IVF and Egg Donation: What You Need To Know

In recent years, many intended parents have turned to IVF (in vitro fertilization) with egg donation as a solution to build their families. If you’re considering this route, understanding the connection between IVF and egg donation is crucial to smoothly and confidently navigating the process. Let’s look at how IVF works, what the process looks like when an egg donor is involved, and how Everie makes the journey easier for our intended parents!

What Is IVF With Donor Eggs?

IVF with donor eggs is a fertility treatment where an egg from a donor is fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting, and the resulting embryo is implanted in the intended mother's uterus (or a gestational carrier if surrogacy is also needed). This process allows individuals or couples who cannot use their own eggs—due to age, poor egg quality, or other reasons—to carry their child through pregnancy and be biologically connected to them if a male partner’s sperm is used. The donor’s eggs are carefully selected and retrieved then fertilized via IVF. Once the embryos develop, the most viable one(s) are chosen for transfer into the intended mother's uterus.

Does IVF Factor Into Which Egg Donor You Choose?

The only reason the IVF process might affect which egg donor you choose is if you have a particular timeline you want to follow. The IVF process you choose (fresh vs. frozen egg donation) may influence your choice of donor based on availability and how soon you're hoping to begin your journey. While both options are medically sound, they differ in how—and when—the donated eggs are used in the fertilization process.

How IVF Type Affects Donor Selection

Coordinating With a Fresh Egg Donor

If you're opting for a fresh egg donation cycle, timing and coordination are vital. Both you (or the gestational carrier) and the egg donor must synchronize your cycles so the eggs can be retrieved and the embryo development process started immediately. This means the donor must be available to undergo ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval within your preferred window.

For 1 to 2 months before the egg retrieval, the egg donor will take daily hormone injections to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs. Meanwhile, the recipient parent (or gestational carrier) has been preparing her body to receive the embryo with daily medication for 1 to 2 weeks prior to the embryo transfer procedure. Because of this coordination requirement, choosing a fresh donor often depends on the donor’s schedule and readiness to undergo the process at the same time as you.

Flexibility With a Frozen Egg Donor

With frozen egg donations there's more flexibility. The eggs have already been retrieved and frozen at peak maturity, so the timing revolves around your availability, not the donor's. Once you decide you are ready to begin the IVF process, the eggs are thawed and fertilized. 

Once the eggs are fertilized with sperm, they are then cultured for about 5 days, with approximately 30% to 50% successfully developing into blastocyst. The embryologist might do pre-implantation genetic testing to assess chromosomal abnormalities and, if you want, determine the gender of each viable blastocyst.

Typically, one blastocyst is selected for embryo transfer, and the rest are vitrified (frozen) for future use if you wish to expand your family further. Learn more about what happens in an embryology lab.

How Much Does IVF With Egg Donor Cost?

The cost of IVF with an egg donor can vary significantly depending on factors like the clinic, donor fees, and the number of IVF cycles required. Generally, IVF with a donor egg can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 per cycle. At Everie, we offer transparent pricing and are committed to helping intended parents navigate the financial aspects of fertility treatment with detailed guidance on costs and payment options.

How Everie Makes IVF With Donor Egg Process Easier

Choosing to pursue IVF with a donor egg can feel overwhelming, but Everie simplifies the egg donation process with expert support every step of the way. We provide:

• Personalized Guidance: Our team of fertility experts will guide you through the process of choosing a donor, understanding your treatment options, and making the right decisions for your family.

• Access to Trusted Donors: Everie’s database includes a variety of well-screened egg donors with detailed profiles to ensure you find the right match.

• Supportive Care: From emotional support to financial advice, we are committed to helping you feel comfortable and confident throughout your IVF journey.

Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of using donated eggs to grow your family or are ready to begin, we offer the support and resources you need to turn your dreams into reality.

Taking the First Step

IVF with donor eggs is a transformative process that enables you, the intended parents, to carry your own pregnancy and/or have a biological child with a male partner’s sperm. Understanding how IVF works, the cost of IVF with egg donor, and the step-by-step process will help you feel more prepared and confident on your fertility journey. 

At Everie, we are here to help you through each stage of IVF with a donor egg, making the process as seamless and supportive as possible. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact Everie today to learn more about how we can assist you in finding the perfect egg donor for your family.