EGG DONORS & IUDS

Questions about birth control for egg donors are some of the most common we hear. While most options offer a straightforward plan for discontinuation prior to the donation, there are many special considerations for donors using an intrauterine device (IUD).

HORMONAL IUD

These devices include brands like Mirena that use a slow release hormone therapy in order to prevent pregnancy. These tend to be the more popular of the two IUD methods. If you are on a hormonal IUD and having regular menstrual cycles then it may be left in place until your medical screening. At your medical screening, the IVF doctor will remove your IUD, at no cost to you, before you begin your injectable medications. However, if the results of your Ovarian Assessment Report (OAR) comes back with low numbers, you will need to visit your own doctor to remove the IUD, allow your body to have two normal periods, and then have a repeat OAR. If you are not currently experiencing a regular menstrual cycle, as can be common with hormonal IUDs, then you will need to pay for your doctor to remove the IUD and wait to have two normal cycles before reapplying with Growing Generations. Ultimately the IUD must be removed in order to proceed. The combination of hormones from the IUD and the injectable medications would be too much for your body to handle, and we want to ensure that you stay healthy. 

NON-HORMONAL IUD

This category includes devices like the Paraguard. Non hormonal IUDs control pregnancy by making the device out of copper, a natural conception guard. These devices offer the most flexibility to our donors, as they do not have to be removed at all. Since the device does not release hormones, there will be no complications with hormones from injectable medications.