Donor eggs

For some women with markedly reduced ovarian reserve, low egg quality or prior unsuccessful fertility treatment, donor eggs (oocytes) make it possible to become pregnant and complete their family.

Is egg donation right for you?

Egg donation can help you experience parenthood in a relatively short time. Psychological studies have found that families created with donor eggs function as well as other families, and for many families egg donation is a very satisfying experience.

How a donor egg cycle works

Most often an anonymous donor is used. Sometimes a known donor, such as a sister, is chosen.

1. The donor undergoes ovarian stimulation followed by egg retrieval.
2. Her eggs are fertilized with your partner’s sperm or donor sperm.
3. The lining of your uterus is prepared with estrogen and progesterone.
4. One or two embryos are transferred to your uterus.
5. Any remaining embryos are frozen for later use.

How we screen donors

At NYC IVF we are committed to your safety, your baby’s health and the safety of your donor. We screen donors extensively before starting, to reduce the chance of passing on a genetic or infectious disease and to give the best chance of good-quality embryos. Screening includes:

• Medical history: a detailed medical, surgical and gynecologic history
• Ovarian reserve: donors are 32 or younger, and vaginal ultrasound and blood tests confirm their ovarian reserve. Only young women with excellent ovarian reserve can become donors.
• Genetics: a detailed family history and genetic counseling, with screening for as many genetic diseases as available testing allows
• Psychological evaluation: a psychologist evaluates each donor’s stability and suitability for donation
• Infectious diseases: donors are tested for a wide range of diseases as required by the FDA, and the tests are repeated a few days before egg retrieval
• Drug screening: at the start, and unannounced at any time during the cycle

How you prepare

• We encourage you and your partner to speak with a reproductive psychologist before you begin.
• You are screened for infectious diseases, and your partner has a sperm analysis.
• Your uterine cavity is checked for any abnormalities.
• A “prep” cycle is done before the actual cycle to make sure the lining of your uterus reaches a receptive thickness and pattern.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Every situation is different, so talk with your doctor about yours.