egg donor database

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

Surrogacy vs. egg donation

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

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

Who would need both a surrogate and egg donor?

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

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

So which comes first, egg donor or surrogate?

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

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

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

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

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

How long does it take to match with a surrogate?

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

Learn more

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

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

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? 

‍

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.

‍

Choosing the right person to be your egg donor is an enormous and exciting step in your donor egg IVF journey. Finding the right person involves understanding your goals and priorities, and then carefully reviewing donor profiles to find your best match. But what exactly should you look for as you sift through dozens of profiles? In this article, we will explore the key aspects to consider when selecting an egg donor. Let’s go!

What to look for in an egg donor

When considering what to look for in an egg donor, there are two main factors to keep in mind.

First, look for clues that the egg donor will have a successful egg retrieval. The good news is that the quantity and quality of eggs retrieved is fairly predictable with just a few data points: age, anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), and antral-follicle count (more on that below). 

Finding a pre-qualified donor who has passed initial screening can significantly impact your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy. At Cofertility, our clinical team reviews and meets with every egg donor candidate, looking at medical history, AMH, and more. Your fertility doctor will then review the egg donor’s information and clear her (or not) for a donor egg retrieval.  

Second, look for a donor who is a good fit for your family. 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.

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.
  

Okay so now that we know the two most important factors to keep in mind— that a donor is likely to have a successful egg retrieval and that she is a fit for your family — let’s dive into 10 things to look for in an egg donor.

1. AMH

What AMH levels are ideal for an egg donor?

AMH is a hormone that is a biomarker for ovarian reserve, which is highly correlated to egg retrieval success (specifically, the number of eggs retrieved). While there is no specific threshold for AMH levels in an egg donor, the higher the AMH, the more eggs you are likely to retrieve. At Cofertility, we require egg donors to have an AMH over 2 to qualify. 

Even though AMH is important, it should not be the sole criterion for selecting an egg donor. Other factors, such as age, medical history, and  overall health, also contribute to success rates.

2. Age

What age is best for an egg donor?

The age of the egg donor is a crucial factor in the success of a donor egg IVF cycle. As females age, egg quality and quantity both decrease, which can lead to lower rates of successful fertilization, implantation, and live births. In general, “younger” donors have a higher chance of producing high-quality eggs that are more likely to result in a successful pregnancy.

So what age do we mean when we say “younger” egg donor? While ASRM recommends egg donors be between the ages of 21 and 34, we think the best age is 25-34. Not only because donors tend to be more mature at this age, but also because research suggests better outcomes. 

One study found the chances of live birth among cycles using egg donors <25 years was 13% lower for those using donors age 25 to 29. And another older but large study of 3,889 fresh donor egg cycles found that the cycles utilizing donors 30 to 34 years had a higher incidence of live birth compared to cycles with donors under 30 years, as well as donors over 34. 

3. Disclosed or undisclosed

What sort of relationship should I look for with an egg donor?

At Cofertility, we have two types of disclosure options for intended parents and donors: disclosed or undisclosed. In a disclosed donation, you and the donor will exchange contact information and can communicate directly. In an undisclosed donation, you will not exchange contact information and only communicate via Cofertility. With an undisclosed donation, you could arrange to have the information available to your child down the road (this is sometimes called Open ID).

It’s important to separate your disclosure status from any potential relationship that you have with the donor. For example, you may have a disclosed donation, in which you share contact information but decide not to maintain any regular communication. 

Decide what type of disclosure and relationship status is right for your family, and look for a donor who is on the same page. 

Read more in Disclosed vs. Undisclosed Donation: What's the Difference?

4. Repeat vs. first-time egg donor

Is it better to find a first-time or repeat egg donor?

While most donors are first-time donors, you will find that some donors have come back to donate again (the max is six times). There are pros and cons to first time or repeat egg donors, but this usually is not a driving factor for intended parents.

With repeat donors, you have the advantage of knowing their outcomes in previous cycles. This gives you another data point for predicting if they will be successful. But keep in mind that every cycle is different, and also depends on the medication and clinic. The downside of working with a repeat donor is that there could already be children born using her donor eggs, giving your children more half-genetic siblings. 

On the other hand, the success of first-time donors is still highly predictable. You can also ask them if they intend to donate to multiple families. Consider your priorities, consult with your fertility doctor, and review the available options to make an informed decision.

One thing to keep in mind if you choose to work with Cofertility: because our donors get to keep half the eggs retrieved for their own future use, they tend to take the entire cycle very seriously. 

5. Medical history 

What should I be looking at in a donor’s medical history?

Thoroughly evaluating the medical history of an egg donor is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of the potential child. Look for comprehensive medical screenings that cover both the donor's personal medical history and that of their immediate family. This information helps identify potential genetic risks or hereditary conditions that could impact the offspring. 

Think about what health risks you’re willing to take. No family is void of all health problems. While we screen out major genetic health conditions, many donors have health histories including things like needing glasses, being on birth control, having had knee surgery, or suffering from allergies. 

At Cofertility, we follow stringent guidelines to ensure the health and safety of both donors and recipients.

6. Physical traits

What physical traits are important for an egg donor?

For many families, physical traits are the most significant consideration when selecting an egg donor. Searching our egg donor platform by physical characteristics, such as height, hair color, eye color, complexion, freckles, and even dimples, can help you find a donor with resemblance. 

Read more in Should I Pick an Egg Donor Who Looks Like Me?

Keep in mind that just because a donor has a trait does not guarantee the child will too. Even genetic relatives can look wildly different, just think of how many families you know (maybe even your own!) where genetic relatives look nothing alike.

That being said, if it’s important to you, you can increase the chances your child looks like you by looking at photos of the egg donor and assessing the self-reported traits. 

7. Shared interests and traits

Should I pick an egg donor who shares my interests?

Many intended parents seek an egg donor who shares similar hobbies, interests, or values. Some value things like athleticism or musical abilities, while for others sharing a religion is most important. Whatever it is you’re looking for, you will learn so much about each donor in their profile.

These similarities can help create a connection, providing a sense of shared experiences and background. We find that parents who find an egg donor with overlapping interests and traits get even more excited to move forward on their journey. 

8. Religion

Does it matter if my egg donor and I have the same religion?

The decision to prioritize or consider religious compatibility is a deeply personal one. For some individuals or couples, religious beliefs and practices hold significant importance in their lives, and they may wish to find an egg donor who aligns with their religious values. For others, religion may not play a central role, and they may be more open to donors of various religious backgrounds.

Regardless of whether you choose a donor who shares your religious background, open and honest communication with your child about their genetic origins and any religious or cultural differences is essential. It's important to create an environment where questions and discussions about faith, identity, and beliefs are welcomed and respected.

9. Education and achievements

Does the egg donor’s education level matter?

Educational background, intelligence, and achievements are factors that some intended parents weigh strongly when choosing an egg donor. 

The level of education or specific achievements can be important to some individuals or couples who wish to find a donor with similar intellectual or professional pursuits. At Cofertility, you can sort donor profiles by education level and learn more about what a donor studied and the type of school they attended. 

10. Race and ethnicity

Do I need to choose a donor of the same race and ethnicity?

Perhaps you are really drawn to a donor who is like you in so many ways… except her race or ethnicity. Should you still match with them? This route is absolutely possible but should be taken with thoughtful consideration. In the adoption world, conspicuous families are very common. But it does increase the chances of comments and questions from nosy people.

Selecting an egg donor of a different race or ethnicity also means that child may grow up with questions about (or disconnection with) their genetic roots that are different from yours. You’ll need to talk about race from day one, show your child the importance of diversity in society, and ensure that you socialize with people of different races and ethnicities (including theirs). Surround yourself with other multiracial families and find ways to expose your child to their genetic culture. 

To make this decision, reflect on your own cultural values, consider the potential impact on your family dynamics, and engage in discussions with your partner (and even a therapist!) to ensure you make a decision that aligns with your values and aspirations.

Take-aways

Choosing the right egg donor is a significant decision that can greatly impact the success of your donor egg IVF journey. By considering the key factors we shared in this article, you can make an informed choice and find an egg donor who aligns with your goals and values. 

Remember to prioritize the likelihood of a successful egg retrieval by assessing factors such as age, AMH levels, and medical history. Additionally, finding a donor who is a good fit for your family, both in terms of physical traits and shared interests, can create a stronger connection and enhance the overall experience.

Selecting an egg donor is a deeply personal process, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each individual or couple may have different priorities and considerations when making this decision. Whether it's evaluating the donor's education, considering religious compatibility, or contemplating the impact of race and ethnicity, take the time to reflect on your values and aspirations as a family.

Throughout the journey, open and honest communication with your fertility doctor, partner, and even a therapist can provide valuable guidance and support. Remember that every child is unique, regardless of genetic factors, and creating a nurturing environment where questions about identity, faith, and diversity are welcomed is crucial.

At Cofertility, we understand the importance of finding the right egg donor, and we're here to support you every step of the way. 

‍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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Donors are happy with their decision

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

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

Cofertility - striving to be the best egg sharing program

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

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

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

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

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

Intended parents are often asking me if they should choose a first-time or proven egg donor. While it may initially seem like a major consideration, in reality, it often plays a relatively minor role in the overall process. In this article, I hope to clarify this question and guide you towards more consequential aspects in your decision-making process.

Understanding egg donation

Egg donation involves a woman donating her eggs to help another family conceive via in-vitro fertilization (IVF). These donated eggs are fertilized in a laboratory, and the resulting embryos are then transferred into the recipient's uterus or a gestational carrier. Most donors are first-time donors who have never donated before, but some are proven donors who have previously donated eggs which have resulted in successful pregnancies.

First-time vs. repeat egg donors

A first-time donor has no history of successful pregnancies, however this does not mean that she is not a wonderful donor. Even though it may provide some pause that the donor has not donated before, the number of eggs likely to be retrieved in a donation cycle can be predicted based on markers like anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and antral follicle count (AFC). These metrics provide solid indicators of ovarian reserve and, consequently, the potential success of an egg retrieval procedure.

On the other hand, proven donors have a track record of successful pregnancies through their donated eggs, which can offer some reassurance to intended parents going through egg donation. It’s another data point to give you confidence. However, a proven donor's history of successful pregnancies doesn't guarantee future success. Plus, a donor who has donated more than once means that your future child is more likely to have biological half-siblings. 

What matters most: family fit

As shared above, reliable estimates for the quantity of eggs that are likely to be retrieved during a donation cycle can be made based on biomarkers such as AMH and AMC. These critical measures serve as robust predictors of ovarian reserve and, therefore, help project the likely outcome of the egg retrieval process. A donor who has been medically cleared by a fertility doctor – whether she has donated before or not – has a good chance of a successful retrieval. In fact, donor egg IVF has better outcomes than other forms of ART.

Once an egg donor has been medically cleared, we think the "fit" of the donor with your family is arguably more critical. This fit might involve physical attributes, ethnicity, education, or other aspects that matter to you in relation to your future child. Donor profiles and interviews can provide valuable insights into these aspects, guiding your choice towards a donor who aligns with your vision for your family.

A downside of a “proven” donor: the biological half-sibling factor

A less commonly discussed aspect of using a proven donor is that your child may have biological half-siblings resulting from previous successful donations. While this fact doesn't influence the potential success of your IVF process, it's an important ethical and emotional consideration for many potential parents. For some, this potential genetic connection to other families might be concerning or undesirable. 

However, simply because a first time donor has not donated eggs before, it does not mean she will not potentially donate to other families in the future. This would also lead to biological half-siblings for your children. This is not something to be nervous or hesitant about though as it can be a beautiful thing. It has been seen that children born from the same donor sometimes seek each other out, and find family in the USA or around the world, and have stories to share between each other of being a donor conceived child. A very unique bond can be established between donor conceived children.

It's important to note that the possibility of having numerous genetic half-siblings doesn't inherently detract from the unique bond and relationship you will develop with your child. Yet, it's a factor to be aware of and something to consider based on your personal values and vision for your future family.

How many times can an egg donor donate?

There is a limit to how many times a woman can donate eggs, primarily based on ethical and safety guidelines. In the United States, for example, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends that donors should not donate eggs more than six times during their lifetime. This guideline aims to minimize potential health risks for the donor and limit the number of offspring born from any one donor's eggs (although to be clear, even if a donor donates six times through an egg bank, those eggs could be distributed to far more than six families). At Cofertility, we follow these guidelines and actually find that most of our donors don’t plan on donating to more than one or two families because they are not doing it for cash compensation. 

Summing it up

Remember that while the choice of an egg donor is significant, it is just one aspect of the broader journey to parenthood. Other aspects, like ensuring the health of the mother or gestational carrier, preparing for the emotional and financial commitment of parenthood, and creating a nurturing environment for your child, are critical contributors to your child’s life.

While the decision between a first-time and proven egg donor can seem overwhelming, remember that this is just one factor among many in your fertility journey. Reliable fertility markers, such as AMH and AFC, offer significant predictors of egg retrieval success. Furthermore, the alignment of a donor with your vision of your future family is of paramount importance.

Each family's journey is unique, and there is no 'one size fits all' answer. Being patient with the process, staying informed, and leaning on the support of medical and mental health professionals can guide you towards the decisions that feel right for you and your family.

How Cofertility is different 

We started this company with the vision of serving all families, regardless of what brought them here. We promise to provide you with the care we would want for our families. With our commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and innovation, we are striving to be the best in the industry.

Our unique egg sharing model empowers donors and enables families to find the perfect egg donor match quickly and easily, setting a new standard for excellence in our field. Whether you are just becoming educated on egg donation or are ready to move forward, we want to help you achieve your goals and build the family of your dreams.

Create a free account to get started today!

For many aspiring parents, the decision to use an egg donor is a significant step in their family-building process. For many families we work with, it’s taken them a long time to get to this point, and they are ready and eager to move forward. One of the most common questions we hear at Cofertility is, "How long will it take to find an egg donor?" The good news is that with our unique egg sharing approach, there is no wait at all.

The Cofertility difference: No wait list

Unlike other egg donation programs, Cofertility has no waiting list. This means you can start browsing potential donors immediately after signing up. Our unique egg sharing model attracts a diverse pool of highly qualified donors, giving you access to hundreds of potential matches right now.

Matching timelines: Fresh vs. frozen donor eggs

At Cofertility, we offer both fresh and frozen egg donation options. The timeline for each process differs, so let's break it down:

Fresh egg donation

If you choose a fresh egg donation cycle, here's what you can expect:

1. Immediate matching: You can find your perfect egg donor match as you're ready.

2. Donor screening and paperwork: After matching, the process typically takes two to four months. This timeline includes medical screening, genetic screening, psychological screening, and legal paperwork. Learn more about how we screen egg donors here. 

3. Egg retrieval: Finally, there’s the roughly two-week egg donation cycle, which culminates in the egg retrieval. The eggs are yours immediately and can be fertilized to make embryos. 

This timeline can vary based on several factors, including your schedule, your donor’s schedule, and of course your clinic’s schedule. Every family at Cofertility is paired with a Member Advocate that will walk you through every step of the process. 

Frozen egg donation

For those considering egg donors who have already frozen their eggs, the process can be significantly faster:

1. Immediate matching: Like with fresh donation, you can match with a donor right away.

2. Paperwork: If the donor’s screening and retrieval are complete, you’ll move forward to sign an agreement with Cofertility and with the clinic where the donor completed her cycle. This typically takes 1-2 weeks but can be as fast as a few days! 

3. Rapid access to eggs: You could potentially receive the donor eggs and be ready to create embryos within days of matching.

This accelerated timeline can be a game-changer for many intended parents, especially those who feel that time is of the essence in their family-building journey.

Why is our matching process so efficient?

You might be wondering how we're able to offer such a streamlined process without a waiting list. This is due to our unique egg sharing model, where women freeze their eggs for free when donating half to a family that can’t otherwise conceive. 

• Attractive program for donors: Our unique approach appeals to a wider pool of potential donors, increasing the number of available matches.
• Pre-qualified candidates: We maintain strict qualification standards, ensuring that all donors in our program meet rigorous criteria set by the FDA and ASRM.
• Diverse donor pool: With hundreds of potential donors available, we can help match families of all types.
• User-friendly platform: Our intuitive interface makes it easy for intended parents to browse and connect with potential donors quickly.
• Available donors: We only show donor profiles that are actually available and not currently matched with other families. 

We also have a phenomenal team of professionals and industry-leading software tools that support our members every step of the way. 

Making your decision

While the ability to match quickly is certainly appealing, it's still a huge decision. We encourage all intended parents to take the time they need to feel confident in their choice.

Once you create your free account, you can sort candidates by a number of factors:

• Race
• Heritage
• Jewish ancestry
• Hair color
• Eye color
• Height
• Level of education
• School (if it’s Top 100, Top 50, Ivy League)
• Hair’s natural state (e.g. straight, curly)
• Personality (introvert, extrovert, ambivert)
• Thinker (left brain, right brain)
• And disclosure preference (see more on that below)

Once you go into the profile, you’ll be able to really get to know the member. Additional information included in the profile include:

• Photos from childhood and current day
• Dominant hand
• If they have dimples
• If they have freckles
• BMI
• Degree earned and major
• Job/career details
• Languages spoken 
• Musical instruments played
• Aptitudes in math, science, athletics, music, and art
• What school subjects they enjoyed the most and least
• Hobbies, interests, talents
• Short-term and long-term goals in life
• Greatest strengths
• Favorite book, movie, and food
• Detailed health record including blood type, allergies, medications, and health history for the donor and their family

We’ve made these profiles to really share the human-side of each donor. We are so fortunate to have an amazing group of women as part of our Split Program.

The donor egg selection process

The first step is to review profiles and favorite any donors that really resonate with your family. Here are some things you’ll want to spend time reviewing:

• Medical history: Review the egg donor's medical history to ensure your comfortable with their health history. Our donors have already been pre-qualified, going above and beyond FDA and ASRM-recommended screening guidelines. But that doesn’t mean they won’t have some health history (e.g. allergies, glasses, surgeries) for you to learn about.

• Physical characteristics: If you’re hoping for a donor that looks like you, you’ll want to learn more about the donor's physical characteristics, such as eye and hair color.
• Personality: Some people also consider the donor's personality, field of study/work, and hobbies to find a match that aligns with their values and interests.
• Privacy and disclosure status: Consider the level of disclosure and openness you prefer in your donor relationship. Some families prefer to have a more open relationship with their donor, while others prefer to keep things more private. Learn more about disclosure here. 

Once you find a donor, you can place a hold so no one else can match with that donor while your doctor reviews her profile. 

Our team is always available to provide support and guidance throughout this process, ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

The bottom line

At Cofertility, we've redesigned the egg donation process to be more efficient, transparent, and accessible. Whether you choose fresh or frozen egg donation, you can start your journey today without the frustration of long waiting lists.

While the timeline to match with a donor can be remarkably quick, the most important factor is finding the right match for your family. We're here to support you every step of the way, from your initial search to the moment you welcome your child into the world.

Ready to start your egg donation journey? Sign up today and take the first step towards building your family with Cofertility.