egg quality

As more and more families turn to assisted reproductive technologies to build their families, the question of age becomes increasingly important. For those using donor eggs or a gestational carrier (or both), the age of the person contributing to the pregnancy can have a significant impact on the chances of success. 

In this article, we will explore whether the age of the egg donor or gestational carrier matters more for the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Does egg donor age matter?

The age of the egg donor is a crucial factor in the success of a donor egg IVF cycle. As females age, their egg quality and quantity decreases, 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.

This means that the average 28-year-old donor has a significantly higher chance of producing a successful pregnancy than a 45-year-old donor (and one of the reasons ASRM recommends that donors be under the age of 34). However, even with a younger donor, other factors such as the quality of the sperm used, the quality of the clinic, and the health of the person carrying the pregnancy can majorly impact the success of the cycle.

So what do we mean by “younger” egg donor? While ASRM recommends egg donors are between the ages of 21 and 34, the sweet spot seems to be ages 25-34. Not only for reasons of donor maturity, 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. 

While many people gravitate towards younger donors under the assumption that they’ll retrieve more eggs, 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 doctor will help determine if she’s a good candidate. All the donors at Cofertility are pre-qualified and most of them pass medical clearance upon match.

‍‍

I’m carrying the pregnancy, does my age matter?

If you intend to carry the pregnancy, you may be wondering what matters more… your age or the egg donors age. For the most part, the age of your egg donor is more critical to success than your age at embryo transfer and pregnancy.

That’s because 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. 

‍

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.

Studies show that your chances of success using donor eggs does not diminish in your 40s. So while getting pregnant with your own eggs may be unlikely, using donor eggs can greatly increase your chances of a successful and healthy baby well into your 40s and even 50s.  

Many women in their 40s and 50s can carry a pregnancy when using donor eggs, although some need to use a gestational carrier for a variety of reasons. It’s important to note that carrying a pregnancy in your 40s and 50s does carry increased risks of pregnancy complications like. hypertensive disorders and gestational diabetes.

I’m using a gestational carrier (surrogate), whose age is more important?

If you need both an egg donor and gestational carrier, you may wonder how their age will impact the chances of success. As stated earlier, the recommended age range for an egg donor is 21-34, but the range for gestational carriers is broader at 21 to 45 years old.

While egg donation has its own set of criteria, the ideal gestational carrier is a healthy female between the ages of 21 and 45 who has had at least one successful term pregnancy, and has been medically and psychologically cleared.

If you are using a gestational carrier, the age of the gestational carrier is also an important factor to consider. But as long as she meets the criteria and has been medically cleared, whether she is 25 or 35 should not impact your chances of success. 

Is there an age limit for IVF with donor eggs?

Technically, there is no age limit (legal or otherwise) in the United States for pursuing IVF with or without donor eggs. But ASRM discourages IVF for females older than 55, and some clinics set their own age limits for patients they will treat. 

For females over 45 years old, ASRM advises:

• “Comprehensive” medical testing for cardiovascular and metabolic fitness to ensure the safety of the mother and baby during pregnancy 
• Psychosocial evaluation to determine if support is in place to raise a child to adulthood
• Counseling patients on potential increased medical risks related to pregnancy

There is no official recommendation when it comes to the age of a male intended parent.

Summing it up

It’s important to remember that your age when you (or your gestational carrier) get pregnant is not as important as the age of the eggs that formed the embryo. The success of egg donation depends on many factors, but is not considered to be related to the age of the recipient.

While the age of the egg donor and gestational carrier can impact the success of the cycle, it is not the only factor to consider. Other factors such as the quality of the sperm, the caliber of the clinic, and any underlying medical conditions should also be taken into account. Ultimately, the best approach will depend on your individual circumstances, and a consultation with a qualified reproductive endocrinologist can help determine the best course of action.

More resources:

• What You Need to Know About Getting Pregnant In Your 40s
• Which Should I Find First: An Egg Donor or a Surrogate?
• Is there a Maximum Age for Egg Donor IVF?

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a condition in which your ovaries stop functioning properly before the age of 40. POF affects about 1% of females, and is also known as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) or premature menopause. In this article, we'll discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options for POF, and how it can affect your mental and emotional well-being.

What causes premature ovarian failure?

POF is a complex and multifactorial condition, with the exact cause remaining unknown in the vast majority (90%) of cases. However, research suggests that the problem is often related to issues with the follicles (the small sacs in the ovaries where the eggs mature). Some people with POF may run out of functional follicles earlier than expected, while others may have follicles that are not functioning properly. 

While the cause is often unknown, there are several factors that have been linked to POF. These include genetic disorders such as Fragile X syndrome and Turner syndrome, autoimmune diseases such as thyroiditis and Addison disease, exposure to toxins like cigarette smoke, chemicals, and pesticides, as well as certain metabolic disorders. Additionally, treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy can also increase the risk of developing POF.

Symptoms of premature ovarian failure

The symptoms of POF are similar to those of menopause, and include irregular periods, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. Those with POF may also experience infertility or difficulty getting pregnant. In addition, POF can increase the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. POF can also lead to a decrease in libido and sexual function, as well as depression and anxiety.

How do I know if I have premature ovarian failure? 

POF is diagnosed based on symptoms, medical history, and blood tests that measure levels of certain hormones. Females with POF typically have low levels of estrogen and high levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs. A pelvic exam and ultrasound may also be performed to evaluate the ovaries and determine if there are any structural abnormalities.

Premature ovarian failure and estrogen levels

POF can lead to low estrogen levels, which can cause a range of symptoms. Estrogen plays a vital role in the reproductive system and overall health. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle, maintains bone density, and supports vaginal and urinary health. When estrogen levels drop, you may experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and difficulty sleeping. All of these are generally a result of lower estrogen levels.

Premature ovarian failure and FSH levels

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a hormone that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles and the production of estrogen. In those with premature ovarian failure, FSH levels are typically high due to the lack of viable follicles in the ovaries. High levels of FSH can be a useful tool in diagnosing POF.

Premature ovarian failure and AMH levels

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a hormone that is produced by the ovarian follicles. Low levels of AMH can be a sign of a low ovarian reserve, which is a common characteristic of premature ovarian failure. While AMH levels can be useful in diagnosing POF, they are not always a reliable indicator of fertility potential.

Do you still have eggs with premature ovarian failure?

Premature ovarian failure is usually characterized by a decline in the number of eggs you have. However, some individuals with premature ovarian failure may still have a small number of eggs in their ovaries, especially early in the diagnosis. 

This can be determined through an ovarian reserve test, which measures the number of follicles (fluid-filled sacs that contain immature eggs) present in the ovaries.

However, for most individuals with premature ovarian failure, the number of eggs left may be too low for successful fertility treatment using their own eggs. In these cases, donor eggs may be a viable option for achieving a healthy pregnancy.

Can premature ovarian failure be cured?

There is no cure for POF, but there are several treatment options available. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help alleviate symptoms of menopause and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Those with POF who wish to conceive can also explore fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) with donor eggs. This can be a successful option for those with POF since the donor eggs come from women who are more likely to produce healthy embryos.

Can someone with premature ovarian failure get pregnant?

While premature ovarian failure can make it difficult to conceive unassisted, it is still possible for some people to get pregnant with the help of assisted reproductive technologies, like donor egg IVF.  In some cases, patients with POF may even be able to use their own eggs if they have enough viable follicles remaining. However, the success rates of these treatments are generally lower than for people without POF.

The good news, though,  is that people with POF are generally able to carry a healthy pregnancy!

Can you do IVF with premature ovarian failure?

Yes! IVF may be an option for those with premature ovarian failure who still have a small number of eggs in their ovaries. In some cases, these eggs can be retrieved and used for IVF. But it may take higher doses of medications, and more cycles to achieve success.

However, if you have very few or no eggs remaining, IVF with donor eggs may be recommended instead. 

Mental and emotional well-being, and coping strategies

POF can have a significant impact on your mental and emotional well-being. The diagnosis of POF can be devastating, and you may experience a range of emotions, including grief, anger, and depression. It is so important to seek support from a mental health professional and to connect with others who have experienced POF. 

There are several coping strategies to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and reducing stress. Those with POF can also explore alternative therapies such as yoga, meditation, or massage to help manage symptoms and gain a sense of inner peace. Those with POF should also be proactive about their healthcare by staying up to date on their medical appointments and advocating for themselves.

Bottom line

Premature ovarian failure can be a challenging condition to manage, but there are options available to help alleviate symptoms and increase the chances of starting a family. If you suspect you may have POF, it's important to speak with your doctor to start an evaluation.

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! 

Whether you are someone who is struggling with infertility or other reproductive issues, or you’re a single male or gay male couple who hopes to have biological children, you may be considering donor eggs as an option for your family-building goals. While this can be a challenging time, it's important to know that there are options available to help you achieve your dreams of starting a family.

But first, you may be asking yourself “how do I know if I need donor eggs?” While there are a number of reasons one may turn to egg donation for their family-building, in this article we will discuss some of the most common scenarios.

I’m struggling with infertility

Infertility affects about 1 in 8 couples worldwide, and sometimes it can be due to the quality of the eggs. As we age, our eggs decrease in quantity and quality, making it more challenging to conceive. If you have been trying to conceive for a year or more without success, and your doctor has confirmed that there may be an egg quality or quantity issue, then donor eggs may be an option for you. 

I’m a single or gay dad

While heterosexual couples or women often find out later in life that they need to pursue egg donation, gay or single men are typically in a different situation, in that they have always known they would need donor eggs in order to have a biological child.

While not all people will find this to be a priority to them, working with an egg donor and a surrogate allows gay and single men the opportunity to have a genetic link to their child, which is one reason you may consider egg donation over adoption to grow your family.

I'm over 40

If you are over 40 and struggling with infertility, using donor eggs may provide you with a better chance of success. Donor eggs are generally from qualified egg donors who are between the ages of 23-34, which can increase the chances of successful fertilization, pregnancy, and delivery.  If you are over 40 and have been trying to conceive without success, you may consider using donor eggs to achieve your dream of parenthood. 

I’ve been diagnosed with Premature ovarian failure (POF)

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a condition in which the ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40. Those with POF have reduced or no ovarian function, making it difficult or impossible to conceive with your own eggs. If you have POF, you may be a candidate for using donor eggs, as your own eggs may not be viable for conception. Donor eggs can provide you with a higher chance of a successful pregnancy and delivery.

I had chemotherapy and/or radiation

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can damage the ovaries and reduce or eliminate the chances of conceiving with your own eggs. If you have had cancer treatment and your fertility has been affected, you may consider using donor eggs to achieve pregnancy. Donor eggs provide a higher chance of success compared to using your own eggs after cancer treatment.

I've had repeated IVF failure with my own eggs

Those who have experienced repeated IVF failure with their own eggs, even if they are still relatively young, may be a candidate for donor egg IVF. This can be due to poor egg quality or other factors. If you've tried multiple rounds of IVF without success, using donor eggs can dramatically increase your chances of bringing your baby home.

I have low ovarian reserve

Depending on your age, those with a low ovarian reserve may not produce enough viable eggs to achieve a successful pregnancy. If you’re in this boat, donor eggs can help make up for your diminishing egg quantity.

I have a genetic disorder

If you or your partner carries a genetic disorder that could be passed on to your child, using donor eggs may be an option to reduce the risk of passing on the disorder. Many genetic disorders are caused by mutations in a person's DNA, and some of these mutations can be passed down to their children. If you have been diagnosed with a genetic disorder that could be passed on to your child, using donor eggs from a donor without the genetic mutation can significantly reduce the risk of your child inheriting the disorder. 

I’ve had recurrent pregnancy losses

If you have experienced recurrent pregnancy losses, using donor eggs may be an option to increase your chances of a successful pregnancy and delivery. Recurrent pregnancy loss is typically defined as the loss of two or more pregnancies, and it can be caused by a variety of factors such as genetic abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, or anatomical issues. Using donor eggs may increase the likelihood of successful fertilization and implantation, which may reduce the risk of pregnancy loss.

Cofertility can help

At Cofertility, we are striving to give you the best egg donation experience possible. We believe matching with an egg donor should be a positive experience. It sounds obvious, right? But the largely unregulated egg donation market has led to some sketchy practices. We want to bring ethics and transparency to an industry where most agencies don’t even have an "About Us" page. 

If you're looking for an egg donor — for any of the reasons listed above — you may already feel like the odds are stacked against you. The last thing you need is to feel like you’re “shopping” for a human who plays a critical role in your family-building journey. And we’ll never make it feel that way.

We are honored that you are considering us as part of your family-building journey. Create a free account today to begin meeting our donors. And please reach out if we can be of any assistance!

Embryo grading plays a critical role in assisted reproductive technology (ART), providing valuable insights into the quality of embryos and their potential of developing into a healthy pregnancy. But — and I speak from personal experience — embryo grading can also be one of the most complicated aspects of ART (an already complex process!) to navigate. In my case, I actually had one fertility clinic — where I did my retrieval cycles — disagree with my new clinic about which embryo was the best quality to transfer. When transfer day came and the embryologist read aloud which embryo they’d be using, imagine my surprise when it was a different embryo than the one I expected. 

Thankfully, my (very patient) reproductive endocrinologist walked me through my clinic’s data on various embryo grades and the success rates of each. And luckily, this embryo transfer resulted in the healthy birth of my son. But, since we all don’t know what we don’t know, the goal of this article is to ensure that you are armed with all the facts about embryo grading. We’ll discuss how different embryo grades influence the chances of success in ART procedures, including IVF. That way, you can ask the right questions, make more informed decisions, and maximize your prospects of achieving a successful pregnancy — with donor eggs or your own. Let’s jump in. 

What is embryo grading?

Embryo grading involves the visual assessment of morphological characteristics of an embryo by a trained embryologist, to evaluate the quality of embryos and their chances of developmental success into a healthy pregnancy. In other words, embryo grading is important because it can give you an idea of your odds of success prior to transferring that embryo. It can also provide insight into whether or not another IVF cycle might be beneficial, with or without adjustments to the treatment protocol.  

During the embryo grading process, embryologists evaluate factors such as cell number, cell symmetry, fragmentation, and the appearance of the zona pellucida. These assessments are typically conducted at the embryo’s cleavage stage (day 2 or 3 of development) and the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6 of development) following fertilization, for embryos that have made it to this point. 

Understanding different embryo grades and their significance

Embryo grading systems provide a framework for embryologists to assign ratings based on specific morphological features. And while these systems are standardized, the grading system used can vary depending on the clinic. Embryo grading systems are equally applicable in donor egg IVF cycles, enabling the evaluation of embryos derived from donor eggs. 

Some commonly used embryo grading systems include: 

Gardner's blastocyst grading system 

The Gardner embryo grading system (sometimes referred to as the Gardner and Schoolcraft system) is widely used, and takes into account three main factors: expansion grade, inner cell mass (ICM) grade, and trophectoderm (TE) grade. Here's a breakdown of each component:

Expansion grade 

The expansion grade refers to how much the embryo has grown and expanded in the culture medium. It is usually assessed on a scale from 1 to 6. Here's what each grade means:

• Grade 1: The embryo is not expanded or only slightly expanded.
• Grade 2: The embryo has started to expand, with a small fluid-filled cavity called a blastocoel.
• Grade 3: The embryo has further expanded, and the blastocoel is larger.
• Grade 4: The embryo is even more expanded, with a significant blastocoel.
• Grade 5: The embryo has expanded further, with the blastocoel filling most of the embryo.
• Grade 6: The embryo has fully expanded, with a large blastocoel and thinning of the outer layer.

A higher expansion grade generally indicates better developmental potential.

Inner Cell Mass (ICM) grade

The ICM is a cluster of cells inside the embryo that will eventually develop into the fetus. It is graded based on its appearance and overall quality. Here's a simplified breakdown of ICM grades:

• Grade A: The ICM is tightly packed, with many cells and high density.
• Grade B: The ICM is looser or slightly less dense than Grade A, but still considered good quality.
• Grade C: The ICM is fragmented or has fewer cells, indicating lower quality.

Embryos with a higher ICM grade have a higher likelihood of successful implantation and pregnancy.

Trophectoderm (TE) grade

The trophectoderm is the outer layer of cells that will develop into the placenta. It is also graded based on its appearance and overall quality. Here's a simplified breakdown of TE grades:

• Grade A: The TE is tightly packed, forming a cohesive layer.
• Grade B: The TE is slightly looser or has minor irregularities but is still considered good quality.
• Grade C: The TE is fragmented or has more significant irregularities, indicating lower quality.

Embryos with a higher TE grade generally have a higher chance of successful implantation and pregnancy.

Combining the expansion grade, ICM grade, and TE grade provides an overall assessment of the embryo's quality and potential for successful implantation and pregnancy. However, the grade of the embryo is just one piece of the puzzle. The success of embryo transfer depends on various individual factors, including your age, overall fertility health, uterine environment, and the skill of the doctor.

Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) grading system

The SART embryo grading system focuses on the evaluation of cleavage-stage embryos (day 2 or 3). It takes into account parameters such as the number and symmetry of blastomeres, the presence of fragmentation, and the appearance of the cytoplasm. Embryos are generally graded on a scale from 1 to 4:

• Grade 1: These embryos are considered of excellent quality. They have equal-sized and symmetrical blastomeres (cells) without any fragmentation. These embryos have a higher likelihood of successful implantation and pregnancy compared to lower-graded embryos.
• Grade 2: These embryos are still of good quality but may show minor asymmetry or minimal fragmentation. Although they may have slight imperfections, they still have a reasonable chance of successful implantation and pregnancy.
• Grade 3: These embryos have moderate asymmetry or fragmentation. The presence of moderate irregularities may slightly decrease their chances of successful implantation and pregnancy compared to higher-graded embryos.
• Grade 4: These embryos exhibit significant asymmetry or fragmentation. These embryos have more substantial irregularities, significantly reducing their chances of successful implantation and pregnancy compared to higher-graded embryos.

Cummins' embryo grading system:

The Cummins' grading system is another method used to assess cleavage-stage embryos. It is quite similar to the SART system, but while the SART system primarily focuses on the symmetry of blastomeres and the degree of fragmentation, the Cummins system emphasizes the size and fragmentation of those blastomeres. 

Unlike the SART grading system, through the Cummins embryo grading system, embryos are actually scored on a scale from 1 to 5 (vs. 4):

• Grade 1: Embryos that receive a Grade 1 are considered of excellent quality. They have blastomeres (cells) that are of equal size and show no fragmentation. Grade 1 embryos have a higher chance of successful implantation and pregnancy compared to lower-graded embryos.
• Grade 2: Grade 2 embryos are still considered good quality, but they may have minor imperfections. These embryos might have some minor asymmetry or minimal fragmentation, meaning that the blastomeres may not be perfectly equal in size, and there may be some small fragments. Grade 2 embryos still have a reasonable chance of successful implantation and pregnancy.
• Grade 3: Embryos with Grade 3 have moderate asymmetry or fragmentation. This means that the blastomeres may show more unevenness in size, and there may be a moderate amount of fragmentation present. Grade 3 embryos have a slightly lower chance of successful implantation and pregnancy compared to higher-graded embryos.
• Grade 4: Grade 4 embryos have significant asymmetry or fragmentation. The blastomeres may show significant variation in size, and there may be a substantial amount of fragmentation present. Grade 4 embryos have a lower chance of successful implantation and pregnancy compared to higher-graded embryos.

How important are embryo grades, anyway? 

Embryo grades provide valuable insights into the developmental potential of embryos, but they are not the sole determining factor of success. It’s important to recognize that grading systems primarily evaluate morphological characteristics and do not consider other crucial aspects, such as genetic abnormalities or the embryonic environment. 

While higher-graded embryos generally have higher implantation rates, it is not uncommon for lower-graded embryos to still result in successful pregnancies. The decision regarding embryo selection should involve a comprehensive evaluation of individual patient factors, including age, fertility history, and the number of available embryos.

How to know a "good" embryo grade

Understanding how to interpret embryo grades is vital for patients undergoing IVF. Typically, embryos with higher grades possess certain characteristics indicative of better developmental potential. For instance, in the Gardner system, high-quality blastocysts often have a fully expanded blastocoel, a tightly packed ICM with many cells, a well-formed TE with few or no fragments, and a smooth and even zona pellucida. These features suggest a greater likelihood of successful implantation and subsequent pregnancy. 

While these grading systems provide a standardized approach, there may still be some variability in interpretation between embryologists and clinics, based on that clinic’s own success rate data with embryos of different grades. Additionally, newer systems and modifications continue to emerge, aiming to improve the accuracy and reliability of embryo grading.

Understanding the grading system used by your fertility clinic and discussing it with your reproductive specialist can help you interpret and interpret the grading of your embryos more effectively. Remember, the grading system used may influence the way embryos are selected for transfer or cryopreservation.

Which embryo should I transfer first?

If you’ve made it to the point where you have more than one blastocyst embryo available to transfer, congratulations! That’s a huge weight off of your shoulders. Now, you’re likely focused on the next big decision: which embryo should I transfer first? Doctors may have different opinions on this, depending on various factors. Here are a few considerations as you and your doctor weigh this decision: 

Implantation potential

As we previously mentioned, higher graded embryos generally have a higher potential for successful implantation and pregnancy. They often exhibit better morphological characteristics and developmental quality, which can increase the chances of successful embryo implantation and subsequent pregnancy. Therefore, some clinicians may recommend transferring higher graded embryos first to maximize the likelihood of achieving a successful pregnancy.

Number of embryos

If you have a limited number of embryos available for transfer, some doctors may advise starting with the higher graded embryos. This approach aims to optimize the chances of achieving a pregnancy early in the treatment process, preserving any remaining higher graded embryos for future transfer attempts. 

Depending on how many kids you want, other doctors may advise the opposite — if you know you want two children, but you transfer a higher graded embryo earlier and get pregnant right away, that will delay your availability to potentially do another IVF cycle again should your lower-graded embryos not result in another pregnancy. Also, if you transfer a lower graded embryo and it does stick, that will only further increase your chances of a successful pregnancy down the line with another embryo, especially a higher graded one!

Patient-specific factors

Factors such as your age, fertility history, previous IVF outcomes, underlying medical conditions, and specific treatment goals should be taken into consideration. If you’ve undergone previous IVF cycles and had unsuccessful outcomes with higher graded embryos, your doctor might consider altering the approach and prioritize transferring lower graded embryos first to try something different. Although higher graded embryos generally indicate better chances of a successful pregnancy, it’s not impossible to have a baby using a lower graded embryo. They still show implantation potential and result in successful pregnancies in some cases.

We recommend talking with your REI to receive personalized guidance based on your specific situation. They can provide the most up-to-date clinical information, evaluate your individual factors, and offer recommendations tailored to your needs and timeline. 

Embryo grading for donor egg IVF cycles

With a donor egg IVF cycle, embryo grading is equally important. However, other factors, such as the intended parent or gestational carrier’s uterine environment and receptivity, still play a significant role in the success of donor egg IVF cycles. It’s also critical to understand that embryo grading is not indicative of the presence or absence of chromosomal abnormalities or specific genetic factors.

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.

In conclusion

Embryo grading serves as a valuable tool in assessing the developmental potential and quality of embryos in assisted reproductive technology (ART). While higher-graded embryos generally exhibit higher implantation rates and better chances of success, embryo grade is not the end-all-be-all when it comes to predicting pregnancy outcomes. 

Grading systems primarily evaluate morphological characteristics and do not account for genetic abnormalities or the embryonic environment. Because of this, the decision regarding embryo selection should involve a comprehensive evaluation that considers multiple factors beyond just the assigned grade. Your fertility doctor can provide personalized guidance to optimize your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy based on their specific circumstances. We wish you all the best!