Donor Egg IVF
Donor egg IVF provides hope to couples where the female has diminished ovarian reserve. Ovarian function naturally declines with aging but can also occur prematurely. Some women’s eggs will not fertilize for unknown reasons and they are often candidates for donor egg IVF. It is also possible for a woman to be born with non-functioning ovaries or absent eggs (rare).
Egg donors undergo stimulation with ovulation inducing drugs (FSH) to cause the development of multiple follicles (eggs). Once the follicles mature, the eggs are withdrawn transvaginally and combined with the male partner’s sperm as in the standard IVF procedure. Once the embryos mature, they are transferred to the recipient mother. She undergoes hormonal therapy to “synchronize” her uterus with the donor’s cycle and prepare her endometrium to accept the embryo. The resultant child will have the genetic makeup of the father and the egg donor.
Egg donors undergo extensive physical and psychological screening and are most often aged in their twenties. They receive compensation for their time and inconvenience.
IVF pregnancy rates are higher in younger female age groups. In fact, the success rates for a donor couple usually match the donor’s age group regardless of the recipient’s age.