Using donor eggs in combination with in vitro fertilization (IVF) can offer renewed hope for building a family. IVF with donor eggs is a well-established, viable option for those who may not be able to use their own eggs. Whether you’re facing age-related fertility challenges, have a genetic condition or simply haven’t found success with previous fertility treatments, using donor eggs can help you move forward in your journey to parenthood. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about IVF with donor eggs. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of the process, the costs involved and more. Are you ready to take the next step? Learn more about how to find an egg donor who meets your needs. IVF with donor eggs is similar to traditional IVF, but instead of using your own eggs, you rely on eggs donated by another woman. After retrieving the donor’s eggs, they are fertilized with sperm to create embryos. At least one of these embryos is then transferred to the uterus of the intended mother or a surrogate. This process is often recommended when using your own eggs isn’t an option due to age, health conditions or previous IVF failures. The main difference between donor egg IVF and traditional IVF lies in the egg source. However, the steps that follow — fertilization, embryo transfer and pregnancy — are essentially the same.What Is IVF With Donor Eggs?
Moving on to IVF With an Egg Donor
There are several reasons why you might need to consider doing egg donor IVF:
As women age, the quality and quantity of their eggs naturally decline. If you’re over 40, you only have a 5% chance to conceive. If you carry a genetic condition you don’t want to pass on, using donor eggs can eliminate that risk. Early menopause or low ovarian reserve may mean your body produces fewer viable eggs. IVF success rates typically increase with multiple cycles, but there may be other health concerns affecting implantation. Men who want to build their family through IVF and surrogacy will need donor eggs to create embryos.
IVF With a Donor Egg [Process Step-by-Step]
Now that you know when donor egg IVF may be necessary, let’s dive into the step-by-step process:
1. Select An Egg Donor You can choose an egg donor based on your personal preferences for physical traits, ethnicity, health history, lifestyle and more. Some couples opt for a known donor, while others use an anonymous donor from an egg donation facility.
2. Retrieve Eggs The selected donor undergoes hormonal treatments to stimulate egg production. When her eggs have matured, they are retrieved in a minor medical procedure at a fertility clinic.
3. Collect Semen You need sperm from the intended father or a donor to fertilize the retrieved eggs. This is usually done on the same day as the egg retrieval.
4. Fertilize the Eggs The retrieved eggs are fertilized with the collected sperm in a lab. This is done through traditional IVF or, if necessary, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
5. Screen the Embryos (Optional) Some couples and individuals opt for preimplantation genetic testing to screen the embryos for any chromosomal abnormalities or genetic conditions. This can offer peace of mind regarding potential success.
6. Transfer the Embryo Once a healthy embryo is selected, it’s transferred to the uterus of the intended mother or surrogate. From here, you’ll wait to see if implantation occurs and a pregnancy develops.
You can choose an egg donor based on your personal preferences for physical traits, ethnicity, health history, lifestyle and more. Some couples opt for a known donor, while others use an anonymous donor from an egg donation facility.
The selected donor undergoes hormonal treatments to stimulate egg production. When her eggs have matured, they are retrieved in a minor medical procedure at a fertility clinic.
You need sperm from the intended father or a donor to fertilize the retrieved eggs. This is usually done on the same day as the egg retrieval.
The retrieved eggs are fertilized with the collected sperm in a lab. This is done through traditional IVF or, if necessary, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
Some couples and individuals opt for preimplantation genetic testing to screen the embryos for any chromosomal abnormalities or genetic conditions. This can offer peace of mind regarding potential success.
Once a healthy embryo is selected, it’s transferred to the uterus of the intended mother or surrogate. From here, you’ll wait to see if implantation occurs and a pregnancy develops.
Want to know how embryo implantation works?
The cost of donor eggs generally ranges from $16,000 to $50,000, depending on factors like whether you use fresh or frozen eggs, your egg donation facility and your donor’s compensation. On top of that, the average cost of one IVF cycle in the U.S. is about $21,600. Many people require multiple cycles, which can add up quickly. Here are some of the common expenses associated with IVF: Base fee (monitoring, egg retrieval, embryo creation and transfer): $9,000 to $14,000 Consultation and diagnostic testing: $250 to $500 Medications: $3,000 to $7,000 Donor sperm (if needed): $1,000 to $1,500 Genetic testing: $4,500 to $5,500 Mock embryo transfer: $240 to $500 ICSI: $1,000 to $2,000 Cyropreservation: $1,000 to $2,000 Storage fees: $500 to $1,000 Using donor eggs for IVF involves careful consideration of emotional, physical and financial factors. Here are a few things to keep in mind: The emotional impact of using another woman’s eggs to conceive The physical demands of IVF, including multiple procedures The financial investment required, as egg donor IVF can be costly Legal aspects related to donor egg agreements The long-term implications of having a child who is not genetically related to one or both parentsHow Much Does IVF With an Egg Donor Cost?
5 Considerations When Using Donor Eggs for IVF
Is a Donor Egg Still Your Baby?
Yes, a baby conceived with a donor egg is absolutely still your child. While the egg may come from a donor, the baby will grow and develop inside you or your surrogate from the moment of embryo transfer. While your baby might not share your DNA, they will share your values, your family traditions and, most importantly, your unconditional love.
Using donor eggs and a surrogate can significantly improve your chances of success. Surrogacy with donor eggs is often recommended when the intended mother cannot carry the pregnancy herself. Here’s why donor eggs with IVF might not be successful: Uterine issues Over the age of 40 Unexplained infertility Surrogates undergo rigorous screening and meet specific health criteria to ensure they are emotionally ready and physically capable of carrying a healthy pregnancy. At American Surrogacy, we ask our surrogates to: Be between the ages of 21 and 40 Have had at least one successful pregnancy Be currently raising a child Have no major complications from previous pregnancies Have no felony convictions The careful selection process not only prioritizes the health of the surrogate but also provides you with peace of mind as you start this journey. Once you have embryos created, you can expect to match with a gestational surrogate in one to six months. This brings you one step closer to welcoming your child into the world.Egg Donors and Surrogacy
Growing Your Family: Next Steps
Choosing IVF with donor eggs is a deeply personal decision that requires careful thought. Whether you’re considering this path due to fertility issues or as part of a surrogacy plan, understanding the process can empower you to take the next steps with confidence.
Ready to learn more? Fill out our online contact form today. We can help you connect with a reputable fertility clinic or provide more information about surrogacy options based on your family-building goals.