most fertile. Women who are anorexic, bulimic or on restrictive diets are at risk for suppressed ovulation. People who engage in excessive exercise, dancers or other athletes may suppress ovulation due to elevated endorphin levels. Body fat less than 10 to 15% of the normal amount may put females at risk for anovulation. People who are 15% over their ideal body weight may also experience suppressed ovulation.

Infertility risks increase for women who smoke one to two packs of cigarettes per day. The cells in the ovaries are impacted by certain components of cigarette smoke. A woman's eggs become more prone to genetic abnormalities. Excessive caffeine has also been known to affect ovulation. Females that consume 300 mg or more of caffeine per day may delay conception by more than a year or more, according to the American Journal of Epidemiology. Moderate alcohol intake of five drinks per week may also impair ovulation and fertility. Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and other pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) may increase tubal disease or adhesions in the pelvis. Antidepressants may also have an effect on ovulation. Chemotherapy or radiation may cause a person to become sterile. Individuals who work as dentists, dental assistants, anesthetists, pest control dispensers or dry cleaners may also experience problems with infertility.

Other Causes of Infertility in Women

Women who have had a history of ectopic pregnancy, tubal ligation, endometriosis, anovulation, thyroid disease, hyperandrogenism, hyperprolactinemia, polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), premature menopause, insulin resistance, uterine fibroids or others are at risk for infertility.

Fertility Options

Females who suffer from infertility issues or who suspect they will not be ready to have a baby before they turn 28 should consider an egg bank. Experts may advise individuals to freeze their eggs and preserve them to increase the chances of having a healthy baby. A 37 year old will have a 35% conception rate, if she attempts to conceive at this age. If she freezes her eggs at 37, she will have the same conception rate when the egg thaws.

To begin the egg freezing process, schedule a consultation with a fertility clinic. During the examination, the female will have hormonal testing, pre-conceptual screening and uterine evaluation. The physician will begin the stimulation process and inject the female with fertility medications. Egg growth will be monitored in subsequent visits through ultrasound. Before retrieval, the eggs will be given a final injection to encourage maturation. The eggs will be retrieved 36 hours after this injection. The patient will undergo sedation before the procedure. The eggs will be retrieved vaginally. The laboratory will freeze the eggs and store them for the patient's future use. This process typically takes two months and costs $7,000 or more. Some individuals have insurance that cover the procedure. Others insurances do not cover the costs.