A Guide to Donor Eggs and IVF
When Hope and Science Create New Possibilities
For individuals or couples struggling with infertility, choosing to use donor eggs can feel like a turning point—filled with both emotion and opportunity. Whether due to age, diminished ovarian reserve, genetic concerns, or prior IVF failure, donor egg IVF offers one of the most successful paths to pregnancy. At Reproductive Centers of America (RCA), we support patients with thoughtful, personalized care every step of the way. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering IVF with donor eggs
What Is Donor Egg IVF?
Donor egg IVF is a process where eggs from a carefully screened donor are fertilized with sperm (from a partner or donor) to create embryos. One or more embryos are then transferred to the intended parent’s uterus or that of a gestational carrier.
This allows intended parents to carry and give birth to a child, even if their own eggs are no longer viable or safe to use.
Who Might Consider Donor Eggs?
- Women over 40, especially those with low ovarian reserve or poor egg quality
- Individuals with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) or early menopause
- People with genetic conditions they wish to avoid passing on
- Those who have experienced repeated IVF failure
- LGBTQ+ families (especially male couples or single fathers using a gestational carrier)
Choosing an Egg Donor
At RCA, all egg donors go through comprehensive screening, including:
- Medical and reproductive history
- Genetic carrier screening
- Psychological evaluation
- Drug and infectious disease testing
- Personality and educational background
You may choose:
- An anonymous donor from our donor database
- A known donor (such as a friend or family member)
- A frozen egg bank donor, for faster cycles and more scheduling flexibility
- A fresh donor match, which can allow for higher egg yield but more coordination
The IVF Process with Donor Eggs
- Consultation & Testing
You’ll meet with your fertility team to discuss medical history, test hormone levels, and assess uterine health. - Donor Selection & Legal Agreements
Once you select a donor, legal contracts are created to establish parental rights and protect all parties. - Fertilization
Donor eggs are retrieved (fresh or thawed) and fertilized with sperm in the lab. - Embryo Culture & PGT (if chosen)
Embryos are grown to the blastocyst stage. Optional preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may be performed. - Embryo Transfer
One embryo is typically transferred into the uterus. Remaining embryos can be frozen for future use. - Pregnancy Testing & Follow-Up
About 9–11 days later, a blood test determines if the cycle was successful.
Success Rates
IVF with donor eggs has some of the highest success rates of any fertility treatment, especially for patients over 40. At RCA, we see excellent outcomes thanks to:
- Young, healthy donors
- Advanced lab techniques
- Personalized embryo transfer protocols
- Whole-person care that includes lifestyle and emotional support
Emotional Considerations
Choosing donor eggs can bring up feelings of grief, loss of genetic connection, or questions about disclosure. These are normal and valid.
We offer:
- Fertility counseling
- Peer support resources
- Guidance on how and when to talk to your child about their origin
You are not alone, and your story is still deeply your own.
Is It Right for You?
If you’ve been told your own eggs are no longer an option—or if you simply want to give yourself the best chance possible—donor egg IVF may be a life-changing step forward.
At RCA, we’ll walk with you from decision-making to delivery and beyond.
What Is Donor Egg IVF?
Donor egg IVF is a process where eggs from a carefully screened donor are fertilized with sperm (from a partner or donor) to create embryos. One or more embryos are then transferred to the intended parent’s uterus or that of a gestational carrier.
This allows intended parents to carry and give birth to a child, even if their own eggs are no longer viable or safe to use.
Who Might Consider Donor Eggs?
- Women over 40, especially those with low ovarian reserve or poor egg quality
- Individuals with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) or early menopause
- People with genetic conditions they wish to avoid passing on
- Those who have experienced repeated IVF failure
- LGBTQ+ families (especially male couples or single fathers using a gestational carrier)
Choosing an Egg Donor
At RCA, all egg donors go through comprehensive screening, including:
- Medical and reproductive history
- Genetic carrier screening
- Psychological evaluation
- Drug and infectious disease testing
- Personality and educational background
You may choose:
- An anonymous donor from our donor database
- A known donor (such as a friend or family member)
- A frozen egg bank donor, for faster cycles and more scheduling flexibility
- A fresh donor match, which can allow for higher egg yield but more coordination
The IVF Process with Donor Eggs
- Consultation & Testing
You’ll meet with your fertility team to discuss medical history, test hormone levels, and assess uterine health. - Donor Selection & Legal Agreements
Once you select a donor, legal contracts are created to establish parental rights and protect all parties. - Fertilization
Donor eggs are retrieved (fresh or thawed) and fertilized with sperm in the lab. - Embryo Culture & PGT (if chosen)
Embryos are grown to the blastocyst stage. Optional preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) may be performed. - Embryo Transfer
One embryo is typically transferred into the uterus. Remaining embryos can be frozen for future use. - Pregnancy Testing & Follow-Up
About 9–11 days later, a blood test determines if the cycle was successful.
Success Rates
IVF with donor eggs has some of the highest success rates of any fertility treatment, especially for patients over 40. At RCA, we see excellent outcomes thanks to:
- Young, healthy donors
- Advanced lab techniques
- Personalized embryo transfer protocols
- Whole-person care that includes lifestyle and emotional support
Emotional Considerations
Choosing donor eggs can bring up feelings of grief, loss of genetic connection, or questions about disclosure. These are normal and valid.
We offer:
- Fertility counseling
- Peer support resources
- Guidance on how and when to talk to your child about their origin
You are not alone, and your story is still deeply your own.
Is It Right for You?
If you’ve been told your own eggs are no longer an option—or if you simply want to give yourself the best chance possible—donor egg IVF may be a life-changing step forward.
At RCA, we’ll walk with you from decision-making to delivery and beyond.
