IVF using Donor Eggs

IVF with donor eggs helps even more people start a family of their own

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Using Donor Eggs for In-Vitro Fertilisation

Using donor eggs in the IVF process provides even more people the opportunity to create a family of their own. We’re proud to have launched an exclusive new pathway to ensure our patients are able to find donated eggs more quickly than ever before.

Our dedicated donation team guides people through the process of finding and then using donated eggs in IVF. Our specialist team of consultants, nurses and counsellors are on hand to help you through each stage of the process.

There are lots of reasons why someone might need to use donated eggs in their IVF journey; perhaps they underwent medical treatment earlier in life which impacted their fertility, or perhaps underlying health issues have resulted in early menopause or perhaps they are in a same-sex relationship.

Whatever the reason for using donor eggs in IVF, the results are incredible. Donated eggs help people create something truly special.

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The Process of IVF Using Donated Eggs

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Consultation

An initial consultation is the first step in any treatment journey. In this 60-minute appointment you will discuss your medical history and goals with your fertility consultant, who will also tell you more about the treatment types on offer and answer your questions.

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Finding your donor

Our IVF Egg Donation team will work with you to explain your options and assist in finding the right donor for you. You can use either a “known” or an “anonymous” donor. Your chosen donor will then undergo tests, stimulation and IVF egg collection, resulting in eggs ready for use in your IVF cycle. When the time is right, these eggs will be combined with sperm to create an embryo ready for storage or transfer.

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Blood tests and investigations

Your consultant will recommend some tests and investigations to ensure you are ready for treatment. A semen analysis will also be conducted to confirm the quality of the sperm being used. There are lots of additional tests which our doctors can also recommend should it be appropriate. For example, those who have had unsuccessful treatment in the past may be eligible for additional testing.

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Implications Counselling

For anyone undergoing IVF using donated eggs, implications counselling is a mandatory part of the process. Our specialist fertility counsellors will help you to understand the things to consider when using donated eggs and provide you with emotional support throughout your treatment.

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Follow up consultation

Once your test results are back, you will meet with your consultant to discuss the results. During this meeting your consultant will also confirm a “treatment plan” based on these results.

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Agree your treatment plan

Before moving forward with any medication or treatment, you will need to agree to the treatment plan and estimated costs of IVF using donor eggs. Our Patient Liaison team will provide you with this information.

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Nurse consultation

This meeting with one of our specialised fertility nurses marks the start of treatment itself. Your nurse will explain the different steps of the treatment in greater detail and how and when to take your medication, as well as answering any other questions you might have.

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Embryo transfer

Your consultant and embryologist will help you to decide which embryo is the best to transfer for the highest possible chance of a healthy and successful pregnancy. Using a small, flexible tube, the chosen embryo will be implanted into the womb to continue its nine months of development as a completely natural pregnancy.

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Pregnancy test

14 days after your embryo transfer, you will need to take an at-home pregnancy test which will confirm the results of your treatment. Whatever the outcome, our team of consultants, nurses and counsellors will be on hand to support you in your next steps.

Our Outstanding Success Rates

We are often asked what are the chances of IVF success with donated eggs. Here, you can see our success rates! Live Birth Rates, Per Embryo Transferred 2021, for IVF using Donor Eggs

Live Birth Rate Per Embryo Transferred in over 44s

2022

69.6%

Live Birth Rate per embryo transferred all ages average

2022

55.8%

Live Birth Rates Per Embryo Transferred by age group

2022

Complete List

Frequently Asked Questions

The process of IVF using donor eggs

How long does this treatment take?

A cycle of IVF usually takes around six weeks, although this is dependent on each individual and often governed by menstrual cycles. When using donor eggs, the process of finding the correct donor can take longer, especially if using an “anonymous” donor.

Is IVF with donor eggs suitable for everyone?

This process is particularly suitable for those who are unable to use their own eggs for fertility treatment. Reasons for this might be low ovarian reserve, age or previous failed fertility treatments.

Is IVF using donor eggs safe?

IVF with donor eggs is as safe as IVF using your own eggs. IVF is generally a very safe treatment, although there are some risks.
You can read more about the risks below, or visit the HFEA website which explains the risks for IVF and all other fertility treatments available in the UK.

Can you use donated sperm or eggs for IVF?

Yes, you can use donated egg or sperm (sometimes referred to as “gametes”) in IVF. Our team can help in finding donated eggs or sperm for use in IVF.

Can you pause during the IVF using Donor Eggs process?

Yes; one of the nice things about IVF using donor eggs is you are able to “pause” at certain points in the process. This can be helpful for those who have other commitments.
Speak to your consultant for more information on how to schedule your treatment.

How much does IVF with Donor Eggs cost?

Treatment costs vary depending on your individual needs, particularly when it comes to medication. You can find an example of the IVF costs on our Pricing page.

How to prepare for IVF with Donor Eggs

How to prepare for IVF with donor eggs

As part of your IVF treatment plan, your consultant will prescribe medication that will help prepare your body for treatment. Our nurses will also help explain the lifestyle changes which could help maximise your chances of success.

Is there anything I should avoid prior to IVF with donor eggs?

It’s important to keep your body healthy and relaxed prior to any treatment type. Avoiding stress and excess alcohol prior to your treatment can help prepare your body.

What should I do after IVF using donor eggs?

You should continue to avoid excess stress following your treatment. A healthy diet and regular light exercise will help to keep your body strong while you wait for your pregnancy test results.

Your consultant may also prescribe medication to continue to take in the early stages of your pregnancy.

Risks Associated with IVF Using Donor Eggs

Go to HFEA website
IVF with donor eggs carries the same risks as other IVF treatments. IVF is generally a very safe treatment. However, there are some risks which you should take into account. These risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), surgical complications, clots, multiple births (twins or triplets) and ectopic pregnancy.

Your consultant will discuss these risks, and how we reduce them, during your consultation. You can also learn more about the risks associated with all fertility treatment available in the UK on the HFEA website.

Average costs of IVF with donor eggs

See our example prices
We tailor your treatment at every stage to ensure you have the best possible chance of success. Prior to starting treatment, our finance team will provide you with an itemised costing of your unique treatment plan.

Learn more about becoming an Egg Recipient

An initial consultation is the first step in almost every treatment journey. During this 60-minute video appointment, you will meet with a consultant of your choice. Our consultants are experts at understanding your previous medical and fertility history, as well as your goals for treatment. Having taken a detailed medical history, your consultant will help you understand the treatment options which are available and answer any questions you might have.

From our patients

Reviews

Everyone we dealt with were friendly and helpful and empathetic to the journey we were on

CRGH are extremely professional and welcoming. Everyone we dealt with were friendly and helpful and empathetic to the journey we were on. We went through IVF with ICSI treatment plan and they are transparent with their costs, help you every step of the way and we’re very excited to say that we’re expecting our first baby thanks to the treatment at CRGH.

August 2023