New and full of questions...

[MindyKB]

Hello all I'm Mindy, I'm not even sure if I am in the right place.

I am 27yrs old and have a birth defect called Ectodermal Dysplacia. My husband and I would like to have a baby within the next year. My problem is there is a 99.9% chance that my child will have my birth defect and he or she will definitely pass it on to their children and their children’s children. I am not willing to do this. My child hood was hell to say the least, I was unable to open my eyes till I was about 2 and spent most of my youngest years in and out of hospitals. I do not have sweat glands or tears have very little hair and only 2 of my own teeth. These are all things I have been able to over come over the years but I would love to spare my child the troubles I have had.

I would like to use donor eggs. And it just so happens my husband is completely sterile. SO we'll have to use donor sperm also.

My questions are... Are there "egg banks" like sperm banks? Is this type of thing done often? Is a genetic disorder normally a "good" reason in the eyes of insurance companies for the use of donor eggs?

Ok that enough for now. I figured I'd start out getting as much info online as I can before I talk to my gyno. I'm really glad I found this place and look forward to any info ya'll can give me. ~mindy~

[LittleP]

Hi Mindy

Welcome to the site.

I am so sorry about your situation and unfortunately I am unable to help, but if you pop over to the General Forum and post the same question there I am sure you will get loads of answers. There are many girls here with experience of donor eggs and/or sperm who will happily share their knowledge with you.

Good luck and PMA

Little P

[Sand]

Hi Mindy .. Glad you found us - Welcome !

There are certainly girls here using donor eggs, and many with donor sperm. I'm sure you'll receive replies if you post on the General F. Re the insurance company .... I suppose each one is different and you'll have to approach yours direct ..

Sandra x

[DebraP]

Hi Mindy. I know very little about American medical insurance company requirements (like most on here, I'm in Europe) but would think each case would be evaluated on its individual merits. Before saying they'd pay, I'd imagine your insurance company would want confirmation of the liklihood of your passing the birth defect on and absolute proof from your doctors that you already have it. From what you say, your argument sounds water-tight.

I've not heard of egg-banks as, unlike sperm, you can't put them back yourself so donor schemes are usually associated with fertility clinics, hospitals etc. who run treatment centres.

I wish you good luck with your insurance scheme, I guess it's all down to their small print.

Debra

[SamanthaH]

Hi Mindy,

Firstly I am very sorry to hear about your personal circumstances.

I am currently looking into Egg donation as at the age of 31 I was told that the menopause had set in and my eggs were not longer viable or if there at all!

I came accross a site in the states called Alternative conceptions, the email address and contact below! They were very quick to reply and seemed happy to help with any questions I had. Hope this helps a little.
I can't help you with insurance as from England but I am sure Christen could answer any questions you may have.
Christen Hesser <christen@alternativeconceptions.com>

Good luck,

Love and best wishes Sam x

[DeniseM]

Hi Mindy,

Have you tried taking with the gals who are on the donation side of things? There are a few of them interested in donating eggs and embies.