egg donors

Egg sharing programs exist worldwide to help make fertility care more accessible. Egg sharing generally describes when a donor undergoes an egg retrieval, and the resulting eggs are split between the donor and the intended parent(s). The family receiving the donor eggs pays for the egg retrieval and all associated expenses. 

In Cofertility’s Split program, donors can freeze their eggs for free when they donate half of the retrieved eggs to a family who can’t otherwise conceive. Families pursuing egg donation to build their family can match with an egg donor on our platform.

Egg sharing programs provide an opportunity for egg donors to contribute to the fertility journey of others while also receiving a benefit for their own future family planning. In this guide, we will explore the concept of egg sharing and all the relevant information you need to know. 

What is egg donation sharing?

Egg donation sharing is a process when an egg donor agrees to donate half of her retrieved eggs to another couple or individual undergoing IVF. In traditional egg donation, the donor's eggs are exclusively given to the intended parents. However, in egg sharing, the donor has the opportunity to use some of the eggs retrieved for her own future family planning.

Egg sharing IVF

Egg sharing IVF is similar to traditional IVF in that the retrieved eggs are fertilized in a lab with the partner's or donor sperm, and then transferred to the intended mother's uterus. In egg sharing IVF, the donor's half of the retrieved eggs will be used for the intended parents, and the other half will be reserved for the donor's own use. Sometimes donors keep their eggs frozen for years, and other times they have them immediately fertilized and turned into embryos.

Egg sharing pros and cons

Pro: more affordable

One of the biggest advantages of egg sharing is that it allows for more affordable access to IVF for intended parents. Additionally, egg sharing can be a good option for egg donors who want to help others and also want to have the option to use some of their eggs for their own family planning in the future. 

Pro: less icky

Our unique model empowers women to take control of their own reproductive health while giving you the gift of a lifetime. Our donors aren’t doing it for cash – they keep half the eggs retrieved for their own future use, and donate half to your family.

Why is cash compensation problematic? 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. By allowing our donors to freeze their eggs as part of the process, our unique model honors everyone involved.

Pro: better for everyone involved

Our model empowers donors to preserve their own fertility, while lifting you up on your own journey. It’s a win-win.

Con: there are still 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. 

Egg sharing criteria

Our team screens donors through a rigorous, multi-step process to ensure each person is qualified and prepared to become an egg donor, going above and beyond FDA and ASRM-recommended screening guidelines. Before donors can be listed on our platform, we review their personal and family medical history and collect information on their lifestyle and behavioral habits. Most importantly, we meet 1:1 with every donor to get at the core of who she is as a person — her values, her goals, her personality. This allows us to provide you with the most thoughtful match possible.

Once you move forward with a match, the donor will undergo a physical examination, psychological evaluation, and full genetic screen. Your doctor will review these results and give us the green light to move forward. We will also ensure that donors are screened for background and education checks. 

What are the costs of egg sharing? 

The cost of egg sharing can vary based on whether you opt for a fresh or frozen donation cycle as well as other factors like the fertility clinic or donor's location. Unlike traditional egg donation, donors in egg sharing programs do not receive cash compensation, which can reduce your overall expenses.

For a more detailed breakdown of Cofertility's pricing, including estimates and our Embryo Guarantee, you can visit our pricing page.

What the data says about egg sharing

There is limited data on the success rates of egg sharing compared to traditional egg donation. However, some studies have suggested that egg sharing may result in higher success rates because the donor's eggs are being used in her own treatment cycle, meaning she may be more invested in the outcome. 

This study of 276 egg-sharing cycles concluded that egg sharing “provides a good opportunity for recipients and egg-sharing donors to achieve a live birth”. Specifically, the study found that by sharing (donating) their eggs with another family, the egg sharers did not reduce their chances of pregnancy and live birth.

“Those patients participating in an egg-sharing programme are providing a valuable resource of donor eggs,” the authors noted, “while not compromising their own treatment outcome or putting themselves at any additional risk of complications”.

Will I regret egg sharing?

Egg donors

While some egg donors report feeling a sense of pride and fulfillment from helping others build their families, others may experience feelings of regret or sadness. We have found that people who donate their eggs as part of an egg sharing program are less likely to feel regret. 

In fact, egg share donors usually feel that egg sharing was a win-win solution for donors and recipients alike. One study found egg share donors are happy with their decision, and 83.3% would donate again. Only 2.1% regretted their decision to participate.

Donor egg recipients

Ask anyone who has had a child, born with or without some type of assistance, and they will all tell you the same thing: parenting is the greatest - yet hardest - thing they have ever done. It doesn’t matter how the child came into their lives, the role and relationship of parent and child is the same. 

When working with parents who had donor conceived children, we have found their only real regret was they wished they had done this sooner. They wished they had let go of their preconceived notions that a baby who looks like them or who shares their genes is the only way to be a parent. That bringing a child into their lives using alternative methods means the child won’t see them as their real parent, or that they will not bond. 

Egg sharing programs near me

We work with families and egg donors around the world! Cofertility is unique in that we are clinic-agnostic, as long as the clinic reports outcomes to SART and has a CAP certified lab. Some clinics have specific requirements related to working with outside donors and have policies in place for how they handle those cases. If you already have a clinic in mind, reach out to our team and we can send a list of questions that we recommend you ask them before getting started. 

Best egg sharing program

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

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

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

Infertility can be a challenging journey, especially when miscarriage happens. For those who have experienced pregnancy loss or failed IVF, your doctor may have brought up the use of donor eggs. Egg donation is when a woman who is medically cleared donates her eggs to be used by another woman (or gestational carrier) who cannot conceive with her own eggs. You may be wondering whether donor eggs can decrease the risk of miscarriage and increase your chances of bringing home a healthy baby. In this article, we’ll lay it all out.

Why do miscarriages happen in the first place?

Miscarriage, also known as pregnancy loss, is a devastating experience. It occurs when a pregnancy ends on its own before the 20th week of gestation. Miscarriage can happen to anyone, and it's estimated that up to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. When a family suffers two or more pregnancy losses, it is called recurrent miscarriage.

There are many reasons why miscarriage can occur, and in most cases, it's difficult to pinpoint a specific cause. Here are some common reasons why miscarriage happens:

• Chromosomal abnormalities: The most common cause of miscarriage is chromosomal abnormalities. This means that the fetus has an abnormal number of chromosomes or a structural problem with a chromosome. These abnormalities are usually random events and not related to anything the parents did or did not do.
• Infections: Infections during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, especially if left untreated. Infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and toxoplasmosis can be harmful to a developing fetus.
• Structural issues: Structural issues with the uterus or cervix can lead to miscarriage. For example, if the cervix is weak or incompetent, it may not be able to support the weight of the growing fetus, leading to premature delivery or miscarriage. Uterine anomalies, such as a uterine septum, can also increase the risk of miscarriage. 
• Autoimmune problems: An overactive autoimmune system can mistake the fetus as a foreign object and attack it, causing miscarriage.
• Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors can increase the risk of miscarriage. These include smoking, alcohol use, and drug abuse. 

Unfortunately in most cases, the exact cause of miscarriage is unknown, and it's not always possible to prevent it from happening. Read more about the common causes of miscarriage. 

What is the risk of miscarriage with donor eggs?

The short answer is that using donor eggs decreases the risk of miscarriage for most women. Especially when those miscarriages were due to chromosomal abnormalities. Because egg donors are young (under 33) and medically cleared, outcomes with donor eggs are better than outcomes with a patient’s own eggs. 

Women who use donor eggs tend to be older, and age is a significant factor in miscarriage risk. As women age, the quality of their eggs decreases, and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities increases, which can lead to miscarriage. By using younger, healthier eggs from a donor, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities is significantly reduced.

Furthermore, the donor egg IVF process involves extensive screening of the donor to ensure that she is in good health and has a low risk of genetic disorders. This can further reduce the risk of miscarriage, as genetic disorders can be a significant contributor to pregnancy loss.

What does the research say?

There is a paucity of research on donor eggs. But one 1997 study of 418 embryo transfer cycles among 276 egg donor recipients at one clinic found that:

• 36.2% got pregnant on the first try with donor eggs, and 29.3% had a live birth
• 87.9% got pregnant within four cycles and 86.1% had a live birth

This data did not differ for women of various ages of diagnoses. Another study from 1998 found that the miscarriage rate for donor eggs was 7.2% for women under 45 and 16.1% for women 45-50. 

However, because these studies were 25+ years ago, and each included outcomes data from a single clinic, we can take it with a grain of salt. We’ve had incredible progress in fertility treatments over the last 25 years, including ICSI and PGT testing,  and one would hope for even better outcomes today. 

Why do donor eggs miscarry?

Donor eggs miscarry for some of the same reasons any pregnancy ends in loss. There could be implantation issues, or issues with the lining of the uterus or other factors that make implantation more difficult, increasing the risk of miscarriage. Or there could be other health issues such as hormonal imbalances, autoimmune problems, or structural problems like fibroids. Of course, there’s also just chance / luck which is sometimes not on our side. 

While donor eggs can reduce the risk of certain fertility-related issues, it does not eliminate the risk of miscarriage entirely. Miscarriages are common, and it's important to work with your doctor to understand the potential risks and to receive appropriate care throughout the pregnancy.

How to reduce the risk of miscarriage with donor eggs

We recommend adopting a relaxed lifestyle and moderating physical activity after an embryo transfer. The most important factor in predicting successful implantation is the quality of the embryo and the optimal hormone environment in the uterus. After the transfer, the most important thing you can do is to take your medications as prescribed. You can rest assure that no other external factors will impact the outcome of your cycle (ie. high stress, specific foods, bumping your abdomen against a hard surface). If you have any problems with the injections, let your clinical team know as soon as possible.

Are donor egg pregnancies high risk?

Donor egg pregnancies may be higher risk, but more research is needed. One meta-analysis of 11 studies found: 

• The risk of developing hypertensive disorders is nearly 4X higher for donor egg pregnancies
• The risk of having a cesarean section is 2.71X higher for donor egg pregnancies
• Preterm delivery is 1.34X more likely with donor egg pregnancies

Another study from Columbia University found that age doesn’t impact risk of complications, and that both older and younger women had similar rates of gestational hypertension, diabetes, cesarean delivery, and premature birth. When undergoing IVF, your doctor will give you an idea of your specific health risks and how to help reduce the risk of complications.

What is the success rate of IVF with donor eggs?

Here’s some good news: donor eggs can drastically increase your chances of success! Around 53 percent of all donor egg cycles will result in at least one live birth. This percentage varies depending on the egg donor, recipient body mass index, stage of embryo at transfer, the number of oocytes retrieved, and the quality of the clinic.

At every age, the chances of birth with donor eggs is better, but those who benefit the most from donor eggs are women over 35 and those with low ovarian reserve. In fact, about one-quarter of women over 40 who succeeded with IVF did so through the use of donor eggs.

At Cofertility, for those who match with a donor in our fresh egg donation program, the average number of mature eggs a family receives and fertilizes is 12. The number of eggs retrieved varies by patient and cycle, but can be predicted by a donor’s age, AMH, and antral follicle count, all of which will be known to you after the donor’s initial screening. Qualified candidates have an ample ovarian reserve for both their own needs and sharing. Egg share donors also often work closely with a fertility doctor to determine, based on their own medical history, the optimal number of eggs needed for their own future family-building goals. Should it make sense for the donor, they may choose to pursue a second egg-sharing cycle to maximize the chances of success for everyone.

Matching with a donor in our frozen program can provide the opportunity to move forward with your family-building plans faster, as frozen eggs can be fertilized or shipped to your clinic immediately or as soon as the cycle is complete. Donors undergoing frozen cycles complete equally rigorous ovarian reserve testing. While the total number of frozen eggs available will vary based on the donor’s retrieval outcomes, every frozen match is guaranteed to have a minimum of at least 6 frozen eggs.

To learn more about these programs and the differences between them, click here.

Ready to move forward with donor eggs? We can help!

Cofertility is a human-first fertility ecosystem rewriting the egg freezing and egg donation experience. Our Family by Co platform serves as a more transparent, ethical egg donor matching platform. We are obsessed with improving the family-building journey — today or in the future — and are in an endless pursuit to make these experiences more positive. Create a free account today!

Every National Infertility Awareness Week, we like to reflect upon the true meaning of “infertility awareness”. All year, we take every chance we get to increase awareness of infertility in an effort to provide proactive fertility education and de-stigmatize all paths to parenthood.

This is important because infertility can feel incredibly isolating due to lack of openness and understanding from the general public. While infertility does not discriminate, it often catches its victims off guard. Due to a lack of awareness (or just a lack of acceptance), we’re taught from an early age that getting pregnant is easy. In reality, this isn’t the case for everyone — one in four American couples struggle to conceive — and the additional stigmatization of infertility just kicks those suffering from it while they’re down. 

We’re here to change that. Myself and my co-founders all experienced challenging journeys to build our families, and we know, first-hand, that words matter. So this National Infertility Awareness Week, we’re proposing a vocabulary overhaul when it comes to outdated and straight-up offensive fertility terminology. 

Here are several fertility terms we commonly hear — in doctor’s offices, news articles, and more — that we think need to be replaced:

Fertility

• “Insurance policy” → optionality: when a woman decides to freeze her eggs, she's giving herself optionality should she experience fertility challenges down the line. While Cofertility’s mission with Freeze by Co is to enable more proactive, empowering egg freezing, we are always transparent about the fact that egg freezing is never an insurance policy.
• Poor sperm quality → sperm-related challenges: when a man experiences low sperm count or motility, or irregular morphology that may result in an unsuccessful fertilization or pregnancy. The same can apply to “poor egg quality,” and we support a similar change to reference egg-related challenges.
• Inhospitable uterus → uterine challenges: when uterine conditions, like endometriosis, cause difficulty getting or staying pregnant.
• Poor ovarian reserve → diminished ovarian reserve: when a woman’s egg count is lower than average for her age.
  

Egg donation and surrogacy

• Donor mother/parent → egg donor: the woman who donated her eggs to fertilize an embryo resulting in a child is an egg donor. The intended parents are that child’s parents, full stop.
• Surrogate mother → gestational carrier: Similar to “donor mother,” a gestational carrier, while doing an amazing thing (carrying the pregnancy of a transferred embryo using another woman’s egg) is not that child’s mother. Gestational carriers are incredible, but should not be confused with a child’s actual parents. 
• Anonymous egg donation → non-identified egg donation: we believe anonymous egg donation is a thing of the past — not only can it have negative effects upon donor-conceived children, it’s also unrealistic with the rise of consumer genetic testing. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recently recommended this lexicon replacement as well. At Cofertility, we discuss the concept of disclosure at length with all donors and intended parents. You can read more about our stance on “anonymous” egg donation here.
• Buying eggs → matching with an egg donor: No one involved in this process should feel like eggs are being bought or sold (that goes for the egg donor, the intended parents, and the donor-conceived person). Rather, working with an egg donor is a beautiful way of growing a family and should feel the opposite of transactional. 
• “Using” an egg donor → working with/matching with an egg donor: An egg donor should feel like a perfect fit with your family and someone who should be respected, not “used”. Our unique model — where women can freeze their eggs for free when they donate half of the eggs retrieved to another family — honors everyone involved. Learn more here! 
  

Pregnancy loss

• Spontaneous abortion → pregnancy loss: Honestly, this term is beyond cruel given what it describes — losing a pregnancy prior to 20 weeks.
• Implantation failure → unsuccessful transfer: When an IVF embryo transfer doesn’t result in a success, that doesn’t mean it — or your body — was a failure. 
• Chemical pregnancy → early pregnancy loss: Calling a pregnancy “chemical” discredits what it actually is — a pregnancy. And losing it should be categorized as such. 

Let’s hold ourselves accountable

During National Infertility Awareness Week, consider this our rally cry for evolved terminology around the #ttc process. We’ll plan to hold ourselves accountable, but beyond talking the talk, we aim to walk the walk. 

Our goal is to make the actual family-building process more positive and accessible for anyone pursuing third party reproduction. With Family by Co, all egg donors give half of their eggs retrieved to intended parents and freeze the other half for themselves for free to preserve some of their own fertility for the future. This way, they’re able to give a life-changing gift, but also consider their own ambitions and lifestyle choices. We feel this is significantly more ethical than other donation options out there, and our intended parents love the transparent nature of our platform. 

Let’s challenge each other to evolve the surrounding verbiage. Because the family-building process should feel as good as possible, in spite of challenges along the way.

‍Cofertility is a human-first fertility ecosystem rewriting the egg freezing and egg donation experience. Our Family by Co platform serves as a more transparent, ethical egg donor matching platform. We are obsessed with improving the family-building journey — today or in the future — and are in an endless pursuit to make these experiences more positive. Create a free account today!

Using donor eggs can be a life-changing experience for couples struggling with infertility. For many, it is the best way to achieve a successful pregnancy and start a family. However, using donor eggs can sometimes be an overwhelming process, and there are many things that you may not be aware of until you start the process. In this article, I will lay out some things that you should know about using donor eggs.

If you’ve done IVF before, you know the drill

IVF can be broken down into three phases: 

1. The retrieval phase, where the eggs are matured and extracted
2. The embryo phase, where eggs are fertilized and monitored in the lab
3. And the transfer phase, where an embryo is transferred to the uterus of the intended mother or gestational carrier

With donor eggs, the egg donor undergoes the retrieval and then her job is done. The eggs are then fertilized with the sperm of the intended father (or a sperm donor) and grown for three to seven days under the careful eye of a trained embryologist. At this point, some families opt to do genetic testing. Once the embryo is ready, the intended mother, or a gestational carrier, takes over to carry the pregnancy to term.

Unless your doctor has determined that it is impossible or dangerous for you to safely carry a pregnancy, you can absolutely undergo IVF and get pregnant with donor eggs. 

Choosing an egg donor is a huge decision

Finding an egg donor can be a challenging and time-consuming process, and rightfully so! You want to ensure that you find the right match that you feel good about. When choosing a donor, it's essential to consider factors such as physical traits, medical history, and personality. At Cofertility, we have hundreds of pre-qualified donors ready to be matched. You can create a free account to begin your search. 

Medical screening of the donor will help increase your chances of success

Donors are screened for various genetic and infectious diseases before they can donate their eggs. This screening process is designed to ensure that the donor is healthy and that there is minimal risk of passing on any genetic or infectious diseases to the recipient or the baby. Additionally, their ovarian reserve is tested to help ensure that they are likely to produce enough mature eggs. The screening definitely adds time to the process, but is intended to help increase your chances of success.  

You’ll need a lawyer who specializes in third-party reproduction

There are state-specific legal considerations to be aware of when using donor eggs. It's essential to have an iron-clad legal agreement in place that outlines the terms of the donation and the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved. No clinic will accept a patient and egg donor without this contract in place. If you work with Cofertility, we will help ensure you and your donor have expert lawyers drafting this contract.

Donor eggs can increase your chances of success

Around 53 percent of all donor egg cycles will result in at least one live birth. This percentage varies depending on the egg donor, recipient body mass index, stage of embryo at transfer, the number of oocytes retrieved, and the quality of the clinic.

At every age, the chances of birth with donor eggs is better, but those who benefit the most from donor eggs are women over 35 and those with low ovarian reserve. In fact, about one-quarter of women over 40 who succeeded with IVF did so through the use of donor eggs. 

The chart was made using the SART Patient Predictor for an average woman (5’4”, 150 lbs) with diminished ovarian reserve. As you can see, the chances of live birth after one donor egg cycle is 54% for recipients under 40, and only goes down slightly after this.

At Cofertility, for those who match with a donor in our fresh egg donation program, the average number of mature eggs a family receives and fertilizes is 12. The number of eggs retrieved varies by patient and cycle, but can be predicted by a donor’s age, AMH, and antral follicle count, all of which will be known to you after the donor’s initial screening. Qualified candidates have an ample ovarian reserve for both their own needs and sharing. Egg share donors also often work closely with a fertility doctor to determine, based on their own medical history, the optimal number of eggs needed for their own future family-building goals. Should it make sense for the donor, they may choose to pursue a second egg-sharing cycle to maximize the chances of success for everyone.
Matching with a donor in our frozen program can provide the opportunity to move forward with your family-building plans faster, as frozen eggs can be fertilized or shipped to your clinic immediately or as soon as the cycle is complete. Donors undergoing frozen cycles complete equally rigorous ovarian reserve testing. While the total number of frozen eggs available will vary based on the donor’s retrieval outcomes, every frozen match is guaranteed to have a minimum of at least 6 frozen eggs.

To learn more about these programs and the differences between them, click here.

It might get emotional

Using donor eggs can be an emotional journey for intended parents. It can create feelings of loss, sadness, anger, and possibly even shame. You may feel a deep sense of grief over not having a genetically linked child. Give yourself space to express your feelings and time to process this loss. Avoidance and distraction can only be helpful for so long. Allow yourself to sit with your feelings. Give yourself permission to move forward at your own pace.

Remember, DNA is a small part of who we are. All human beings are 99.9 percent identical in their genetic makeup and nurture plays an enormous role in who we become and who we bond with.

It will be expensive

IVF alone is expensive, and then there’s donor eggs. The total cost can end up being tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the clinic, the egg donor, and if your insurance or employer covers any of it. 

Know this: our donors aren’t doing it for the money. At Cofertility, our donors freeze their eggs for free in exchange for donating half of the eggs to your family. This saves families tens of thousands of dollars on donor compensation. 

You won’t regret it

Ask anyone who has had a child, born with or without some type of assistance, and they will all tell you the same thing: parenting is the greatest - yet hardest - thing they have ever done. It doesn’t matter how the child came into their lives, the role and relationship of parent and child is the same. 

When working with parents who had donor conceived children, their only real regret was they wished they had done this sooner. They wished they had let go of their preconceived notions that a baby who looks like them or who shares their genes is the only way to be a parent. That bringing a child into their lives using alternative methods means the child won’t see them as their real parent, or that they will not bond.  Read more in Will I Regret Using Donor Eggs?

In summary

Using donor eggs can be an excellent option for couples struggling with infertility. It's important to be aware of the various factors involved, including finding a donor, medical screening, legal considerations, success rates, emotional impact, cost, and talking to your child. With the right support and information, using donor eggs can be a positive and fulfilling experience, leading to the creation of a loving and happy family.

If you are a Canadian family looking for donor eggs you’ve come to the right place. At Cofertility, we can and do work with Canadian families on their donor egg journey. In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about matching with an egg donor through our platform. 

What is donor egg IVF? Egg donation is a process where a woman, known as the egg donor, donates her eggs to another family that cannot otherwise conceive. The eggs are fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus of the intended mother or a gestational carrier. More and more families are seeking to build their families through donor eggs, and we’re here to help.

Donor egg laws in Canada

In Canada, egg donation is a regulated process that is governed by both federal and provincial laws. Under the federal Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) Act, it is a crime to purchase or sell eggs or sperm in Canada. This means that donors cannot be paid for their eggs, and intended families cannot “buy” eggs from donors. Only truly altruistic donation is allowed, though donors can be reimbursed for reasonable expenses related to the donation process, such as travel costs or time off work.

In the US, compensated egg donation is legal and regulated, but many intended parents still report that they’re unable to find a donor who they’re excited about matching with. With Cofertility’s model, donors are not offered cash compensation. Instead, donors undergo a retrieval with medical costs reimbursed by the intended parents and in return, the donor gets to keep half of the eggs retrieved. This egg sharing model allows us to recruit diverse, accomplished women who are excited about helping your family grow today. 

Egg donor anonymity laws in Canada

In Canada, like the US, egg donation can be known or anonymous. However, in cases of anonymous donation, the donor-conceived person does not have the right to know the identity of the donor. 

At Cofertility, we don’t believe in anonymous donation. Our families and donors can choose whether their donation is disclosed or undisclosed. Both disclosed and undisclosed donations come with their own set of implications. Our donors even have their disclosure preference listed in their profile so you know ahead of time what they’re looking for and you can filter your options based on this criteria. 

• An undisclosed donation is one where you do not exchange contact information. Although you will have access to photos and other demographic information about the donor, you will only communicate through Cofertility.
• A disclosed donation is one where you and your donor exchange contact information and communicate directly. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have a close relationship with the donor, perhaps you email once a year around the holidays. But this option keeps the door open for your child to more easily reach out to the donor with questions as they get older. 

A major benefit of disclosed donation is that you may potentially get more information about your donor’s genetics and family of origin. Another advantage is the ability to provide information to your child. Experts agree that being honest with your child about their conception, and normalizing it early on is best. 

Read Undisclosed vs. Anonymous Egg Donation: What’s the Difference?

The rights of intended parents via donor eggs 

When it comes to legal rights and responsibilities, the intended parents are considered the legal owners of the donated eggs and will have sole right and full decision-making authority to determine what happens to those eggs, embryos, and any future children. The egg donor has no legal rights or responsibilities towards any children born from the eggs that she donated.

We support our families and donors through a rigorous legal process to ensure the contract is sound. If you don’t have a lawyer, we have a roster of trusted lawyers who specialize in third-party reproduction, including lawyers licensed in both the US and Canada. 

It’s also worth noting that countries vary with respect to how they recognize parentage and/or citizenship, particularly in cases that involve a surrogate. You will need to conform with any local laws with respect to birth registration, especially if the embryos made are eventually transferred to a surrogate. If you have any questions, we recommend you consult with a  lawyer in Canada who can advise of any relevant restrictions or laws. 

Should I work with a Canadian or US fertility clinic?

When you match with a Cofertility donor, the embryo creation process must take place in the US. We can work with your existing clinic in Canada to ensure that they have all necessary reports to confirm acceptance of the frozen embryos. We also have trusted gamete transportation partners who can ship embryos between clinics globally. 

Read 35 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Using Donor Eggs

The donor egg IVF process for families in Canada

We have hundreds of pre-qualified donors ready to match with your family. Here’s what you can expect the process to look like:

1. Create a free account. Fill out our form to share about your family and what you’re looking for in a donor. It just takes a few minutes.
2. Use filters to browse hundreds of donors. You can search for donors by education level, race and ethnicity, hair color, eye color, and more. 
3. Hold a match. Once you find the perfect donor, you can place a hold on that match so she is not matched with other families. During this time, your doctor can review her records to make sure she’s a fit. If you don’t have a clinic, that’s not a problem. We can match you with one of our many partner clinics across the country. 
4. Legal. Once the doctor gives the go-ahead, it’s time to start and complete the legal contract.
5. Egg retrieval cycle. Donors can either cycle at a clinic near them and have the eggs shipped to your clinic, OR can travel to another US-based clinic of your choice for  the egg retrieval. This will be decided upon the match.
6. Fertilization. Half of the eggs retrieved are fertilized with sperm from the intended father or a sperm donor. The other half is sent to storage for the donor to use when she’s ready to start her family.
7. Embryo transfer. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus of the intended mother or gestational carrier. Your transfer can take place in the US or Canada. 
8. Get support for life. After you bring home your baby, continue to enjoy our resources — educational materials, support systems, and more — for life.

Egg donation is a complex process that requires careful consideration and planning. Our team of experienced professionals will ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. 

Why Cofertility

If you're looking for an egg donor — either due to infertility, cancer, a genetic condition, or not having eggs (hi, gay dads!) — you may already feel like the odds are stacked against you. The last thing you need is to feel like you’re “shopping” for a human who plays a critical role in your family-building journey. And we’ll never make it feel that way.

Cofertility is committed to providing the highest level of care and support to our families and donors. We thoroughly screen and counsel all of our egg donors to ensure that they are physically and emotionally prepared for the donation process. Our donors come from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and professions. And fun fact: the majority of our donors have a graduate degree! 

We understand that the process of building a family can be overwhelming, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please don't hesitate to contact us.

If you're in your 40s or 50s and looking to grow your family, you may be considering IVF with donor eggs. In fact, according to the CDC, a substantial 12% of all IVF cycles in the U.S. involve eggs retrieved from a donor. Donor-egg IVF has the highest success rate of any fertility treatment. But is there an age limit for intended parents pursuing this path? Let's take a look:

Parent age and egg donor IVF

Age is one of the biggest factors in the ability to get pregnant. And even with IVF, the chances of success with our own eggs declines as we reach our 40s. The great part about IVF is that you can find out if an embryo is genetically normal (and thus less likely to miscarry) before you attempt a transfer. This can save time and heartache. 

Data from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) shows the following chances of a live singleton birth using your own eggs via IVF:

• 38.3% for women 35-37
• 25.1% for women age 38-40
• 12.7% for women age 41-42
• 4.1% for women over 42

It’s important to remember that your age when you (or your gestational carrier) get pregnant is not as important as the age of the eggs. That means your chances of success getting pregnant, no matter your age now, is better with younger eggs. But how do you get younger eggs? For some lucky women, they can use eggs they froze years ago. But for most of us, getting younger eggs means turning to egg donation. 

My age vs. my donor’s age: which is more important?

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

Many women in their 40s and 50s can carry a pregnancy when using donor eggs, although some need to use a gestational carrier for a variety of reasons. 

Is there an age limit for IVF with donor eggs?

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

For women over 45 years old, ASRM advises:

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

For families using donor eggs and a surrogate, ASRM would advise that the family undergo psychological evaluation to ensure the parents are equipped to raise the child at an older-than-average age. 

Supporting mothers of all ages

There is no age limit for men having children and there is no maximum age for US domestic adoption – so why would we put an age restriction on mothers via egg donation? Generally, these restrictions are for her own health during pregnancy. 

All pregnancies have risks, and pregnancy after 50 is no exception. One small study followed 45 healthy mothers ages 50-63 who used donor eggs, and found that 35% experienced pregnancy-related hypertension (high blood pressure), 20% experienced gestational diabetes, and 78% had a cesarean section. These numbers are higher than the general population. 

But what if a gestational carrier (surrogate) carries the donor egg pregnancy? Then the argument turns to the ability to parent. 

ASRM lays out some compelling arguments in favor of donor egg IVF for women over 45:

• Older people (grandparents) raise children all the time in our society, and successfully at that. So there’s no reason to think older parents wouldn’t have the physical and psychological stamina for raising children.
• Older men often have children, and there is no set age limit for males in IVF. So why create limits for women?
• Our society respects the rights of individuals to make reproductive choices regardless of age or life expectancy. For example, we don’t ban someone with a terminal illness from becoming a parent. So why stop someone else because of their age?

Benefits of having children later

Becoming a parent at an older age certainly has pros and cons, and is different for everyone. But here are some benefits to having children in your 40s and 50s:

• Financial security: older parents tend to have more financial freedom and savings, making the financial commitment of parenting less daunting.
• Emotional maturity: Older parents feel more ready and mature. In a study of older parents, 72% of mothers and 57% of fathers expressed that the emotional maturity associated with age provided a clear advantage to having children later in life.
• Smoother parenting: One study found that older maternal age was associated with fewer behavioral, social and emotional difficulties
• More life experiences: People who start families later in life have had more opportunity to check things off their bucket list – travel, work accomplishments, hobbies – and may not feel like parenting is as much a compromise in their lives. Plus, they have more to teach their littles! 

Summing it up

There is no formal age limit for pursuing donor egg IVF, although ASRM discourages it for women over 55 and fertility clinics may set their own age limit. Anyone over 45 is recommended to undergo comprehensive medical testing, counseling, and a psychosocial evaluation. There are pros and cons to becoming a parent at any age, and these should be carefully considered when making the decision. 

FAQ

What is “advanced maternal age” (over 35) “advanced reproductive age” (over 45)

Advanced maternal age is a not-so-great term used by the medical community to describe a potential pregnancy for women over 35. Advanced reproductive age refers to women over 45.  Interestingly, there is no similar term for males trying to conceive at any age. 

Am I too old to become a parent?

This is a question only you can answer. How is your health? Do you have a support system that could help raise the child if anything were to happen to you? Are you financially ready? These are questions any parent, at any age, should ask before building a family. 

What is donor egg IVF?

Donor egg IVF is an IVF cycle that uses a young, medically-cleared woman's eggs, which are then fertilized and implanted into the uterus of the intended mother or gestational carrier. 

How can I find an egg donor?

Our Family by Co platform serves as a more transparent, ethical egg donor matching platform. Create a free account today to get started!

When it comes to egg donation, you may be wondering if the blood type of the egg donor matters. While it is not necessary for the donor to have the same blood type as either parent, it’s helpful to understand how blood types work. In this article, we’ll review the blood types, how they are inherited, and when blood type matching matters. 

What are blood types?

Blood types are determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens, or proteins, on the surface of our red blood cells. Blood types include A, B, AB, and O. Blood type A has the A antigen, blood type B has the B antigen, blood type AB has both A and B antigens, and blood type O has neither A nor B antigens.

Within each blood type, there is a positive or negative (A+, A-, and so on). The positive or negative sign next to the blood groups is known as the Rhesus (Rh) factor. Rh factor is independent of blood type. It is determined by the presence or absence of a specific antigen on the surface of red blood cells. If a person has the Rh antigen, they are Rh-positive. If they do not have the Rh antigen, they are Rh-negative. Most people, about 85%, are Rh-positive.

According to the San Diego Blood Bank, the average distribution of the blood types in the United States are:

• O Positive (O +): 38%
  

• O Negative (O -): 7%
  

• A Positive (A +): 34%
  

• A Negative (A -): 6%
  

• B Positive (B +): 9%
  

• B Negative (B -): 2%
  

• AB Positive (AB +): 3%
  

• AB Negative (AB -): 1%
  

How is a child’s blood type determined in egg donation?

A baby's blood type is determined by the combination of genes inherited from the egg and sperm. Each passes on one of their two ABO alleles to the child. The combination of these alleles determines the baby's blood type. For example, if the egg donor is type A and the biological father (or sperm donor) is type B, the baby could be type A, type B, type AB, or even type O. 

Unless both the egg donor and intended father have blood type O, in which case the baby would definitely be type O, you would need a blood test to determine the baby's blood type.

‍

‍

But remember how we said everyone also has an Rh factor, that plus or minus after the letter? A child inherits one Rh allele from the egg donor and one from the intended father. If both are Rh-positive, then the child will be RH-positive. If both are Rh-negative, then the child will be Rh-negative. If one is Rh-negative and the other is Rh-positive, then the child could be either. 

‍

Does the egg donor determine the blood type of the child?

The blood type of a child is determined by the combination of genes inherited from the egg and sperm. Each contributes one of two possible alleles (versions) for each gene that codes for the blood type. The Rh blood group system is determined by another gene on chromosome 1 that has two alleles: D and d. The D allele codes for the RhD protein, and the d allele codes for no Rh protein.

While the egg and sperm decide the genetic makeup of the child, they do not have control over the specific alleles that the child inherits. That is determined by the process of meiosis, which randomly selects which sperm or egg cell will fertilize the other.

What is Rh incompatibility?

Rh incompatibility occurs when a pregnant woman (either an intended mother or gestational carrier) who is Rh-negative carries a baby who is Rh-positive. Her immune system may recognize the baby's Rh-positive blood cells as foreign and produce antibodies against them. This can cause her immune system to attack and destroy the baby's red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). HDN can cause serious complications for the baby, including anemia, jaundice, brain damage, and even death. 

‍

‍

It’s important to know if you’re at risk for HDN. But the good news is that HDN can be prevented by administering a medication called Rh immunoglobulin (RhIg) or Rhogam to the mother or gestational carrier during pregnancy, which helps prevent her body from making antibodies against the baby's blood cells.

If you or your gestational carrier are Rh negative, consult with your doctor about choosing a donor who is Rh positive. 

Is it possible for a child to have a different blood type than both of its parents?

Yup! As you can see in the chart shared  above, there are many cases where a child would have a different blood type from their biological parents. For instance, if the egg donor was blood type A and the intended father was type B, the child could be blood type O.

Why would someone want an egg donor with the same blood type?

There are a couple reasons someone might want an egg donor with a specific blood type.

First, they may want to avoid rare blood types in the rare situation that the child would need a blood transfusion.  Blood transfusions can only be given to individuals with compatible blood types. For example, if someone with blood type A receives a blood transfusion from someone with blood type B, their body may react negatively and cause serious health issues. Remember though, unless both the egg donor and intended father are type O (in which case the only option is for the child to be type O), there is no guarantee that a child will be the same blood type as one parent. 

Second, blood type can also play a role in pregnancy and childbirth. If a mother or gestational carrier is Rh-negative and the baby is Rh-positive, the mother's body may produce antibodies that attack the baby's red blood cells, which can lead to a condition called hemolytic disease of the newborn. However, this is treatable and not a reason to pass on an egg donor.

Third, some parents may want to increase the chances of their child having (or not having) a certain blood type. There is some evidence that certain blood types are more protective against certain health conditions like heart attacks, memory loss, and cancer. 

Lastly, parents who do not plan on telling their child about their donor-conceived origins may want to have a child with similar blood type. Although this is your family and you get to decide how / if  to tell your story, research has shown over and over the importance of openness and honesty in telling children their conception story and telling it early.  

Is it better to find an egg donor who has the same blood type as myself?

So does blood type matter?  It is not necessarily "better" to find an egg donor who has the same blood type as yourself. It’s helpful to know the blood type of the donor, but blood type doesn’t need to be a reason to choose a donor, and most parents have other attributes that are more important to them.

As mentioned above, having an egg donor who is the same blood type as the intended mother or gestational carrier can help reduce the risk of Rh incompatibility between the baby and the intended mother, which can cause serious complications for the baby if not treated. However, blood type matching is not necessary for egg donation, and many successful pregnancies and healthy babies are born from egg donation despite not having a blood type match.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to find an egg donor with the same blood type as yourself should be made in consultation with a fertility doctor, who can provide more information and guidance on the risks and benefits of blood type matching in your specific situation.

‍

Cofertility is a human-first fertility ecosystem rewriting the egg freezing and egg donation experience. Our Family by Co platform serves as a more transparent, ethical egg donor matching platform. We are obsessed with improving the family-building journey — today or in the future — and are in an endless pursuit to make these experiences more positive. Create a free account today!

Part of our work is honoring the unique experiences of the humans we are helping create. As such, we are constantly seeking input and advice from the donor conceived community. 

Being donor conceived can mean different things to different people, as their experience is as varied and unique as any other child. Some people who were donor-conceived feel a strong sense of connection to their biological family, while others don’t even think about it. Some are curious about their genetic origins and seek out information about the donor, while others are not interested in learning more. Some people may struggle with questions about identity and family, while others may not feel that their donor conception has had a significant impact on their life. Overall, the experience of being donor conceived can be complex and nuanced, and can vary depending on their upbringing and the level of openness and honesty within their family. 

In this article, we  share the unique perspectives of four donor-conceived adults.

The respondents:

• Emma is a nurse, author, and donor conceived adult who has been vocal about her life experiences 
• Jackson is a 30-something, donor conceived engineer in Florida
• Libby is a donor conceived small business owner from Massachusetts 
• Melissa is egg donor conceived and the VP of Development at the US Donor Conceived Council

How did you find out you were donor-conceived?

Emma: I have always known that I was donor conceived or at least I have no memory of not knowing. My parents made a book about their long journey to create a family and how lucky they were to have me – we read the book as a nighttime story or whenever I wanted to from, I was 2-3 years old. This book meant that we don’t really know when I understood but we have drawings I made of egg and supercells from when I was 5 years old. 

Jackson: I found out I was donor conceived in a funny way, actually. I was 17, about to graduate high school, and I was sitting at a Dairy Queen with my identical twin brother and we both got a Facebook friend request from the same person at the same time, so we thought that was really weird. We responded and asked how she knew us. She said she was our sister, and we didn't believe her - so we asked her the name of our parents. She got it right, so then we went home and asked our dad what this was all about. He then let us know that he was waiting until we were 18 (so a few months from then) to let us know, but they had used an egg donor/surrogate to conceive us after my mom had a number of late term miscarriages. I never felt any resentment towards any party involved (my parents, the egg donor, or the egg donor's children) but it was a bit jarring at the time and definitely weird for her to have reached out to us that way. 

Libby: My moms were very transparent about a multitude of things as I grew up. While they couldn't always keep up with my speedily-moving brain and mouth, they tried their best and always explained things to me thoroughly. The first conversation I remember having about it was in first grade. We had to do some type of family tree assignment - and despite living in one of the most progressive towns at the time, I didn’t have anyone with two moms or two dads in my class. I felt alone and confused when I saw everyone drawing and talking about their mom and dad. I’m sure there were kids who had just one parent or another family member who had guardianship, but I was so focused on why my tree didn’t look the same. 

When I brought my tree home, I had questions and they gave me answers in a developmentally appropriate way. I asked so many questions and they answered every single thing. They connected me with children in the area that were donor conceived or adopted. As time went on, I started to understand that families are families and that’s the end of that. It doesn’t matter what your family looks like, as long as there’s safety and love in it – “love makes a family” was said frequently in my home.‍

I started to understand that families are families and that’s the end of that. It doesn’t matter what your family looks like, as long as there’s safety and love in it – “love makes a family” was said frequently in my home.‍

I thought it was so cool that my donor was willing to help families, and I thought it was equally cool that I had more siblings! I would always wonder what they’d look like and how much we’d look alike. I didn’t think much about the donor as much as I did the siblings.

My two brothers had different donors than me, so we’d always ask our moms about the prominent features that each donor had. For legal reasons, they were unable to disclose much because they weren’t given much information, as the donor wanted to be an “identity release” type of donation – I would be able to make contact with him once I turned 18 if I wanted to. I didn’t have much desire for that though, I just wanted to know my siblings.

Melissa: My parents told my brother and me three weeks before I turned 22. It was so unexpected that at first, I thought they were playing a joke on us. My mother said that it had been on her mind all week and she just decided it was time to come clean, so after a long day of doing post-Christmas returns together she sat us down to break the news.

How has being donor-conceived impacted your life?

Emma: It has meant different things to me throughout life so far. Most significantly it has made me feel special, wanted, and extremely loved in my family. As a child I spoke a lot about it and tried to explain to people whenever relevant. Then I had a period where we talked a lot about features I have that might come from my donor. It was not in any negative way, more curious. As an adult I found out that I was lactose intolerant which I inherited from the donor. Before I started to share my story, my conception did not impact my adult life very much. Today it is a huge part of my life trying to create resources and sharing my experience for others to have some inspiration to navigate the difficult decisions of donor conception 

Jackson: It really hasn't impacted my life in any way. After we found out we were donor conceived, we took a bit to process it and then moved on with life pretty much the exact same and went off to college. My mom is my mom, and I'm glad my parents were able to find a way to have us. We don't really ever talk about being donor conceived, but I will say there is some mystery around my medical history and if anything has popped up in the donor's family history since. I'm sure I could ask my parents to look into it if I really wanted. 

Libby: Being donor conceived impacted my life because I am here, as cheesy as that sounds! My donor was able to help my moms have children and I will always be thankful for that. I’m so unbelievably proud of the family I have and I’m so happy to have expanded my family all across the US by connecting with my donor siblings. One of my donor siblings recently moved closer to me and we met in July of this year, and I consider her to be one of my best friends. I am incredibly passionate about inclusive, accessible, and affirming healthcare – including reproduction services – and being donor conceived is one of the driving forces behind that.

Melissa: Growing up, I spent years feeling like something was… off. Like I didn’t completely see myself on the maternal side of my family. When I first found out I was donor conceived, it was very surreal. I remember just driving around that night in a haze. In a lot of ways though, learning the truth made so much sense. It was almost a relief to know that I wasn’t crazy for feeling out of place my whole life. Nothing had been wrong with me. There was an explanation that entire time. But, it wasn’t a fix-all. There are certain day-to-day experiences that are unique to being donor conceived. Before I knew I was DC, I was unknowingly giving incorrect family medical history to all of my doctors. Between learning the truth and connecting with the donor, I had to tell so many doctors that I actually didn’t know anything about my maternal side. Luckily now I’ve successfully connected with the donor, but so many DCP don’t have that luxury either because they can’t find the donor, the donor has passed away, or the donor refuses to speak to them.

What’s your relationship like with the donor and their family?

Emma: I don’t know my donor. He was anonymous and I have never wanted to learn more about him, and I have never done any DNA testing. I think about him with gratitude but that is all I need so far. 

Jackson: My twin brother and I are Facebook friends with a few of them, since that day at Dairy Queen. We had a few back and forth conversations with them but that's it. We're happy to let them loosely follow along our lives via Facebook but that's the extent I'm comfortable with. I haven't had the desire to meet them or the egg donor in person.

Libby: I do not currently communicate with my donor, but my oldest donor sibling reached out to him and he said he was willing to talk with us whenever. I connected with a majority of my siblings through Ancestry, oddly enough – some of those siblings had already talked with each other for awhile, and we would all just be added to the Facebook group chat once more of us popped up! We did lots of digging to find our donor (we had some information about where he went to school, the years he went, the fraternity he was in, what sports he played, and some other stuff – but no name). I felt like a detective trying to cross-reference the little information we had. Some of us feel differently about talking to the donor, which is completely understandable; so, we agreed to table it for a little while and revisit the idea at a later date. I feel indifferent about contacting him. I’m open to doing it but I don’t feel this burning desire. 

Melissa: It actually took me three years to contact the donor. I dreaded the possibility that she might react poorly. I really didn’t want to be in a position where I was trying to delicately explain the harmlessness of wanting to just know who my own relatives are. Luckily though, I never had to do that. The donor was very receptive to contact. She even acknowledged on her own that it was her ethical duty to share her family medical history, and that I was probably much more surprised to learn I was donor conceived than she was to get a message from me. That validation was meaningful if only because it’s a rare experience for DCP [via anonymous donation]. Now, we talk occasionally over the phone; she lives far from me so we’ve never met in person. She has no siblings or children, which probably makes it easier in some ways. Since we’re both adults, there’s a hint of “what do we do now?” energy, but overall it’s a very civil acquaintanceship and it’s been really cool getting to see how many traits and quirks we share.

What would you tell an intended parent considering using donor eggs to conceive?

Emma: I would tell them to start talking to their child as soon as possible. I think this is very valuable for both parent and child. The parents as they get to rehearse and get familiar with sharing their story before the child starts to ask difficult questions. For the child so that they grow up knowing about their conception story. Research has shown that this is the best for the child and has also been very important to me and my relationship to my parents. 

Jackson: Go for it! It's an incredible thing that can allow you to have the child you always wanted. I'd encourage them to have conversations with the children about being donor conceived at a younger age so it is something they intrinsically know as opposed to finding out at a Dairy Queen at age 17, but I don't think it has to be a requirement if that's not what you want to do as long as you are open and ready to having a conversation with them down the line.

Libby: Research the agency you’re considering to use! Find one that sits well with you. You deserve to feel heard and supported - not just by your loved ones, but by the professionals who will be assisting you throughout this journey. When it comes to egg donation – there are so many companies out there, but a lot of them come at a steep cost and lack psychological support. They feel very transactional because of that. Please be transparent and honest with your child(ren) when they start asking questions. Be willing to explore those feelings and questions with them, whatever they may be. There’s some wonderful children’s literature out there about being donor-conceived and it can help pique their curiosity at an early age. Connect with other families that have donor-conceived children. Remember that using donor eggs does not make you any less of a parent – and that your journey is beautiful and valid.

Melissa:  Overall, I would urge all prospective parents to go with as little anonymity as possible. It really makes a world of a difference to a donor conceived person to have that access and information about their origins from day one. It’s also crucial that you listen to, and learn from, donor conceived adults. This especially includes the ones you don’t want to listen to. The industry that creates us is systematically flawed, so even if you love your children more than anything in the world, that won’t prevent them from having DC-related problems. Learning about the experiences of DCP will ultimately help you support your donor conceived children. Building a family with donor conception doesn’t stop when the baby is born. It will be a part of your family story for the rest of your life, and for the rest of your children’s lives.

‍

‍Cofertility is a human-first fertility ecosystem rewriting the egg freezing and egg donation experience. Our Family by Co platform serves as a more transparent, ethical egg donor matching platform. We are obsessed with improving the family-building journey — today or in the future — and are in an endless pursuit to make these experiences more positive. Create a free account today!

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

Surrogacy vs. egg donation

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

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

Who would need both a surrogate and egg donor?

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

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

So which comes first, egg donor or surrogate?

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

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

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

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

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

How long does it take to match with a surrogate?

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

Learn more

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

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

Third-party reproduction refers to conceiving a child with the help of someone other than the intended parent(s). For instance, egg donation is used when an intended parent cannot produce viable eggs. The eggs are fertilized via IVF, and the embryo is transferred to the intended mother or a gestational carrier. Embryo donation refers to when individuals or couples donate their unused embryos to another intended parent(s). 

Understanding the psychological implications of egg donation and embryo donation is crucial for all parties involved (parents, donors, children) because they can have lasting emotional, ethical, and relational effects. Parents using donated eggs or embryos may struggle with grief over not having a genetic connection to their child and may worry about bonding with a child who is not genetically related to them. Some parents may feel uncertain about whether or how to tell their child about their origins. For donors, the psychological implication of donating can be just as complex. Even if a donor initially sees their role as purely medical, they may later experience unexpected emotions about the genetic connection to a child they may never meet. And if the resulting child seeks them out later in life, the donor might need to navigate complex relationships. Children conceived through donation may also have questions about their origins and genetic background.

This article explores the key differences between egg and embryo donation—from biological and legal considerations to emotional and psychological impacts. Whether you're weighing your options or looking for clarity about the path that feels right for you, this guide will help you make an informed and empowered decision.

What is egg donation?

Egg donation is a process where a woman (the donor) provides her eggs to another person or couple (the recipient) who is unable to conceive on their own. Before a woman can become a donor, she undergoes comprehensive evaluations that include  medical screening, psychological evaluation, along with legal counseling. Once selected to donate, the donor undergoes hormonal treatments before undergoing a medical procedure performed under sedation to retrieve the eggs. These eggs are then fertilized and transferred to the intended mother or gestational carrier. 

Types of egg donation: known vs anonymous

The main difference between known and anonymous egg donation lies in the level of contact and information shared between the donor and the intended parents, and potentially the child in the future. With anonymous egg donation, the donor and intended parents do not know each other's identities and the fertility clinic or egg donation agency facilitates the process. Intended parents usually receive non-identifying details (e.g., physical traits, education, medical history) and the donor has no social relationship with the child. With known egg donation the donor and intended parents know each other’s identities and may even meet and form some sort of relationship. Some agreements may also allow for future updates or communication with the child.

Who is a candidate for receiving donor eggs?

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, a candidate for receiving donor eggs is typically someone who cannot conceive with their own eggs due to medical, genetic, or age-related factors, is LGBTQ+, and or a single parent.

What is embryo donation?

Embryo donation is the process in which embryos created through IVF by one couple or individual are donated to another person or couple to achieve pregnancy. These embryos are typically unused from previous IVF cycles and are given to recipients who cannot conceive using their own gametes. Embryo donation provides both egg and sperm contributions, making the resulting child genetically unrelated to the recipient(s).

Legal status of embryos

The legal status of donated embryos varies by country, state, and fertility clinic policies, but generally, embryo donation is treated like tissue donation. The donating individuals legally relinquish all rights to the embryo through a contract and the recipients assume full parental rights.

Who is a candidate for receiving embryo donation

Similar to egg donation, embryo donation is an option for individuals or couples who cannot conceive using their own eggs and/or sperm due to medical, genetic, or age-related factors, is LGBTQ+, and/or a single parent.

Key differences between embryo and egg donation

With embryo donation, the resulting child has no genetic link to either parent, as the embryo comes from a completely different couple.  With egg donation, since the child is biologically related to one parent, it can influence family conversations about genetics and identity. But with embryo donation some parents may struggle with explaining the child's origins since neither parent shares genetic ties, making disclosure and identity exploration more complex.

Choosing egg or embryo donation is a deeply personal decision that can bring up a range of emotions. Anxiety is one of those emotions and is a natural part of fertility treatments and donor conception. To cope with anxieties, recipients can benefit from therapy or support groups for individuals using donor conception. Mindfulness and stress management techniques such as meditation and journaling can also be helpful. Open conversations with loved ones is key to reducing isolation. Writing letters to the future child can help process emotions and prepare for potential conversations down the road. 

Summing it up

Both egg donation and embryo donation provide paths to parenthood for those struggling with infertility. And both paths come with complex emotional and psychological considerations. In both cases, many recipients may grieve the biological connection they hoped to have with their child. Questions about their child’s future identity and how to explain their origins can add to emotional uncertainty. Some parents also experience imposter syndrome, wondering if they will feel like the child’s "real" parent or if they will even be able to bond. However, many parents find that love and connection transcend genetics, making the experience of raising a child just as fulfilling.

Find an amazing egg donor at Cofertility

At Cofertility, our program is unique. After meeting with hundreds of intended parents, egg donors, and donor-conceived people, we decided on an egg donation model that we think best serves everyone involved: egg sharing.

Here’s how it works: our unique model empowers women to take control of their own reproductive health while giving you the gift of a lifetime. Our donors aren’t doing it for cash – they keep half the eggs retrieved for their own future use, and donate half to your family.

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

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

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

Making sense of fertility statistics can feel overwhelming, but numbers help tell the story of donor egg IVF in the United States. From success rates to costs, demographic trends to treatment guidelines, data provides valuable insights for those considering this path to parenthood. Let’s look at the numbers that shape donor egg IVF today.

10,000: Annual births from donor eggs

In 2021, nearly 10,000 babies were born in the United States through donor egg IVF. This represents approximately 1 in 373 births nationwide, highlighting how this treatment has become an established family-building option.

25%: Percent of IVF moms over 40 who used donor eggs

For women over 40 pursuing IVF, donor eggs often provide the best chance of success. Data shows that 25% of women in this age group who succeeded with IVF did so using donor eggs. This statistic reflects the significant impact of egg quality on treatment outcomes.

6: Components of medical screening

Comprehensive medical screening forms the foundation of successful donor egg IVF, typically requiring hours of medical appointments and evaluations spread over several weeks or months. This thorough process protects both donors and recipients while optimizing treatment success rates. Medical screening includes:

• Genetic testing
• Infectious disease screening
• Psychological evaluation
• Physical examination
• Family medical history review
• Fertility assessment

Read more in How Does Cofertility Screen Egg Donors?

54%: Live birth rates with fresh donor egg

This may sound low, but donor egg IVF has the highest success rate of any fertility treatment. For an average woman with diminished ovarian reserve, the chances of live birth after one donor egg cycle is 54% for recipients under 40. Rates of pregnancy with donor eggs are higher at every age. Several factors influence success:

• Donor age and health status
• Sperm quality
• Recipient uterine health
• Clinic protocols and expertise
• Number of embryos transferred
• Embryo quality

21-34: Age requirements for egg donors

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) sets clear age guidelines for egg donors:

• Minimum age: 21 years old
• Maximum age: 34 years old

These parameters aim to optimize success rates while protecting donor health and autonomy. The minimum age ensures donors can make informed decisions about participation, while the maximum age increases the chances there will be enough high quality eggs.

Read more in Why Egg Donor Age Matters (And Why It Doesn't)

6: Maximum number of egg donation cycles a donor should go through

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends limiting donors to six egg retrieval cycles in their lifetime. This guideline stems from medical concerns about the cumulative effects of ovarian stimulation and retrieval procedures. 

Most donors at Cofertility complete two cycles, well within these safety parameters. This also limits the number of biological half siblings that your donor conceived children may have, a fact that’s important to many of our intended parents and donors alike. 

84.2%: Percent of donor egg embryos that are chromosomally normal

Research shows that 84.2% of donor egg blastocysts are chromosomally normal (euploid), while 15.8% are abnormal (aneuploid). Breaking down the numbers:

• 97.1% egg survival rate after thaw
• 59.1% of embryos reach the blastocyst stage
• On average, 9 donor eggs yield about 4-5 chromosomally normal embryos

83.3%: Egg sharing donors who would donate again

Research on egg share donors' experiences reveals high satisfaction levels: 83.3% would donate again, while only 2.1% reported regret about their decision to participate. These numbers suggest that with proper screening and support, most egg share donors feel positive about their choice to help others build families.

62%: Portion of donor-conceived people who feel the exchange of money for donor gametes is wrong

A 2021 Harvard study found that 62% of donor-conceived adults felt the exchange of money for donor gametes was wrong, and 41% were troubled by the fact that money was exchanged around their conception. 

This is why we created our Split program.  This unique model empowers women to take control of their own reproductive health while giving you the gift of a lifetime. Our donors aren’t doing it for cash – they keep half the eggs retrieved for their own future use, and donate half to your family.

$5,000: Recommended compensation guidelines

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine suggests donor compensation should not exceed $5,000 per cycle in the United States. This contrasts sharply with European guidelines, where compensation averages around 900 euros per cycle. These differences reflect varying approaches to egg donation globally, from more commercial U.S. models to altruistic European frameworks. Despite this, compensation for egg donation has been steadily rising and can vary based on a donor’s education or heritage. 

At Cofertility, our program is unique in that our donors do not receive cash compensation. After meeting with hundreds of intended parents, egg donors, and donor-conceived people, we decided on an egg donation model that we think best serves everyone involved: egg sharing. By allowing our donors to freeze their eggs as part of the process, our unique model honors everyone involved. Plus, the process with Cofertility will never cost more based on the donor’s background. 

12: Average number of mature eggs a Cofertility family receives in our fresh Split program

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

While you can agree to complete two cycles upfront, many matches who are interested in two cycles choose to see how many eggs are retrieved in the first cycle and go from there. Additionally, all matches are covered by our Embryo Guarantee.

Find an amazing egg donor at Cofertility

At Cofertility, our program is unique. After meeting with hundreds of intended parents, egg donors, and donor-conceived people, we decided on an egg donation model that we think best serves everyone involved: egg sharing.

Here’s how it works: our unique model empowers women to take control of their own reproductive health while giving you the gift of a lifetime. Our donors aren’t doing it for cash – they keep half the eggs retrieved for their own future use, and donate half to your family.

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

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

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

An egg donor is someone who generously contributes her genetic material to help create a family. While her role is crucial, she may not always have an ongoing relationship with the recipient family. However, the terminology used to refer to her not only reflects feelings about her role in the family-building journey but it can also influence how your child and others perceive this relationship well into the future. 

Choosing the right term to describe your egg donor is a very personal decision with different factors to take into consideration. Factors such as your family’s cultural context, belief systems, who you are sharing this information with, and the degree to which you want to emphasize or de-emphasize the donor’s role in your family narrative all play a role in what you decide to call your egg donor.  

For cultures or personal beliefs that value biological lineage, intended parents might use a term such as "biological/genetic contributor/donor" to acknowledge the egg donor's role but without implying any type of emotional or social connection. Those who believe parenting is defined by nurture rather than nature may use something such as "the person who helped grow our family." If the donor is known, then the person’s name might be used, and she may be described as “our helper.”

When talking to your child, consider using terms that are easy for them to understand and age-appropriate while keeping in mind that honesty and simplicity are key. You want to tailor the language to their age and level of understanding and emphasize the love and intention that brought them into the world. Using respectful and appreciative terms can help your child feel confident and secure in their origins.

Deciding what to call your egg donor is not just about your family’s internal language—it’s also about how you communicate with extended family, friends, and others. Consider your audience. If you are speaking with friends/family who know about your journey and you feel comfortable, you might simply say “our donor” or use her name if she’s known to you. For those less familiar or not as close to you, a simpler term like “a donor” keeps the focus on your family rather than the process. A lot of it also comes down to how much information you’re comfortable sharing. Using a term like “a donor” can keep the focus on your family without inviting further questions unless you want to elaborate. 

Here are some commonly used terms:

• Egg donor is a straightforward term that is commonly used and accurately describes the donor’s role without implying a deeper emotional connection.
• Biological/genetic contributor is a more technical term. This term emphasizes the genetic contribution without suggesting any other role. 
• Special helper is often used with young children to frame the donor’s role in a simple, positive light.
• The donor’s first name is common for families with a known donor.

The choice of what to call your egg donor is a personal one, shaped by your unique journey and family dynamics. By thoughtfully considering the donor’s role, your child’s needs, and your personal values, you can select terminology that feels authentic and respectful for everyone involved. Ultimately, there is no "right" or "wrong" term to use. Trust your instincts and choose language that aligns with your family’s values and comfort level.

The use of donor eggs has become increasingly common in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), donor egg IVF accounts for approximately 12% of all IVF cycles in the United States. This percentage has been steadily rising, reflecting both advancements in medical technology and changing societal norms around family building.

As the CEO of Cofertility, every day I talk to individuals and couples seeking information about donor egg IVF. This guide aims to demystify the process and answer the top questions I get about this increasingly common fertility treatment option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Donor Egg IVF

Q1 What is donor egg IVF?!

Donor egg IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a fertility treatment where eggs from a donor are combined with sperm to create embryos, which are then transferred to the intended mother's uterus or a gestational carrier. This process offers hope to those who cannot use their own eggs due to various factors such as advanced maternal age, diminished ovarian reserve, or genetic concerns. It's also a vital option for same-sex male couples and single men who wish to become parents, as well as for women who are unable to produce their own eggs for medical reasons.

Q2 Who might consider donor egg IVF?

Donor egg IVF can be an option for:

• Women over 40 with reduced egg quality or quantity
• Women with premature ovarian failure or early menopause
• Same-sex male couples 
• Individuals with a history of unsuccessful IVF cycles using their own eggs
• Those with certain genetic conditions they wish to avoid passing on
• Single men 

Q3: How much does donor egg IVF cost?

The cost of donor egg IVF can vary widely depending on factors such as location, clinic, and whether you're using a fresh or frozen donor egg cycle. For a detailed breakdown of pricing at Cofertility, view our pricing page.

Cofertility also offers an Embryo Guarantee. We're committed to helping your family grow, and if anything outside of your control prevents you from reaching the guaranteed minimum number of blastocyst-stage embryos for your match, we will rematch you at no additional charge until that minimum is met, up to three total matches.

To read more about Cofertility’s Embryo Guarantee, including how it applies to our fresh and frozen egg donation programs, click here.

Q4: How are egg donors screened?

Egg donors undergo extensive screening, including:

• Medical history review
• Physical examination
• Infectious disease testing
• Genetic carrier screening
• Psychological evaluation
• Drug screening

At Cofertility, we ensure all our donors meet the highest standards set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Q5: Can I choose the characteristics of my egg donor?

Yes, to varying degrees. You can typically select donors based on physical characteristics, educational background, personal interests, and more. However, it's important to remember that genetics is complex, and a child may or may not inherit specific traits from a donor. Sometimes even biological children look NOTHING like their parents. 

Q6: Will the baby be genetically related to me?

If you're the egg recipient, the baby will not be genetically related to you but will be genetically related to the egg donor and the sperm provider. However, if you carry the pregnancy, you'll still have a biological connection through epigenetics and the gestational bond.

Q7: What's the difference between fresh and frozen donor eggs?

Fresh donor eggs are retrieved and fertilized immediately, requiring synchronization between the donor and recipient's cycles. Frozen donor eggs are eggs that have been previously retrieved, frozen, and stored. Frozen eggs offer more flexibility in timing and can be more cost-effective, while fresh cycles may have slightly higher success rates.

Read more: Cofertility’s Fresh Vs. Frozen Egg Donation Program: Which is Right for Me?

Q8: How many eggs does a donor typically provide?

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

In Cofertility’s frozen program, you will know how many eggs there are available in advance, with the minimum being 6. 

Q9: Can I meet my egg donor?

At most egg donation agencies, no. But at Cofertility, we believe in the importance of openness and offer options for various levels of contact between donors and recipients, always prioritizing the comfort levels of all parties involved.

You and the donor may choose to meet as part of the match process. Most our match meetings happen over Zoom, with a Member Advocate in the meeting to help facilitate. Other match meetings happen on the phone. Either way, the meeting can be facilitated with or without sharing contact information. Some intended parents choose not to meet but to instead share information about themselves via a letter, slides, or video to their donor. 

Q10: What are the risks of donor egg IVF?

For egg donors, risks are similar to those of standard IVF, including potential side effects from fertility medications and minor risks associated with the egg retrieval procedure. For recipients, risks are primarily related to the embryo transfer and pregnancy itself. Your fertility doctor will discuss all potential risks in detail.

Q11: What are the success rates of donor egg IVF?

Donor egg IVF generally has higher success rates compared to IVF using a woman's own eggs, especially for older women. Success rates can vary but are often around 50-60% per transfer, regardless of the recipient parent’s age.

Read more in IVF Success Rates by Age

The Cofertility difference

At Cofertility, we're committed to making donor egg IVF more accessible and human-centered. Our unique egg sharing program allows women to freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the retrieved eggs to an intended parent. This approach not only makes egg freezing more accessible for our donors but also provides high-quality eggs to those who need them.

We prioritize transparency, ethical practices, and support for all parties involved in the donor egg process. Our team is here to guide you through every step, from selecting a donor to navigating the medical procedures and beyond.

If you have more questions about donor egg IVF or want to explore your options, don't hesitate to reach out. Your path to parenthood is important to us, and we're here to help you navigate it with confidence and care.

For many international intended parents, working with an American egg donor offers a path to parenthood that combines high medical standards, a diverse donor pool, and well-established legal protections. If you're considering this route, you're not alone. The United States has become a popular destination for international intended parents seeking egg donation services, thanks to its advanced reproductive technologies and comprehensive donor screening processes.

In this article, we'll explore the advantages of working with American egg donors and guide you through the process as an international intended parent. We'll cover everything from matching with a donor to understanding additional considerations unique to your situation.

Advantages of working with an American egg donor agency

Choosing to work with an American egg donor comes with several benefits:

1. High medical standards: The U.S. has some of the world's most advanced fertility clinics and stringent medical regulations, ensuring high-quality care throughout the process.
2. Diverse donor pool: America's large and multicultural population means you're more likely to find a donor who matches your family, whether that's in terms of ethnicity or personality. 
3. Comprehensive screening: U.S. agencies like Cofertility typically conduct thorough genetic and medical screenings of potential donors, providing you with detailed health information.
4. Legal protections: The U.S. has well-established legal processes for egg donation, offering clear protections for all parties involved.

Understanding the process

Timeline: The egg donation process can take several months from start to finish. This includes time for matching with a donor, medical screenings, legal processes, and the actual medical procedures.

Matching with a Cofertility donor: At Cofertility, we offer two primary options for egg donation: fresh egg donation and frozen egg donation.

Fresh cycle donation: If you match with a donor who is undergoing a  fresh cycle, you'll need to work with a U.S.-based fertility clinic. While you don't have to reside in the U.S., you'll need to establish care with the clinic and provide a sperm sample, which may require an in-person visit. Cofertility can help you select a clinic in a city you're likely to visit or where your chosen donor is based, minimizing travel for all parties.

Frozen egg donation: If you match with a donor whose eggs are already frozen, her retrieval would have taken place in the US but these eggs may be able to be  shipped to your home clinic, potentially eliminating the need for you to travel to the U.S. Note that countries have varying laws around accepting frozen eggs - we share more on this below.

All Cofertility donors undergo comprehensive medical clearance before donation, and our services come with our Embryo Guarantee, providing additional peace of mind for intended parents.

Disclosed vs. undisclosed relationships: You'll have the option to choose the type of donor relationship that works best for your family.  In a disclosed arrangement, you and the donor may share identifying information and potentially maintain contact. An undisclosed arrangement means that there are no names or contact information exchanged  between the two parties.

Parentage and citizenship considerations

While we can't provide specific legal advice, it's important to consult with a lawyer experienced in international reproductive law. They can guide you on issues of legal parentage and potential citizenship considerations for your child, especially if you're also working with a surrogate.

Laws vary significantly between countries, and it's essential to understand how your home country's laws interact with U.S. laws regarding egg donation and parentage. Some countries may require additional steps to recognize you as the legal parent or to grant citizenship to a child born through egg donation.

Shipping eggs or embryos abroad

If you're planning to use the donated eggs or resulting embryos in your home country, you'll need to consider the logistics and legalities of international shipping.

Eggs and embryos are routinely shipped internationally. They can survive in specially designed tanks for over a week, making intercontinental transport feasible. You’ll want to work with a reputable shipping company that specializes in transporting genetic material. These companies understand the delicate nature of the cargo and the strict temperature controls required.

The ability to import eggs or embryos varies by country. Some nations have strict regulations or even prohibitions on importing genetic material. For instance, countries like India and Turkey require special permission from their respective Ministries of Health to import genetic materials. Research your country's specific laws or consult with a local fertility clinic familiar with international cases.

You’ll also want to ensure that your home clinic is equipped to receive and work with shipped eggs or embryos. They should have experience with international cases and be familiar with the protocols for handling shipped genetic material.

How much does it cost to match with a U.S.-based egg donor?

Working with an American egg donor may involve higher costs compared to some other countries. However, many intended parents find the advantages outweigh the additional expense. Be prepared for:

• Agency fees
• Medical procedure costs
• Legal fees
• Potential travel expenses
• International shipping costs (if applicable)
• Donor compensation (with everyone except Cofertility!)

If you work with Cofertility, you won’t have to pay donor compensation. Our unique egg sharing model means donors aren’t doing it for cash – they keep half the eggs retrieved for their own future use, and donate half to your family. This empowers egg donors to take control of their own reproductive health while giving you the gift of a lifetime.

Visit our pricing page to learn more about costs. 

Summing it up

Working with an American egg donor as an international intended parent offers many advantages, from high medical standards to a more diverse donor pool. While the process involves unique considerations around legal issues, logistics, and cultural differences, with proper planning and support, it can be a rewarding path to parenthood.

At Cofertility, we're committed to supporting international intended parents throughout their journey. Our team understands the unique challenges you face and is here to provide guidance, support, and access to our thoroughly screened egg donors.

Remember, every family-building journey is unique. By choosing to work with an American egg donor, you're taking a significant step towards realizing your dreams of parenthood. With careful planning, open communication, and the right support team, you can navigate this process successfully, no matter where in the world you call home.

As parents who have chosen to build their family through egg donation, one question that may linger in your mind is whether your child will one day want to meet the egg donor that made their birth possible. The answer is maybe. Some donor-conceived people do want to meet the egg donor, some want to just know more about them, and others simply do not care to know them at all. Understanding the range of experiences and feelings donor-conceived individuals often have can help you prepare for this possibility and be the best parent possible!

The curiosity factor

It's natural for donor-conceived individuals to be curious about their genetic origins. This curiosity doesn't necessarily reflect dissatisfaction with their family life or a lack of connection with their parents. Rather, it's often driven by a desire to understand more about their biological background, medical history, or simply to put a face to the person who played a role in their existence.

Think about it this way: some people are really interested in genealogy. They want to know where their ancestors are from, and spend lots of time and money mapping their family tree, while others simply could care less. Donor-conceived individuals are the same way. Some want to know as much as possible about their genetic origins, and others less so. 

Research on donor-conceived individuals

Studies have shown that many donor-conceived individuals do express interest in learning about or meeting their donors. However, these studies may have some response bias as they tend to use donor registries to collect responses. Donor registries are optional registries used by donor-conceived people to find out their genetic heritage and to find half-siblings from the same egg or sperm donor. If someone is on a registry, then they have already expressed interest in learning more about their genetic origins.

These studies also tend to focus on donor-conceived children via sperm donation. It’s unclear how the experiences of individuals born from sperm donation differ from those born via egg donation.

One such study looked at survey responses from individuals recruited from the Donor Sibling Registry (DSR). Of the 165 donor offspring who completed the survey, 15% were searching for their donor siblings, 13% were searching for their donor, and 64% were searching for both. Those who had found out about their donor conception after age 18 were more likely to be searching for medical reasons, whereas those who had found out before age 18 tended to be searching out of curiosity.

When asked why they were searching for their donor, 89% of respondents stated a curiosity about the characteristics of the donor. 71% wanted to meet the donor, but notably 0 stated a desire to form a relationship. Other common reasons included a better understanding of their ancestral history (79%), medical reasons (54%), and “to have a better understanding of why I am who I am” (75%)

Factors influencing a child's interest

Several factors can influence whether and how much a donor-conceived child wants to know about or meet their donor:

1. Age of disclosure: Children who learn about their donor conception at a young age often process this information more easily than those who find out later in life.
2. Family dynamics: Open communication and a supportive family environment can help children feel more secure in exploring their feelings about their donor.
3. Individual personality: Some individuals are naturally more curious about their origins than others.
4. Access to information: The amount of information available about the donor can impact a child's desire to know more.
5. Cultural and societal attitudes: Changing perspectives on donor conception and family structures can influence how donor-conceived individuals view their situation.

We always encourage families to be open with their children about their biological roots. Experts suggest normalizing the conversation from a young age, to remove any shame. 

Read more in How to Talk to Your Donor-Conceived Child About Their Conception Story

Supporting your child 

If your child grows up and expresses to you that they would like to know more about their egg donor, that means you’ve done a great job giving them a safe space to explore who they are. We know mothers via egg donation are great moms. In fact, one study found that children in egg donation families viewed their relationships with their mothers as significantly higher in warmth and enjoyment than did children in the control group of IVF families.

While you can't predict whether your child will want to meet their donor, you can prepare for this possibility:

1. Open communication: Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their feelings about their donor conception.
2. Early disclosure: Experts recommend telling children about their donor conception from an early age, making it a natural part of their story.
3. Gather information: Collect as much information about the donor as possible, which you can share with your child as they grow older.
4. Respect your child's feelings: If your child expresses interest in their donor, acknowledge and validate their feelings, even if they differ from your own.
5. Seek support: Consider joining support groups for families formed through egg donation. These can provide valuable insights and resources.

As a parent, you might experience a range of emotions if your child expresses interest in their donor. It's normal to feel a mix of curiosity, anxiety, or even jealousy. Remember that your child's interest in their donor doesn't diminish their love for you or your role as their parent. It's simply part of their journey of self-discovery.

Summing it up

The question of whether your donor-conceived child will want to meet their egg donor is one that only time can answer. What's most important is creating an environment of openness, honesty, and support, where your child feels free to explore their feelings and ask questions as they grow.

Remember, your child's interest in their donor doesn't diminish their connection to you as their parent. It's simply another aspect of their identity and personal history. By approaching this possibility with understanding and preparation, you can help your child navigate their feelings about their donor conception in a healthy way.

Ultimately, every donor-conceived person's journey is unique. Some may have a strong desire to meet their donor, others may be content with the information they have, and still others may have little interest in exploring this aspect of their background. What matters most is that they feel loved, supported, and secure in their family, regardless of how their family was formed.

At Cofertility, we're committed to supporting families throughout their egg donation journey. Whether you're just starting to consider egg donation or you're navigating life as a parent of a donor-conceived child, we're here to provide resources, support, and a community of families who understand your experience.

‍

Read more:

• The Impact of Using an Anonymous Egg Donor on Your Donor-Conceived Child
• I'm a Fertility Psychologist. Here's What I Want You to Know About Growing Your Family Through Egg Donation
• Nine Things To Know About Raising A Donor-Conceived Child