Seeking Alternative Methods for Conception? Receive the Gift of A Lifetime with Donor Eggs
To say egg donors are generous is putting it mildly; they provide a selfless gift to couples who are longing to start or complete their family. The donor egg IVF journey may come with a few challenges and a whirlwind of emotions, but educating yourself on your fertility options can help. Here, Donor Egg Bank USA offers information for those exploring donor eggs as a means of conception.
Choosing fresh or frozen donor eggs
When using fresh donor eggs, you may choose between using a friend, family member, or donor through an agency. A friend or family member has the benefit of being a known entity; however, you must ensure any prospective donor passes medical, psychological, and genetic screenings, just as an agency or egg bank is required to do so.
Using frozen donor eggs means the perfect egg is already safely, cryogenically stored, and waiting for you to bring it to life. You can browse donors’ profiles within an international donor database to find one whose physical qualities, educational and professional background, or personal achievements best fit your needs.
Difference between fresh and frozen donor egg processes: fresh donor eggs
Individuals or couples opting for fresh donor eggs must wait for their donor’s medication to stimulate egg production, maturation, and then egg retrieval at the appropriate time.
Another time-sensitive requirement to consider is cycled synchronization between donor and recipient (an intended parent or a gestational surrogate). Both must take medication simultaneously to synchronize their menstrual cycles.
After egg retrieval from your donor, the IVF cycle begins with fertilization, which allows the intended parent’s partner (or donor sperm) to contribute genetically. After the resulting embryos develop in the lab for three to five days, one or two are transferred to the recipient. Overall, it can take over six months to secure your donor and complete a fresh donor egg IVF cycle.
Frozen Donor Eggs
Thankfully, with frozen donor eggs, many steps in this process are already complete because 1) your donor has already undergone egg retrieval, and 2) their eggs are cryogenically stored and waiting for your selection.
Once you’ve selected your perfect donor, you can begin the frozen donor egg cycle at a time that fits your schedule. No cycle synchronization is needed, although the recipient must still take medication to thicken the lining of their uterus for embryo implantation. Given this, you can complete a frozen donor egg cycle in as few as four weeks from start to finish.
Alternative methods for conception: vitrification
One consideration that only applies to frozen donor eggs is vitrification (cryopreservation) of the eggs. This advanced technology enables significantly better – and more reliable – results than the slow-freeze technology used to be standard practice. Unfortunately, the old slow-freezing technique allowed ice crystals to form inside the egg cells, damaging the egg’s cellular structure.
Fortunately, vitrification freezes the egg so quickly that ice can’t develop at all. Ensuring your clinic is experienced in thawing vitrified eggs is key to improving the likelihood of pregnancy with a frozen donor egg IVF cycle.
Fresh vs. frozen egg financial considerations
The investment for IVF with frozen donor eggs is about half the cost of using fresh eggs. In either case, prospective parents make a worthwhile investment in their future family.
Quell your donor egg IVF uncertainty
As with any reproductive technology, there are always uncertainties – the most common being ‘will this procedure work?’ Fortunately, pregnancy rates are nearly comparable between fresh and frozen donor egg cycles.
Many considering frozen donor eggs appreciate knowing in advance how many eggs they’ll be receiving; with Donor Egg Bank USA, you can rest assured you’ll receive 5-8 mature eggs per cycle. With a fresh donor egg IVF cycle, it’s impossible to know how your donor will respond to their medication; they could produce a dozen eggs or – unfortunately – just a few.
Another uncertainty with fresh donor eggs is whether your donor could change their mind about donating. Cancellations are uncommon – approximately 10% of cycles – but they can be devastating to those who have waited at length for their chosen donor to become available. Using frozen eggs, you’ll have greater control over your treatment by removing the risk of cancellation due to donor issues.
Alternative methods for conception: achieving the pregnancy of your dreams
In the end, the most compelling reason to choose donor eggs is so you can have the chance to nurture your baby from within, to experience your own pregnancy fully, and to be the one delivering your baby into the world. For a family dreaming of that day, knowing your options is the best way to make those dreams come true.
