egg bank

If you’re embarking on the donor egg IVF journey as an intended parent, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to do a fresh or frozen egg donation cycle. At Cofertility, we offer both options, each with its own unique advantages. But before we dive into the specifics of our fresh and frozen egg donation programs, it's important to highlight a few key aspects of the Cofertility model and experience that remain constant, regardless of which path you choose.

First and foremost, every donor at Cofertility participates in our unique egg sharing model. Instead of receiving cash compensation, Cofertility donors complete a split cycle in which they keep half of the mature eggs retrieved, and donate the other half to intended parents. This means that our donors aren't motivated by financial compensation, but rather by the opportunity to help your family today alongside their own future family building goals. It's a win-win situation that ensures our donors are genuinely committed to the process and aligns their interests with those of intended parents.

Secondly, no matter which program you opt for, you'll be protected by our Baby Guarantee. While the scope of the guarantee varies with fresh versus frozen, know that everyone on our team is deeply committed to helping you achieve your dream of parenthood, and this guarantee reflects that commitment. We truly want you to go home with a baby, and we're willing to stand behind that commitment.

Third, regardless of the program you choose, you’ll have the option to decide between having a disclosed or undisclosed relationship with the egg donor. You can also meet with the donor in either program, though the timing of that meeting varies based on whether you go fresh or frozen. 

With these promises in place, let's explore the specific features of our fresh and frozen programs to help you determine which path might be the best fit for your family-building journey. 

Cofertility’s frozen egg donation program

Matching with a donor in our frozen egg donation program offers several benefits that make it an attractive option for many intended parents.

Increased certainty 

A significant advantage of matching with a donor in our frozen program is the increased certainty it brings to the egg donation process. When you match with an egg donor who is available for a frozen cycle, she has either completed her retrieval or has completed most or all of her medical screening and will be starting her cycle soon. With things like genetic testing results and psych clearance in hand, this means fewer unknowns and a smoother path forward.

But what does this mean for you in practical terms? It means less waiting, less anxiety, and more confidence in the process. You'll know from the start that your chosen donor has met all medical requirements to donate, reducing the risk of last-minute surprises or disappointments. This can be particularly reassuring for intended parents who have experienced setbacks in their fertility journey and are seeking a more predictable path forward.

Speed

If time is of the essence in your family-building journey, matching with donors participating in our frozen program might be a great fit. Since the time-consuming screening process is either complete or well underway, the period from matching to cycling can be significantly shorter. This is particularly beneficial if you're eager to transfer embryos as soon as possible.

Consider this: with a fresh egg donation cycle, you might wait one to three months for your donor to complete all necessary screenings and synchronize her cycle with yours. When you match with a donor in our frozen program, you could potentially be ready to create embryos within days  of matching. For many intended parents, especially those who feel that time is of the essence, this acceleration of the process can be a game-changer.

Baby Guarantee 

Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of working with Cofertility is our unprecedented Frozen Baby Guarantee. Unlike traditional egg banks that might offer a blastocyst guarantee, we go a step further with a live birth guarantee. This means if the frozen eggs you receive do not result in a live birth, we'll replace them with an equivalent number of eggs from a new donor for $0. You won't have to pay for any screening or retrieval fees again, the only costs you’d need to pay are the additional shipping and fertilization expenses at the clinic. This guarantee covers the entire cost of the match, providing you with peace of mind and financial protection.

Essentially, we're sharing the financial risk of the egg donation process. This can provide immense peace of mind, knowing that your investment is protected and that we're committed to your success.

Cofertility’s fresh egg donation program

While matching with a donor from our frozen egg donation program offers significant advantages, matching with a donor from our fresh egg donation program also has its own unique benefits that many intended parents find appealing.

Fresh egg embryo creation 

One of the primary advantages of fresh egg donation is the ability to create embryos immediately upon egg retrieval. Some doctors prefer to fertilize fresh eggs vs. previously frozen eggs. This is because it could potentially lead to a higher number of healthy embryos, as it eliminates the need for egg thawing, a process that can sometimes result in the loss of some eggs. 

Every egg is precious in this process. So while freezing techniques have advanced significantly in recent years, with vitrification there's still a 5% chance that some eggs may not survive the thawing process. With fresh eggs, you're working with eggs in their most viable state, potentially increasing your chances of creating healthy embryos.

Local cycles and continuity of care 

When you match with a donor from our  fresh egg donation program, you have the option  of having that donor cycle at your clinic under the care of your own doctor. If you've already established a strong relationship with your fertility team, this ensures continuity throughout the entire process, from egg retrieval to embryo transfer.

This continuity can be incredibly valuable. Your fertility team already knows your medical history, understands your specific situation, and has likely built a rapport with you. Being able to continue working with them through the egg donation process can provide an added layer of comfort and familiarity during what can be an emotionally charged time.

Additionally, having the egg retrieval performed at your local clinic means you have more control over the process. You can be present (if you choose) on the day of the retrieval, adding to the sense of involvement and connection to the process.

A chance to meet the donor before the match is official 

With either program, you’ll have the option of having a disclosed or undisclosed donation and can choose to meet the donor if that’s something both parties are interested in. 

However, if you’re interested in matching with a donor from our fresh program, you’ll have the unique opportunity to potentially meet with the donor before she begins her cycle as part of our mutual matching process. This can be a meaningful experience for intended parents who value this personal connection from the outset.

For some intended parents, meeting the donor before the retrieval can help solidify their choice and create a sense of connection to the process. It can be an opportunity to express gratitude, ask questions, or simply put a face to the generous individual who is helping to make your dreams of parenthood a reality.

It's important to note, however, that this meeting is entirely optional. We understand that every intended parent and egg donor has different comfort levels when it comes to donor contact, and we respect whatever level of interaction you prefer.

Making your decision: it's all about finding your perfect match

Ultimately, for many intended parents, the choice between our fresh and frozen programs often comes down to finding the right donor. Both programs have their merits, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific circumstances, preferences, and the connection you feel with potential donors.

If you're open to either journey, we recommend exploring both options. You might find that you connect deeply with a donor in our fresh egg donation program, or you might discover that the perfect donor for you has already completed her cycle as a  part of our frozen egg donation program.

Consider your priorities:

• Is time a critical factor for you? If so, frozen egg donation might be your best bet.
• Do you feel strongly about using fresh eggs? Then fresh egg donation could be the way to go.
• Is the ability to meet your donor before the retrieval important to you? With donors in our  fresh egg donation program, you could have this opportunity.
• Are you looking for the highest level of financial protection? The Frozen Baby Guarantee might be particularly appealing.

At Cofertility, we're committed to supporting you through every step of your journey, regardless of which program you choose. Our team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you navigate this important decision.

Remember, this is your journey. Trust your instincts, ask questions, and don't hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance. We're here to help you navigate these decisions and find the path that feels right for you.

In the end, whether you go fresh or frozen, what matters most is the family you're building and the love that will fill your home. That is the most beautiful outcome of all. Your future child won't care whether they came from fresh or frozen eggs – they'll just be thrilled to be part of your family.

So take a deep breath, trust in the process, and know that with Cofertility by your side, you're one step closer to holding your baby in your arms. We’ve got hundreds of incredible donors on our egg donation platform who would love to help you make your dreams of parenthood a reality.  

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If you are considering using a surrogate and an egg donor to help you start or grow your family, the order in which you find a surrogate or egg donor will depend on your individual circumstances and needs. In this guide, we’ll go over a few things to consider when deciding whether to find a surrogate or an egg donor first.

Surrogacy vs. egg donation

Surrogacy is a process in which a woman carries and delivers a child for someone else. If you are considering using a gestational carrier (aka surrogate), you will likely need to work with an agency to help match with someone who has been pre-qualified to carry your child. You will also need to work through the legal and medical aspects of surrogacy, including the surrogacy agreement and the medical screening and evaluation process.

An egg donor is a woman who donates her eggs to another person or couple. If you are considering using an egg donor, you will need to match with an egg donor who is willing to donate her eggs to you. You will also need to consider the medical and legal aspects of using an egg donor, including the egg donor agreement and the medical screening, evaluation, and retrieval process.

Who would need both a surrogate and egg donor?

There are lots of cases where families need both a gestational carrier and egg donor to have a child. Here are a few examples:

• Infertility: Some individuals or couples may be unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term due to infertility. In these cases, they may consider using both a surrogate and an egg donor to help them increase their chances of having a child.
• Single individuals: Some single individuals, especially those born male, may consider using a surrogate and an egg donor, along with their own sperm or donor sperm, to help them become parents.
• LGBTQ+ couples: Some same-sex couples may consider using a surrogate and an egg donor to help them become parents. For example, a gay male couple may use a surrogate and an egg donor to carry and give birth to a child that is genetically related to one of the men.
• Medical conditions: Some individuals or couples may have medical conditions that prevent them from getting pregnant, undergoing IVF, and/or carrying a pregnancy to term. In these cases, they may consider using both a surrogate to carry their child for them.

So which comes first, egg donor or surrogate?

In most cases, we recommend starting by matching with an egg donor. Many surrogacy agencies cannot sign up families who do not yet have healthy embryos to transfer. This is because gestational carriers are in high demand and they don’t want to wait months after matching in order to start the transfer process. On the other hand, once you have embryos made through donor eggs, those can be frozen and used at any point in the future.

You could also begin the search for a gestational carrier and an egg donor at the same time, knowing that the waitlist for a gestational carrier is far longer than the process to get donor eggs.

How long does it take to match with an egg donor?

The timeline can vary, but in total the process from match to cycle with Cofertility is generally be two to four months. Once you create a free account, you’ll gain access to our matching platform and can start to learn more about our donors. After you match with a Split member (who will be freezing her eggs and donating half to your family), we begin the process of scheduling her screening and testing with your clinic, which generally takes a few weeks. Once your doctor gives the go-ahead, we’d set a date for the cycle at a time that is mutually convenient. 

You may decide to fertilize the embryos as soon as the eggs are retrieved or you can freeze the eggs and thaw them to be fertilized at a later date. If you do create embryos at the time of retrieval, they can be frozen in storage until you match with a surrogate or are ready to move forward with the transfer.  

How long does it take to match with a surrogate?

The process of matching with a surrogate varies in length and may depend on a variety of factors, including the location and availability of surrogates, the intended parents' preferences and requirements, and the legal and medical requirements involved in the surrogacy process based on your state. In general, the process of finding a surrogate may take several months to a year.

Learn more

Ultimately, the decision of whether to find a surrogate or an egg donor first will depend on your individual circumstances and needs. It may be helpful to speak with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your situation.

Cofertility is a human-first fertility ecosystem rewriting the egg donation experience. Our Family by Co platform serves as a more transparent, ethical egg donor matching platform. Create a free account today!

In traditional egg donation, the donor's eggs are given to the intended parents in exchange for cash compensation. However, in the increasingly popular egg sharing model, the donor has the opportunity to keep half of the eggs retrieved for her own future family planning.

At Cofertility, we exclusively work under the egg sharing model, which we call Split, because we think it’s beneficial for everyone involved – the intended parents, the egg donor, and ultimately the donor-conceived child. In this article, we will explore six reasons why we think egg sharing is a compelling model for egg donation, focusing on benefits such as increased donor commitment, the absence of financial implications, and a more diverse pool of potential donors. 

1. Donors have a personal stake in the outcomes, increasing donor commitment 

One significant benefit of the egg sharing model is that donors have a personal stake in the outcomes. When donors contribute a portion of their eggs in exchange for their own IVF treatment down the line, they are invested not only in helping intended parents but also in achieving their own fertility goals. This shared interest leads to a greater sense of commitment and dedication from the donors, potentially resulting in higher-quality eggs and improved success rates.

2. Cash compensation models can lead some egg donors to conceal relevant medical information

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) published specific guidance regarding egg donor compensation in 2021. In this guidance, they acknowledge that excessive monetary compensation could create the possibility of undue inducement and exploitation of egg donors. 

The guidance points out, “Women may agree to provide oocytes based on their financial need. High levels of compensation also could lead some prospective donors to conceal medical information relevant to their own health or that of their genetic offspring in order to be more likely to be selected for oocyte donation.”

However, in the egg sharing model, where the focus is on shared outcomes rather than financial gain, donors may be more likely to disclose any pertinent medical information, ensuring the best possible match and reducing the risk of undisclosed medical issues that may impact the intended parents or the resulting child's well-being.

3. Most donor-conceived people feel the exchange of money for donor eggs is wrong

In the context of egg sharing, compensation is not based on financial transactions. Instead, it focuses on the shared goal of success for both parties. This approach eliminates the potential discomfort and ickiness often associated with cash compensation, and avoids the perception of treating eggs as commodities. 

A 2021 Harvard study found that 62% of donor-conceived adults felt the exchange of money for donor gametes was wrong, and 41% were troubled by the fact that money was exchanged around their conception. This is why we created our Split program.  This unique model empowers women to take control of their own reproductive health while giving you the gift of a lifetime. Our donors aren’t doing it for cash – they keep half the eggs retrieved for their own future use, and donate half to your family.

By removing financial incentives, the process feels meaningful and preserves the dignity of all parties involved.

4. We’re able to recruit a more diverse pool of donors

Our model not only empowers our donors by giving them control over their own fertility, but it also enables us to recruit a truly exceptional group of donors. Our donors are motivated by the opportunity to help others start their families while also taking charge of their own reproductive futures. By offering this unique Split model, we have been able to attract a diverse and talented group of women who are passionate about helping others and committed to making a difference in the world.

5. Donors get to proactively invest in their own reproductive future

Egg sharing allows donors to actively invest in their own reproductive future while helping intended parents fulfill their dreams of having a child. By keeping half of the eggs retrieved, egg donors are proactively taking steps to preserve their fertility options and increase their chances of successful pregnancies in the future. This dual benefit of participating in the egg sharing model enables donors to make a meaningful investment in their own reproductive health, while simultaneously providing hope and support to intended parents who are seeking to build their families. It empowers donors to take control of their reproductive journey and make decisions that align with their long-term family planning goals.

6. Donors are happy with their decision

One compelling reason to consider egg sharing is the high level of donor satisfaction and positive experiences reported by individuals who have participated in this model. According to one study, the vast majority of egg share donors are happy with their decision. In fact, a significant majority of egg share donors, 83.3%, said they would even donate again. 

This statistic reflects the positive impact and personal fulfillment donors experience through their participation in the egg sharing process. Only 2.1% regret their decision, underscoring the fact that the decision to participate in egg sharing is often met with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that their contribution has made a meaningful difference in someone else's life. The positive feedback from donors highlights the mutually beneficial nature of the egg sharing model, reinforcing the notion that it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for all parties involved.

Cofertility - striving to be the best egg sharing program

We aim to be the best egg sharing program, providing an experience that honors, respects, and uplifts everyone involved. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Baby guarantee. We truly want to help you bring your baby home, and we will re-match you for free until that happens. 
• Donor empowerment. Our model empowers donors to preserve their own fertility, while lifting you up on your own journey. It’s a win-win.
• Diversity: We’re proud about the fact that the donors on our platform are as diverse as the intended parents seeking to match with them. We work with intended parents to understand their own cultural values — including regional nuances — in hopes of finding them the perfect match.
• Human-centered. We didn’t like the status quo in egg donation. So we’re doing things differently, starting with our human-centered matching platform.
• Lifetime support: Historically, other egg donation options have treated egg donor matching as a one-and-done experience. Beyond matching, beyond a pregnancy, beyond a birth…we believe in supporting the donor-conceived family for life. Our resources and education provide intended parents with the guidance they need to raise happy, healthy kids and celebrate their origin stories.

At Cofertility, the average number of mature eggs a family receives and fertilizes is 12. Some intended parents want to do two egg retrievals with the donor which is definitely possible. We also ask each of our donors whether they are open to a second cycle as part of the initial application — many report that they are!

You can see how many eggs are retrieved in the first cycle and go from there. If, for any reason, the eggs retrieved in that round do not lead to a live birth, our baby guarantee will kick in and we’ll re-match you at no additional match deposit or Cofertility coordination fee.

We are obsessed with improving the family-building journey — today or in the future — and are in an endless pursuit to make these experiences more positive. Create a free account to get started today!