Everything you need to know about IVF with donor eggs

There are many factors that can negatively impact a woman’s egg quality and quantity, leading them to consider IVF with donor eggs

This is a huge decision that no woman takes lightly, and there are plenty of things to consider before making that final choice.

If you are considering IVF with donor eggs, you will most likely have plenty of questions and concerns. We know that the process can be overwhelming, and so we have compiled a thorough guide with everything you need to know about IVF with donor eggs.

We would also suggest you talk to some of the amazing men and women within the TTC community who have had ivf with a donor egg. Rebecca, one of our babble ambassadors is just amazing and will happily answer any questions you may have(@missgolightlycandles). 

Why do some women consider undergoing IVF with donor eggs?

Many different factors can negatively affect a woman’s egg supply. Premature ovarian failure and genetic diseases could be an issue, as can a reduced ovarian reserve caused by ageing. Women who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatments to treat cancer will also need to utilise donor eggs if they want to become pregnant.

Egg donation is also called oocyte donation, and it is an option for couples failing to conceive, or who have a history of miscarriage. If the quality or number of your eggs is preventing you from your hopes of carrying a pregnancy to term you should consider donor egg IVF.

Here are some of the reasons why you might consider IVF with donor eggs

Premature ovarian failure

Early menopause

Genetic diseases and syndromes that you do not want to pass onto children

Hormonal problems, including PCOS

Poor egg quality

Are you unsure about the quality of your eggs? Your doctor will be able to perform a series of tests and ultrasounds in order to determine if you should consider the use of donor eggs.

Do you have an egg donor in mind?

Many women in need of donor eggs ask their family and closest friends if they would be willing to donate their genetic materials.(what does that mean?!)  If they are willing to do so, they must fit the following criteria for egg donors.

Between the ages of 21 – 32

Have no history of reproductive problems

Ideally already have a child or children of her own

Be in good physical and mental health

Experience regular monthly periods

Be willing to give up alcohol and smoking

Be willing to inject medication and experience discomfort

Be willing to undergo medical examination

Understand that they will have no legal claim to any resulting child

If you do not have a potential egg donor in mind, your IVF clinic will be able to put you in touch with an egg donation agency

They can advise you on how to find an anonymous egg donor that matches your requirements. You can also consider seeking an egg donor from a foreign country.

How much does IVF cost with anonymous donor eggs?

Keep in mind that some countries have laws and restrictions that prevent women from donating their eggs for others to undergo IVF. The costs of undergoing this procedure around the world can vary greatly, from around $6,000 USD in India to more than $40,000 USD in the United States.

The costs vary dramatically because of the differing fees around hiring the donor, conducting various medical and psychological evaluations, medications and injection costs, and the fees that egg donors charge.

Egg donation is legal in the following countries, and the estimated costs of the donor eggs and the IVF procedure are as follows

India – An egg donor cycle costs between $4,500 – $7,500 USD, but do note that you are not permitted to meet with the egg donor but you cannot meet with the donor.

Malaysia – You will be charged an extra cost of $5,500 – $7,000 USD on top of the IVF costs.

Mexico – Donor eggs cost an additional $5,000 – $8,000 USD on top of your IVF costs.

Certain EU countries – (such as Spain, Greece, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Hungary) In these affordable EU countries, donor eggs cost an additional $1,200 – $6,000 USD on top of IVF costs.

UK – Most IVF clinics in the UK charge an additional $8,000 – $10,000 USD extra for donor eggs. The birth mother is always considered the legal mother of the baby, unless otherwise specified.

USA – It costs a staggering $25,000 – $45,000 USD to purchase donor eggs in the US, but you can select and meet with the donor before you make your choice.

Ukraine – IVF with donor eggs will cost an additional $3000 USD on top of the IVF fees.

Do note that paid egg donation is not permitted in Thailand, Canada, and Australia. Egg donation is not permitted under any circumstances in China, as well as Austria, Italy, Germany, and Norway.

What is the process of IVF with donor eggs?

Selecting the egg donor

Egg donors are screened for their mental and physical health. Most IVF clinics have lists of potential donors.

Donor matching

Once you have selected a donor, your blood test data and physical profile are compared with hers. If you match, her profile will be shared with you, and in some countries you are allowed to see her picture and potentially meet.

Donor ovarian stimulation

In order to harvest a large number of eggs, the donor’s natural cycle will first be suppressed and then stimulated with injections.

The mother’s endometrial preparation

Close to the embryo retrieval date, the mother will be given oestrogen and progesterone injections in order to get your endometrium ready for pregnancy.

Donor ovulation trigger and egg retrieval

Once the donor’s eggs have matured, the doctor will give them an HCG injection, and egg retrieval will be done two days later.

Success rates for Donor Egg IVF

The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology reported in 2015 that a success rate of 50.4% was recorded for donor egg IVF (with fresh embryos). Higher success rates of up to 70% have been reported when all of the participants are in excellent health.

Are you considering undergoing IVF with donor eggs? Have you faced challenges, or do you have a success story to share? Leave a comment, or share this article on Facebook or Twitter.