One of the key factors influencing the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the quality of the eggs. This quality is closely tied to the woman’s age: the older the patient, the lower the chance of obtaining healthy eggs. A woman’s total egg reserve is formed prenatally and diminishes over time. As age increases, so does the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, especially in pregnancies over the age of 38.

Since there is currently no way to rejuvenate the ovaries, IVF success rates significantly decrease after age 35. In such cases, using donor eggs from young, healthy women is an effective alternative.

When Donor Eggs Are Indicated
Programs using donor eggs are suitable for:

1. Absence of own eggs:

• Natural menopause;
• Premature ovarian insufficiency;
• Impact of chemotherapy or radiation;
• Surgical removal of ovaries;
• Congenital ovarian abnormalities.

2. Poor egg quality:

• Chromosomal abnormalities;
• Risk of passing on genetic diseases.

3. Failed IVF attempts:

• Low ovarian response to stimulation;
• Repeated retrieval of poor-quality embryos;
• No pregnancy after multiple embryo transfers.

Who Can Be an Egg Donor?
Egg donors can be:

• Relatives or acquaintances of the patient;
• Anonymous professional donors.

Anonymous donors undergo thorough medical and genetic screening and sign legal consents. Both the donor’s and recipient’s identities remain confidential.

Typical criteria for donors at the VitroMed Center:

• Age between 20 and 30;
• Good physical and mental health;
• At least one healthy child;
• Proportionate body and facial features.

Program Stages
1. Synchronizing the donor’s and recipient’s menstrual cycles.
2. Donor ovarian stimulation.
3. Egg retrieval from the donor.
4. Fertilization with sperm (husband’s or donor’s).
5. Preparing the recipient’s endometrium.
6. Embryo transfer (usually 1–2 embryos).

Embryos are cultured for 3–5 days before transfer. Estradiol and progesterone support the endometrium.

Modern Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Even in cases of severe male infertility, donor eggs can be used. Techniques such as ICSI, TESA, PESA, and MESA enable sperm retrieval directly from the testicles or epididymis for fertilization.
Combining donor eggs with donor sperm is also possible.

Contraindications
IVF with donor eggs is not indicated in cases of:

• Severe somatic or psychiatric conditions;
• Structural uterine abnormalities;
• Active tumors or inflammations;
• History of malignancy;
• Myomas requiring surgery or endometrial hyperplasia.

Why It Offers Hope
The first pregnancy using donor eggs was achieved in 1984, and since then, more than 50,000 children have been born in the USA using this method. Couples who previously had only adoption or childlessness as options can now experience pregnancy and childbirth together.

Donor Compensation
Egg donation requires hormonal stimulation, coordination, and medical procedures. Donors receive financial compensation aligned with legal and ethical standards.

Cost and Effectiveness
Although donor egg programs are more expensive due to donor screening and compensation, success rates are significantly higher, especially for women over 35.

Consultation
For questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact us:

Our qualified specialists are here to guide you on your path to parenthood