Health board seeks more egg donors to meet demand

An appeal has been made for women aged 35 and under in the north of Scotland to become egg donors, due to increased demand.

NHS Grampian said the number of couples looking to conceive using donated eggs was continuing to rise.

It has been estimated about 100 couples are on waiting lists for the treatment across Scotland.

One egg donor, Emma from Aberdeen, said the procedure was a "no brainer" for her and has urged others to come forward.

She has donated three times - the maximum number permitted.

"For me it is just a really nice thing that you can do, to help someone going through a really traumatic event in their life, where they are having to go through IVF," she said.

"You can actually help someone get the family that they want.

"I really wanted to do it and I wanted to do it as many times as I could."

The only information donors can find out is whether or not a child has been born as a result of their donation.

However, donor-conceived children can access their donor's name and last known contact details when they reach their 18th birthday.

Genetic and psychological tests are carried out before the actual process begins, something which Emma told BBC Scotland News was "very easy".

She added: "It involves injections for two weeks, then the egg retrieval, you are not in pain during any of it.

"I did it three times so I think that shows it is not painful or anything like that."

Emma said that knowing at least one child had been born as a result of her donation was "amazing".

She said it was a "really nice feeling" to help someone have the "family of their dreams".

Donor conception - using donated sperm and/or eggs - accounts for one in 170 of all births in the UK, according to NHS Grampian.

The health authority said there was a particular shortage in donors from different ethnic backgrounds.

There is no payment for donation in Scotland.

Dr Nicola Marconi, a consultant for NHS Grampian, said: "I think one reason for the increase in demand is that there is more awareness nowadays about the possibility of what we can do in the hospital.

"So more people are coming and our goal is to keep improving our service and help more people realise their dream."

Anyone wanting more information should contact the Aberdeen Fertility Centre .