What Happens If the Egg Donation Doesn’t Work?

A frequent question from prospective parents about to embark on the egg donation process is, “What happens if egg donation doesn’t work? What do we (or I) do next?”

This is a common concern, as using donor eggs to have a child may be a couple’s only option to build their family, particularly for some LGBT couples. Another factor to consider is whether you and your partner are emotionally and financially prepared to work through a failed egg donation cycle. Opting for egg donation is a very personal decision, and Egg Donor America is prepared to support prospective parents in any way we can to make each decision as straightforward as possible.

Below we’ve provided a detailed answer to the question of what happens if the egg donation doesn’t work and what steps you can take next.

• Attempt a second or third round.
• Consider PGS in order to check for abnormalities and select healthy embryos.
  PGS uses pre-implantation genetic testing prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF) to screen embryos for chromosomal abnormalities. If an abnormality exists, it’s possible this is the reason for the failed egg donation cycle, and your fertility specialist can attempt to select only healthy embryos for transfer.
• Consider sperm analysis. Sometimes your fertility specialist will suggest testing the sperm in order to check for abnormal chromosomes.
• Assess the uterine cavity of the female partner for possible abnormalities such as polyps, fibroids or adhesions (scars).
• Check for endometrial progesterone receptivity to find out whether to perform the embryo transfer a day earlier or a day later.

In cases where there is no specific diagnosis after a failed egg donation cycle, then it is likely your Egg Donor America case manager will recommend one of two options. The first option is to use a gestational surrogate in combination with an egg donor to build your family. A gestational surrogate will not share a genetic connection to the child – she will simply carry the pregnancy to term – and you will receive parental rights once the baby is born. The second option is to consider adoption.

It’s important to remember that one failed egg donation is not the end of the road. As noted above, several screenings and procedures are available that can assist in creating a successful egg donation. If you have additional questions about what happens when egg donation doesn’t work, we hope you’ll reach out to Egg Donor America.