From IVF to Egg Donation: What You Need to Know

Although in vitro fertilization is one of the most popular and effective ways for people to conceive, it is not always a success story. Infertility can be difficult to deal with, and not finding luck with IVF can present its own set of emotional challenges. However, many women find they are able to have a baby through egg donation.

Good candidates for egg donation may not be able to conceive with their own eggs due to age or reproductive conditions. Women over 40, those with low ovarian reserve, as well as women who suffer from conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome all particularly benefit from this process. Egg donation also allows LGBTQ+ couples as well as single parents to build the families of their dreams.

It is certainly disappointing to accept that IVF may not be the right approach for you, and you should take the time to honor your feelings. When you’re ready to embark on the next step in your fertility journey, you can start by discussing egg donation with your doctor. A study from the CDC reported that over half of the eggs donated resulted in a live birth. The success of egg donation depends on many factors, but with the right support and planning, your chances of having a baby will be greater.

There is a stringent screening process to qualify potential donors. Each of our donors is hand-selected after a series of psychological and physical exams, as well as a detailed profile of their medical and family history. To be accepted as an egg donor, each person must at least meet the following qualifications:

• Be between the ages of 21 and 35 years of age
• Have a BMI between 19 and 25 (being overweight or underweight can affect egg quality)
• Be smoke-free for at least one year
• Have regular monthly menstrual cycles
• Be in good physical, mental and emotional health
• Be willing to take injectable medication
• Have had no STDs or STIs in the past year
• Have no history of drug use

After the potential donor is thoroughly screened, evaluated, and approved, they will join a collection of the best donors we have to offer. It’s important to find a donor agency you can trust, so you can find a donor that closely fits your expectations. Start to think about what you are looking for in a donor--are you expecting an athletic type or an academic? Would you like your baby to have a certain hair or eye color? Staying true to your preferences will keep you focused, but try to find areas of flexibility. Though it is natural to want a donor that physically resembles you or your partner or possesses extraordinary accomplishments, there is no way to predict what a child will look like or who they will become.

Starting a family can be an emotional process, but many fertility centers offer counseling and other forms of support for families. Caring for your physical and mental health is the highest priority, and taking the space and time to find what’s right for you will make your journey easier. If egg donation is a viable option, contact Egg Donor America to learn more. We would be happy to help you through any step of the way.