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.
Egg donation is also called oocyte donation, and it is an option for women who are unable to use their own eggs, or gay men who are choosing gestational surrogacy as their path to parenthood.
Do you have an egg donor in mind?
Some in need of donor eggs ask their family and closest friends if they would be willing to donate their genetic materials. 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? Drop us a line at [email protected]
