Fresh Donor Eggs
How Is Fresh Egg Donation Performed?
The initial part of a fresh egg donation IVF cycle is carried out in the same way as for infertility and consists of five basic steps:
- Ripening of the eggs in the donor
- Retrieval of the eggs in the donor
- Fertilization of the eggs and growth of the resulting embryos
- Suppression of the cycle and preparation of the endometrium in the recipient
- Embryo transfer
An egg donation cycle using frozen eggs is much easier and shorter and consists of three basic steps.
- Using estrogen for about two weeks to develop the endometrium and suppress ovulation
- Thawing and fertilizing eggs and starting progesterone to prepare the endometrium for transfer
- Embryo transfer
Once the donor screening is successfully completed, the actual treatment cycle can be performed. This requires synchronization of the menstrual cycles of the donor and the recipient to ensure that the recipient’s uterus is prepared for the transfer of the embryo. This synchronization creates logistical challenges and some uncertainty for both the donor and the recipient. In the frozen egg bank cycle, the donor completes her cycle at a time convenient to her schedule. Likewise, the recipient is able to time the embryo transfer predictably and with convenience.
A fresh cycle will typically take 4-12 months to complete depending on donor availability, screening and cycle synchronization.
How Effective Is Fresh Egg Donation?
For the latest success rates for fresh donor eggs, please see our SART report at sart.org for the latest year of final results.
What Is The Alternative To Egg Donation?
The alternative to egg donation is to consider adoption, embryo donation when suitable embryos are available or making a decision to not have a child.
