Conceiving with donor eggs made dreams come true for one couple
Melissa and Arthur knew that they wanted to become parents, but they never imagined their journey would include conceiving with donor eggs. Melissa was over 40 when the couple started trying to conceive, but she assumed that pregnancy would come easily. After all, her mother had her last child in her mid-40s. However, the couple kept seeing negative pregnancy tests after one year of trying. That’s when they decided to seek help.
According to Melissa, “My husband started researching different fertility clinics. When he found Texas Fertility Center – San Antonio, we decided to schedule an appointment, even though it was four hours away.” With that, the couple scheduled with Erika Munch MD at our San Antonio fertility center.
Getting help from Dr. Munch and the TFC team
After some basic diagnostic testing, Dr. Munch found that Melissa still had a healthy egg supply. However, there was no way to confirm the quality of those eggs, so the fertility doctor suggested conceiving with donor eggs. “Dr. Munch gave us our test results and told us about the success rates of different treatments for patients our age,” Melissa says. “She explained that donor eggs produce high pregnancy rates, so I started thinking about it.”
After deep thought and lots of prayer, Melissa decided that she wanted to try donor eggs. “My husband was surprised, but I told him I wanted the best chance of success. If I was 10 years younger, I might have tried my own eggs, but donor eggs seemed like our best shot.”
Once the couple decided to move forward with using donor eggs at our San Antonio fertility center, they selected a package that included two fresh eggs from the donor of their choice. After fertilization, Melissa and Arthur had two embryos, one boy and one girl.
Transferring the embryos and praying for the best
Going into the first embryo transfer was “nerve-wracking and exciting” for the hopeful parents. Melissa and Arthur did specialized uterine receptivity testing prior to the first transfer. With the initial result being “pre-receptive” and the testing showing additional progesterone needed, they proceeded with embryo transfer at the recommended window by the testing. However, after the transfer, the couple learned it hadn’t implanted. “We were disappointed, but we still had hope because we had our girl embryo,” she says.
Dr. Munch advised repeat testing, and Melissa underwent several more endometrial biopsies until the results were “receptive.” At that point, it was time for the second embryo transfer. Two weeks later, the couple received a positive pregnancy test. “It was the greatest news. We felt so happy and a little surprised,” Melissa recalls.
Moving forward, the pregnancy was healthy. Around seven months, Melissa started to show and was becoming uncomfortable. “When my belly popped, it started to get hard to walk and I felt a lot of pressure. My doctor said everything was fine. The baby was just big, so we ended up having a scheduled C-section at 37 weeks.”
Just before 8:00 a.m. on a Wednesday, Melissa and Arthur heard the most beautiful sound: their newborn daughter’s cries. The couple couldn’t be happier with their “little princess.” It’s been so magical that the new parents are already thinking about going back to Dr. Munch for help conceiving with donor eggs again in the future.
Conceiving with donor eggs and living without regrets
Melissa and Arthur couldn’t be happier with their experience at our San Antonio fertility center. “We’re very pleased with TFC. The staff and all the doctors were wonderful. I have already recommended Dr. Munch to several people. I know we’d still be trying or would have given up by now if we hadn’t gone to TFC,” Melissa reflects.
When asked to give advice to other couples, Melissa says, “Just try fertility treatments. I didn’t think I could have a baby, but I got help and it worked. If it happened for me, it could happen for you. TFC is the boost you need to get family-planning going.”
If you’re looking to grow your family, let our San Antonio fertility center help. Contact us to schedule an appointment.