What's the Difference Between Fresh vs. Frozen Donor Eggs?

If you’ve decided you’re ready to use donor eggs to have a baby, but you’re still unsure whether fresh donor eggs or frozen eggs are the right choice, it’s likely you have a lot of questions about the difference between the two options. After all, picking an egg donor is overwhelming enough; deciding between whether to use fresh or frozen donor eggs shouldn’t add another layer of confusion to the process. 

We’ll break down exactly what you need to know about the two different methods and how to choose which one is right for you. 

Fresh donor eggs: pros and cons

When talking about the difference between fresh donor eggs and frozen donor eggs, it’s important to remember that one of the key points is that “fresh” donor eggs haven’t yet been retrieved. Using fresh donor eggs means that the oocytes (eggs) are retrieved only after you match with a donor.

There are several reasons some intended parents choose to use fresh donor eggs, especially if both your budget and timing are flexible. 

First, you may have access to a higher number of eggs from a fresh donor cycle compared to a frozen egg batch. When using a fresh egg donor, she will go through an IVF cycle. This means that there is the potential to have more eggs available from a fresh egg donor cycle than you would receive in a frozen donor egg “batch”. With Family by Co, our egg donors split the yield of retrieved eggs and freeze their half for their own reproductive future — while donating half to your family.

Frozen donor eggs: pros and cons

If you are using frozen donor eggs, the retrieval process has already taken place (so you may be skipping a waiting period), and you can begin the fertilization and implantation process shortly after selecting your donor. This method can possibly cut time from your process and make becoming a parent all that much closer to becoming a reality.

Because a frozen donor has completed all of her medical screening in advance of matching, it can bring a little more certainty to the process. With screening results in hand, you’ll have more certainty over whether a donor is the right fit for your family-building goals from the outset. 

However, if you’re hoping to have more than one child, you may not have access to as many frozen eggs as you’d like. Typically, when frozen donor eggs are used they are released in batches of around six—with the option to use multiple batches if they are available. 

Fresh donor eggs vs frozen donor eggs: which is right for you?

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

If you're open to either journey, we recommend exploring both options. Consider your priorities:

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

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

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