5 Questions About Egg Donation for Gay Couples

Are you ready to build your family through surrogacy? This guide will walk you through the essential questions you need to consider about egg donation.

If you're considering surrogacy as a gay couple, you're taking an important step toward making your dream of parenthood a reality.

The first thing you'll need is an egg donor to help start your family-building process. Egg donation plays a crucial role in creating embryos, which are then used in the surrogacy in vitro fertilization (IVF) process.

Once your embryos are ready, the next step is matching with a surrogate. If you have questions about egg donation for gay couples or the surrogacy process, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call 1-800-875-BABY. We're here to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Egg Donation for Gay Couples [FAQ]

1. How Do Gay Men Use Donor Eggs? [IVF]

For gay couples, donor eggs are essential in the surrogacy process. You will start by selecting an egg donor, whose eggs are then fertilized with your or your partner’s sperm to create embryos. These embryos can be transferred to a surrogate to carry the pregnancy. This process allows you to have a biological connection to your child through the sperm while the surrogate carries and delivers the baby.

Once the embryos are created, you will need to find a surrogate who will carry the pregnancy to term. The egg donation, IVF and surrogacy processes can help you build the family you’ve always wanted.

2. Where Can I Find Donor Eggs?

Gay couples looking for egg donors can explore the following three options:

  • Fertility clinics

    Many clinics offer egg donation services and have a pool of potential donors. They can provide detailed profiles and medical histories to help you find the right match.

  • Egg banks

    Egg banks specialize in storing and providing donor eggs. They offer a wide selection of open and anonymous donors.

  • Someone you know

    You might find a donor on your own. This can be a close friend or family member willing to help you build your family.

We can help connect you with a reputable clinic to find the right donor for your needs. To get in touch with one of our surrogacy specialists, fill out our online form.

3. Are There Egg Donor Requirements?

Write a few sentences to introduce this question’s answer.

Yes, there are specific requirements for egg donors. Here’s what you should know about the screening process as a gay couple looking for egg donors:

  • Age

    Age requirements vary between clinics and programs, but most egg donors are between 21 and 31 years old. A woman’s fertility declines as she approaches 40. This age range is chosen to maximize the chances of successful egg retrieval and healthy embryos.

  • Health history

    Donors undergo thorough medical screenings to ensure they are in good health and have no hereditary conditions that could affect the baby.

  • Lifestyle factors

    Egg donors for gay couples are assessed for their lifestyle choices, including drug and alcohol use, to ensure their overall health and well-being.

4. What Should I Know About Choosing an Egg Donor for a Gay Couple?

Choosing the right egg donor involves several considerations. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:

  • Genetics

    You may want your donor’s genetic background and appearance to align with your preferences and family's history.

  • Donor background

    Look at a donor's education, career and personal interests. This can give you insights into their life and values.

  • Lifetsyle

    Evaluate the donor’s lifestyle choices, as these can impact the quality of the eggs.

  • Post-birth involvement

    Do you want the donor to be involved in your child's life post-birth? Some donors are open to maintaining contact, whereas others prefer anonymity.

5. How Much Does IVF Cost for Gay Couples? [Egg Donation Costs]

Egg donation, IVF and surrogacy can be expensive. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

  • Egg donation

    The cost of frozen egg donation depends on the clinic and the donor’s profile, but it typically costs between ,000 and ,000.

  • IVF

    IVF costs, including medications and procedures, can range from ,000 to ,000 per cycle.

  • Surrogacy

    The total cost of surrogacy starts at 9,900. This fee includes marketing, surrogate screening, matching, surrogate compensation and more.

Once you understand the expenses of building your family, you can plan for the future. Here are six potential funding options to explore:

  • Personal savings

    You can pull from your savings or set aside money each month to put toward your family-building journey.

  • Insurance

    Check if your insurance plan covers any part of the IVF or egg donation process for gay couples.

  • Employer benefits

    Some companies offer financial assistance for surrogacy and other family-building services.

  • Fertility grants

    Organizations provide these funds for families pursuing fertility treatments or surrogacy. 

  • Fertility loans

    These loans can be customized to fit your financial situation, with options for low interest rates and flexible repayment plans.

  • Fundraising

    Many hopeful parents turn to crowdfunding platforms or organize community events to raise money for IVF and surrogacy.

Surrogacy and IVF for Gay Couples

As you embark on this journey, remember that finding the right egg donor is just one step toward building your family. If you have any questions, need guidance about finding a fertility clinic or are ready to begin the surrogacy process, reach out today.