Whether you're facing infertility or exploring your options after failed IVF, donor eggs for IVF can provide a fresh opportunity for pregnancy. It’s a viable path for many individuals and couples looking to grow their families when traditional methods haven’t worked. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common reasons people turn to donor eggs. We’ll also explore the benefits and emotional considerations of using donor eggs and offer guidance on how to make this important decision. Wondering how this option might fit into your journey? Fill out our online form to learn more about using donor eggs for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or gestational surrogacy.
When Should You Use Donor Eggs?
There are a variety of reasons why people consider using donor eggs because each situation is unique. Here are four common reasons why you may want to explore this option:
As you age, your egg quality and reserve naturally decline. Women under 30 have around a 25% chance of getting pregnant each month. But by the time you reach 40, this chance drops to about 5%. If age is a factor in your fertility struggles, donor eggs can provide a way forward. If you’ve gone through several rounds of IVF without success, you may feel the emotional and financial strain. While IVF success rates increase with multiple cycles, after three or more failed cycles, it might be time to consider donor eggs to improve your chances. If you’re worried about passing on a hereditary condition or genetic disorder, you can use donor eggs can help ensure a healthier future for your child. Conditions like diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) can affect the quantity and quality of your eggs, making it harder to conceive. Donor eggs provide a solution when your own ovarian reserve is no longer enough.
If you’ve been experiencing IVF failure, learn more about what you can do.
Knowing when to use donor eggs is one thing, but being emotionally prepared is just as important. It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions: grief, anxiety, hope and even relief. You might have concerns about connecting with a child who isn't genetically related to you. Accepting that your child won’t share your genetics can be difficult, especially if you’ve tried your own eggs first. But parenthood is about much more than genetics. You’ll shape your child’s life in countless ways, nurturing their personality while being a constant source of love and support. Your bond with your child is built through these experiences, not just DNA. Building a family is a journey with highs and lows. It’s okay to take your time as you consider when to use donor eggs. Give yourself space to reflect on your emotional readiness so you can feel confident in your decision moving forward.How to Prepare for Using Donor Eggs
3 Benefits of Using Donor Eggs
Using donor eggs can be the perfect solution for some families, offering hope and a clear path toward parenthood. Below are some key benefits of choosing this route:
According to Apricity, donor egg IVF has a 59% success rate after one cycle, 64% after two cycles, and 89% after three cycles. Egg donors go through rigorous screening for infectious diseases, genetic conditions and more. This helps ensure that your child will have the healthiest start possible. Donor egg IVF allows you to better anticipate your financial commitment, helping you manage your fertility journey with fewer unexpected expenses.
If you’ve been unsuccessful with IVF using your own eggs and still face challenges after trying donor eggs, it may be time to consider surrogacy. While donor eggs can improve your chances of success, ongoing issues with IVF could indicate that something other than egg quality is at play In these cases, surrogacy offers a promising alternative. Gestational surrogates must undergo extensive screening to ensure they are physically capable of carrying a pregnancy. By working with a surrogate, you can bypass any uterine or health-related barriers that may have been affecting your IVF outcomes. This gives you a better chance of bringing home a healthy baby. You can view potential surrogates online to find the right match for your family.Why Would Egg Donor IVF Not Work? [Explore Surrogacy]
Should I Use Donor Eggs?
Using donor eggs is a deeply personal decision. Your path depends on your individual situation and your goals for building a family. If you’re facing emotional and financial strain from failed IVF cycles or egg retrievals that haven’t worked, it may be time to consider other options.
Take some time to process your emotions before making any decisions. Moving on from using your own eggs can be difficult, and it’s important to give yourself space to grieve the loss of a genetic connection. Once you’ve worked through those feelings, you’ll be in a better position to evaluate your next steps.
Deciding to use donor eggs can bring renewed hope and a sense of relief when you’re ready to move forward. By focusing on your feelings first, you’ll be more prepared to think through the logistics and make a decision that feels right for you and your family.
Talking With Your Doctor
Your doctor can help you determine the best path forward if you’re wondering, “Should I use a donor egg?” They’ll review your medical history, fertility treatments and any other factors that may influence your success.
Here are some key questions you can ask your doctor to have an open conversation:
What might be impacting my egg quality? How does my egg quantity compare to normal levels for my age? What are my chances of success with my own eggs versus donor eggs?
Deciding to use donor eggs is a significant step, but it can be the key to achieving your dream of parenthood. Whether you’re facing infertility challenges or exploring all of your options, donor eggs can provide hope and a new direction. If you have questions about when to consider donor eggs for IVF or surrogacy, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your journey may be filled with twists and turns, but support and guidance are available to help you every step of the way.Using Donor Eggs on Your Fertility Journey