Third-Party Reproduction Offers Hope and Options for Infertile Couples

Reproductive medicine expert on benefits of egg donation, sperm donation and surrogacy.

Trumbull, CT (PRWEB) February 28, 2008

For the one in eight couples in the U. S. who struggle with infertility, the growing list of options that can help them conceive and carry a baby to term is welcome news. While the majority of infertile couples find success in such "first-line" treatments as drug therapy or surgery, tens of thousands of couples each year require more intensive interventions, such as third-party reproduction procedures.

"Third-party reproduction is an umbrella term which covers oocyte, or egg, donation, sperm donation, and both traditional and gestational surrogacy," explains Dr. Andrew Levi, MD, FACOG, a board certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist, and founder and medical director of Park Avenue Fertility and Reproductive Medicine. "These are very exciting options for couples who are unable to conceive or carry a child to term," he adds. "However, because this is the area of reproductive medicine where a person from outside the couple's relationship comes into play, third-party reproduction procedures require an additional level of care and management."

When to consider third-party reproduction

"It's important for couples struggling with infertility issues to remember that the great majority of these problems can be solved with medications or surgical procedures, or a combination of the two," Dr. Levi points out. In general, he suggests considering third-party reproductive procedures in the following circumstances:

Egg Donation is often a consideration for women whose own eggs are no longer viable due to age, genetic defects, disease or treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation. Because the eggs generally come from young, healthy donors, pregnancy rates tend to be quite high.

Sperm Donation is usually considered when a man's sperm count is too low to fertilize an egg. However, numerous lifestyle changes, and even new in vitro fertilization techniques, may be instituted first in an attempt to overcome a low sperm count.

Gestational surrogacy is an option for a couple whose eggs and sperm are viable, but the woman's reproductive system is unable to support a pregnancy to term. This may be caused by hormonal deficiencies, structural defects of the uterus, or for other physiological reasons etc. The couple's eggs and sperm are joined in vitro outside the body and the fertilized eggs (embryos) are transferred to the surrogate's womb. Sometimes, the gestational surrogate is a trusted friend or family member of the couple.

Traditional surrogacy is usually selected when the woman is unable to conceive and sustain a pregnancy, again due to age, genetic defects, disease or prior medical treatments. The man's sperm is used to fertilize the surrogate's eggs in vitro (outside the body), after which the embryos are transferred to the surrogate's uterus to achieve a successful pregnancy.

What to do when considering third-party reproduction

"When a couple decides that third-party reproductive options may be right for their situation, a host of questions and issues will likely arise and need to be addressed," Dr. Levi notes. For example, couples considering egg or sperm donation may question how to select a donor, or how the donor will be screened. The couple contemplating surrogacy might weigh the options of traditional versus gestational, or wonder about the nine-month process from conception to birth.

"For couples who believe third-party reproduction is a good option for them, the most important step is to consult with a board certified reproductive medicine specialist who is experienced and well-versed in these techniques," Dr. Levi says. "Just as importantly, couples should have a high 'comfort level' with their doctor's management of the process," Dr. Levi adds. That's because third-party reproductive procedures involve forging a trust between the couple and an outside volunteer, which is easier once the couple establishes a good working rapport with their practitioner. At Park Avenue Fertility, for example, couples are led step-by-step through the process, with Dr. Levi and his staff handling much of the contractual and insurance paperwork and communications while keeping couples involved and informed at each stage of the procedure.

"Third-party reproduction is an exciting option for couples facing certain infertility issues, and it provides an opportunity for practitioners and their patients to work even more closely toward the ultimate goal of a successful, healthy pregnancy," Dr. Levi concludes.

BIO: Dr. Andrew Levi

Andrew J. Levi, MD, FACOG, is a medical expert in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Levi is an Assistant Clinical Professor for Yale University's School of Nursing and is board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and also board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Levi earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Haverford College and received his medical degree from the University of Rochester's School of Medicine. He completed his ob/gyn residency at Georgetown University in Washington, D. C., and completed a three year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the National Institutes of Health and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D. C. Dr. Levi lectures at residency training programs, national conferences, obstetric and gynecology societies, and regional and community forums on a variety of infertility topics that include recurrent miscarriage and advanced reproductive techniques such as IVF, ICSI, and PGD. He is the Founder and Medical Director of Park Avenue Fertility and Reproductive Medicine in Trumbull, Connecticut and is affiliated with several Connecticut hospitals including Bridgeport, St. Vincent's Medical Center, Norwalk, and Milford hospitals. He is a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Connecticut State Medical Society, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology, Fairfield County Medical Association, International Council of Infertility Information Dissemination, Resolve, and the American Fertility Association.

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