During this process, a woman known as the egg donor (who is typically between the ages of 21 and 30), voluntarily gives a small amount of her eggs (typically 5-20, see more below) to help individuals or couples facing difficulty conceiving with their own eggs or with lack of access to eggs.
Donor eggs are used in the exact same way as with traditional IVF. In a laboratory, donor eggs are fertilized (frozen eggs are thawed first) and the resultant embryos are cultured. The embryo(s) are then placed inside the uterus of the intended mother (or, if applicable, a gestational carrier).
The decision between fresh and frozen oocytes depends on individual circumstances, preferences, and the overall reproductive goals (how many children desired). The key difference between fresh and frozen donor eggs lies in the timing of the medical procedures that the donor undergoes (ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval). The use of fresh donor eggs is prefaced with a contract between the donor and their recipient (prior to the actual medical procedures).
This arrangement concludes when, upon removal from the donor, eggs are immediately handed over (in their fresh state) to the intended parent(s). Frozen eggs have previously been collected without a known recipient in mind. They are subsequently selected (in their frozen state and from long term storage) to undergo thawing and creation of embryos. Both fresh and frozen eggs have their distinct advantages and appropriate matching for intended parents.
Starts with contracting with a donor. Eggs are available for use only after the surgical retrieval.
In a fresh donor egg cycle, you select a donor from an agency and contract directly with the donor for her to donate to you all the eggs that she can produce in one month (a single stimulation cycle of her ovaries). This type of cycle usually yields an egg number of 14-20 eggs and 6-8 blastocysts (day 5 embryos). Each blastocyst typically has a 40-50% implantation rate. Preimplantation genetic testing can raise this to as high as 60-65%.
Come from a commerical egg bank. Are ready for use immediately.
In a frozen donor egg cycle, you select a donor who has undergone ovarian stimulation in the past and her eggs are currently frozen and in cryostorage. You receive all of the embryos generated (typically 1-2 blastocysts) from a portion of eggs (typically 4-6 eggs). Each blastocyst typically has a 40-50% implantation rate. The frozen donor egg model is primarily structured for couples or individuals who are interested in having only one child from this pathway, however, it is often possible to acquire more eggs to align with larger reproductive goals.
All egg donors have to go through a rigorous screening process that can take months. This includes an extensive medical history, family history, genetic screening and psychological screening. Additionally, all donors undergoe the FDA-regulated tissue screening process.
The typical age of an egg donor is between 21 and 30 years old. Demographic information of egg donors customarily includes eye color, hair color, race and ethnicity as well as childhood and adult photos. The profile will also have her likes and interests, and a personal essay about their motivation to donate.
Donors are paid volunteers that are typically recruited through fertility clinics or egg donor agencies. Factors considered during their vetting process include the donor’s age, reproductive history, medical history, genetic background, and psychological evaluation. A previous successful donation (a donation resulting in a pregnancy) is a good prognostic but not a prerequisite.
Success rates can vary based on factors such as the age and health of the egg donor, the quality of the sperm, and the recipient’s overall health. Generally, using donor eggs can significantly improve the chances of a successful pregnancy, particularly for individuals or couples where the intended mother’s egg quality is a limiting factor. Egg donors will often produce blastocysts that have an implantation potential of up to 50% per embryo (without Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy).
Open communication and counseling before and during the process can help individuals and couples navigate the emotional aspects of using an egg donor. Families that have grown through the use of donor eggs often emphasize that the love and bond within the family are not influenced by genetic relatedness.
The recipient undergoes an initial assessment, including an in-depth evaluation of the uterus (through a procedure called a saline sonogram). Following this, the uterus is prepared with hormonal medications (estrogen and progesterone), and finally the recipient undergoes the simple and gentle (no anesthesia needed) embryo transfer (without Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy).
The intended father participates in the complete decision-making process including selecting an egg donor and participation in the legal aspects. The intended father most often provides sperm for fertilization but, in some situations, an individual or couple may be using donor sperm.
Confidentiality is a top priority in our egg donation process. Both the identities of the egg donors and recipients are kept strictly confidential. While recipients receive comprehensive profiles of potential egg donors, the donors remain anonymous. Similarly, donors are not provided information about the recipients. All communication and coordination are facilitated through our experienced and discreet team, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of all parties involved in the egg donation journey.
(new banks continually added, check in with us; list subject to change)
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