egg donation
What Happens to My Eggs After I Donate Them?
When you’re considering Cofertility’s Split program, it’s natural to wonder where the process ends—what would actually happen to your eggs after you’ve donated? Read on to learn more.
When you’re considering Cofertility’s Split program, it’s natural to wonder where the process ends—what would actually happen to your eggs after you’ve donated? After all, you’re probably looking into this option with the hope that a family may be able to grow their family with your help. So how does that all happen?
How to donate eggs
First things first: if you decide that you want to help intended parents grow a family, you can expect to go through a pretty rigorous screening process. You’ll answer a lot of questions and go through a medical assessment
Typically you can expect the process to look like this:
- Application and Interview: You will share more information about yourself, including background on your health and whether you’ve donated your eggs or been pregnant in the past. We will also gather information about your education and family so we can share this with the intended parents down the line.
- Medical testing: If your initial screening indicates that you are a good candidate for Split, once you match with intended parents, you will be tested for diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.You may be tested for genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis. Importantly, you will also undergo a psychological evaluation to ensure that you’re participating in the program willingly and that you’re prepared for the process ahead.
- Medications: If you go through with the procedure, you will take injectable medications to stimulate your ovaries to produce more eggs. You’ll make several visits to a fertility clinic over a period of 10 to 14 days so the doctor can perform ultrasounds and monitor your ovaries.
- Egg retrieval: The fertility specialist will use anesthesia and retrieve eggs from your ovaries with a needle and special suction device. This is considered a minor surgical procedure that can be done right at a fertility clinic under light anesthesia. It’s quick too — the whole process can take as little as 30 minutes.
So what happens to my eggs after I donate them?
So what happens to my eggs after the egg retrieval? The eggs you’re donating will now move on to be fertilized and hopefully help grow a new family.
Here’s how your eggs will be used to help intended parents:
- Fertilization via IVF — After eggs are retrieved from your ovaries, an embryologist will use them to start the process of in vitro fertilization — more commonly known as IVF. The fertilization, or insemination process, is performed in a lab and involves adding sperm to the eggs. The fertilized eggs will then develop in the lab and hopefully become embryos, the building block of a developing baby.
- Embryo testing — Some intended parents may opt for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) to be done on the embryos. This process checks for chromosomal abnormalities such as extra chromosomes or missing chromosomes. This process can also flag genetic abnormalities controlled by a single gene, like cystic fibrosis or BRCA mutation.
- Embryo transfer — If the fertilization process is successful and the embryo continues to divide after fertilization, it’s now ready to be transferred into the uterus of an intended parent or gestational surrogate. This step of IVF is also done in a fertility clinic, where a reproductive endocrinologist will use a catheter to place the embryo — or sometimes multiple embryos — into the uterus.
- Pregnancy — If all goes well, the embryo will implant in the uterus, and your donated eggs will result in a pregnancy for the recipient family! Of course, success will be based on a number of factors here — not just your donor eggs. These factors range from the age of the woman carrying the baby to the quality of the sperm used in the insemination process. CDC data from 2019 (the most recent year for which data is available) found that more than 9,000 babies were born that year with the help of donated eggs.
- Birth — When a child is born, the intended parents will be listed on the birth certificate and be considered the child’s parents in the eyes of the law.
Do egg donors meet the parents?
As you’re considering the Split Program, it’s natural to wonder if you’ll meet the intended parents. You may also be debating the type of relationship, if any, that you might want to have with the intended parents and any potential offspring.
Many egg donor agencies keep donors anonymous — that means they only share details with intended parents about a donor’s genetic history, physical characteristics such as eye color, education, and hobbies. They don’t put the two parties in contact with one another and don’t share the egg donor’s email, phone number, address, or even their real name. In fact, many of them even allow contracts where both parties agree not to reach out to the other.
At Cofertility, the decision about the relationship between Split Members and Intended Parents rests in the hands of both parties. We provide the education and data as to what relationship we know from research is most healthy for the future child. And you will be able to choose how much (or how little) contact you want, shaping a relationship that you are both comfortable with and one that takes the feelings of the donor-conceived child into consideration.
Can I donate my eggs again?
Maybe you’ve formed a relationship with the intended parents who used your eggs and they want a sibling, or perhaps you want to help more families. Either way, you may want to donate your eggs again — and you can. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines allow for women to donate eggs up to six times. Know that this decision is entirely up to you.
Freeze your eggs for free by donating half to a family in need
We created the Split Program to give women the option to keep half of the eggs retrieved during the egg donor process. The costs of oocyte cryopreservation (the official medical term for egg freezing) along with 10 years of storage are entirely covered.
The number of eggs retrieved per cycle will vary based on your age and other factors. One study of 1,241 women found that, for women under 35, the average number of eggs retrieved on the first egg freezing round was 21. Depending on the number that you retrieve, some doctors may recommend completing a second cycle to ensure that you have enough eggs frozen for your own future use.
Bottom Line
While the process may end for you at the retrieval, it’s natural to wonder what happens next. Split Program members are giving an incredible gift to a family in need and we want to make sure that you feel honored and respected throughout that process. With Cofertility, you play a role in deciding how much - or how little - you know about what comes after your retrieval.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Donate Eggs?
This article explores age restrictions for egg donation, highlighting the recommended age range due to factors affecting egg quality.
Donating eggs can be a generous and life-changing decision for both the donor and the intended parent. If you have been interested in donating your eggs, you may be wondering if there’s an age cut-off. The short answer is, yes, there are age restrictions when it comes to donating eggs. In this article, we will discuss how old you have to be to donate your eggs and what factors may affect your eligibility.
What is the minimum age for egg donation?
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 follow this suggestion to ensure the donor is mature enough to understand the procedure and follow through on the commitment.
To be part of our Split Program, where you freeze your eggs for free when donating half to a family that can’t otherwise conceive, you must be at least 21 years old. And while we do not accept Split members who are under 21, please reach out and we’ll get back in touch after you turn 21.
What is the maximum age for egg donation?
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, as it can take some time to match with intended parents and complete your cycle. If you are 34-39, you are still eligible to participate in our Keep program. With this program, you can freeze your eggs and keep 100% of them for yourself.
Why are their age requirements for egg donation?
Because donor egg IVF is already so expensive and time consuming, families and clinics want to do everything they can to increase chances of success.
One factor that can predict success is age. Women in their 20s typically have a higher quantity and quality of eggs, making them ideal candidates for egg donation. Data shows that, on average, those over 35 tend not to respond to fertility medication as well and therefore may not produce as many eggs. Research also shows that, unfortunately, egg quality declines with age.
Are there exceptions?
There are cases where a clinician may accept a known donor outside the recommended age range. For example, if someone wanted their 35-year-old sister to donate and she had recently undergone a successful egg retrieval, the doctor may approve her donation.
Conclusion
Egg donation is a serious commitment and involves a significant time and energy commitment from the donor. The process typically involves several weeks of hormone injections, frequent doctor's appointments, and a minor surgical procedure to retrieve the eggs.
While 21-34 is the recommended age for egg donation, keep in mind there are additional eligibility criteria. It is important for potential donors to carefully consider the risks and benefits and to ensure that they meet all of the eligibility criteria before making a decision.
Does Donating or Freezing Your Eggs Affect Your Future Fertility?
Has anyone ever told you that freezing your eggs will affect your ability to conceive naturally in the future? If you’ve heard this before, it’s understandable that it would make you think twice about pursuing egg freezing or donation. While this is a common question, it’s actually a misconception.
Has anyone ever told you that freezing your eggs will affect your ability to conceive naturally in the future? If you’ve heard this before, it’s understandable that it would make you think twice about pursuing egg freezing or donation. While this is a common question, it’s actually a misconception. Read on to learn more about why this is a myth and what egg freezing actually does for your fertility.
The truth about egg freezing (or donation) and fertility
Let's get right to it—does freezing or donating eggs impact your ability to get pregnant on your own in the future? The short answer is no, egg freezing won’t lower your egg reserve and it won’t affect your chances of getting pregnant naturally when you’re ready to do so. To understand why this is, let’s talk about the ovulation process.
What happens when you ovulate?
At the start of each menstrual cycle, when someone is on their period, their pituitary gland (in the brain) will release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH triggers fluid-filled sacs in both ovaries to grow. These sacs are called follicles and they each contain an egg. The follicles grow until a second signal from the brain forces only one follicle (the “dominant” follicle) to continue to mature and eventually release its egg. That egg being released is what we call ovulation.
Now that that single egg has been ovulated, what happens to all the other eggs in those other follicles? Well, since those follicles weren’t chosen as the dominant follicle, they stop growing and the eggs inside of them die. This is known as atresia. So, it’s basically survival of the fittest in each ovary every month — yikes!
So what does all that have to do with egg freezing?
Let’s briefly review what the egg retrieval process is for egg freezing, donation, and in vitro fertilization (IVF). The hormone medications used during all three processes prompts your ovaries to allow all of the eggs in a single cycle to mature (instead of the usual one) so you can freeze them for if and when you might need them later on.
Once the follicles have reached an appropriate size, the eggs are collected during a quick procedure in the office. This retrieval process happens under light sedation and involves using a vaginal ultrasound and a long needle with a suction device to retrieve the eggs. I promise this sounds much more intense than it actually is! An embryologist (an expert in the science of egg freezing) looks at each egg and grades their maturity before freezing them. If you’re doing IVF, they’ll go through fertilization instead of being frozen.
Can I get pregnant unassisted after egg freezing?
What you may have noticed from what was just explained is that egg freezing actually rescues all the other eggs that your body would otherwise allow to die during a normal menstrual cycle. So the process of egg freezing doesn’t take anything away from your egg reserve, it actually helps you save some extra eggs! And since during each cycle, your body goes through the ovulation process again with a new set of competing eggs, your chances of getting pregnant unassisted in the future also aren’t affected by egg freezing.
What egg freezing does do is give you additional options for if and when you’re ready to start growing your family.
Egg freezing actually rescues all the other eggs that your body would otherwise allow to die during a normal menstrual cycle. So egg freezing doesn’t take anything away from your egg reserve, it actually helps you save some extra eggs!
Can egg freezing damage my ovaries?
Like any other procedure, there are risks and side effects when freezing eggs, including risks of anesthesia, bleeding, pain, and infection. Thankfully, the majority of people who go through with it deal with side effects for a few days at most. When it comes to the ovaries themselves, they generally recover quickly. While there isn’t a lot of data specific to egg donors (as opposed to people freezing their eggs for themselves), the overall data indicate that the potential risks of surgical complications from egg retrieval are generally very small. However, in people with a history of endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic adhesions or previous pelvic surgery, the risks are slightly increased so make sure to speak to your doctor about your medical history if you fall into any of these categories.
In terms of complications down the road, there are really two main ways by which egg retrieval might conceivably affect future fertility. The first way is by bleeding and infection from the procedure leading to adhesions (scar tissue) and the need for further surgeries. The second way is through trauma to the ovaries causing the creation of antibodies that may make fertilization of an egg more difficult.
Fortunately, there is no data that supports either possibility. According to one large study of over 7,000 IVF cycles, the rates of both infection and need for surgery to treat a pelvic abscess was 0.03% (about 1 in 3,000 IVF cycles). As for the scar tissue and antibodies, researchers have not found a higher rate of adhesions among people who have had an egg retrieval compared to those who haven’t nor have they found evidence that antibodies interfere with sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg.
It’s up to you!
If you decide to go through with egg freezing, Freeze by Co is here to help. Our Split program allows those who qualify to freeze their eggs for free! In a Split cycle, you donate half of the eggs retrieved to a family that can’t otherwise conceive and freeze the remaining half for yourself.
If you don’t want to donate, you can still participate in the Keep program, where you’ll be able to freeze your eggs and keep them all for yourself, on your timeline. In addition, you’ll have access to our online support community. This valuable resource lets you engage with other people freezing their eggs at the same time!
Whatever you choose, our team is here to support you as you determine which family-building options are right for you!
Can You Vape During Egg Freezing?
One area of concern is the impact of vaping on fertility, especially for those who are considering freezing their eggs for future use. In this article, we’ll dive into the research on if vaping is okay for egg freezing and donation.
Vaping has become a popular alternative to traditional smoking in recent years. But while it’s been marketed as a healthier option, the long-term effects of vaping are still not fully understood. One area of concern is the impact of vaping on fertility, especially for those who are considering freezing their eggs for future use. In this article, we’ll dive into the research on if vaping is okay for egg freezing and donation.
Impact of vaping on fertility
Several studies have found that vaping can have negative effects on reproductive health, including decreased fertility and increased risk of miscarriage. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), infertility rates in male and female smokers are twice as high as infertility rates among nonsmokers, with infertility rates rising with the number of cigarettes smoked daily. The main ingredients in e-cigarette liquids, such as nicotine and propylene glycol, have been shown to have toxic effects on the ovaries and the eggs they contain.
Nicotine has been shown to reduce the quality and quantity of eggs in the ovaries. It can also lead to decreased blood flow to the ovaries, which can negatively impact the development of the follicles, the structures in the ovaries that contain the eggs. Despite needing more medication during the egg freezing process, smokers often have fewer eggs available for retrieval during an egg freezing cycle, as well as 30% lower pregnancy rates compared with nonsmokers.
Propylene glycol, another common ingredient in e-cigarette liquids, has been shown to have a toxic effect on the ovaries and eggs. The same study has linked propylene glycol to oxidative stress, which can lead to damage to the eggs and decreased fertility. In addition, propylene glycol has been shown to cause DNA damage, which can affect the quality of the eggs.
How vaping may affect egg freezing outcomes
Egg freezing is a process where a woman's eggs are retrieved, frozen, and stored for later use once she is ready to fertilize them and start or grow her family. The more eggs that are retrieved, the better the chances of a live birth down the line.
While the effects of vaping on fertility are still largely unknown, many fertility clinics advise their patients to quit vaping in an effort to improve egg freezing outcomes related to quality and quantity based on the above research on smoking. Lower quality eggs with a higher DNA damage rate could impact the success of a future pregnancy using these frozen eggs, as these eggs may be less likely to fertilize into embryos (or result in a successful implantation). In addition, fewer eggs retrieved from those who vaped may result in fewer options for future use, which can increase the likelihood of needing additional egg freezing cycles.
Our programs offer the opportunity to freeze your eggs in a way that’s more empowering, positive, and affordable — even free. Take our quiz today to see if you qualify for Split, our free egg freezing program.
Can I donate my eggs if I vape?
If you are considering applying for our Split program, where you can freeze your eggs for free when you donate half of the eggs retrieved to another family, please note that you will not be considered eligible if you currently use any nicotine products, including vaping. If you engage in vaping regularly, you will need to quit for two to three months before re-applying for the program. If you only vape occasionally/socially, you will need to quit for one month prior to your retrieval date.
Summing it up
In conclusion, while data is somewhat limited, it appears that the effects of vaping on fertility can have an impact on women who are considering egg freezing. The ingredients in e-cigarette liquids, such as nicotine and propylene glycol, have been shown to have negative effects on reproductive health, including decreased fertilization rates and increased risk of miscarriage. In addition, it is possible that vaping can lead to a lower number of eggs retrieved during an egg freezing cycle and a higher rate of DNA damage in the retrieved eggs.
Our recommendation? Safe is better than sorry — in the interest of the best cycle outcome, it’s probably a good idea to hold off on the e-cigarettes leading up to and during your egg retrieval.
If you’re considering egg freezing, consult with a fertility specialist or take our quiz to learn more about how you can preserve your fertility.
I'm a Psychologist: Here's How to Talk to Your Partner About Donating Your Eggs
One of the most important people to start the conversation about donating your eggs with is your partner. Having an open and honest conversation is a great way to ensure that both of you are on the same page and have a clear understanding of what donating your eggs means. Here are some tips on how to approach the conversation.
Considering egg donation is an extremely rewarding experience, and one that you may want to share with your family, friends and significant other. And because of the nature of the entire process — the lengthy application that asks about your family medical history, a psychological and medical evaluation, hormone injections and medical retrieval ( where you will need someone to accompany you after) — it is definitely not something you should do alone. And donating your eggs doesn't just impact you, it can very well impact your partner, your family and future children. So, if you’re thinking to yourself, “I am ready to donate my eggs to help out another family. Now how do I tell people I’m donating my eggs?” — we’re here for you.
One of the most important people to start this conversation with is your partner. Having an open and honest conversation is a great way to ensure that both of you are on the same page and have a clear understanding of what donating your eggs means. Here are some tips on how to approach the conversation.
Educate yourself first
Since you have already decided that egg donation is for you, you have most likely already done a lot of research. But, explaining it to someone else can be another story. Especially if they start asking about how it may impact them in the future. our partner might have questions about the egg retrieval procedure and the potential risks, they may also ask about what happens to your eggs after you donate them, and what happens when that egg becomes a human and wants to meet you. So make sure you spend some time doing the research for yourself. You can do that by talking to Cofertility, an IVF doctor or fertility psychologist. Ask a lot of questions. Do your homework. You want to become an expert so that you’re ready to field those important questions that will be asked.
Start with your partner
Once armed with all your egg donation knowledge, start the conversation with your partner. Having an open and honest conversation is a great way to ensure that both of you are on the same page and have a clear understanding of what donating your eggs means. Here are some tips on how to approach the conversation.
Talk about what this means for your future
Donating your eggs is a huge decision that can have an impact on your life far beyond your retrieval, so it’s important to have an open and honest discussion with your partner about what that might look like. For example, if you’re participating in Cofertility’s Split program (where you donate half of your retrieved eggs and keep half for yourself for for free for your own future use) and you and your partner think you may want to have children of your own in the future, it will be important for those children to know about your egg donation. After all, they’ll likely have at least one biological half-sibling out there that they may be curious about someday. Additionally, when you match with intended parents, both parties will agree on a desired disclosure status and outline what the relationship between you (the donor), the intended parents, and the donor-conceived child will look like. So it will be important for your partner to be in-the-know about the details
Prepare for their questions
If you think through the possible questions they could ask, you’ll feel more prepared and confident in answering them. This could include:
- Why are you donating your eggs?
- What are the potential risks and side effects of egg donation?
- What is the egg donation procedure like?
- Will donating your eggs impact our ability to have children of our own someday (hint: it won’t)
- What do you imagine our relationship with the recipient family will look like?
- Are there any potential emotional or psychological effects of egg donation?
- Do you think you’ll donate more than once?
Obviously you can’t predict every question that may be thrown your way. And if they ask a question that throws you off, you can just say “Great question, let me think about how to best answer that and get back to you”.
Revisit the conversation often
A decision as meaningful as donating your eggs should never be a one-and-done conversation, so keep this conversation an ongoing one. It’s likely that your perspectives will evolve over time, so it’s important to keep the conversation fresh so you can address any concerns as they come up. If at any time you or your partner have questions, our team at Cofertility is always here to help.
Summing it up
By donating your eggs, you’re truly making a life-changing impact on another family’s life, by giving them the opportunity to grow the family of their dreams. You should feel 100% confident in this decision before going into it, and having a supportive partner will make the egg donation process infinitely easier. Open and honest communication is key to any healthy relationship, and by involving your partner in this conversation early on, you’ll be setting yourself up for a successful donation experience that you can feel good about.
What Does a High AMH Result Mean?
Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by ovarian follicles. It is commonly used as a marker of ovarian reserve and can be measured in the blood. A high AMH level is often associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but it can also have other causes. In this article, we will explore what a high AMH result means and answer some common questions about AMH testing.
Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by ovarian follicles. It is commonly used as a marker of ovarian reserve and can be measured in the blood. A high AMH level is often associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but it can also have other causes. In this article, we will explore what a high AMH result means and answer some common questions about AMH testing.
First off, what is AMH?
AMH is a hormone that is produced by the granulosa cells in the ovarian follicles. It plays a role in the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in females. AMH levels are relatively stable throughout the menstrual cycle and can be measured in the blood.
AMH is commonly used as a marker of ovarian reserve, which is a rough number of eggs that a female has remaining in her ovaries. Since females are born with a fixed number of eggs, this number naturally declines over time.
What are normal AMH numbers?
What is considered a “normal” AMH level depends on your age, as well as the lab where you take the test. Since there is no international standard, it’s best to use the reference ranges included on the test results (your doctor can share those with you if you did a test through a clinic).
In general, however, an AMH between 1.0 and 3.5 ng/mL suggests a “normal” range that is likely to have a good response to egg freezing.
If you are looking to donate your eggs, however, minimum AMH requirements may be slightly higher. For example, with Cofertility’s Split program, we require a minimum AMH of 2.0, though clinics may have their own unique requirements. This is to increase the chances of retrieving enough eggs to actually split, to ensure positive outcomes for both parties involved.
What AMH level is considered high?
In healthy females of reproductive age, higher levels of AMH mean that the ovaries have a larger supply of eggs. This means one would be expected to have better than average outcomes for egg freezing.
Remember, there is no universal standard for AMH, so it can vary depending on the lab where the test is run. Your test results will include if your range is “normal”, “low”, or “high” and the cut-off can differ. For example, Atlanta Fertility considers over 4.5 ng/mL high. Advanced Fertility considers anything over 4.0 ng/ml high. While RMA would consider an AMH over 3.0 ng/ml as “very high”.
With high levels of AMH, you may be at higher risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This means your doctor may choose a specific protocol and/or do extra monitoring to decrease the risk of complications during egg freezing.
What AMH level is considered too high?
Again, this question depends on the lab. Your test results will come with a reference range, and will indicate if your number is high for your age. If your doctor considers your levels abnormally high and has concerns, they will discuss the results with you.
Common reasons for high AMH
The most common reason for high AMH is that you are very fertile and likely to retrieve more eggs in an egg freezing cycle.
But a high AMH level may also indicate PCOS, which is a hormonal disorder that affects 8–13% of females of reproductive age. Those with PCOS typically have high levels of androgens (male hormones) and may have irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth. Patients with an average AMH level ≥ 4.45 ng/ml have a 9.35 times higher likelihood of developing PCOS, but not all patients with a high AMH have PCOS.
In rare cases, abnormally high AMH could be a sign of an ovarian tumor. Certain types of ovarian tumors, such as granulosa cell tumors, can produce high levels of AMH.
Does high AMH always mean PCOS?
While an increase in AMH levels has been reported to be associated with PCOS, high AMH alone is not enough to diagnose PCOS.
Not all patients with PCOS have high AMH levels, and not all patients with high AMH levels have PCOS. Diagnosis of PCOS requires a combination of symptoms, hormone levels, and imaging studies, such as ultrasound.
Does high AMH mean good egg quality?
Not necessarily. While a high AMH level is often associated with a larger number of ovarian follicles and eggs, it does not necessarily mean that the eggs are of good quality. Egg quality is determined by factors such as your age, genetics, and environmental factors, and cannot be measured directly by AMH levels.
Am I ovulating if my AMH is high?
AMH levels do not indicate if you’re ovulating or not. Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary and can be confirmed by monitoring the menstrual cycle and/or performing ultrasound studies.
Will I get a lot of eggs if I have a high AMH?
The success of egg freezing outcomes largely depends on the number and quality of eggs retrieved. Studies have shown that AMH levels can be used as a predictor of egg quantity, and can thus help to predict the potential success of egg freezing. Those with higher AMH levels tend to have better outcomes with egg freezing, as they are likely to have more eggs retrieved and a higher chance of success in future fertility treatments.
But by no means does a high AMH level guarantee a lot of eggs during an egg retrieval procedure for fertility treatments. The number of eggs retrieved during an egg freezing cycle depends on several factors, including your age, ovarian response to stimulation medications, any other underlying medication conditions, and the skill of the doctor performing the procedure.
What is a good AMH level for egg freezing?
Research has found that AMH is a good predictor of the response to ovarian stimulation and the number of eggs retrieved. Because of this, fertility doctors typically use your AMH levels (along with other biomarkers) to determine the drugs and dosages you will need to maximize your response to ovarian stimulation.
Now, what about a correlation between AMH and actual babies born (live birth rate)? Well, while AMH does seem to have some association with live birth rates after IVF, its ability to actually predict a live birth is not that great. This is especially true for younger people. A 2021 study found that AMH is a good predictor of live birth in older (>39 years old), but not younger, people. They found that younger participants (≤38 years old) could get pregnant even with low AMH levels as long as they had frequent egg retrievals.
Freeze your eggs with Cofertility
One option to make egg freezing better is working with Cofertility. Through our Split program, qualified freezers can freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.
Through our Keep program — where you keep 100% of eggs retrieved for your own future use — we offer exclusive discounts on expenses, such as frozen egg storage. Keep members also still gain free access to our Freeze by Co Community, a safe space for those engaging in the egg freezing process (or gearing up for it) to connect and lean on each other. It also enables access to exclusive guidance, free expertise, and community events.
By making egg freezing easier and more accessible, our programs further strengthen the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)’s Committee Opinion that egg freezing can help promote social justice and strengthen gender equality.
Summing it up
A high AMH level is generally a good sign for your ability to successfully freeze your eggs. But for some, it can also be one indicator of PCOS. While a high AMH level is often associated with a larger number of ovarian follicles and eggs, it does not necessarily mean that the eggs are of good quality (egg quality is more dependent on age).
AMH levels are commonly used as a marker of ovarian reserve and can be helpful, in conjunction with other measures, in predicting the number of eggs that can be retrieved during an egg freezing cycle. However, it is important to keep in mind that egg quality is determined by several factors and cannot be measured directly by AMH levels. If you have concerns about your fertility or AMH levels, it is important to speak with a fertility doctor for personalized advice and treatment options.
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How Many Times Can You Donate Your Eggs?
If you are already an egg donor and considering donating again, or if you’re considering donating for the first time, you may be wondering how many times you can donate your eggs. While there’s no limit on how many times you can freeze your eggs, there are industry guidelines that United States clinics follow on how many times you can donate. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know.
Egg donation is a medical procedure by which a qualified egg donor donates their eggs to a family that can’t otherwise conceive. There are various reasons a family may need donor eggs, from infertility to cancer treatments to being LGBTQ+. Egg donors give these families the opportunity to become parents.
If you are already an egg donor and considering donating again, or if you’re considering donating for the first time, you may be wondering how many times you can donate your eggs.
While there’s no limit on how many times you can freeze your eggs, there are industry guidelines that United States clinics follow on how many times you can donate. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know.
How long is the egg donation process?
If you freeze your eggs with Cofertility's Split Program, where you get to keep half of the eggs retrieved for free when donating the other half, you can think about the process as two parts: before and after you match with a family.
The time to match with a family can vary; some donors match within a few days while some it can take several months. You can increase your chances of matching by ensuring your application is comprehensive and shows off your personality, accomplishments, and motivations for joining Cofertility’s Split program. Additionally the more photos, the better!
After you are matched, you can expect the entire process to take about two to four months. This includes screening, a legal agreement, and the two-week cycle. The timeline can vary based on your schedule, the intended parents schedule, and clinic availability.
Why some people donate eggs multiple times
There are various reasons why some individuals choose to donate their eggs multiple times. For some, egg donation provides an opportunity to help others achieve their dream of starting a family, and the desire to make a significant impact on someone else's life may be a motivating factor.
Some people are drawn to the idea of preserving their own fertility at the same time. At Cofertility, our Split members keep half of the eggs retrieved. By undergoing several cycles, our egg donors can get more control over their own reproductive future.
One study found that people who participate in egg share programs like ours are happy with their decision. In fact, 83.3% would donate again and only 2.1% regret their decision to participate.
How many times can you donate eggs?
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) is an organization that provides guidance and recommendations to fertility clinics and professionals. One of the guidelines that the ASRM has established is regarding the maximum number of egg donation cycles that an egg donor can undergo in their lifetime. According to their recommendations, egg donors should undergo no more than six cycles of egg donation throughout their lifetime.
This recommendation is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the egg donor, as undergoing multiple cycles of egg donation can increase the chances of potential complications. By setting a limit on the number of cycles, ASRM aims to protect the health of egg donors.
Why can't you donate eggs more than six times?
The reason ASRM recommends six donations maximum is partly to reduce risks for the egg donor, and partly to protect the potential offspring. While ASRM states that “existing data cannot permit conclusive recommendations”, they nonetheless suggest sticking with the number six due to limited data on the long term safety risks of undergoing over six ovarian stimulation cycles.
Egg donor health
Egg freezing is considered a safe procedure. In a single egg freezing cycle, the risk of a serious adverse event is under 2.5%. Severe OHSS accounts for the majority of complications, occuring in 0.1-2% of cycles. The risk of other acute complications, including pelvic infection, intraperitoneal hemorrhage, or ovarian torsion, is small (<0.5%). However, after six cycles, the risk compounds to 8%-13%. Therefore, out of abundance of caution, ASRM recommends capping the procedure to six cycles.
Inadvertent consanguinity
Another reason there are recommended limits on egg (and sperm) donation is because of inadvertent consanguinity. This refers to the accidental conception of a child by closely related individuals. This can occur when undisclosed biological connections exist. The resulting offspring are at risk for genetic disorders and other health complications if they inherit two copies of a recessive gene from the closely related parents.
There are donor registries to help prevent this, but if a parent does not disclose to their child that they are donor-conceived it may still occur. The chances are small in today’s world of genetic testing, but it’s still a consideration.
What disqualifies you from multiple egg donations?
Donating once doesn’t necessarily guarantee you will be able to donate your eggs again. Certain factors can disqualify you from additional egg donations. For instance, if anything major in your medical history has changed like a serious diagnosis or surgery.
Additionally, if your first egg retrieval was unsuccessful (due to low number of eggs or a complication), it’s unlikely you’ll be able to donate again.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo additional egg donation cycles should be made in consultation with a fertility doctor, taking into account the potential risks and benefits for you and the intended parents.
How much time do I have to wait between egg donation cycles?
You may be wondering how long you’ll need to wait between egg freezing and donation cycles, or if you can do them back to back. It is generally recommended to wait at least one menstrual cycle before starting another cycle. Some people like to give their body a break and wait three to six months between cycles, while others prefer to get it over with and complete back to back egg freezing cycles. We suggest talking to your fertility doctor for guidance.
Instead of donating for money, keep half the eggs retrieved
Cofertility’s Split program offers qualified candidates the chance to freeze their eggs for free when donating half to a family who cannot otherwise conceive. If you’re eligible for the program, by meeting Cofertility’s requirements, and decide to donate half of your retrieved eggs, your egg freezing procedure, medications, and ten years of storage will be completely free of charge. We don’t even need a payment or credit card up front, as the family you match with covers all the expenses.
Depending on the number of eggs that you are able to retrieve in the first cycle, you may want to complete a second Split cycle so that you’re donating and keeping a sufficient number of eggs.
8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Donating Your Eggs
We think you should consider the opportunity to donate your eggs fully, and really understand what you’re getting into, before making a decision. Here are 8 things to consider before donating your eggs.
As the demand for donated eggs continues to rise, more and more women are considering becoming egg donors to help others start a family. Some egg donation agencies downplay the magnitude of the impact you are making as an egg donor. Bringing a new human into this world is a HUGE deal!
We think you should consider the opportunity fully, and really understand what you’re getting into, before making a decision. Here are 8 things to consider before donating your eggs.
1. Do I understand the emotional impact?
The emotional effects of egg donation can vary from person to person and can depend on your expectations and understanding of the experience. Many donors find the experience rewarding and fulfilling, knowing that they have helped someone else start or expand their family. However, some donors may experience more complicated feelings about it. This is why our donors undergo psychological screening – to ensure they are mentally prepared.
It is important to have a strong support system in place during the egg freezing and donation process. This can include friends, family, and healthcare providers who can provide emotional support and guidance. If you freeze your eggs through Cofertility, you’ll be connected with a cohort of others freezing their eggs at the same time. We offer an online community, and our entire team of experts will be behind you the entire time.
2. Am I okay with the physical risks?
Egg freezing is considered a safe procedure. In a single egg freezing cycle, the risk of a serious adverse event is under 2.5%. Severe OHSS accounts for the majority of complications, occuring in 0.1-2% of cycles. The risk of other acute complications, including pelvic infection, intraperitoneal hemorrhage, or ovarian torsion, is small (<0.5%).
That being said, many women do experience minor side effects – like bloating, constipation, nausea – from the medications and egg retrieval.
3. How do I feel about compensation?
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.
As one person conceived with a donated egg and donated sperm put it in a survey, “Don’t donate for the money. Understand that you are having children, playing a part in creating people with their own complicated emotions and thoughts.”
At Cofertility, our model is different. Instead of cash compensation, our donors keep half the eggs retrieved (for free). That’s right, if you qualify for the program and decide to give half of your retrieved eggs, every expense associated with the egg freezing procedure — medications, supplements, travel if necessary, insurance, and 10 years of storage — are completely free of charge. We don’t even need a payment or credit card up front, as the family you match with covers all the expenses.
4. Will I get a say in who my eggs go to?
If you work with Cofertility, the answer is yes. We believe donors should have a say in where their eggs go. This is why you get to opt-in to any match. You’ll get to learn a little about the family, even meet them virtually, and decide if you want to move forward. You also get to specify your communication preferences up front, giving you real options in the process.
5. Do I have the time to donate?
The process of egg donation is not a quick one. It involves medical screening, legal contracting, psychological screening, genetic testing, multiple doctor visits, monitoring, and hormone tests which usually happens over a period of two to four months from the time you match with intended parents. Additionally, the actual egg retrieval procedure requires a day or two of recovery time. It’s important to consider whether you are able to commit the time required for egg donation before making a decision.
6. What will my relationship be like with the intended parents? What about with any children born from my eggs?
If you donate through Cofertility, you get to determine the type of relationship you would like with the family. If the eggs you donate lead to a child (and we hope they do!), your relationship with the parents and/or children can take on two forms:
- Disclosed: You exchange contact information and can communicate directly.
- Undisclosed: You do not exchange contact information and only communicate via Cofertility.
The scope and degree of communication (both during and post-match) is what both parties make of it and can be outlined in your legal agreement. Communication can range from sharing an annual holiday card to direct, regular communication between you and the donor-conceived child. We share more about what these relationships look like in practice in our article on disclosure status.
Regardless of the relationship that you have with the family post-birth, we can facilitate a phone or video meeting in which you speak to the intended parents. This can be done with or without sharing names. With an undisclosed donation, you and the family can also choose to allow the donor-conceived child to receive your contact information when they turn a certain age (usually 18). This is called Open ID, an increasingly popular option.
Either way, it’s important to remember that many donor-conceived children grow up curious about their genetics and may want to reach out down the line. We want to ensure that you are aware of and open to that possibility before joining the Split program.
7. How will this impact my relationships?
Donating your eggs may have an impact on your relationships with family and partner, if and when you decide to tell them. It’s important to consider how they will react and whether you are comfortable sharing your decision with them. It’s also important to understand the potential impact on your future relationships and any children you may have in the future.
Read more in Should I Tell People I'm Donating My Eggs?
8. What is the potential to help others?
Donating your eggs can be a fulfilling experience that allows you to help others start a family. It’s important to consider the impact you can have on the lives of others and whether you are comfortable with that responsibility.
Many types of families need egg donors to grow their family, including couples facing infertility, LGBTQ+ couples, cancer survivors, women with age-related fertility decline, and more.
Egg donation with Cofertility
At Cofertility, we are striving to be the best place to be an egg donor (or what we call, a Split Member). We offer a supportive and transparent process that empowers donors to make informed decisions about their egg donation journey.
With our innovative approach, donors get to keep half of the eggs retrieved, plus:
- Free storage of their own eggs in cryopreservation for up to 10 years
- Coverage of all medical costs for the egg donation process
- Connection to the Cofertility community for support all along the way and after too
- The ability to work with the intended parents to decide together what your relationship will look like
If giving your eggs to intended parents sounds like something you would like to do, you may be able to qualify for the free egg freezing process and have your donation process covered too.
Find out more about Cofertility, and take our quiz to see if you qualify for Split!
We believe that every donor deserves to have a positive and empowering experience, and we are committed to making that a reality. That’s why Cofertility was named one of the Best Egg Donor Programs by Egg Donor Connect.
What AMH Do I Need to Donate my Eggs?
Understanding Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels and their significance in the egg freezing and donation process.
As a potential egg donor, you may be wondering about the qualifications, including if there’s a minimum AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) levels. Understanding this hormone and its significance is critical in the egg freezing and donation process, especially if you're considering donating your eggs through an egg share program like the one offered by Cofertility. Let's delve into these important topics.
What is AMH anyway?
The Anti-Mullerian Hormone, or AMH, is a hormone secreted by the cells of developing egg sacs (follicles) within the ovaries. AMH levels are often used as an indicator of ovarian reserve, which means the quantity of eggs that are available for fertilization. The hormone plays an important role in fertility care as it provides insights into ovarian function and the potential to produce viable eggs during egg freezing.
AMH testing is a common part of the fertility workup as it helps doctors understand more about your ovarian reserve and ability to retrieve eggs that can be successfully fertilized. It is important to note that AMH level is not a measure of egg quality, but of quantity, and its level remains fairly constant throughout the menstrual cycle, which makes it a good measure for predicting ovarian reserve at any time.
What AMH do I need to donate my eggs?
Through our Split program, qualified freezers can freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.
In the context of donating through our Split program, having an appropriate level of AMH is important. Fertility doctors typically consider an AMH level above 2.0 ng/ml as a good indicator for egg donation, and this is the benchmark used at Cofertility. Note that some clinics have a higher requirement.
This level suggests that you are likely to respond well to fertility treatments and produce a sufficient number of eggs for both donation and personal use. This allows us to proceed with the egg retrieval process in a manner that is both safe and effective.
However, if your AMH level is lower than this, it does not necessarily mean you cannot freeze your eggs. You can still qualify for our Keep program — where you keep 100% of eggs retrieved for your own future use — we offer exclusive discounts on expenses, such as frozen egg storage. Keep members also still gain free access to our Freeze by Co Community, a safe space for those engaging in the egg freezing process (or gearing up for it) to connect and lean on each other.
Everyone is unique, and AMH is just one factor of many that we consider during the evaluation process. You can learn more about qualifications for our Split program here.
What is egg sharing?
Our unique model allows you to donate your eggs while also preserving half for your own future use. This can be an advantageous option for those who want to help others by donating their eggs, but are uncomfortable with other egg donation programs.
We believe egg sharing balances the interests of the donor and the recipient. It opens up opportunities for families seeking to conceive via donated eggs while respecting the donor's potential future family planning needs.
Egg donation with Cofertility
At Cofertility, we are striving to be the best place to be an egg donor (or what we call, a Split Member). We offer a supportive and transparent process that empowers donors to make informed decisions about their egg donation journey.
With our innovative approach, donors get to keep half of the eggs retrieved, plus:
- Free storage of their own eggs in cryopreservation for up to 10 years
- Coverage of all medical costs for the egg donation process
- Connection to the Cofertility community for support all along the way and after too
- The ability to work with the intended parents to decide together what your relationship will look like
If giving your eggs to intended parents sounds like something you would like to do, you may be able to qualify for the free egg freezing process and have your donation process covered too.
Take our quiz to see if you qualify for Split!
We believe that every donor deserves to have a positive and empowering experience, and we are committed to making that a reality. That’s why Cofertility was named one of the Best Egg Donor Programs by Egg Donor Connect.
Summing it up
Understanding your AMH level is a crucial part of the egg donation process as it provides an indication of your ovarian reserve, thereby shaping your egg freezing journey.
While an AMH level above 2 ng/ml is ideal for egg donation, it's important to remember that it's not the sole determinant of your eligibility. The process is multifaceted, taking into account various factors, and everyone’s situation is unique.
At Cofertility, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From understanding your AMH levels to navigating through the egg sharing process, our team of fertility experts is ready to assist you in making informed decisions about your reproductive health and fertility journey. Your contribution as an egg donor can change lives, including your own.
Read more:
Seven Mistakes People Make When Freezing Their Eggs
A guide to help you avoid seven common mistakes people make when freezing their eggs.
Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, has grown in popularity, with a 46% increase in egg freezing cycles from 2020 to 2021 alone! This transformative medical procedure has garnered significant attention and interest.
Amidst all the buzz and excitement, it's important to navigate your egg freezing journey with the facts. To ensure a successful and fulfilling experience, we've curated a guide to help you avoid seven common mistakes people make when freezing their eggs.
Working with the wrong doctor
The importance of selecting the right doctor for your egg freezing journey cannot be overstated. Entrusting your reproductive health to a skilled and compassionate fertility specialist is paramount. Choosing a doctor who understands your unique needs, communicates effectively, and provides personalized care is essential for a successful egg freezing experience.
Take the time to research and seek recommendations, ensuring you find a doctor who aligns with your values, instills confidence, and supports you every step of the way. Remember, the right doctor can make all the difference in your pursuit of fertility preservation.
Read more in What To Look For in An Egg Freezing Clinic
Not freezing their eggs sooner
We are born with all the eggs we will ever have, and lose them each month until we hit menopause and no eggs remain. Not only that, but our quality of eggs decline along with quantity. This is because eggs are more likely to contain chromosomal abnormalities (mistakes in their DNA) as we get older.
One of the biggest mistakes individuals make is underestimating the impact of age on egg freezing. Fertility specialists often emphasize the significance of freezing eggs at a younger age, ideally before 40. Time is a precious resource when it comes to preserving fertility, and being proactive ensures a higher chance of success.
One survey study of 98 patients found that the vast majority of egg freezers showed no regret, stating that it was a good decision. But some stated that their only regret was not doing it sooner.
Overlooking lifestyle factors
Creating an optimal environment for egg freezing involves mindful attention to various lifestyle factors. Mistakes are made when individuals underestimate the significance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy habits. Embrace a nutrient-rich diet, prioritize stress management techniques, and maintain a consistent sleep routine. By incorporating these lifestyle choices, you not only enhance your overall well-being but also create an environment conducive to successful egg freezing.
Skipping the pre-freezing fertility assessment
Embarking on the egg freezing journey without a comprehensive fertility assessment is akin to navigating uncharted waters without a map. To avoid this mistake, consult a knowledgeable fertility specialist who can evaluate your ovarian reserve, hormonal levels, and overall reproductive health. This pre-freezing evaluation allows for a tailored approach and provides valuable insights into your ovarian reserve, which can help predict how well your body would respond to egg freezing medications. Knowledge is power, and a thorough assessment is the first step towards a graceful and informed decision.
Ignoring emotional support
The egg freezing journey can be emotionally charged, as it involves contemplation of one's fertility and future family-building aspirations. Neglecting emotional support during this transformative process is a common yet avoidable mistake. Seek a support system composed of loved ones, therapists, or support groups who can provide guidance, empathy, and understanding. Emotional well-being is the cornerstone of this journey, and by tending to it, you pave the way for a more harmonious experience.
If you freeze your eggs with Cofertility, our inclusive online spaces allow you to connect with others going through the process at the same time.
Thinking it’s an insurance policy
One misunderstanding people make when freezing their eggs is viewing it as an insurance policy against future infertility. While egg freezing does offer a chance to preserve fertility potential, it's important to understand its limitations and set realistic expectations.
Egg freezing is not a guarantee of future pregnancy. It is a proactive step to preserve eggs at a younger age when they are more viable, increasing the chances of successful conception later on. However, there are various factors that can influence the outcome, such as the quality of the eggs, overall health, age at the time of egg freezing, quality of the egg freezing clinic, sperm health, and the chosen fertility treatment in the future.
It's essential to have a clear understanding of the success rates associated with egg freezing and the potential limitations. The chances of achieving a successful pregnancy with frozen eggs can vary depending on individual factors and the quality of the eggs at the time of freezing. Consulting with a fertility doctor can provide valuable insights into your specific situation.
Failing to plan for the future
Freezing eggs is a remarkable step towards reproductive empowerment, but it should not be seen as a standalone solution. A mistake often made is neglecting to plan for the future beyond egg freezing. Engage in discussions with your fertility doctor about next steps, including potential pathways to parenthood, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). By mapping out your future plans, you embrace a sense of preparedness and ensure a seamless transition when the time comes to utilize your frozen eggs.
Paying too much
One of the common mistakes people make when freezing their eggs is not fully understanding the costs involved and potentially paying more than necessary. The pricing structure for egg freezing can be complex and opaque, leading to confusion and unexpected financial burdens. Average egg freezing cycle costs range from $10,000 - $20,000 for consultations, testing, ultrasounds, medications, and the egg retrieval, plus the ongoing cost of annual storage.
If you work with Cofertility, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best price when working with one of our partner clinics. Through our Keep program, we offer our members partnerships and discounts to lighten the financial load of egg freezing, as well as access to our member community.
Or, in our Split program, which offers women a chance to freeze your eggs *for free* when donating half the eggs to a family who cannot otherwise conceive. If you qualify for the program, every expense associated with the egg freezing procedure — medications, supplements, travel if necessary, insurance, and 10 years of storage — are completely free of charge. We don’t even need a payment or credit card up front, as the family you match with covers all the expenses.
Let us help you freeze those eggs!
If you are interested in freezing your eggs, we can connect you with a fertility specialist for a consultation to discuss your specific situation. Our Freeze by Co platform is making egg freezing more empowering, positive, and accessible — even free — when you give half of the eggs retrieved to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.
Egg Freezing: Chances of Live Birth by Age and Number of Eggs Retrieved
In this guide, we’ll try and answer one of the most common questions around egg freezing: the chances of live birth.
Embarking on the path of family planning is an exciting journey filled with hope and, often, uncertainty. One area that typically gives rise to a multitude of questions revolves around oocyte cryopreservation, commonly known as egg freezing. While this medical breakthrough has provided countless women with greater reproductive autonomy, it's still not a definitive guarantee of biological motherhood.
In this guide, we’ll try and answer one of the most common questions around egg freezing: the chances of live birth.
From frozen eggs to baby
At every stage of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process (which is technically what egg freezing is, plus embryo fertilization in a lab), there's a certain level of attrition. Some collected eggs may be immature, making them unsuitable for freezing. Others may not withstand the thawing process. When you’re ready to fertilize those eggs into embryos, they will not necessarily all fertilize, and some fertilized embryos may fail to mature into viable embryos suitable for transfer. Even embryos that reach the transfer stage might not be genetically normal. And those that are genetically normal may not result in a viable pregnancy or live birth.
As a result, egg freezing is better viewed as a way to increase your chances of pregnancy down the line, rather than an insurance policy or a surefire plan. It’s a path filled with potential, and definitely gives you greater optionality when you’re ready to have kids, but — and we are always very transparent about this — there is unfortunately no absolute promise of a live birth at the end of the egg freezing process.
How many eggs should I freeze?
Given these complexities, a pressing question for many women is, “how many eggs should I freeze to increase my chances of having a baby?” The answer is nuanced and largely depends on two variables: the age at which the eggs are frozen, and how many children you want.
Unfortunately, the quality of eggs can't be assessed before fertilization is attempted, adding another layer of uncertainty to this equation. Still, we can provide an approximate guide based on averages, which can inform individualized counseling, treatment planning, and expectation management.
One study out of Harvard Medical School of 520 cycles found the chances of live birth varies based on age and number of eggs frozen (see chart below). This guidance is not precise, but offers an approximate benchmark to guide you through your fertility journey.
How many eggs will I get?
Another common inquiry from patients is how many eggs are likely to be retrieved and preserved in a single egg freezing cycle. The good news is that this is fairly easy for fertility doctors to predict using two crucial measures: anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC).
AMH and AFC, both estimators of ovarian reserve, can provide an approximation of the number of eggs that can be retrieved from a stimulated cycle. For instance, an AMH level of 15 pmol/L (2.1 ng/mL) could predict a yield of approximately 12 to 18 eggs. Similarly, AFC's numerical value directly correlates with the number of eggs potentially collected in one cycle, with a rough ratio of 1:1. So if your fertility doctor counts 15 antral follicles during the transvaginal ultrasound, you could potentially retrieve 15 eggs in a single cycle (note this number could be lower or higher based on other factors).
Will I have enough eggs to share?
Cofertility’s Split program offers women a chance to freeze their eggs *for free* when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who cannot otherwise conceive. If you qualify for the program and decide to donate half of your retrieved eggs, every expense associated with the egg freezing procedure — medications, supplements, travel if necessary, insurance, and 10 years of storage — are completely free of charge.
Since the number of eggs is predictable with AMH and AFC, we’re only able to accept people into the program if we are confident they would have enough eggs to “split”.
Setting expectations
You can look at the probabilities and hormonal indicators, but everyone’s egg freezing journey is unique. Age, health, lifestyle, and genetic factors can all play a role in your path to motherhood. Remember, egg freezing is a science, but it's not an exact one. The uncertainties are part of the process. And while the prospect of attrition can seem daunting, it's important to remember that every step forward is a step closer to the potential for success.
Navigating these complexities can feel overwhelming, which is why support and guidance are crucial. At Cofertility, our mission is to guide you through this journey, providing you with the necessary information, support, and encouragement to make the best decisions for your fertility future.
Although egg freezing can't offer guaranteed outcomes, it has undoubtedly provided hundreds of thousands of women worldwide with expanded options and increased flexibility in their reproductive timelines. By understanding the process's intricacies and setting realistic expectations, we can navigate this journey together, with optimism, resilience, and hope.
Freeze your eggs with Cofertility
Cofertility is a human-first, tech-enabled fertility ecosystem that provides people agency over if, how, and when they have babies — today or someday. We have two programs for egg freezers:
Our Split program offers women a chance to freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who cannot otherwise conceive. If you qualify for the program and decide to donate half of your retrieved eggs, every expense associated with the egg freezing procedure — medications, supplements, travel if necessary, insurance, and 10 years of storage — are completely free of charge. We don’t even need a payment or credit card up front, as the family you match with covers all the expenses.
Our self-pay Keep program allows women to freeze their eggs and keep them all for their future use. Through Keep, we offer our members partnerships and discounts to lighten the financial load of egg freezing, as well as access to our member community.
The benefits for of working with Cofertility include:
- Power of choice: Freeze your eggs more affordably or, if you qualify, freeze for free when you give half to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.
- Community: Our inclusive online spaces allow you to connect with others going through the process in our private online community.
- Compassion: We’ll always treat you with care, and our Split program gives you the opportunity to make someone’s family building dreams a reality.
- Data-driven: We provide you with trustworthy guidance and evidence-based research so you can make informed decisions about your fertility.
- Free egg freezing: Freeze and store your eggs for 10 years, entirely for free if you qualify for our Split program.
Ready to learn about more affordable (even free!) egg freezing with Cofertility? Fill out this quick quiz to learn about our accessible egg freezing options and see if you qualify for our programs — it only takes one minute.
Read more:
What Happens to My Eggs After Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing offers a chance to focus on other stuff now while planning for your future family. But how does it work, and what happens to your precious eggs once they are safely frozen?
As women, we are often tasked with making complex decisions about our bodies, our health, and our future. Among the myriad of choices, one of the most significant is the decision of whether or not to freeze our eggs. But once you've made the decision and plan to go through the process, you now may be wondering, "What exactly happens to my eggs after I freeze them? Where do they go? How long can they remain frozen?"
Egg freezing, also called oocyte cryopreservation, offers a chance to focus on other stuff now while planning for your future family. But how does it work, and what happens to your precious eggs once they are safely frozen? Let's delve into this fascinating, sometimes bewildering world of fertility preservation.
The egg freezing process: a quick recap
Before we venture further, let's refresh our understanding of the egg freezing process. It starts with hormone injections that stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are then retrieved through a minor surgical procedure, and once retrieved, they are immediately frozen in a state-of-the-art laboratory. Following the retrieval and freezing process, your eggs are stored in a secure and carefully monitored cryo-storage facility.
Egg freezing and preservation
Vitrification is a newer and more effective method of freezing eggs that has largely replaced older methods such as slow freezing. With vitrification, eggs are quickly frozen using a high concentration of cryoprotectants and then plunged into liquid nitrogen for storage. This process creates a glass-like state that preserves the eggs in a nearly perfect condition. In fact, vitrification ensures a very high rate of survival of the eggs, typically 95% or above.
Compared to slow freezing, which can damage the eggs and reduce their viability, vitrification has a higher success rate of producing healthy embryos for later use. It has become the preferred method of egg freezing for most fertility clinics and has allowed more patients to successfully preserve their fertility.
If you have any doubts about your clinic, you can ask them what type of method they use for egg freezing. It's important to do your research and choose a reputable fertility clinic with experience in vitrification if you're considering egg freezing.
Long-term storage and monitoring
Once the eggs are frozen, they are stored in liquid nitrogen. Some clinics keep those frozen eggs stored at an onsite lab, but in most cases they are shipped to an offsite facility. As soon as you’re ready to use them, they can be safely shipped back.
In either case, the frozen eggs' care doesn't end at storage. They are monitored regularly to ensure the liquid nitrogen levels remain constant, and the facility's temperature control and security systems are working correctly. A well-maintained facility prioritizes meticulous record-keeping, tracking the storage duration and any other pertinent details about each egg.
Cofertility members can take advantage of our partnership with TMRW Life Sciences, a fertility technology company that has developed the world's first automated solution for storing and managing frozen eggs and embryos.
TMRW's technology platform digitally identifies, tracks, monitors and stores patients' frozen eggs and embryos with safety, accuracy, efficiency and transparency. TMRW's platform sets a new standard of care by reducing potential points of failure by 94% compared with manual systems.
So what is TMRW doing differently?
- Digital labeling - instead of handwritten labels, TMRW uses digital labeling and RFID tracking. With this tracking system, clinics always know exactly where your eggs and embryos are and can easily find them when you’re ready to use them.
- Automated management - instead of relying on manual processes, TMRW has a new fully-automated digital system that helps eliminate 94% of potential failure points
- Real-time inventory - TMRW has gone the extra mile by creating a 24/7 cloud-based monitoring system with real-time inventory updates to provide new levels of safety, transparency, and peace of mind.
- Active monitoring - TMRW provides 24/7 digital monitoring (thousands of daily checks!) and expert human oversight to identify potential issues before they become a problem.
Will my eggs survive the thaw?
Several factors can impact the success of egg thawing, including your age when the eggs are frozen, the number and quality of the eggs, the technique used to freeze the eggs, and the quality of the clinic’s laboratory.
The quality of the eggs is also a crucial factor in egg thawing. Good quality eggs have a higher chance of survival and fertilization. However, even with good quality eggs, there is no guarantee of success, and the process may need to be repeated to achieve pregnancy.
If and when you decide to use them
When you decide the time is right to use your frozen eggs, they are thawed in the lab using a warming solution.
But keep in mind that thawing is just the first part. The eggs will then need to be fertilized with sperm and grown into embryos. The surviving eggs are then fertilized using a process called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into each egg.
After fertilization, the resulting embryos are monitored for a few days as they begin to develop. The most viable embryos are then transferred to your uterus in a procedure similar to a pap smear. If successful, the embryo implants in your uterus and grows, leading to pregnancy.
Generally, the younger you are when freezing your eggs, the better the chances of success. Eggs frozen in your late 20s or early 30s have a higher chance of survival and successful fertilization compared to those frozen in your late 30s or 40s.
If you decide NOT to use them
What if, down the line, you decide not to use your eggs, or you have more than you need?
One study of egg freezing patients at UCSF found that 89% believed they would be glad they froze their eggs, even if they never used them to conceive a child. So if you don't end up needing your frozen eggs down the line, there are a few options for what to do with them.
- Keep them in storage. Most storage facilities offer long-term storage options (our partnership with TMRW includes plans up to 10-years long), allowing you to keep your eggs frozen for as many years as necessary. This may be a good option if you're not yet ready to use the eggs but want to keep them as a backup plan.
- Donate the eggs to someone else who may need them. Egg donation is a process of donating eggs to another person or couple who needs them, such as LGBTQ+ families or those suffering from infertility. This can be a wonderful gift for those who may not be able to have a child otherwise. If you go through our Split program, you will have already been cleared as a donor and can easily donate these additional eggs. If you’re not part of the Split program but think you may be interested in this down the line, talk to your doctor as they may be able to do some additional donor-related screening during your egg freezing process.
- Dispose of them. If you decide that you no longer need your frozen eggs and don't want to continue storing them or donate them, simply request that they are disposed of by the clinic or storage facility.
- Donate to science. Many research studies rely on donated eggs to investigate new techniques and treatments for infertility. Ask your clinic if this is an option.
Emotional considerations
Aside from the practical aspects, it's important to acknowledge the emotional journey involved in egg freezing. It's normal to feel a mix of emotions – relief, hope, anxiety, or even sadness. Know that these feelings are common and valid. Don't hesitate to seek support, be it from a trusted friend, family member, a professional counselor, or the Cofertility community.
Summing it up
The journey of your eggs from freezing to potential future use is complex and exciting, underscored by sophisticated science and meticulous care. Deciding to freeze your eggs can be an empowering choice, giving you autonomy over your fertility and future family planning. Knowing what happens to your eggs after freezing them can provide comfort and clarity as you navigate your fertility journey.
In the end, egg freezing is an investment in your future, offering an opportunity to expand your family when the time is right for you. It's a testament to the advancements in reproductive science and a tool for you to take control of your fertility. Trust in the process, seek support when needed, and above all, know that your choices are valid, and your feelings are heard. After all, the journey to parenthood, in whatever form it takes, is a voyage of hope, love, and extraordinary potential.
If you’re ready to freeze your eggs, we’re here to help. Reach out or learn more about our Freeze program.
Read more:
Are You The Biological Mother if You Donate Your Eggs?
Wanting to donate your eggs to help others grow their family is an incredible act to do for another person or couple. And something that should be fully researched, understood and not be taken lightly. Aside from the physical and medical side effects, you should also be aware of any potential emotional and psychological and legal ramifications of donating your eggs.
Wanting to donate your eggs to help others grow their family is an incredible act to do for another person or couple. And something that should be fully researched, understood and not be taken lightly. Aside from the physical and medical side effects, you should also be aware of any potential emotional and psychological and legal ramifications of donating your eggs.
How egg donation works
Each egg donation requires psychological and medical screening to determine if certain requirements are met in order to become an egg donor. The actual process does not begin until you are matched and legal paperwork has been completed. Once that happens, you will attend approximately six to eight visits to the medical clinic over a two-week period. You will typically be getting ultrasounds to check how many eggs are being produced and how you are reacting to the hormones. These hormones will be self-injected several times a day for seven to 10 days. These hormone injections are given using a small needle under the skin of your abdomen. The hormone injections stimulate your ovaries to enlarge and produce eggs, more than are typically produced during your natural cycle which is typically one egg per cycle.
On the day of your retrieval, you will be put under sedation. Using an ultrasound guided needle your doctor will vaginally insert the needle into each mature follicle to retrieve each egg. Day of and day after retrieval you may need to take time off from school or work to recover. But because the process is minimally invasive, you should be back to normal within a few days.
Read more in How Does Egg Donation Work?
Biological vs. legal parenthood
Because you are donating a piece of your genetic material, it is important for you to understand that you are biologically related to any child that is born from your eggs. And it is important for you to understand that your future children will be half siblings with the children born from the eggs that you donate.
However, being a biological parent is different from legal parenthood. You will not have any legal responsibilities for the child born from your donated eggs because you will sign a legal document surrendering any and all parental rights.
Legal parents have a family relationship to the child by law. This relationship does not need to be formed by blood or DNA, for example in the case of an adopted child. Even though the resulting child is very much the child of the recipients, it’s important to understand that you are genetically related to that child. If down the road you did a DNA test and the child did a DNA test, the relationship would read “biological mother.”
Type of relationships
Depending on the type of relationship you have with the recipients of your eggs, you can have a relationship with the child born from your donated eggs, if you and the recipients agree to that type of relationship. The different types of relationships include, disclosed, undisclosed and open ID. In a disclosed donation, you will exchange contact information with the recipients and communicate directly. This does not mean you will have an ongoing relationship into the future. It just means that both parties will have each other's names and contact information.
In an undisclosed donation you will not exchange contact information with the recipients and will not communicate directly. Finally, with an open ID you again do not exchange contact information, but you legally agree to have your identity disclosed to the child born from your donation once the child reaches a certain age, typically at 18 years. So, once the child reaches the agreed upon age, they can contact the clinic, bank or attorney and will be able to contact you.
Conclusion
Women are born with all of their eggs. And as time goes on, the quality and quantity dramatically declines, specifically after the age of 35. It can be devastating when a woman is ready to start a family, only to find out that it’s too late. So the only way a family will ever be formed is by having access to donor eggs. Same is true for gay couples or single men. So deciding to donate your eggs can completely change the trajectory of someone’s life; from dreaming of being a parent to actually being a parent. As a donor, it is your job to be fully informed of all the potential legal, medical, emotional and psychological side effects of donating your eggs. Ask all the questions until you feel fully ready to donate.
Egg donation with Cofertility
At Cofertility, we are striving to be the best place to be an egg donor (or what we call, a Split Member). We offer a supportive and transparent process that empowers donors to make informed decisions about their egg donation journey.
With our innovative approach, donors get to keep half of the eggs retrieved, plus:
- Free storage of their own eggs in cryopreservation for up to 10 years
- Coverage of all medical costs for the egg donation process
- Connection to the Cofertility community for support all along the way and after too
- The ability to work with the intended parents to decide together what your relationship will look like
If giving your eggs to intended parents sounds like something you would like to do, you may be able to qualify for the free egg freezing process and have your donation process covered too.
Find out more about Cofertility, and take our quiz to see if you qualify for Split!
We believe that every donor deserves to have a positive and empowering experience, and we are committed to making that a reality. That’s why Cofertility was named one of the Best Egg Donor Programs by Egg Donor Connect.
How to Support Your Partner Through the Cofertility Split Program
If you are part of Cofertility’s Split Program, or even donating your eggs elsewhere, this is a helpful guide to share with your partner.
If you are part of Cofertility’s Split Program, or even donating your eggs elsewhere, this is a helpful guide to share with your partner.
At Cofertility, we are on a mission to support individuals and families across different phases of the fertility journey. Our work transcends the boundaries of traditional fertility care, forging connections that breathe life into the dreams of thousands of families, both today and the future.
Through our unique Split Program, we've had the privilege of working with many egg freezers and donors, and know the experience varies widely. We've witnessed joy, apprehension, hope, and triumph, and we've come to recognize that the process of egg sharing is multifaceted and profound. Our journey with these remarkable individuals has not only exposed us to the wide spectrum of emotions and decisions, but has also underscored the indispensable role of a robust support system throughout the journey.
Becoming an egg donor presents a multitude of emotional, physical, and ethical considerations. How, then, can friends, family, or significant others support a Split member during this journey?
In the following guide, we hope to share the insights we've gathered, offering a pathway for those seeking to support a loved one through this journey.
Understand the process
It’s helpful for you to understand the logistical and medical process your partner or loved one is going through. Here are a few guides to get up to speed:
- What's the Egg Retrieval Process Like?
- Everything You Need To Know About Egg Freezing Medication
- The Ultimate Guide to the Split Program
- Disclosed vs. Undisclosed Egg Donation: How Should I Choose?
- What are the Side Effects and Risks of Egg Freezing?
Offer assistance
The Split members' journey with egg freezing will require numerous medical appointments for ultrasounds and bloodwork. Your presence at these appointments can provide a reassuring sense of companionship.
But the most important task is being their reliable ride home from the egg retrieval procedure (in fact, it’s required that they do not drive after this procedure). This might be a clinic near home or you may be asked to travel with your partner to a clinic near the intended parents (if this is the case, travel expenses for both of you will be covered).
Once they get home, ensuring they have the things they need to be comfortable—whether it's a favorite blanket, soothing tea, or just your comforting presence—can make a significant difference in their experience. These thoughtful actions underscore the human connection at the heart of this medical process, turning what could be a solitary journey into a shared experience of empathy and care.
Egg freezing is considered a safe procedure, and complications are rare. But you should know the red flags. If you notice any of the symptoms below, report them to the healthcare provider asap:
- Temperature above 101 F
- Severe abdominal pain or swelling
- Severe nausea or vomiting that doesn’t go away
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through a pad in an hour; some light bleeding is normal)
- Difficulty urinating, or painful urination
- Fainting or dizziness
Help with the shots
The first step in the egg freezing process is to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs to be retrieved. This is done with the use of fertility medication, administered in the form of injectable hormones over 10-12 days.
Helping your loved one with these required injections is huge. This is not a task for everyone, and it's completely understandable if it falls outside your comfort zone. If you do have the capacity and willingness to assist with administering the shots, your help would undoubtedly be appreciated.
However, even if you prefer not to take a hands-on role, your presence while they give themselves the shot can still make a meaningful difference.
Simply keeping them company, offering words of encouragement, or offering a little treat (chocolate?) or surprise after each shot can transform an intimidating necessity into a shared moment of support and connection.
Respect the decision
Friends, family, and partners should respect the donor's autonomy in this deeply personal decision. Recognize that this choice belongs solely to the person making it, and it may reflect a multitude of considerations, both practical and emotional.
Respecting this decision requires acknowledging your partner's autonomy and avoiding any attempts to influence or question her choice. Supporting her means listening without judgment, asking thoughtful questions to understand her perspective, and reassuring her of your support.
Research shows that egg donors are generally happy with their decision and the vast majority do not regret it (in one study of an egg sharing program, only 2.1% regretted their decision to participate). And anecdotally speaking, donors we work with at Cofertility are grateful for the opportunity to donate their eggs and keep half of the eggs retrieved for their own future use, for free.
Concerns and curiosity are natural, but they must be handled with delicacy and empathy. Being there for her doesn't mean agreeing with her on every point but rather offering a safe space where she can express her feelings and thoughts freely.
Empirical studies on autonomy and healthcare decisions reinforce the importance of respecting individual choices, particularly those concerning one's body and reproductive rights. In the context of egg donation, this principle becomes paramount, reflecting the ethical, emotional, and personal dimensions of the choice at hand.
Celebrate the achievement
Egg freezing and donation can be an expression of personal values, a decision that encapsulates a woman's beliefs, or simply an achievement that deserves acknowledgment and celebration.
Celebrating this achievement can take many forms, from simple words of congratulations and admiration to more elaborate expressions of support. It might mean throwing a small celebration, writing a heartfelt letter, or finding another personal way to convey pride and gratitude.
Celebration does not necessarily mean a public declaration but rather an authentic and personal acknowledgment of the strength, courage, and compassion embodied in the decision itself. The act of recognizing and honoring this choice can create a shared moment of joy and connection, strengthening the bonds between the donor and those closest to her.
In summary
Through our work with hundreds of donors, we've learned that the path is never solitary, nor should it be. The role of friends, family, partners, and significant others in this process cannot be overstated.
From understanding the technical aspects of the process to being a comforting presence during medical appointments, offering assistance with injections, respecting personal choices, and celebrating the decision, the support system surrounding a donor becomes an integral part of the experience. These connections not only ease the logistical and emotional challenges but transform the process into a shared journey that's imbued with empathy, respect, and love.
Our commitment to supporting individuals and families remains unwavering. By fostering a robust network of support and sharing our insights, we hope to make the journey not only more approachable but also more meaningful. The dreams of creating and nurturing life are collective ones, and we at Cofertility are honored to be part of these intimate and extraordinary stories.
Decoding the Lexicon of Egg Donation: A Guide for Egg Donors on the Continuum of Disclosure
Understand the various terms used within the realm of egg donation, and pros and cons of each type of disclosure status.
At Cofertility, we pride ourselves on guiding our members through the journey of egg donation, ensuring a supportive, transparent, and ethical process for all parties involved. One aspect of this process involves helping our members understand the various terms used within the realm of egg donation, and pros and cons of each type of disclosure status.
Each relationship is unique and depends on both the desires of you and family, as well as what’s best for any future donor conceived children.
This guide is meant to aid you in making informed decisions that align with your personal beliefs, comfort level, and the best interest of any potential donor conceived children.
Let’s dive into the terms:
- Anonymous egg donor: an outdated term used to describe someone whose identity is not shared with the family. In today’s age of social media and genetic testing, we think “anonymous” is a misnomer.
- Non-anonymous egg donor: an outdated term used to describe when an egg donor and intended parents have each other’s contact information.
- Known egg donor: usually used to describe an egg donor who knows the intended parents, like a family member or friend.
- Unknown egg donor: an egg donor that does not know the intended parents, and vice versa.
- Disclosed donation: the intended parents and egg donor exchange contact information and communicate directly. This does not mean they have an ongoing relationship, just that they have the names of one another.
- Undisclosed donation: the intended parents and egg donor do not exchange contact information.
- Open ID: the intended parents and egg donor do not exchange contact information, but the egg donor agrees to have her identity disclosed to the child born from her donation once the child reaches a certain age, typically at 18 years.
- Identity-release: another term for open ID.
The fallacy of the "anonymous" egg donor
Back in the day, egg donations were often declared "anonymous," meaning the identities of the egg donor and the intended parents were kept secret from each other. However, the concept of total anonymity seems antiquated in an era of advanced genetic testing and omnipresent social media. So, if someone promises you complete anonymity, treat that claim with skepticism.
Read more about why we don’t believe in anonymous egg donation.
Disclosed and undisclosed egg donation
Disclosed and undisclosed are the terms we prefer to use at Cofertility to describe the two types of disclosure agreements possible.
In a disclosed donation with Cofertility, you and the family will exchange contact information and can communicate directly. We highly encourage this model as it promotes transparency and aligns with feedback from donor-conceived community.
In an undisclosed donation, you do not exchange contact information and only communicate via Cofertility. Although we recommend disclosed donations, we respect the individual's choice for undisclosed donation after understanding the potential implications for donor-conceived child.
Regardless of your donation disclosure status being disclosed or undisclosed, you may choose to meet the family during the matching period without exchanging contact information.
The scope and degree of communication in a disclosed donation (both during and post-match) is what both parties make of it and can be outlined in your legal agreement. Communication can range from sharing an annual holiday card to direct, regular communication between you and the family.
Your disclosure status does not necessarily dictate the relationship with the family or child. For instance, you may opt for a disclosed donation, where you share contact information, but decide against maintaining regular communication.
Undisclosed egg donation with Open ID
For those who choose an undisclosed donation, open ID (sometimes called identity release) is an option. This model allows any child resulting from the donation to receive your contact information once they reach a certain age, typically 18 years.
This option safeguards the child’s right to learn about their genetic history, should they wish to. The open ID agreement is often structured based on the comfort and consent of all parties involved and takes into consideration the best interest of the donor conceived child.
Disclosed egg donation arrangement has varying degrees of interaction
Here are a couple of questions you might consider asking yourself in defining your preferences for a disclosed donation:
- How do I feel about the possibility of the intended parent’s future child reaching out to me when they turn 18 or another age?
- Do I envision myself forming a lasting connection with the intended parents and their child, or am I more comfortable with a limited interaction?
- Am I open to receiving or sharing updates, and if so, what frequency feels right to me?
- What boundaries or personal limits do I want to establish regarding communication and relationship with the intended parents vs. their child?
- Can I envision scenarios where my level of involvement might change over time?
You don’t have to have all of the answers. It is only natural that your needs and preferences will evolve with time. To help you gauge your current preferences, consider the following scenarios illustrating a disclosed donation at various degrees of engagement.
Lower engagement scenarios:
- Medical updates only: You are comfortable with exchanging contact information but agree with the intended parents not to send or receive any social updates. The intended parents can reach out directly with any medical/health questions, and you agree to inform the family of any new medical information that arises.
- Occasional updates: You and the intended parents agree to exchange occasional updates through email, letters, or text. An example of this is receiving an annual holiday card. This approach maintains a sense of connection without imposing an ongoing commitment.
Moderate engagement scenarios:
- Virtual check-ins: You and the intended parents opt for occasional video calls, perhaps once or twice a year. This allows for more personal interaction and a chance to see the child's growth, fostering a stronger bond while keeping the relationship primarily digital.
- Scheduled visits: You and the intended parents might agree to an in-person visit, perhaps once every few years, providing an opportunity for face-to-face interaction.
Higher engagement scenarios are rare, and generally occur between donors and families with a pre-existing relationship. That being said, in some cases, if you (and the parents) want more involvement, it is possible.
The power of choice: respecting cultural preferences & unique circumstances
While we advocate for disclosed or undisclosed open ID donations, we respect the cultural needs and unique circumstances of those who prefer undisclosed donations. At Cofertility, we strive to connect egg donors with research and experts, aiding in informed decision-making, and respecting cultural considerations.
Understanding these terms and the principles behind them can make your journey through egg donation smoother and more transparent. We are here to support and guide you, ensuring a process that honors all parties involved.
Learn more about becoming an egg donor: