At Indiana Fertility Institute, we’re proud to help individuals and couples achieve their dreams of parenthood through advanced fertility treatments, including egg donation. Whether you’re exploring this option for the first time or considering it as part of your journey, this page provides everything you need to know about using donor eggs to grow your family.
A form of third-party reproduction, egg donation is when a healthy, fertile individual donates their eggs to help another person conceive. These eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory through in vitro fertilization (IVF) to create embryos, which are then transferred to the uterus of the intended parent or surrogate.
Using donor eggs may be the best option for individuals and couples in situations such as:
Premature ovarian failure or diminished ovarian reserve
Genetic conditions that could be passed on to a child
Multiple failed IVF cycles with their own eggs
Advanced maternal age
LGBTQ+ couples and single parents who need donor eggs to build their families
One of the first decisions you’ll make when considering egg donation is whether to use fresh or frozen donor eggs. Each option has unique benefits, and the right choice often depends on your personal circumstances, preferences, and timeline.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the key differences between fresh and frozen eggs:
| Aspect | Fresh Donor Eggs | Frozen Donor Eggs |
| Timing | Requires synchronization of cycles | Available on demand |
| Cost | Generally more expensive | Broader availability of donors |
| Selection | Often involves custom matching | Broader availability of donors |
| Success Rates | Slightly higher | Highly successful with modern freezing techniques |
Donor eggs are seamlessly integrated into the IVF process. Once a donor’s eggs are retrieved (and thawed, if using frozen donor eggs), they are fertilized in the lab. The resulting embryos are cultured and evaluated for quality. A high-quality embryo is then selected and transferred into the recipient’s uterus, where it can implant and develop into a pregnancy.
The process includes several key steps:
Choosing a Donor: You may select a donor through our database, a partner egg donor agency, or a known donor (e.g., family or friend). Options include fresh or frozen eggs.
Synchronizing Cycles (for Fresh Eggs): The donor’s cycle is synchronized with the recipient’s to ensure timely egg retrieval and transfer.
Egg Retrieval: The donor undergoes a minor procedure to collect eggs.
Fertilization and Embryo Development: The eggs are fertilized, and embryos are monitored in the lab.
Embryo Transfer: A high-quality embryo is transferred to the recipient's uterus.
Egg donors are typically healthy women aged 21–30 who undergo extensive screening to ensure their suitability. This process includes:
Medical Screening: Comprehensive evaluations of reproductive health, genetic history, and infectious diseases.
Psychological Screening: Ensuring the donor is emotionally prepared for the process.
Lifestyle and Background Checks: Reviewing habits, education, and personal history.
Choosing to use donor eggs is an emotional decision, often accompanied by a mix of hope, uncertainty, and even grief over not using your own eggs. Many intended parents find comfort in focusing on their role in nurturing and raising their future child. Indiana Fertility Institute is here to provide emotional support and counseling throughout your journey.
You’ll have access to a database of donors or can work with an agency to find the best match. Donors can be anonymous or known, and our team will guide you through the process to find someone who aligns with your preferences.
Success rates vary depending on factors like the age and health of the donor, the quality of the embryos, and the recipient's uterine health. Egg donation is one of the most successful fertility treatments available, with high pregnancy and live birth rates. To learn more about Indiana Fertility Institute’s success rates, explore our report from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).
If you’re using a donor egg, the child will have a genetic connection to the donor and the sperm provider. However, many intended parents find immense fulfillment in nurturing and raising their children, regardless of genetic ties.
Anonymous donors remain unidentified, with recipients receiving only basic information such as medical history, education, and physical characteristics. Known donors, often a friend or family member, allow for direct interaction and future contact if desired. Both options can be effective, and our team can help you decide which is right for you.
The timeline depends on whether you choose fresh or frozen eggs. Fresh egg donation involves synchronizing cycles and can take several weeks to months. Frozen eggs are ready for immediate use, shortening the overall timeline.
Using donor eggs can help couples and individuals build the families of their dreams. To learn more, schedule an appointment with our reproductive specialists in Indiana today. We look forward to being a part of your family-building journey.