When donor eggs are considered
Donor eggs may be part of your plan for many reasons — diminished ovarian reserve, prior unsuccessful cycles, genetic considerations, same-sex family building, or a medical history that makes using your own eggs less likely to succeed.
Donors
Donors are screened for medical, genetic, and psychosocial factors following standards from professional societies. Options include non-identified donors through an agency and known donors (for example, a family member or friend). Terminology and process are explained in the consultation.
How the process works
The recipient prepares the uterus for embryo transfer while the donor undergoes ovarian stimulation and retrieval. Embryos are created in the lab; one or more transfers follow according to your plan. Any remaining embryos can be frozen.
Counseling and consent
Independent counseling is part of the process for donors, recipients, and, where relevant, partners. Consent covers medical, ethical, and disposition considerations up front.
Fresh versus frozen donor cycles
A donor cycle can be fresh — with the recipient's transfer synchronized to the donor's retrieval — or frozen, using previously banked donor eggs or embryos. Each has trade-offs in scheduling, cost, and outcome expectations that your physician will review during planning.