Fresh and Cryopreserved Embryo Adoption

Fresh and Cryopreserved Embryo Adoption is indicated for couples with loss of reproductive capacity, typically affecting both the man and the woman. This includes men with complete azoospermia, who could not find sperm on a testicular biopsy, and women of advanced reproductive age or younger women with no eggs in their ovaries.

Source of Donated Embryos

Embryos for donation are available from other couples who have already undergone IVF and have completed their family planning. These are surplus cryopreserved embryos, which the donor couple prefers to donate rather than destroy. This act is not accompanied by financial compensation but is a human act of altruism and humanity towards the recipients.

Embryo Donation Process and Legal Requirements in Greece

The decision to donate embryos belongs to the couple. If they decide to donate, both partners sign a special consent form declaring that they waive all rights and donate the embryos anonymously and without financial compensation to unknown recipients. According to Greek law, donated embryos must come from a woman younger than 40 and a man younger than 50.

Embryo Transfer Procedure

The donated embryos are thawed and transferred to the woman following the protocol of a standard frozen embryo transfer, with or without hormone replacement. This raises the question: Is it better to use fresh or frozen embryos? Both fresh embryo transfers and frozen embryo transfers have their benefits, and the choice depends on various factors, including medical advice and personal circumstances.

By considering Fresh and Cryopreserved Embryo Adoption, couples can explore a compassionate and altruistic path to parenthood, supported by a clear legal framework and advanced medical protocols.