Embryo adoption, also known as embryo donation, is a fertility treatment in which a cryopreserved embryo donated by another couple is transferred into the uterus of the recipient woman with the aim of achieving pregnancy.
Embryo adoption allows the adoption of high-quality embryos donated by other people who have already fulfilled their desire to form a family.
As a result, this treatment has become an effective reproductive solution for patients who wish to access high-quality embryos without undergoing ovarian stimulation. It can also shorten treatment times and reduce the emotional and financial burden.
Embryo adoption in Spain is a safe and regulated fertility treatment carried out under strict medical and legal guidelines.
Thanks to advances in reproductive medicine, it is now possible to thaw embryos with a survival rate of almost 100%.
PROCEDURE
The patient's endometrium is prepared for 15–20 days using oestrogen and progesterone to achieve an adequate endometrial thickness for implantation.
The embryos are stored in our cryopreservation tank. In order to select the most suitable embryo for each family, we take phenotypic characteristics, such as skin colour, into account.
The embryo transfer is one of the most special moments for patients, as this is the moment when the embryo is transferred to the uterus.
It is a quick and painless process in which the embryo is placed into the patient's uterus using a cannula. The doctor performs the transfer under ultrasound guidance, so that the procedure can be monitored at all times.
The medical team and the patient will decide how many embryos to transfer.
Although the Spanish Fertility Society limits the maximum number of embryos per transfer to three, thanks to our technology, we recommend transferring just one embryo. This helps to reduce the risks associated with multiple pregnancy.
Twelve to fourteen days after the embryo transfer, a blood test will be carried out to measure the beta-hCG hormone, the levels of which will indicate whether the patient is pregnant.
A follow-up ultrasound scan will be performed to check that the pregnancy is progressing correctly approximately two weeks after the positive pregnancy test result.
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The individuals from whom the embryos originate must meet the applicable medical and legal requirements. The assessment aims to rule out, within the limitations of the tests performed, detectable transmissible infections, known genetic diseases and family history that may represent a relevant risk. It is not possible to completely rule out all genetic risks.
When assigning an embryo to a patient or couple, the phenotypic characteristics of both the couple or woman donating the embryos and the woman or couple receiving them are taken into account.
As these embryos are donated, this largely depends on the number of embryos available from the same donors.
Donated embryos come from couples who have already undergone IVF treatment and, for various reasons (either because they have already achieved pregnancy or do not wish to continue with the process), no longer need them.
It is a relatively simple procedure that does not require anaesthesia. The process is similar to a gynaecological examination and is performed by inserting a thin, flexible catheter through the cervix.
Embryo transfer is generally considered a low-risk procedure, but no medical treatment is completely free of risk. Donated embryos are handled according to applicable clinical, laboratory and legal requirements, and the medical team assesses the recipient before transfer.
Yes. Embryo donation is legal in Spain and is subject to strict medical and legal regulation. The donation is anonymous and is carried out in accordance with the applicable provisions of Spanish legislation on assisted reproduction.
PATIENTS
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