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egg donation

Egg Donation and the 2024 Election: Key Considerations for Intended Parents

As the 2024 election in the US approaches, conversations about reproductive rights are front and center across the country. In fact, recent survey data found that 90% of American women are concerned about potential restrictions on fertility treatments. While the focus has largely been on abortion rights—especially following the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling—it’s important to know that other areas of reproductive healthcare, including egg donation and IVF, could also be influenced by election outcomes.

As the 2024 election in the US approaches, conversations about reproductive rights are front and center across the country. In fact, recent survey data found that 90% of American women are concerned about potential restrictions on fertility treatments. While the focus has largely been on abortion rights—especially following the overturning of Roe v. Wade—it’s important to know that other areas of reproductive healthcare, including egg donation and IVF, could also be influenced by election outcomes.

At Cofertility, we’re committed to helping intended parents navigate their family-building journey with clarity and confidence. As this election season unfolds, we’re closely monitoring how political shifts could impact donor egg IVF and the future of fertility care. In this article, we’ll walk you through what you need to know to stay prepared and informed on these important issues so you can make the best choices to protect your options for the future.

Issues facing egg donation and reproductive healthcare access

This election season, reproductive healthcare policies are under intense scrutiny, especially in states where abortion restrictions are either already in place or on the horizon. Currently, fertility treatments like egg retrieval, egg freezing, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) remain widely accessible. However, ongoing changes in reproductive health policies may introduce new questions about accessibility, oversight, and insurance coverage for these treatments. In light of these shifts, staying informed is more essential than ever, helping intended parents feel secure and prepared as they navigate their options.

Understanding state-level implications for donor egg IVF

Because reproductive healthcare policies are largely determined at the state level, intended parents considering donor eggs will find their options are heavily dependent on where they (and their donor) live. In states with robust protections for reproductive healthcare, donor egg IVF remains reliably accessible. These states often have fewer regulatory barriers and, in some cases, expanded insurance coverage for fertility treatments.

In states with more restrictive policies—like the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling— intended parents pursuing donor egg IVF may have more hurdles to overcome. While these laws don’t typically focus on egg donation specifically, changes in how embryos are handled, fertility clinic operations, or insurance mandates could still influence the logistics or costs of care. For intended parents pursuing egg donation, IVF is an essential step in the family-building journey, whether the intended mother plans to carry the pregnancy or if you’re working with a surrogate. Understanding the nuances of state-level policies is crucial, and completing your care in a state with strong protections for reproductive healthcare can help ensure smoother access to the support and services you need.

Insurance gaps and high costs

As more people pursue fertility treatments, there’s a growing movement for broader access and better support for individuals seeking assistance with growing their families. This election season, expanding insurance coverage for fertility treatments has become a central issue, with advocates pushing for policies that make family-building more accessible and equitable.

With this momentum, there’s a growing emphasis on providing inclusive care options for all intended parents, regardless of background or location. By breaking down cost barriers, these policy changes could empower more families and underscore the fertility industry’s commitment to accessible, inclusive care.

Impact on LGBTQ+ intended parents

Access to fertility treatments isn’t consistent for everyone, and LGBTQ+ intended parents face added challenges, especially when insurance coverage is limited to heterosexual couples. This can create additional financial and logistical hurdles for LGBTQ+ families seeking to build their families through egg donation.

As the election nears, policies that shape access to fertility treatments could play an important role in ensuring that all intended parents—regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or marital status—can pursue family-building. Equal access to fertility care is essential, as restrictive policies could worsen existing disparities and further limit family-building options for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.

Access to egg donation and donor egg IVF amid political changes

Despite the focus on reproductive healthcare access in today’s political climate, IVF remains widely accessible for intended parents across the U.S. While policy discussions around reproductive healthcare often focus on abortion, new rulings and legislative proposals about embryo handling and clinic oversight are also introducing considerations for fertility treatments like donor egg IVF. Staying informed on these shifts may be helpful, as they could indirectly impact access to egg donation in some areas.

To support consistent and secure family-building options, many fertility providers are concentrating their services in states with strong reproductive protections. Some states have even responded to these discussions by expanding insurance coverage for fertility treatments, recognizing the essential role these treatments play in supporting diverse paths to parenthood.

At Cofertility, we’re here to help you navigate these changes with confidence. Our clinic-agnostic model and partnerships in states prioritizing reproductive healthcare protections allow us to offer flexible, secure options that meet your needs, whether you’re just starting out or further along on your journey to parenthood. We’re committed to helping you make informed choices in this evolving landscape.

Key election topics to watch this season

As you move forward on your fertility journey, here are a few key areas to keep an eye on this election:

Healthcare policy and reproductive rights: Any shifts in reproductive rights could have downstream effects on egg donation and IVF services in some regions. Even when specific treatments aren’t directly targeted, related legislation could influence healthcare providers’ ability to offer certain services‍
Insurance and cost coverage: Candidates advocating for expanded insurance mandates for fertility treatments could support broader access. Understanding candidate positions on these mandates can help clarify future coverage possibilities.‍
State-by-state differences: With reproductive healthcare policies managed at the state level, where you (or your donor) live can influence your access to donor egg IVF. Following the election, it may be helpful to monitor your and your donor’s state legislative landscape for changes.‍
Access for LGBTQ+ families: Policies that define infertility and coverage eligibility could affect who qualifies for fertility treatments. For LGBTQ+ intended parents, inclusive family-building policies are an essential advocacy point

How Cofertility can support your family-building journey

Reproductive health rights are at risk in the United States. Whether it’s abortion, egg freezing, or IVF–there are policymakers who do not believe women should be able to make decisions about their own bodies. As you explore your options, understanding the broader policy landscape can help you make confident decisions about your family-building journey.

At Cofertility, we’re dedicated to supporting intended parents throughout their egg donation journey, providing resources to help you explore your options and advocating for accessible, inclusive care. To ensure stability and security, we’ve proactively partnered with facilities in states that uphold strong reproductive protections. Our clinic-agnostic model empowers you and your donor to establish care in locations where family-building policies align with your values, offering secure and flexible options no matter where you’re located."

This election, as you weigh your options, we encourage you to reflect on the policies that matter most to you. Your voice—and your vote—can help create a future where everyone has the opportunity to build the family they envision.

Photo of a woman in a field wearing a flowy dress with her arms to the sky

Donor eggs

Why Egg Donor Age Matters (And Why It Doesn't)

While there isn’t a perfect age, there is an ideal age range to optimize for a successful cycle. In this article, I'll share what you need to know about how the age of the egg donor impacts your chances of success. We'll look at the biological factors that influence egg quality, explore recent research that challenges common assumptions, and discuss other important considerations beyond age. By understanding these factors, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision when selecting an egg donor for your family.

I'm often asked by intended parents about the ideal age for egg donors. They want to know how much the age of the egg donor matters when it comes to donor egg IVF. Should they focus on finding a donor in her 20s? Is early 30s okay? While there isn’t a perfect age, there is an ideal age range to optimize for a successful cycle.

In this article, I'll share what you need to know about how the age of the egg donor impacts your chances of success. We'll look at the biological factors that influence egg quality, explore recent research that challenges common assumptions, and discuss other important considerations beyond age. By understanding these factors, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision when selecting an egg donor for your family.

The sweet spot for egg donor age

The best age range for donor eggs typically falls between 21 and 34 years old. Here's why:

Peak fertility

From a purely biological standpoint, women in their early 20s through early 30s are generally at the height of their reproductive health. During this time:

Egg quality is typically at its best
The risk of chromosomal abnormalities is lower
Ovarian reserve is usually more robust

Emotional readiness

Donors in their mid-20s to early-30s are also more likely to be emotionally prepared to become an egg donor than younger women. This is a huge decision, and it’s important that egg donors understand the impact of their donation and can confidently follow through on the procedure. Here’s what we mean by emotional readiness:

Making informed decisions about donation
Understanding the long-term implications of the process
Reliably following medical protocols

Donor age vs AMH

As long as an egg donor is between the ages of 21-34, her AMH level will be more predictive of success than her age. AMH is an excellent predictor of ovarian response, and your fertility doctor will use the egg donor’s AMH levels (amongst other biomarkers) to determine the drugs and dosages during the procedure.

Younger donor eggs may not always be better

While the conventional wisdom often leans towards younger donors, recent research has provided some interesting insights that challenge this assumption:

A study focusing on infertility patients using donor eggs found that the chances of live birth were actually 13% lower for cycles using donors under 25 years old compared to those using donors aged 25 to 29.

An older but extensive study involving 3,889 fresh donor egg cycles revealed that donors aged 30 to 34 had a higher incidence of live birth than both younger donors (under 30) and older donors (over 34).

These findings suggest that the relationship between donor age and successful outcomes is more complex than simply "younger is better."

The good news is that the number of eggs retrieved - for donors at any age - is predictable. When you find a donor profile that resonates with you, your fertility doctor can help determine if she’s a good candidate.

Age limits in practice

American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) suggests that egg donors be at least 21 years of age at the time of donation. Most clinics and agencies like Cofertility follow this suggestion to ensure the donor is mature enough to understand the procedure and follow through on the commitment.

While there is no legal maximum age to become an egg donor, ASRM recommends that donors be under the age of 34 and most clinics follow this guideline. At Cofertility, we require our Split program members to be 33 or under.

Factors beyond age

While age is a significant factor, it's not the only consideration when selecting an egg donor. Other important aspects include:

1. Overall health: A donor's general well-being can impact egg quality

2. Family medical history: This can provide insights into potential genetic factors

3. Lifestyle choices: Habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can affect egg quality

4. Fertility indicators: Measures like AMH levels and antral follicle count offer more precise fertility information

5. Fit for your family: Most importantly, you’ll want to find a fit that feels right for your family.

All the donors at Cofertility are pre-qualified. Read more in How does Cofertility Screen Egg Donors?

The bottom line

While the biologically optimal age for donor eggs is generally between 21 and 34, the "best" age can vary depending on individual circumstances and priorities. At Cofertility, we carefully screen all potential donors, ensuring that regardless of age, they meet high standards for health and fertility.

Remember, the goal is to find the right donor for your family. Our team is here to support you through this process, providing the information and support you need to make an informed decision.

Choosing an egg donor is a big step in your family-building journey. By understanding the role that age plays in egg quality and donor suitability, you're better equipped to navigate this complex but rewarding process. We wish you the best of luck!

Egg sharing

Cofertility’s Fresh Vs. Frozen Egg Donation Program: Which is Right for Me?

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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Egg sharing

An Intended Parents Guide to Fresh Egg Donation with Cofertility

Everything you need to know about matching with a donor in Cofertility's fresh egg donation program, including the donation, screening, and retrieval process.

At Cofertility, we believe that everyone deserves the ability to build the family of their dreams. Part of this is ensuring intended parents have access to different options for working with an egg donor, including both fresh and frozen egg donation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about working with a donor in our fresh program.

‍If you’re interested in learning more about our options for frozen egg donation, click here.

An overview of fresh egg donation

Our unique egg sharing model provides intended parents with an alternative to cash compensation for egg donation. At Cofertility, our donors always go through a split cycle in which she keeps half of the eggs retrieved for her own future family planning and donates half to your family.

The key difference between fresh and frozen egg donation with Cofertility is the point at which the donor completes her screening and egg retrieval. With fresh egg donation, the screening and retrieval process is started after you match with the donor.

Rest assured, we complete preliminary screening for donors prior to listing them on our platform, so all donors have been pre-qualified to move forward with egg donation per ASRM, FDA, and standard egg donation guidelines. Initial screening includes:

Confirming the donor's age is within ASRM guidelines. All donors on our matching platform are 21-33 years old.
Reviewing the donor’s personal medical history, including lifestyle, chronic conditions, mental health, and reproductive health, in line with ASRM, FDA, and standard egg donation guidelines.
Reviewing the donor’s biological family’s medical history, inclusive of evidence of genetic disorders, cancer history, and other conditions and illnesses, in line with ASRM, FDA, and standard guidelines.
Collecting and reviewing past egg donation history with outcomes, if applicable.
AMH testing via blood draw. All Cofertility donors are required to have an AMH level of 2.0 or higher.

Upon confirming a mutual match between you and the donor, additional screening will be initiated to include:

Antral follicle count (AFC) assessment
General health examination
Genetic carrier screening
Psychological screening

Once the donor completes the necessary screening and receives your doctor’s approval to move forward as a donor, you’ll enter into a legal agreement directly with the donor. From there, the egg retrieval process will begin.

Considerations for fresh egg donation

Both fresh or frozen egg donation can be great options, depending on your individual goals and what you’re looking for at this point in time. There are several reasons intended parents may choose to pursue fresh egg donation with Cofertility.

Fresh embryo creation

One of the main perks of fresh egg donation is that embryos can be created immediately upon retrieval, rather than being created from previously-frozen eggs. This could potentially lead to more healthy embryos being successfully created, since the thawing process can lead to a loss of some eggs.

Local cycles

Additionally, working with a donor in our fresh program allows for the opportunity to have the donor cycle at your clinic, potentially even with your doctor. If you have already established a great relationship with your doctor and their team, this can ensure continuity throughout the entire process.

Meeting the donor pre-retrieval

While both programs allow you to meet with the donor (and both allow for disclosed or undisclosed donations), with fresh egg donation, you can meet with the donor in advance of her completing her retrieval cycle.

Finding the right donor

Ultimately, the most important thing is that you feel great about the donor who you match with. If you’re open to either journey, it might just be a question of finding the right donor and then accommodating whichever program she’s in.

Our Baby Guarantee

We’re truly committed to helping families grow — that’s why we’ve built one of the most parent-friendly programs out there, inclusive of our Baby Guarantee.

While some agencies require you to pay extra to guarantee a set number of embryos, Cofertility’s Baby Guarantee is built into our fees upfront. That means from the second you place a hold on a match, you're covered by this guarantee, which states that if anything outside your control happens during the process that prevents you from bringing your baby home, we will re-match you for free, as many times as it takes.

What does this mean, exactly? If you match with a donor who doesn’t pass screening, we’ll rematch you. If the donor’s egg retrieval does not result in any mature eggs, we’ll rematch you. If no healthy embryos are created, we’ll rematch you. If no embryos result in a live birth, we’ll rematch you. In other words, we’re in this together, and we’re committed to helping your family grow.

How it works

We understand how daunting the process of looking for an egg donor can be. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that the process of finding your perfect match is as straightforward and as positive of an experience as possible. If you are interested in matching with a donor participating in our fresh egg donation program, here’s how the process works:

Create a free account: Simply answer a few questions about what you’re looking for to get immediate access to our donor matching platform at no cost. From there, you’ll be able to view profiles for the hundreds of donors that are available to match with families like yours. All donors listed on our platform are available for fresh donation unless noted otherwise in the “About this donor” section of her profile.

Find your match: When you find a donor with whom you’d like to match. Just press the “hold this match” button at the top of her profile. From there, you’ll be directed to pay your $500 match deposit, which will immediately remove the donor from the platform so no other intended parents can match with her while we confirm details with all parties.

At any time, you can also schedule a free consultation with a member of our team so that we can help you find your match.

Mutual match confirmation: Shortly after you place a hold on a match, you’ll be assigned a dedicated Member Advocate who will be with you through the process end-to-end. Your Member Advocate will reach out to set up a kickoff call, during which you’ll go over the details of the process and confirm your match preferences. At the same time, the donor will go through the same process, to ensure a mutual match all around.

Additionally, if both parties are interested, we can facilitate a virtual or in-person meeting between you and your donor. This can be done on- or off- camera and with or without names revealed, in order to accommodate both disclosed and undisclosed matches.

Donor screening and retrieval: Once the match is confirmed by you and the donor, we’ll get started on coordinating the donor’s in-person screening. This can be done either at your clinic (you’ll be responsible for paying for the donor’s travel expenses) or at a clinic local to the donor. Once all screening results are in and we receive approval from your doctor, you’ll work with an attorney who will draft a legal agreement between you and the donor. Once there’s legal clearance, the donor’s retrieval cycle will be scheduled.

The split and embryo creation: On the day of the donor’s retrieval, the mature egg yield will be split evenly between both parties (if there is an odd number of mature eggs retrieved, you will receive the “extra” egg). The donor’s portion of the eggs retrieved will be immediately frozen and put into long term storage. Most intended parents choose to create embryos immediately upon retrieval, but you’ll also have the option to freeze unfertilized eggs, if preferred.

Post-embryo creation, what happens next is entirely up to you. Some intended parents opt to complete a fresh embryo transfer, while others may decide to freeze and store embryos for later use. Some intended parents choose to complete PGT on their embryos prior to implantation, while others may not. Some intended parents plan to carry the pregnancy themselves, while others are working with a gestational carrier. In any case, we’re passionate about creating an egg donation experience that is anything but transactional, and we are here to help make the process as seamless as possible — from embryo creation, to pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

Pricing

With a fresh cycle, you can expect to pay the match deposit, Cofertility’s Coordination Fee, and a range of expenses to various third parties involved in the process, including lawyers, genetic counselors, and your clinic. We break this down in more detail on our pricing page.

Conclusion

At Cofertility, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to growing your family with donor eggs. We’re proud to offer our unique no-cash compensation egg sharing model for both fresh and frozen donation to give intended parents as many paths as possible to grow their families. To create a free account and get instant access to our donor matching platform, click here. We can’t wait to be part of your journey.

Egg sharing

An Intended Parents Guide to Frozen Egg Donation with Cofertility

Everything you need to know about matching with a donor in Cofertility's frozen egg donation program, including the process, benefits, our frozen Baby Guarantee, and more.

At Cofertility, we believe that everyone deserves the ability to build the family of their dreams. Part of this is ensuring intended parents have access to different options for working with an egg donor, including both fresh and frozen egg donation programs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about working with a donor in our frozen egg donation program.

‍If you’re interested in learning more about our options for fresh egg donation, click here.

An overview of frozen egg donation

The key difference between fresh and frozen egg donation with Cofertility is the point at which the donor completes her screening and egg retrieval. The donor’s screening, and in some cases the screening and retrieval process, is completed in advance of matching.

Donors in the frozen egg donation program will undergo the same rigorous screening process as those in our fresh egg donation program. All donors have been pre-qualified to move forward with egg donation per ASRM, FDA, and standard egg donation guidelines. A preliminary screening for donors includes:

Confirming the donor's age is within ASRM guidelines. All donors on our matching platform are 21-33 years old.
Reviewing the donor’s personal medical history, including lifestyle, chronic conditions, mental health, and reproductive health, in line with ASRM, FDA, and standard egg donation guidelines.
Reviewing the donor’s biological family’s medical history, inclusive of evidence of genetic disorders, cancer history, and other conditions and illnesses, in line with ASRM, FDA, and standard guidelines.
Collecting and reviewing past egg donation history with outcomes, if applicable.
AMH testing via blood draw. All Cofertility donors are required to have an AMH level of 2.0 or higher.

At the time a donor in our frozen egg donation program is listed on our platform, they will have also already completed or are in the process of completing additional screening that includes:

Antral follicle count (AFC) assessment
General health examination
Genetic carrier screening
Psychological screening

Considerations for frozen egg donation

Quicker process

Matching with a donor in our frozen program can provide a unique opportunity to move forward with your family-building plans faster, as frozen eggs can be fertilized or shipped to your clinic immediately or as soon as the cycle is complete. Time from match to cycle can be a lot faster with frozen since the screening – which is what takes the most time – is already completed. If you’re looking to transfer embryos ASAP, matching with a frozen donor can help make that happen.

Added certainty

Because a frozen donor has completed most or all of her medical screening in advance of matching, it brings a little more certainty to the process. With screening results in hand, you’ll have more certainty over whether a donor is the right fit for your family building goals from the outset which can help alleviate some of the speed bumps or heartaches that may come with a fresh donation journey. Every frozen match is also guaranteed to have a minimum of at least 6 frozen eggs.

Generous guarantee

The pricing model of the frozen program allows us to put our Baby Guarantee on the entire cost of the match. Whereas traditional egg banks may offer a blastocyst guarantee, we offer a live birth guarantee. If the frozen eggs that you receive do not lead to a live birth, we’ll replace those with an equivalent number of eggs for $0. You don’t have to pay for any screening or retrieval fees again.

Finding the right donor

Our Baby Guarantee

We’re truly committed to helping families grow — that’s why we’ve built one of the most parent-friendly programs out there, inclusive of our Baby Guarantee.

As highlighted above, Cofertility’s signature Baby Guarantee goes above and beyond what traditional egg banks offer. If, for any reason outside your control, the frozen eggs that you receive do not lead to a live birth, we’ll rematch you with a new donor for $0. That means all of the medical expenses of the second cycle are covered and the only costs you’d need to pay are the additional shipping and fertilization expenses at the clinic.

If you rematch with a donor who has more frozen eggs available, you will be responsible for covering the difference in cost.

How it works

We understand how daunting the process of looking for an egg donor can be. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that the process of finding your perfect match is as straightforward and as positive of an experience as possible. If you are interested in matching with a donor participating in our frozen egg donation program, here’s how the process works:

Create a free account: Simply answer a few questions about what you’re looking for to get immediate access to our donor matching platform. From there, you’ll be able to view profiles for the hundreds of donors that are available to match with families like yours.

Donors participating in our frozen program will have a note in the “About this donor” section of their profile.

Find your match: When you find a donor with whom you’d like to match. Just press the “hold this match” button at the top of her profile. From there, you’ll be directed to pay your $500 match deposit, which will immediately remove the donor from the platform so no other intended parents can match with her while we confirm details with all parties.

At any time, you can also schedule a free consultation with a member of our team so that we can help you find your match.

Match kickoff: Shortly after you place a hold on a match, you’ll be assigned a dedicated Member Advocate you will be with you through the process end-to-end. Your Member Advocate will reach out to set up a kickoff call, during which you’ll go over the details of the process and confirm your match preferences.

Donor screening and retrieval: When you match with a donor in our frozen egg donation program, the donor’s screening and retrieval is either complete or well underway.

The split and embryo creation: On the day of the donor’s retrieval, the mature egg yield is split into two even cohorts (if there is an odd number of eggs retrieved, the “extra” egg will be in the donated half). Both the eggs that the donor keeps and the ones that she donates will be immediately frozen and stored. The donated portion of the eggs will be stored at our clinic partner where the retrieval is done and can be shipped to your clinic or thawed and fertilized on site.

The number of eggs that you receive will vary based on the donor’s cycle outcomes and the total cost of each match varies based on the number of frozen eggs included. Some donors in our frozen egg donation program will have already cycled and the outcomes will be known, while others may not have completed their cycle just yet and there will be some uncertainty around the number of eggs that she’ll retrieve. If you match with a donor who hasn't completed her cycle yet and she retrieves a number of eggs that's not in line with your family building goals, you can put the funds paid towards another match in the frozen program.

What happens next is entirely up to you. You can ship frozen eggs to your clinic, where they’ll be thawed and fertilized. You can also work with the clinic where the retrieval took place, thawing the eggs and creating embryos onsite. Some intended parents choose to complete PGT testing on their embryos prior to implantation, while others may not. Some intended parents plan to carry the pregnancy themselves, while others are working with a gestational carrier. In any case, we’re passionate about creating an egg donation experience that is anything but transactional, and we are here to help make the process as seamless as possible — from embryo creation, to pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

Pricing

With the frozen program, you’ll pay a single lump sum fee that covers all of the costs involved in the donor’s retrieval cycle. This includes:

Cofertility’s Coordination Fee
All expenses associated the donor’s screening
All expenses associated with the donor’s medication and retrieval

The number of eggs that you receive will vary based on the donor's cycle outcomes and the total cost of the match varies based on the number of frozen eggs included. The full cost breakdown can be found on our pricing page.

Conclusion

a smiling baby laying on a blue pillow and looking up at their parent

Donor eggs

How Many Babies Have Been Born Via Donor Eggs?

The use of donor eggs has become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more couples struggle with infertility or genetic disorders that prevent them from conceiving naturally. We know that using donor eggs can greatly increase the chances of success for an infertile couple. But how many babies have actually been born via donor eggs? Let’s dive in.

The use of donor eggs has become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more couples struggle with infertility or genetic disorders that prevent them from conceiving naturally.

We know that using donor eggs can greatly increase the chances of success for an infertile couple. But how many babies have actually been born via donor eggs? Let’s dive in.

How donor eggs work

Donor egg IVF involves fertilizing a donated egg with sperm from the intended father or a donor. The resulting embryo is then transferred to the uterus of the intended mother or a gestational carrier. Donor egg treatment may be necessary for a variety of reasons, including advanced maternal age, premature ovarian failure, a genetic disorder that may be passed down to the child, or for gay dads who also need a gestational carrier.

Before beginning treatment, the intended mother or gestational carrier will undergo a series of medical tests to ensure that their uterus is healthy and ready for pregnancy. The intended father or donor will also undergo testing to evaluate the quality and quantity of their sperm. Once the donor egg has been fertilized, the resulting embryo is monitored for a few days to ensure that it develops normally. At this point, some families opt to do preimplantation genetic screening (PGT). The embryo is then transferred to the uterus, where it will hopefully implant and begin to grow into a healthy baby.

The first donor egg baby

The first successful human egg donation took place in 1983 when an Australian woman with premature ovarian failure was able to conceive using a donated egg. The next year, the first American child was born via egg donation in Southern California. Since then, the practice has become increasingly popular, and the use of donor eggs has become an essential part of modern fertility treatments.

Donor egg births in the United States in 2021

While it's hard to know the exact number of egg donation cycles each year, we can get a good estimate through the Society for Reproductive Technology (SART), which tracks data for nearly 400 US clinics annually.

In 2021 there were over 20,000 IVF transfers using donor eggs at SART-reporting clinics. That is up 19% from the previous year. Of those transfers:

Fresh donor eggs: 1,383
Frozen donor eggs: 3,088
Thawed embryos: 16,279

These transfers led to nearly 10,000 births. Which means 1 in 373 births in the United States in 2021 were thanks to donor eggs.

Donor egg births around the world

Donor egg usage is not limited to the United States. While there’s no way to get the exact number of donor egg cycles globally, we can get a sense of the magnitude by looking at data from the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART). ICMART collects data from 2,971 clinics in 79 countries, and found that there were 161,139 egg donation transfers in 2018.

The use of donor eggs is more common in countries and regions with better access to IVF, and where legal, cultural, or religious beliefs make the use of donor eggs more acceptable. Plus, the use of donor eggs in IVF may be underreported in some countries, as not all countries require procedures to be reported to regulatory agencies.

An estimate of the number of babies born via egg donation

There have been hundreds of thousands, if not more, children born through egg donation around the world since 1983. And while we wish someone was keeping a perfect tally, unfortunately all we can do is gather data from disparate sources. Here’s what we know:

More than 70,000 donor conceived children have been born in the UK since 1991. The total number of babies born via egg donation in 2019 was 1,327, up 88% from 2009.
In Australia and New Zealand, there were 3,316 IVF cycles performed using donor eggs (or embryos) in 2017 with 727 live births reported.
In China, from 2013 to 2016, there were 1,642 donor egg cycles at 327 reporting fertility clinics, according to The Chinese Society of Reproductive Medicine (CSRM).
In 2017, there were a total of 28,377 donor egg cycles reported in Europe, according to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).

Innovations in donor egg IVF

In addition to traditional donor egg treatments, there are now several newer technologies available that may help improve the success rates of donor egg treatment. For example, PGT can be used to screen embryos for genetic disorders before they are transferred to the uterus. This can help ensure that only healthy embryos are transferred, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

There are also new methods of egg freezing that may help increase the availability of donor eggs. In the past, egg freezing was only recommended for women who were undergoing chemotherapy or other medical treatments that could damage their eggs. Today, however, more and more women are choosing to freeze their eggs for social reasons, such as delaying pregnancy until later in life. This has led to an increase in the availability of donor eggs, as more women are choosing to donate their frozen eggs to help others conceive.

Here’s how it works: our 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.

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:

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.
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 of 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.
Baby guarantee. We truly want to help you bring your baby home, and we will re-match you for free until that happens.
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.

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!

What are the chances of pregnancy with donor eggs?

Using donor eggs can increase your chances of success. Around 53 percent of all donor egg cycles will result in at least one live birth. This percentage varies depending on the egg donor, recipient body mass index, stage of embryo at transfer, the number of oocytes retrieved, and the quality of the clinic. To get a better idea of your chances with donor eggs, talk to your fertility doctor who should be able to give you a better idea of your chances given your specific case.

At every age, the chances of birth with donor eggs is better, but those who benefit the most from donor eggs are women over 35 and those with low ovarian reserve. In fact, about one-quarter of women over 40 who succeeded with IVF did so through the use of donor eggs.

Becoming a parent via donor eggs

If you are looking to use donor eggs to build your family, we’d love to help. 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. 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 today!

a young boy standing in tall grass and smiling while looking up with his arms in the air

Donor eggs

IVF after 40: Should I Use My Own Eggs or Donor Eggs?

For women who are in their 40s and considering IVF, a common question arises: should I use my own eggs or donor eggs? In this article, we’ll review valuable insights and information to help you make an informed decision on your IVF journey.

In recent years, advancements in reproductive technologies have given hope to many individuals and couples struggling with infertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF) in particular has enabled more people to become parents and grow their families. Some estimate that there have been over eight million babies born via IVF (including my own!). And 1 in 8 IVF cycles are estimated to involve eggs retrieved from a donor.

How successful is IVF with your own eggs at 40?

Unfortunately, as we age our fertility naturally declines, and this decline becomes more significant after the age of 35. By the age of 40, a woman's ovarian reserve (the number and quality of eggs she has) is often diminished. Consequently, the success rates of IVF using a woman's own eggs decrease with age.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) data, the live birth rate per IVF cycle for women over 40, using their own eggs, is 7.6%. This means that out of every 100 IVF cycles, only 7-8 result in a live birth.

While age plays a huge role in your chances of success, there are other factors that influence IVF outcomes including overall health, previous pregnancies, sperm health, the quality of the clinic, and the quality of the embryos. It is important to have realistic expectations when considering IVF with one's own eggs at the age of 40. A fertility doctor should be able to give you an idea of your chances of success with a proper fertility evaluation.

Should I try IVF with my own eggs or go straight to donor eggs?

Deciding whether to try IVF with your own eggs or proceed directly to donor eggs is a deeply personal and complex choice. Several factors should be taken into consideration, including your age, ovarian reserve, overall health, previous fertility history, and emotional readiness.

For those in their early 40s with a good ovarian reserve and no underlying fertility issues, attempting IVF with your own eggs may be a reasonable option. A fertility doctor can evaluate your specific circumstances and provide guidance based on their expertise.

On the other hand, some people want the fastest and most likely path to a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. Especially if your journey has already been long, hard, and expensive, the decision to use donor eggs may bring renewed hope.

If your ovarian reserve is significantly diminished, or if previous attempts at IVF have been unsuccessful, using donor eggs may offer a higher chance of success. Donor eggs come from egg donors who have passed rigorous screening including ovarian reserve, reproductive health, general health, and genetics. This can increase the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy and live birth.

What is the success rate of IVF with donor eggs?

Donor egg IVF has the highest success rate of any fertility treatment. This means that donor eggs can drastically increase your chances of success! Around 53 percent of all donor egg cycles will result in at least one live birth. This percentage varies depending on the egg donor, recipient body mass index, stage of embryo at transfer, the number of oocytes retrieved, and the quality of the clinic.

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The chart was made using the SART Patient Predictor for an average woman (5’4”, 150 lbs) with diminished ovarian reserve. As you can see, the chances of live birth after one donor egg cycle is 54% for recipients under 40, and only goes down slightly after this.

Browse our donors for free

What is the risk of miscarriage with donor eggs?

The short answer is that using donor eggs decreases the risk of miscarriage for most women. Especially for those who experienced previous miscarriages due to chromosomal abnormalities. Because egg donors are young (under 33) and medically cleared, outcomes with donor eggs are better than outcomes with a patient’s own eggs.

Age is a significant factor in miscarriage risk. As women age, the quality of their eggs decreases, and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases, which can lead to miscarriage. By using younger, healthier eggs from a donor, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities is significantly reduced.

Furthermore, the donor egg IVF process involves extensive screening of the donor to ensure that she is in good health and has a low risk of genetic disorders. This can further reduce the risk of miscarriage, as genetic disorders can be a significant contributor to pregnancy loss.

Pros and cons of using donor eggs vs. your own eggs

Let’s go over some of the advantages and disadvantages of using donor eggs for IVF.

The pros of using donor eggs include:

Better egg quality: Eggs from donors tend to have better genetic quality, potentially reducing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders.
More embryos: A medically cleared egg donor is likely to lead to more embryos, often giving families more options, including gender selection.
Increased success rates: Donor eggs come from young (under 33), healthy donors, which can improve the chances of successful fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy – getting a baby in your arms sooner.

The challenges of using donor eggs include:

Emotional considerations: Using donor eggs may bring up complex emotional issues, such as feelings of loss, grief, or concerns about genetic connections. It is important to seek counseling or support to address these emotions.
Financial costs: Using donor eggs adds an additional expense to the IVF process.

Find an amazing egg donor at Cofertility

At Cofertility, our program is unique. After meeting with hundreds of intended parents, egg donors, and donor-conceived people, we decided on an egg donation model that we think best serves everyone involved: egg sharing. We didn’t invent the concept of egg sharing, but we are the first to take it national (and even global!).

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.

For those who match with a donor in our fresh egg donation program, the average number of mature eggs a family receives and fertilizes is 12. The number of eggs retrieved varies by patient and cycle, but can be predicted by a donor’s age, AMH, and antral follicle count, all of which will be known to you after the donor’s initial screening. Qualified candidates have an ample ovarian reserve for both their own needs and sharing. Egg share donors also often work closely with a fertility doctor to determine, based on their own medical history, the optimal number of eggs needed for their own future family-building goals. Should it make sense for the donor, they may choose to pursue a second egg-sharing cycle to maximize the chances of success for everyone.

Matching with a donor in our frozen program can provide the opportunity to move forward with your family-building plans faster, as frozen eggs can be fertilized or shipped to your clinic immediately or as soon as the cycle is complete. Donors undergoing frozen cycles complete equally rigorous ovarian reserve testing. While the total number of frozen eggs available will vary based on the donor’s retrieval outcomes, every frozen match is guaranteed to have a minimum of at least 6 frozen eggs.

To learn more about these programs and the differences between them, click here.

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!

How much do donor eggs cost?

The cost of egg sharing can vary based on whether you opt for a fresh or frozen donation cycle as well as other factors like the fertility clinic or donor's location. Unlike traditional egg donation, donors in egg sharing programs do not receive cash compensation, which can reduce your overall expenses.

For a more detailed breakdown of Cofertility's pricing, including estimates, you can visit our pricing page. All of our pricing also includes our Baby Guarantee, our promise that if for any reason outside your control your initial match does not lead to a live birth, we’ll re-match you for free until that happens.

Summing it up

While IVF with one's own eggs can still offer a chance of success after 40, the use of donor eggs can significantly increase the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy and live birth.

Deciding between using your own eggs or donor eggs for IVF is a deeply personal choice that may be weighing on you. If you are hesitating to use donor eggs, we highly recommend connecting with a parent or support group of others who have walked down this path. We have never met a parent through egg donation who has regretted their decision. A fertility psychologist who has experience in this area can also provide guidance.

Ultimately, the goal is to make an informed choice that aligns with your desires, values, and the best chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy and fulfilling parenthood. Wherever you land, we wish you all the best.

Donor eggs

Does Donor Egg IVF Increase Chances of Twins?

Does donor egg IVF increase the chances of conceiving twins? In this guide, I’ll dive into the essentials of donor egg IVF, its odds for success, the chances for twins, and the potential risks associated with multiples.

The world of fertility treatments is a rapidly-evolving landscape, teeming with options, intricacies, and promises of renewed hope for LGBTQ+ families as well as those struggling to conceive. Among these treatments, donor egg in vitro fertilization (IVF) has become an increasingly common path, with a substantial 12% of all IVF cycles in the U.S., over 16,000 a year, involving eggs retrieved from a donor.

But does donor egg IVF increase the chances of conceiving twins? In this guide, I’ll dive into the essentials of donor egg IVF, its odds for success, the chances for twins, and the potential risks associated with multiples.

What is donor egg IVF?

IVF with donor eggs is a medical procedure where eggs are collected from a donor, fertilized in a laboratory with the intended father's or a donor's sperm, and the resulting embryo is then implanted in the uterus of the intended mother or a gestational carrier.

This process may be an option for women with diminished ovarian reserve, repeated IVF failure, infertility due to recurrent miscarriage, or those who carry genetic disorders that they do not want to pass on to their children. It is also an option for LGBTQ+ families and single males.

Donor egg IVF typically involves several steps: the selection of an egg donor, extraction and fertilization of the donor eggs, and transfer of the embryo(s). To learn more about the process, check out this article.

What are the odds of getting pregnant with donor eggs?

Success rates for donor egg IVF are often more promising compared to traditional IVF. At Cofertility, for those who match with a donor in our fresh egg donation program, the average number of mature eggs a family receives and fertilizes is 12. The number of eggs retrieved varies by patient and cycle, but can be predicted by a donor’s age, AMH, and antral follicle count, all of which will be known to you after the donor’s initial screening. Qualified candidates have an ample ovarian reserve for both their own needs and sharing. Egg share donors also often work closely with a fertility doctor to determine, based on their own medical history, the optimal number of eggs needed for their own future family-building goals. Should it make sense for the donor, they may choose to pursue a second egg-sharing cycle to maximize the chances of success for everyone.

Around 53 percent of all donor egg cycles will result in at least one live birth. This percentage varies depending on the egg donor, recipient body mass index, stage of embryo at transfer, the number of oocytes retrieved, and the quality of the clinic.

The advantage is primarily due to the utilization of eggs from younger donors, typically between the ages of 21 and 34.

It’s important to remember that your age when you get pregnant is not as important as the age of the eggs with which you get pregnant. The success of egg donation depends on many factors, but is not considered to be related to the age of the recipient.

Chances of twins with donor eggs

One question we get a lot is the likelihood of conceiving twins with donor egg IVF.

According to the CDC, in 2021 live births from donor egg IVF had a slightly higher chance of twins compared to IVF with a patient’s own eggs.

General population: 3.2%
IVF with patient’s own eggs: 5.2%
Donor egg IVF: 6.0%
Donor embryo IVF: 7.4%

But as you can see from the data above, IVF (regardless of whose eggs are used) is associated with higher chances of twins.

How does that work? First, the chances of an embryo splitting and becoming monozygotic twins (aka identical twins) is 2.25 times higher with IVF than with unassisted conception.

But twins after IVF are usually due to a patient having more than one embryo transferred to the uterus, making them dizygotic twins. When IVF was just starting out, there was no genetic testing and fertility doctors would transfer multiple embryos at one time. This led to a multiples rate of over 20% for those who underwent IVF. Nowadays, as technology has advanced, single embryo transfers are the norm, and the incidence of twins has gone down drastically.

Can I transfer two donor egg embryos?

The transfer of two embryos is an option in some fertility clinics, and it often increases the chances of pregnancy. However, it's important to consider the associated risks, benefits, and guidelines.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends that clinicians and patients carefully discuss the number of embryos to be transferred, considering factors like maternal age, embryo quality, and the patient's individual medical situation. In some cases, transferring two embryos may be a viable option, while in others, a single embryo transfer may be the preferred route to minimize the risk of multiples,

Risk of pregnancy with multiples

While the prospect of twins may be appealing to some, there are increased risks associated with multiple pregnancies. Twin pregnancies are associated with higher rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

Preterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, occurs more frequently in multiple pregnancies. Preterm infants may face an array of health challenges, including respiratory distress syndrome, infections, and long-term developmental issues. These risks underscore the importance of careful monitoring during pregnancy and specialized neonatal care following birth.
Low birth weight, often linked to preterm birth, is a common occurrence in twin pregnancies. Infants born with low birth weight are at increased risk for health problems both immediately after birth and later in life. Challenges may include difficulties with feeding and temperature regulation, as well as potential long-term developmental delays.
Other complications from twin pregnancies due to added stress on the mother's body can lead to an increased risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys. Other potential complications may include an increased likelihood of cesarean section (C-section), excessive bleeding during childbirth, and higher rates of postpartum depression.

You should understand these risks and engage in thoughtful, well-informed planning and decision-making with your fertility doctor if you are considering the transfer of multiple embryos in donor egg IVF.

The bottom line

Donor egg IVF represents a beacon of hope for many aspiring parents. With its relatively high success rate, more and more families are turning to donor eggs to build their family.

However, the decision to pursue this treatment—and whether to transfer one or two embryos—requires careful consideration of the odds, potential risks, and individual medical circumstances. Consulting with fertility doctors, understanding the available scientific data, and considering personal preferences and ethical considerations will equip you to make informed choices on your journey towards parenthood. We wish you all the best!

Learn about egg sharing

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:

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.
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.
Baby guarantee. We truly want to help you bring your baby home, and we will re-match you for free until that happens.
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.

Donor eggs

Egg Donor IVF: What You Need to Know

Using donor eggs can sometimes be an overwhelming process, and there are many things that you may not be aware of until you start the process. In this article, I will lay out some things that you should know about using donor eggs.

Using donor eggs can be a life-changing experience for couples struggling with infertility. For many, it is the best way to achieve a successful pregnancy and start a family. However, using donor eggs can sometimes be an overwhelming process, and there are many things that you may not be aware of until you start the process. In this article, I will lay out some things that you should know about using donor eggs.

If you’ve done IVF before, you know the drill

IVF can be broken down into three phases:

The retrieval phase, where the eggs are matured and extracted
The embryo phase, where eggs are fertilized and monitored in the lab
And the transfer phase, where an embryo is transferred to the uterus of the intended mother or gestational carrier

With donor eggs, the egg donor undergoes the retrieval and then her job is done. The eggs are then fertilized with the sperm of the intended father (or a sperm donor) and grown for three to seven days under the careful eye of a trained embryologist. At this point, some families opt to do genetic testing. Once the embryo is ready, the intended mother, or a gestational carrier, takes over to carry the pregnancy to term.

Unless your doctor has determined that it is impossible or dangerous for you to safely carry a pregnancy, you can absolutely undergo IVF and get pregnant with donor eggs.

Choosing an egg donor is a huge decision

Finding an egg donor can be a challenging and time-consuming process, and rightfully so! You want to ensure that you find the right match that you feel good about. When choosing a donor, it's essential to consider factors such as physical traits, medical history, and personality. At Cofertility, we have hundreds of pre-qualified donors ready to be matched. You can create a free account to begin your search.

Medical screening of the donor will help increase your chances of success

Donors are screened for various genetic and infectious diseases before they can donate their eggs. This screening process is designed to ensure that the donor is healthy and that there is minimal risk of passing on any genetic or infectious diseases to the recipient or the baby. Additionally, their ovarian reserve is tested to help ensure that they are likely to produce enough mature eggs. The screening definitely adds time to the process, but is intended to help increase your chances of success.

You’ll need a lawyer who specializes in third-party reproduction

There are state-specific legal considerations to be aware of when using donor eggs. It's essential to have an iron-clad legal agreement in place that outlines the terms of the donation and the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. No clinic will accept a patient and egg donor without this contract in place. If you work with Cofertility, we will help ensure you and your donor have expert lawyers drafting this contract.

Donor eggs can increase your chances of success

At Cofertility, for those who match with a donor in our fresh egg donation program, the average number of mature eggs a family receives and fertilizes is 12. The number of eggs retrieved varies by patient and cycle, but can be predicted by a donor’s age, AMH, and antral follicle count, all of which will be known to you after the donor’s initial screening. Qualified candidates have an ample ovarian reserve for both their own needs and sharing. Egg share donors also often work closely with a fertility doctor to determine, based on their own medical history, the optimal number of eggs needed for their own future family-building goals. Should it make sense for the donor, they may choose to pursue a second egg-sharing cycle to maximize the chances of success for everyone.
Matching with a donor in our frozen program can provide the opportunity to move forward with your family-building plans faster, as frozen eggs can be fertilized or shipped to your clinic immediately or as soon as the cycle is complete. Donors undergoing frozen cycles complete equally rigorous ovarian reserve testing. While the total number of frozen eggs available will vary based on the donor’s retrieval outcomes, every frozen match is guaranteed to have a minimum of at least 6 frozen eggs.

To learn more about these programs and the differences between them, click here.

It might get emotional

Using donor eggs can be an emotional journey for intended parents. It can create feelings of loss, sadness, anger, and possibly even shame. You may feel a deep sense of grief over not having a genetically linked child. Give yourself space to express your feelings and time to process this loss. Avoidance and distraction can only be helpful for so long. Allow yourself to sit with your feelings. Give yourself permission to move forward at your own pace.

Remember, DNA is a small part of who we are. All human beings are 99.9 percent identical in their genetic makeup and nurture plays an enormous role in who we become and who we bond with.

It will be expensive

IVF alone is expensive, and then there’s donor eggs. The total cost can end up being tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the clinic, the egg donor, and if your insurance or employer covers any of it.

Know this: our donors aren’t doing it for the money. At Cofertility, our donors freeze their eggs for free in exchange for donating half of the eggs to your family. This saves families tens of thousands of dollars on donor compensation.

You won’t regret it

Ask anyone who has had a child, born with or without some type of assistance, and they will all tell you the same thing: parenting is the greatest - yet hardest - thing they have ever done. It doesn’t matter how the child came into their lives, the role and relationship of parent and child is the same.

When working with parents who had donor conceived children, their only real regret was they wished they had done this sooner. They wished they had let go of their preconceived notions that a baby who looks like them or who shares their genes is the only way to be a parent. That bringing a child into their lives using alternative methods means the child won’t see them as their real parent, or that they will not bond. Read more in Will I Regret Using Donor Eggs?

In summary

Using donor eggs can be an excellent option for couples struggling with infertility. It's important to be aware of the various factors involved, including finding a donor, medical screening, legal considerations, success rates, emotional impact, cost, and talking to your child. With the right support and information, using donor eggs can be a positive and fulfilling experience, leading to the creation of a loving and happy family.

pregnant person holding hands with sun shining through

Donor eggs

Egg Donation and Blood Types

When it comes to egg donation, you may be wondering if the blood type of the egg donor matters. While it is not necessary for the donor to have the same blood type as either parent, it’s helpful to understand how blood types work. In this article, we’ll review the blood types, how they are inherited, and when blood type matching matters.

What are blood types?

Blood types are determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens, or proteins, on the surface of our red blood cells. Blood types include A, B, AB, and O. Blood type A has the A antigen, blood type B has the B antigen, blood type AB has both A and B antigens, and blood type O has neither A nor B antigens.

Within each blood type, there is a positive or negative (A+, A-, and so on). The positive or negative sign next to the blood groups is known as the Rhesus (Rh) factor. Rh factor is independent of blood type. It is determined by the presence or absence of a specific antigen on the surface of red blood cells. If a person has the Rh antigen, they are Rh-positive. If they do not have the Rh antigen, they are Rh-negative. Most people, about 85%, are Rh-positive.

According to the San Diego Blood Bank, the average distribution of the blood types in the United States are:

O Positive (O +): 38%

O Negative (O -): 7%

A Positive (A +): 34%

A Negative (A -): 6%

B Positive (B +): 9%

B Negative (B -): 2%

AB Positive (AB +): 3%

AB Negative (AB -): 1%

How is a child’s blood type determined in egg donation?

A baby's blood type is determined by the combination of genes inherited from the egg and sperm. Each passes on one of their two ABO alleles to the child. The combination of these alleles determines the baby's blood type. For example, if the egg donor is type A and the biological father (or sperm donor) is type B, the baby could be type A, type B, type AB, or even type O.

Unless both the egg donor and intended father have blood type O, in which case the baby would definitely be type O, you would need a blood test to determine the baby's blood type.

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How blood types are passed down from egg donor to child

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But remember how we said everyone also has an Rh factor, that plus or minus after the letter? A child inherits one Rh allele from the egg donor and one from the intended father. If both are Rh-positive, then the child will be RH-positive. If both are Rh-negative, then the child will be Rh-negative. If one is Rh-negative and the other is Rh-positive, then the child could be either.

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How Rh factor is passed down from egg donor to child

Does the egg donor determine the blood type of the child?

The blood type of a child is determined by the combination of genes inherited from the egg and sperm. Each contributes one of two possible alleles (versions) for each gene that codes for the blood type. The Rh blood group system is determined by another gene on chromosome 1 that has two alleles: D and d. The D allele codes for the RhD protein, and the d allele codes for no Rh protein.

While the egg and sperm decide the genetic makeup of the child, they do not have control over the specific alleles that the child inherits. That is determined by the process of meiosis, which randomly selects which sperm or egg cell will fertilize the other.

What is Rh incompatibility?

Rh incompatibility occurs when a pregnant woman (either an intended mother or gestational carrier) who is Rh-negative carries a baby who is Rh-positive. Her immune system may recognize the baby's Rh-positive blood cells as foreign and produce antibodies against them. This can cause her immune system to attack and destroy the baby's red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). HDN can cause serious complications for the baby, including anemia, jaundice, brain damage, and even death.

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It’s important to know if you’re at risk for HDN. But the good news is that HDN can be prevented by administering a medication called Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) or Rhogam to the mother or gestational carrier during pregnancy, which helps prevent her body from making antibodies against the baby's blood cells.

If you or your gestational carrier are Rh negative, consult with your doctor about choosing a donor who is Rh positive.

Is it possible for a child to have a different blood type than both of its parents?

Yup! As you can see in the chart shared above, there are many cases where a child would have a different blood type from their biological parents. For instance, if the egg donor was blood type A and the intended father was type B, the child could be blood type O.

Why would someone want an egg donor with the same blood type?

There are a couple reasons someone might want an egg donor with a specific blood type.

First, they may want to avoid rare blood types in the rare situation that the child would need a blood transfusion. Blood transfusions can only be given to individuals with compatible blood types. For example, if someone with blood type A receives a blood transfusion from someone with blood type B, their body may react negatively and cause serious health issues. Remember though, unless both the egg donor and intended father are type O (in which case the only option is for the child to be type O), there is no guarantee that a child will be the same blood type as one parent.

Second, blood type can also play a role in pregnancy and childbirth. If a mother or gestational carrier is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, the mother's body may produce antibodies that attack the baby's red blood cells, which can lead to a condition called hemolytic disease of the newborn. However, this is treatable and not a reason to pass on an egg donor.

Third, some parents may want to increase the chances of their child having (or not having) a certain blood type. There is some evidence that certain blood types are more protective against certain health conditions like heart attacks, memory loss, and cancer.

Lastly, parents who do not plan on telling their child about their donor-conceived origins may want to have a child with similar blood type. Although this is your family and you get to decide how / if to tell your story, research has shown over and over the importance of openness and honesty in telling children their conception story and telling it early.

Is it better to find an egg donor who has the same blood type as myself?

So does blood type matter? It is not necessarily "better" to find an egg donor who has the same blood type as yourself. It’s helpful to know the blood type of the donor, but blood type doesn’t need to be a reason to choose a donor, and most parents have other attributes that are more important to them.

As mentioned above, having an egg donor who is the same blood type as the intended mother or gestational carrier can help reduce the risk of Rh incompatibility between the baby and the intended mother, which can cause serious complications for the baby if not treated. However, blood type matching is not necessary for egg donation, and many successful pregnancies and healthy babies are born from egg donation despite not having a blood type match.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to find an egg donor with the same blood type as yourself should be made in consultation with a fertility doctor, who can provide more information and guidance on the risks and benefits of blood type matching in your specific situation.

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

Donor eggs

What to Do if Your Culture or Religion Doesn't Believe in Egg Donation

Religion can be a great source of comfort and solace during the most difficult of times, but it can also impact help seeking behavior, especially when it comes to fertility treatment.

Religion can be a great source of comfort and solace during the most difficult of times. Religion has been implicated in reduced mortality, expedited recovery from illness, and improved mental health. It can encourage healthy lifestyles, provide social support, and provide meaning to life. But it can also impact help seeking behavior, especially when it comes to fertility treatment. Religiosity has been associated with greater concerns about infertility treatment, which, in turn, decreases the likelihood of help seeking (i.e IVF, egg donation etc).

Religion and assisted reproductive technology (ART)

The use of donor gametes to create embryos can ignite some serious debate in many faith circles. Some faiths say fertility treatments go against their beliefs and should not be used, even if it means someone will never become a parent otherwise. Meanwhile, other religions have no issues with it at all, as long as certain “rules” are followed.

A Pew Research study conducted in 2013 asked people living in the United States about the moral acceptability of using in-vitro fertilization to have a family. One-third said it is morally acceptable, 12% said it was morally wrong, and 46% said it was not even a moral issue. The survey found modest differences in opinion among social and demographic groups, including religious groups, about the moral acceptability of IVF.

But for many religious people their religious beliefs strongly inform their understanding of fertility and parenthood. Procreation can be an important tenet of a religion along with prescribed roles for the male and female partner when it comes to parenthood. So what if you want a family and the only way that family can be created is through egg donation? And what if you are someone who holds strongly to their faith - a faith that carried you through troubled times - only to discover that very faith does not give you its blessing to have the family you have prayed for?

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What if you are someone who holds strongly to their faith - a faith that carried you through troubled times - only to discover that very faith does not give you its blessing to have the family you have prayed for?

How do I navigate making a decision?

You want to adhere to the teachings of your religion and at the same time you also have a very strong desire to have a child. What should you consider when deciding how you want to proceed so you can feel good about your decision? How can you find a way to remain connected to your beliefs even if your choice is different from what is taught by your religion?

Give yourself permission to imagine different options

Play your life tape forward and really imagine how it feels to go against your beliefs in order to achieve pregnancy. Now imagine how it feels to stay strong in your beliefs and never be a parent. Discuss these options with your partner. Write them down in a journal and come back to them in a few weeks. Does one evoke a bigger emotion? Does one feel better than the other? There is no right or wrong and there is no judgment - you are allowed to imagine and really think through your different options.

Speak to trusted members of your community.

Speak to respected and trusted members of your faith community. Ask questions to fully understand what your religion’s expectations are regarding parenthood and regarding ART and IVF and donor eggs. What are your expectations? Do they match or are they very different?

If they are different, would you ever make a decision to pursue donor egg IVF that isn’t sanctioned by your religious teachings? If yes, how would your community support you? Would you be ostracized? What does it mean to be against these teachings? If you would never go against the teachings, then how can your religion provide guidelines about living child free? Would you be able to find peace regarding infertility from your religious teachings? Studies have shown that infertile women with higher levels of spiritual well-being reported fewer depressive symptoms and less overall distress from their infertility experience because of the support from their religious community.

Summing it up

Faith can be an essential aspect of a person’s life. Sometimes it is possible that not all tenants align. But that does not necessarily mean that you forsake your faith, nor does that necessarily mean you give up your desire for a family. It may mean digging even further and leaning even stronger into your faith. It may mean exploring all your different options by researching, talking, asking questions, and praying. All of these things can open doors and create alternative paths to parenthood that you may not have ever considered.

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a woman sitting on a bed with her young daughter hugging her from over the shoulders

Donor eggs

Adoption vs Egg Donation: How Do I Choose?

The path to parenthood can take many roads. There is no single “right way” to become a parent, so you may be debating which path is the right one for you.

The path to parenthood can take many roads. There is no single “right way” to become a parent, so you may be debating which path is the right one for you. Two options include egg donation or adoption. If you’re asking yourself “should I adopt or find a donor?” then this article is for you. Let’s delve into some of the pros and cons to see what feels best for you and your future family.

Egg donation

The first child born from egg donation was reported in Australia in 1983 and the first American child born from egg donation was in February 1984. Before this medical intervention, for most, adoption was the only path to parenthood. Egg donation opened the door for more people to become parents. With egg donation, those who are experiencing infertility, have high risks of passing on genetic disorders to their offspring, or have dealt with multiple IVF failures in the past, can have children.

Pros of using donor eggs

You can fulfill your dream of raising a child and becoming a parent.
Donor egg IVF has high success rates, allowing childless people / couples to start a family.
The opportunity to have a child with a biological relation to the father and biologically related siblings.
If you are biologically female and plan on carrying the pregnancy, you can still experience delivery and nursing.

Cons of using donor eggs

It can take a long time to find a donor that you connect with.
It can be expensive, though with our Family by Co platform, we’ve removed cash compensation for donors from the equation. Instead, our members freeze their eggs entirely for free when giving half of the eggs retrieved to your family.
Loss of a genetic tie to the mother.
Fear about telling your child and other people in your life
There are no guarantees that an embryo will be created.

Find your perfect egg donor today

Adoption

Adoption is the legal process through which a person assumes the parenting responsibilities for someone else's biological child. The concept of adoption exists across cultures and countries and may be traced all the way back to 6th century AD Roman Law. During this time, if the family patriarch did not have a male heir, an heir could be adopted. This was important for the Romans because by adopting one another’s sons, the nobility ensured the wealth would stay within a few families. In the United States, the first modern adoption legislation, the Adoption of Children Act, was passed in Massachusetts in 1851. This act required judges to determine that adoptive parents had “sufficient ability to bring up the child” and that “it is fit and proper that such adoption should take effect.” Today, adoption can take many forms - open, semi-open, domestic and international.

Pros of adoption

You can fulfill your dream of raising a child and becoming a parent.
You get to share your love with a child that may otherwise not have had the best opportunities in life. Studies have shown that adoptive children are less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol and more likely to graduate from high school and go on to college than those who remain in foster care. They are also more likely to have successful careers and strong relationships.
Because you are helping birth parents who may have not otherwise been able to care for the child, the parents can feel at peace knowing their child will be loved and taken care of.

Cons of adoption

It can take a long time - anywhere from 9 to 12 months - to find an adoption opportunity.
It can be very expensive. For domestic infant adoption the cost can be anywhere from $40k to $70k and up.
The birth parent has a right to change their mind. Depending on the state, that may be anytime while pregnant or up to 30 days after the adoption.
Since most adoptions are open, there is a chance that the birth parent may want to be a part of the child’s life, and that may be difficult for some adopting parents.
Different states have different laws on who can become an adoptive parent based on age, sexual orientation and even religious affiliation.

Embryo donation

Embryo donation is typically not the first choice for most couples starting infertility treatment, but if you have not been successful with traditional infertility treatment using your own eggs and/or sperm, or are having problems finding a donor, this is a great viable option.

Pros of embryo donation

You can fulfill your dream of raising a child and becoming a parent.
Because the embryos are already created and readily available, you can get started whenever you are ready.
Can be less expensive than egg and sperm donation and adoption.
You can still experience pregnancy, delivery, and nursing.
There won’t be a genetic imbalance if only one partner uses a donor.

Cons of embryo donation

Embryo donation is technically an adoption. Because you may not have all the medical history of one or both the donors, it can potentially introduce some unpredictability into the genetic makeup of the family.
Although readily available, because it is an adoption, it can still sometimes take a long time to match with an embryo.
There are no guarantees that an embryo transfer will be successful and result in a pregnancy and delivery.

Which one is right for me?

The decision to use medical intervention to conceive a child or to go through an adoption agency to start a family is an extremely personal one. As you can see above, all paths come with their own set of unique challenges. The best thing you can do is become educated in all your options. Get second and third expert opinions. Seek out legal counsel and ask questions. No one but you can make this decision, but whatever decision you choose, know that you are not alone. Many have walked down these roads to have their family and none of them would have done it any other way.

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Parenting

What Parents via Egg Donation Want You To Know

We spoke to several parents who conceived their children via donor eggs to learn more about their experiences and what they want others to know.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) using donated eggs, or donor egg IVF, has revolutionized the way people approach family building. For many individuals and couples, it offers an opportunity for one parent to have a biological connection where it may not have been possible otherwise.

We spoke to several parents who conceived their children via donor eggs to learn more about their experiences and what they want others to know.

The decision to use donor eggs

For most parents who conceived via an egg donor, the decision to use this approach comes after much reflection and research. Many report trying other methods, including fertility treatments, before turning to donor egg IVF.

While the process of using donor eggs can be daunting, many parents report feeling a sense of relief once they made the decision. "It was like a weight was lifted off our shoulders," says Megan*, a mother of two via donor eggs. "We had been trying for years with no success, and once we made the decision to use donor eggs, it was like a weight was lifted off our shoulders. We finally had a plan in place."

The emotional rollercoaster of donor egg IVF

For parents who use donor eggs, the emotional journey of IVF can be intense. There can be a range of feelings involved, including grief, loss, guilt, and anxiety. This is especially true for those who experience a failed cycle or miscarriage.

"I wish I had known just how emotional it was going to be," says Sarah, a mother via donor eggs. "I went into it thinking it was just a medical procedure, but it's so much more than that. You're creating a life, and it's emotional and intense. It's important to have a support system in place."

Genetic connection: the pros and cons

One of the most significant considerations for parents who use donor eggs is the lack of genetic connection between the parent and child. While some parents report feeling a sense of loss or grief around this fact, others find that it is not a significant issue.

"I was worried about the genetic connection at first," says Chase, a father of two via donor eggs. "But now that they're here, it's not something that I think about very often. They're our children, and that's what matters."

Another consideration is how to approach the topic of donor eggs with the child. Many parents choose to be open and honest about their child's conception, while others wait until the child is older to broach the subject.

"There's no right or wrong way to approach it," says Lisa, a mother of one via donor eggs. "But the important thing is that you approach it."

Navigating societal stigmas

Despite the increasing prevalence of donor egg IVF, there can still be societal stigmas and misconceptions surrounding the procedure. Some parents report feeling judged or misunderstood by others, including family members.

"I wish people understood that it's not something we did lightly," says Jennifer, a mother of one via donor eggs. "It was a difficult decision, and it's not something we take lightly. We wanted to have a family, and donor eggs gave us that opportunity."

Moving forward: advice for other parents

For parents who are considering using donor eggs, the advice from those who have gone through the process is invaluable. Here are some tips and recommendations to keep in mind:

Seek support: Whether it's from a therapist, support group, or loved ones, having a support system in place can be incredibly helpful.
Educate yourself: Do your research and learn as much as you can about the process and what to expect.
Be open and honest: Whether it's with your partner, family, or child, being open and honest about your journey can help foster a sense of understanding and acceptance.
Don't be afraid to ask for help: IVF can be expensive and overwhelming, but there are resources available to help offset costs and provide guidance.

In the end, the decision to use donor eggs is a personal one that requires careful consideration and reflection. However, for those who embark on this journey, the rewards can be immeasurable.

As Kamala, a mother of twins via donor eggs, says, "I wouldn't change a thing. Our children are our world, and we're so grateful for the opportunity to have them in our lives. They are ours."

*Names have been changed

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Donor eggs

Five Parents Share What They Wish They Had Known Before Pursuing Donor Eggs

Donor egg IVF has become an increasingly common option for those who face obstacles in their journey to conceive. LGBTQ+ families, those who experience fertility challenges, and individuals with genetic disorders are among the many who benefit from using donor eggs. We spoke to five parents who used donor eggs to conceive their children, and asked them what they wished they had known before starting the journey. Here’s what they had to say.

We spoke to five parents who used donor eggs to conceive their children, and asked them what they wished they had known before starting the journey. Here’s what they had to say.

"I wish I knew that genetic connection doesn't define love"

The realization that genetic connection does not define the love between parent and child (or any two relatives for that matter!) is a significant one that many parents through egg donation come to embrace. While it can be a difficult concept to grapple with initially, the love and bond that develops between parent and child is not contingent upon shared DNA. The experience of raising a child through donor eggs can be just as fulfilling and meaningful as any other parenting journey, and the love between parent and child can be just as strong and deep.

Tiffany and James* struggled with infertility for years before turning to donor eggs. Tiffany admits that she initially worried about the lack of genetic connection with her child, but quickly realized that it didn't matter. "The moment I held my son in my arms, I knew that genetics didn't define the love I have for him," she says. "He's my child, no matter how he was conceived."

"I wish I knew that it's okay to grieve the loss of genetic connection”

For the Smith family, the decision to use donor eggs came after years of failed fertility treatments. While they’re overjoyed to have her twin daughters, Sarah says she wishes she had allowed herself more time to grieve the loss of genetic connection. "I was so excited to just move forward and finally have a baby, I didn’t give myself time to grieve," she says. “It wasn’t until years later when I finally started seeing a therapist that I realized I had underlying insecurities and grief that I needed to process.”

“I wish I knew that everyone comments on your child’s features, whether your child is genetically related to you or not"

Rachel and her husband now have two children - one biological and one donor-conceived. Rachel shares that one of the most surprising things she's encountered is how people always try to ask where certain traits come from. "It doesn't matter if your child is genetically related to you or not - people are always trying to find similarities," she says. "I never realized it until I had a donor-conceived child, but people are constantly asking where certain traits come from, from height to personality to hair color" Rachel advises other parents to embrace the unique traits and qualities of each child and not worry too much about what others think. "At the end of the day, every child is a miracle and a blessing," she says.

"I wish I knew there is absolutely no shame in using donor eggs"

"I wish I knew there is absolutely no shame in using donor eggs," says Liz, a mother of two donor-conceived children. Liz went through several rounds of IVF before deciding to use donor eggs. "At first, we felt like we were going too far to have a child," she says. "But once we made the decision to use donor eggs, we realized that there was no shame in doing what was best for our family." Liz urges other parents considering donor eggs to remember that their decision is a personal one, and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to fertility struggles. "There is no right or wrong way to start a family, as long as there is love and commitment," she adds.

"I wish I knew that it's important to talk about the process with your child"

For Rohan and his husband, using donor eggs to conceive their daughter was a no-brainer. However, as their daughter got older, they realized the importance of talking openly and honestly about the process with her. "We didn't want her to find out later and feel like we had kept something from her," Rohan says. "So we started talking about it early on and she's grown up knowing that she was conceived with help from a donor."

Using donor eggs to conceive can be a complicated and emotional process, but these parents have all found their own unique ways of navigating it. Whether it's acknowledging the loss of genetic connection or celebrating the love and connection they have with their child, each of them has a story to tell about their journey to parenthood. And their stories offer a reminder that there's no one "right" way to build a family.

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*Names have been changed.

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Parenting

Nature vs. Nurture: What Parents Via Egg Donation Need to Know

When it comes to the development of a child, the age-old debate of nature vs. nurture comes into play. While genetics (nature) play a significant role in a child's development, environmental factors and upbringing (nurture) also have a significant impact. This debate can be particularly relevant for intended parents via egg donation who may have questions about what traits their child may inherit from the egg donor and how environmental factors may affect their child's development.

The science behind nature vs. nurture

The debate of nature vs. nurture has been ongoing for centuries. Nature refers to the genetic makeup of an individual, including physical characteristics, personality traits, and behaviors. Nurture, on the other hand, refers to the environmental factors that can influence a person's development, such as upbringing, education, and life experiences.

Both nature and nurture play a role in a child's development. In fact, many experts now believe that it's not a matter of nature vs. nurture, but rather how the two interact and influence each other. For example, a child may have a genetic predisposition to a certain trait or behavior, but whether or not that trait is expressed can depend on environmental factors.

What parents via egg donation need to know

For parents via egg donation, it's important to understand that while genetics do play a role in a child's development, the environmental factors that a child is exposed to can also have a significant impact. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

Genetics: While a child conceived through egg donation will not share genetic material with one or both parents, they will still inherit genetic traits from the egg donor. It's important for parents to understand the genetic history of the egg donor and any potential health risks or conditions that may be passed on. If you work with Cofertility, we require all donors to undergo genetic testing.
Epigenetics: Environmental factors in the womb and early childhood can influence how genes are expressed. This is known as epigenetics, and it can play a significant role in a child's development. For example, a child may inherit a genetic predisposition to a certain condition, but whether or not that condition is expressed can depend on environmental factors.
Upbringing and environment: Environmental factors such as upbringing, education, and life experiences can have a significant impact on a child's development. Parents via egg donation should take an active role in creating a supportive and nurturing environment for their child. This can include things like providing a stable home environment, engaging in regular family activities, and providing opportunities for education and socialization.
Communication: It's important for parents to communicate openly and honestly with their child about their origins. Children conceived through egg donation may have questions about their genetic background and it's important for parents to be prepared to answer these questions in an age-appropriate way.

The importance of nurture

The parents who raise, love, support, and care for a child play a crucial role in shaping who they become as adults. Whether biological or non-biological, both parents' contributions are invaluable. For non-biological parents, feeling confident and secure in their parental role is especially important to effectively support their donor conceived child. This includes being available to address any challenges their child may face and honoring their curiosity about an unknown genetic family. By walking beside their child, non-biological parents can help foster a strong sense of identity and belonging in their child, regardless of genetic connections.

Is the baby biologically yours if you use an egg donor?

If you use an egg donor, the baby will not be biologically related to you, as the genetic material comes from the donor. However, you may be able to still carry and deliver the baby. And certainly they will be your child! The impact you will have by caring for this child and loving this child will shape who they become.

One study found that children in egg donation families rated their relationships with their mothers as higher in warmth and enjoyment than did children in IVF families. The authors concluded “It is possible that having waited so long to have their children, egg donation mothers are especially committed to parenthood when their children do arrive”.

What we can learn from adoption

Our learnings about nature vs nurture in adoption can teach us a great deal about egg donation. In adoption, we see that genetics are only one piece of the puzzle in shaping a child's life, as environment and upbringing play a significant role as well. Similarly, in egg donation, genetics from the donor play a role in the child's biological makeup, but the environment in which they are raised and the relationships they form also significantly impact their development.

Similarly, the experience of being donor-conceived can be compared to that of being adopted in terms of identity formation. Donor-conceived children may have questions and curiosity about their genetic heritage and biological roots. In adoption, we have learned that open communication about a child's origins and creating a supportive and accepting environment for their identity formation is crucial to their emotional well-being. The same is true for egg donation: it’s important to be open and honest with your child about their origin story.

Overall, the learnings from adoption reinforce the importance of a supportive and loving environment for children, regardless of genetic connections. In egg donation, it is essential to prioritize communication, openness, and honesty in discussing the child's origins and supporting their identity formation.

Bottom line

While the debate of nature vs. nurture may never be fully resolved, it's clear that both genetics and environmental factors play a significant role in a child's development. For parents via egg donation, it's important to understand the genetic and environmental factors that can impact their child's development and to take an active role in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for their child. By doing so, parents can help promote healthy gene expression and ensure that their child has the best possible chance for a happy and healthy life.

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