My Favorite Donor Is Also a Carrier for a Genetic Condition. Now What?

At Donor Egg Bank USA™ we use extensive screening to help qualify our diverse selection of egg donors. That includes a genetic test, called expanded carrier screening, to help determine if a donor is a carrier for one or more of at least 100 different genetic conditions. Let’s take a closer look at exactly what that information means and how it can help inform you as you search for your ideally matched egg donor.

What Does It Mean to Be a Carrier for a Genetic Condition?

Once you complete our free registration, you’ll have access to all our donors’ full profiles and medical histories. Included in each of these histories is information about the specific conditions for which the donor was screened and which conditions she was identified to carry.  Of course, not every donor will be identified as a carrier for the conditions that were screened, and some may be a carrier for more than one. The truth is everyone in the general population is a carrier for conditions that are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.  Some of the conditions that individuals are more likely to be carriers for include alpha thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell disease, among others.  

However, a donor‘s carrier status for a condition does not mean that children conceived using that donor will be affected by this condition. Many of these conditions are recessive, meaning both biological parents have to be carriers for the same condition for there to be an increased risk for a child to be affected. If both biological parents are, in fact, carriers for the same condition, the chance that they will have a child affected with that condition is 25% with each pregnancy.    

What Should I Do If My Egg Donor Is a Carrier for a Genetic Condition? 

Here's the bottom line: Even if your donor has been identified as being a carrier for a condition, she could still be “the one.” Because, again, the likelihood of having a child affected with this condition also depends on the sperm provider and his genetics. 

So, here are the steps you should take when considering a donor who is a carrier: 

1.  Lock it in: If you’re interested in this donor, go ahead, and make your selection so that she will appear unavailable to others. You can always change your mind later. 
2. Get expert guidance: Follow the suggested “Next Steps” that are noted on the donor’s “Genetic Results” area of her profile. Donor Egg Bank USA has reproductive genetic specialists available to assist you with questions you may have about a donor’s screening results or genetic testing for the sperm provider. We recommend that the intended parent speaks with their healthcare provider regarding their desired donor’s carrier screening results. Depending on whether additional genetic testing is needed for the sperm provider, it may take some time for the doctor to review the results and provide guidance on moving forward with the selected donor. Your donor will be reserved for you during this period, so there’s no need to worry about her being selected by someone else.  
3. Move forward: Once you receive the okay from your doctor, you can move forward with your selected donor. Or should your doctor determine that the risks for this condition (given the genetics of your prospective donor and the sperm provider) are not suitable, you’re free to cancel your selection and start browsing on the website for a more appropriate donor. 

Plan for the Future 

Having access to genetic information about your egg donor (and your sperm provider, should they also be tested) offers you an advantage not just for today as you are considering donors, but also tomorrow. Because you now have all this valuable information on record, you can share it with your child should they decide to create a family of their own.  

Making an Informed Choice 

At Donor Egg Bank USA, we are committed to providing information, guidance, and support on your path to parenthood using frozen donor eggs. We hope with a better understanding of what it means to be a carrier, you can feel more confident about choosing the right donor for you.

Ready to learn more about using frozen donor egg to help grow your family? Just reach out to our qualified team at Donor Egg Bank USA to find out more, including information about our Assured Refund Plan® option. Or, if you’re ready to get matched to your ideal donor, start your search here.