Finding the right egg donor can help you create embryos and build the family you've always dreamed of. If you decide to use a known egg donor, you’ll not only be selecting someone to provide eggs but also making choices that impact the future dynamics of your family. Known donors offer the possibility of future contact and an open, transparent relationship. In this article, we'll guide you through the pros and cons of using a known egg donor for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or gestational surrogacy and how it differs from using an anonymous donor. If you’re considering surrogacy with a known egg donor, we encourage you to fill out or short contact form. We can provide you with more information about the process and help you get started today. Once your embryos have been created, we can match you with one of our highly qualified surrogates. The sooner you secure your donor eggs, the sooner you can hold your baby in your arms.
Anonymous vs. Known Egg Donor
A known egg donor is someone you know or someone whose identity is shared with you as part of the donation process. This could be a friend, family member or someone you select through an egg donor agency, egg bank or fertility clinic.
Choosing a known egg donor opens up the possibility of ongoing contact between the donor, you and your future child. You may even have a chance to establish a relationship with the donor, depending on your comfort level and agreement.
On the other hand, an anonymous egg donor is someone whose personal information is kept private. You won’t know their full identity, and they won’t know yours. This type of donation may appeal to people who prefer privacy or want to avoid any ongoing contact with the donor.
Choosing a known egg donor is a highly personal decision. It depends on your family-building goals and how you envision the future. Weighing the benefits and potential drawbacks can help you determine what the best choice is. Here are the pros and cons of surrogacy or IVF with a known egg donor: If your donor is a family member, your child may share genetic traits with you or your partner. You can form a connection with your child’s egg donor, which can help answer future questions about their background. You could get more detailed information about the donor’s medical and family history. Navigating a relationship with a known donor can be complicated, especially when personal or familial ties are involved. You may need to navigate legal agreements and counseling to ensure everyone’s rights are protected and feelings are considered. It could be difficult to set boundaries regarding the donor’s involvement in your life or your child’s life.Known Egg Donor Pros and Cons
Pros: What Are the Advantages of Known Donor Eggs?
Cons: What Are the Disadvantages of Using Known Donor Eggs?
Choosing a Known Egg Donor [Process]
If you’re ready to move forward, here’s what you’ll need to do:
Look for a known egg donor. Start by exploring egg donor agencies, egg banks, fertility clinics and even your own network for potential known donors. If you’re interested in a directed egg donation, consider reaching out to friends or family members who might be open to helping you. Choose an egg donor to work with. Once you’ve found a potential donor, think about the preferences that matter to you, such as the donor’s personality, ethnicity, medical history, blood type, hobbies or career. Choosing someone who aligns with your family-building goals can make the process smoother and more meaningful. Work with a reproductive attorney. A reproductive attorney can help draft a known egg donor contract that outlines everyone’s rights and expectations for contact. This step ensures that you, the donor and your child are all protected in the years to come.
If you’re considering using a known egg donor, there are several places you can look to find the right match for your family: Many egg donor agencies offer fresh and frozen donor eggs. Fresh donor eggs require careful coordination, as you’ll need to sync the donor’s cycle with your or your surrogate’s IVF timeline. If you prefer a known donor, an agency may be able to help you find someone who is open to ongoing contact. Egg banks primarily offer frozen eggs, which can be a more convenient option. However, many frozen egg donors prefer to remain anonymous, so your options for known donors may be limited. Some fertility clinics have egg donation programs that include known donors. Working with a clinic that offers both donor matching and fertility services can simplify your IVF or surrogacy journey. A direct egg donation involves a donor you already know, such as a friend or relative. This option offers the benefits of a genetic connection, a closer match to your preferences and the possibility of a future relationship between your child and their egg donor.Where to Find a Known Egg Donor
Known Egg Donor Costs
You will want to be financially prepared for all your family-building expenses. The cost of egg donation with a known donor is between $16,000 and $20,000.
Known egg donors can sometimes be more expensive than anonymous donors, especially when the donor is a friend or family member. You may need to cover the screening, counseling and legal fees associated with choosing a known donor.
Once you have your donor eggs and sperm, the next step is to create embryos. From there, you’ll be able to proceed with your surrogacy journey. If you want to learn more about gestational surrogacy, fill out our contact form today. One of our experienced surrogacy specialists can provide you with more information and help you find a reputable fertility clinic to create your embryos.Building Your Family