Oocyte and embryo donation for treating human infertility

Twelve years ago oocyte donation was first introduced for the treatment of infertility. Today donated oocytes are regularly used to assist women with a variety of reproductive disorders. In the past few years many assisted reproduction programs have incorporated oocyte donation into their fertility practice. Presently more than 2000 oocyte donations are performed annually in the United States. It is certain that this number will continue to grow. A review of the clinic-specific data submitted to the American Fertility Society further illustrates the increasing use of oocyte donation for the treatment of infertility (Table 1). Indications for oocyte donation are expanding, and the number of patients requesting care continues to escalate as its popularity and acceptability increase.