egg donation

If you were conceived with the help of donor sperm or eggs and are now considering becoming an egg donor yourself, you might be wondering: Does being donor conceived disqualify me from donating? And what if you don’t have access to your biological family’s medical history?

These are valid questions, especially since many donor-conceived people grow up without detailed information about their genetic background. In this article, we’ll explain how being donor conceived impacts your eligibility to become an egg donor, why biological family history matters, and what options exist if you’re missing that information. We’ll also look at how this differs depending on whether you’re pursuing a disclosed or undisclosed donation.

Why egg donation programs ask about biological family history

Whether you were donor conceived or not, all egg donors are required to complete a detailed medical history, including information about biological family members. This family health information helps fertility doctors and intended parents assess the risk of inherited conditions that could affect the child conceived from the donation.

This requirement is about safety and informed choice. Certain conditions, such as some cancers, heart disease, or genetic syndromes, can be passed down through families. A clear understanding of the donor’s family history helps fertility doctors and recipient parents make responsible medical decisions. It also provides important context for donor-conceived children down the road.

If you were donor conceived and don’t know the medical history of both biological parents (including the donor), that could present a challenge. Clinics can’t evaluate genetic risk if they don’t know what conditions might run in your biological lineage.

What this means if you’re donor conceived 

Being donor conceived doesn’t automatically disqualify you from donating your eggs. What matters is whether you can provide a detailed medical history for your biological (donor) side of the family as well. Fertility clinics aren’t concerned with how you were raised, they’re focused on understanding the genetic picture that could be passed on to a child born from your donation.

If you were conceived using donor sperm, for example, and you were raised by your biological mother, you’ll likely be able to provide full medical history on her side. But you’ll still need information about your biological father—the sperm donor—for your application to move forward. The same applies if you were conceived using donor eggs; even if you know your intended mother well, you’ll need access to the egg donor’s family medical history in order to be considered as a donor yourself.

If you’re in contact with your donor or know their identity, that makes this much more straightforward. Some donor-conceived people have open relationships with their donor or have connected through DNA testing or registries. Others have obtained medical histories through the original sperm or egg bank, especially if the donor was open-ID or if the bank provides medical updates. If you can access the donor’s medical history through these means—even if you don’t have a personal relationship—that can be enough to meet requirements.

What if you don’t know your donor parent’s identity or health history?

This is a common situation, especially for those conceived from anonymous sperm or egg donation. If you don’t have any information about your donor parent—or if you only have partial details—you’ll likely run into issues during the donor screening process.

The FDA and fertility clinics require a detailed family medical history for egg donors, and not having that information usually means you won’t be eligible to donate anonymously or through traditional egg banks. That’s not a reflection on you—it’s a medical requirement to ensure the safety of the future child and peace of mind for recipient families.

Are there any exceptions?

There are some situations where someone who is donor conceived might still be able to donate:

• Access to donor records or contact: If the donor was open-identity and you’ve connected with them or accessed their medical history through a donor registry or DNA matching site, you might be able to provide the necessary family health information.
• Known donation with informed consent: In some cases, a known recipient may be willing to proceed with donation even if part of your family medical history is unknown. This route typically requires legal contracts and psychological counseling to ensure everyone understands the risks and limitations. Not all clinics accept known donors with incomplete histories, but some may review these cases individually.

What clinics look for in a donor’s medical background

When you apply to be an egg donor, clinics typically want:

• Your own medical history (e.g., chronic conditions, surgeries, medications)
• Your immediate biological family’s health history (biological parents and siblings)
• Extended family medical history going back at least two generations
• A clear record of any hereditary conditions, including mental health, cancers, and genetic disorders
  

If any of this is missing, such as in the case of anonymous donor conception, most clinics will not move forward with donation unless you’re able to fill in the gaps.

Known donation as a possible path

For some donor-conceived individuals, known donation may offer a viable alternative. This means donating to someone you know—such as a relative, friend, or partner—who is fully informed about your background and still wants to move forward.

In these cases, the recipient may waive the requirement for full biological family history. But you’ll still go through medical and psychological screening, and legal agreements are almost always required to make sure expectations are aligned. Not every clinic accepts known donors without complete medical histories, but some will consider it under the right circumstances.

If you’re thinking about this route, reach out to the intended parent’s clinic or a donor coordination team to find out what’s possible.

What are your options if you can’t donate?

If you don’t qualify to donate because you don’t have enough information about your biological family, you still have meaningful ways to be proactive about your reproductive health:

• Freeze your eggs for your own use. Family history is considered during this process, but not having it doesn’t disqualify you. Your doctor will rely more on your lab results, hormone levels, and personal medical history.
• Advocate for more access. If you’re interested in tracking down more biological information through a donor registry, DNA testing, or open ID donor connections, you may eventually be able to gather what’s needed.
• Explore other forms of family-building support. Many donor-conceived people are passionate about helping others become parents. There are other ways to contribute—whether that’s through advocacy, education, or emotional support.
  

The bottom line

If you’re donor conceived and don’t have access to your biological family’s medical history, you may not be able to donate your eggs through a traditional egg donation or egg sharing program. That’s because clinics are required to assess inherited risks—and without that information, they can’t move forward responsibly.

However, if you do have access to the donor’s health information, or you’re pursuing a known donation with legal and medical support, egg donation may still be an option. Either way, your interest in helping others grow their families is something to be proud of—and you still have control over your own reproductive choices, even if egg donation isn’t possible.

If you were adopted and are considering becoming an egg donor, you’ve probably come across the question: “Do you know your biological family’s medical history?” For many adoptees, the answer is no—and that can be a frustrating sticking point when you're otherwise healthy and eager to help someone build a family.

In this article, we’ll break down why biological family medical history is required in the egg donation process, how that impacts people who were adopted (especially in closed or international adoptions), and what your options are if you want to donate but don’t have access to that information. We’ll also touch on when an adopted person can donate, and when the lack of family history may be a disqualifier.

Whether you're adopted yourself or just trying to understand the egg donation process more clearly, this guide will give you the context you need to move forward with realistic expectations.

Why egg donation programs ask about biological family history

When someone applies to donate their eggs, fertility clinics and egg banks typically follow ASRM and FDA guidelines and ask for a detailed medical history—not just about the donor, but also about their biological family. This includes three generations of health information: parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and sometimes cousins.

This requirement exists for a few reasons. First, some medical conditions have a strong genetic component. Knowing if a donor’s family has a history of things like early-onset cancers, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, or hereditary syndromes helps clinics and recipients make more informed choices. Second, egg recipients are often looking for transparency—they’re making major decisions about their family and want as much information as possible about the donor's health background, including inherited risks that could affect the child.

To be clear, having health conditions in your family history doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but not having any biological family history usually does. That’s where it becomes an issue for many adopted people.

What this means if you’re adopted

If you were adopted and don’t have access to your biological family’s medical history, you may not be eligible to donate your eggs—at least not through most egg banks or egg sharing programs like Cofertility. The FDA and most clinics require that family history to approve someone as a donor. Without it, clinics can’t properly assess inherited health risks, which raises medical and ethical concerns for everyone involved.

This can be disappointing, especially if you’re otherwise in good health and motivated to help another family. 

Are there any exceptions?

There are a few situations where adopted people can donate, but it depends on the circumstances:

• Open adoptions: If you have contact with your birth family or access to reliable medical information about them, you may be able to provide the necessary family history.
• Access to adoption records: In some states or countries, adopted people can request their original birth certificates or medical records. This may require a formal request through the state or adoption agency.
• Known donation with informed consent: In some cases, a known recipient—such as a friend or relative—may agree to proceed with egg donation despite the lack of biological family medical history. This usually involves a legal agreement where the recipient waives the right to detailed genetic history and acknowledges any potential risks. Not all clinics allow this, but some will accept it if both parties undergo legal and psychological counseling and the medical team signs off.

If you’re not sure how much information you have, it’s still worth reaching out. Some adopted donors find that they do have enough medical history to move forward after requesting records or talking to relatives. Others decide to explore options for egg freezing for their own use instead.

Why this requirement exists

It can feel unfair that being adopted—something you had no control over—could exclude you from donating eggs. But there’s a real reason behind the policy: it’s about protecting the health of the child who could be born from the donation, and ensuring that the recipient family has a clear picture of the potential genetic risks.

Donor-conceived children often want to know more about their genetic origins as they grow up, including health risks that might affect them. Having a documented medical history helps provide that transparency. Without it, future medical care for the child could be more complicated.

Clinics and egg donation programs have a responsibility to both recipients and potential offspring—not just donors. That’s why the requirements are as strict as they are.

What are your options if you can’t donate?

If you're adopted and don't have access to biological family history, you likely won’t qualify to donate your eggs right now. But that doesn't mean you're out of options entirely.

You might consider:

• Freezing your eggs for your own future use. With our Keep program, you can more affordably freeze your eggs with partnerships that lighten the financial load and ongoing support from our team.
• Exploring whether you can get more information. If your adoption was semi-open or records are available through your state or country, you may be able to gather enough information to meet donation requirements.
• Checking back in the future. Some people gain access to their biological history later in life, either through DNA testing, ancestry sites, or contact with biological family members. If that happens, you may be able to revisit the idea of donation.
  

The bottom line

If you’re adopted and don’t have access to your biological family’s medical history, you probably won’t be able to donate your eggs. That’s not a reflection on you—it’s a safeguard built into the process to protect intended parents and future children.

Still, your desire to help others grow their families is something to be proud of. If you do gain access to your biological medical history down the line, egg donation may still be a possibility. In the meantime, freezing your eggs for yourself is absolutely an option, and we’re here to support you however you decide to move forward.

We’re thrilled to share this guest post from Emily Oster, acclaimed economist, author, and founder of ParentData. In this piece, she answers a direct question from her own community that we often hear too: Are there long-term risks to donating eggs?

Whether you're thinking about freezing your eggs for your own future or donating to help someone else build their family, this one’s for you.

Q: I love the idea of donating eggs to help others grow their families. The short-term side effects are documented, but I’m having trouble determining if there are long-term side effects. Infertility and certain cancers are sometimes mentioned as long-term side effects, but honestly those claims appear to be unfounded. Long-term side effects of IVF are sometimes used as a stand-in, but the reality is that egg donors and IVF patients are vastly different populations (race, socioeconomic status, age, etc.). I’m wondering what nuanced light you, as a vagina economist, may be able to shed on the long-term side effects of egg donation. Thank you! - Egg Donor Hopeful

A: First of all, bravo to you for this instinct. It is lovely. Egg donation is often criticized and concerns are raised about payments for eggs, but I believe that this desire to help others underlies a huge share of these donations. Because mostly people are good!

Egg donation is, as you know, a much more involved procedure than sperm donation. Medications are used to stimulate ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a cycle, and then the eggs are surgically harvested. The surgery is done “transvaginally” — no cuts — and under sedation (but typically not general anesthesia). This is the same procedure that is used if you are freezing your own eggs or harvesting eggs for IVF. The primary short-term medical concerns are overstimulation of egg production, which can cause ovarian pain, and infection from the procedure. This latter concern is quite minor; the nature of the procedure makes it very unlikely, but all medical procedures carry a bit of this risk. 

In terms of longer-term risks, the one that generates the most “panic headlines” is cancer. Because the procedure for stimulating the ovaries involves estrogen, and because estrogen can feed some cancers, there is a theoretical reason that one might consider a link — especially with breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer.  

Concerns about this have been raised largely based on anecdotal evidence. There are people who donated eggs and then developed cancer while relatively young. Of course, cancer also develops in young people who haven’t donated their eggs. Even though cancer in young people is fairly rare, it is not unheard of. Pointing to single anecdotes is not helpful.

The best data we have on this comes from large-scale analyses of people who had the procedure done for IVF purposes. This isn’t a perfect population to learn from, since they are going to be on average higher-risk than healthy young egg donors, but it is our largest source of data. And it is reassuring.

This article, from 1995, compared a group of about 5,000 women who were referred for IVF and underwent egg stimulation with a similar-size group who were referred and did not. The researchers did not find an elevated risk of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, although there were so few cases of the latter, they urged caution in interpretation. 

In the end, there is no affirmative evidence to suggest there is a long-term cancer risk from egg donation.

If you’re considering egg donation or egg freezing yourself, check out Cofertility’s programs. Whether you’re looking to freeze your eggs for your own future or help grow another family through donation, we’re here to make it more accessible, informed, and empowering for everyone involved.

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For the latest insights on navigating fertility treatments, sign up for a free two-week trial to ParentData's Trying to Conceive newsletter. If you like what you read, enjoy an exclusive 20% off Plus and Premium subscriptions with code cofertility20 at parentdata.org.

If you're considering becoming an egg donor, you've probably noticed that one of the more detailed parts of the application is the family medical history section. It's thorough for good reason — intended parents want to understand any potential inherited health risks, and fertility clinics need accurate records to determine your eligibility. But here’s where many hopeful donors hit a wall: how do you ask your parents or relatives for detailed medical information… without having to explain that you’re applying to donate your eggs?

It’s a fair concern. While we encourage everyone to be open and honest about their egg donation journey, you may not feel ready to talk about your decision before you’ve fully committed to move forward. Maybe your family isn’t familiar with egg donation, or you want to keep this process private until you're further along. Whatever the reason, you're not alone. In fact, we’ve seen many applicants pause at this stage. The good news is, there are easy, non-invasive ways to get the info you need without revealing your plans.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to ask about family health history in a natural, pressure-free way. We’ll share real-world prompts you can use(literally, copy/paste if you'd like)and offer tips for navigating trickier conversations. Whether you're asking about your grandparents' medical history or clarifying a diagnosis in the family, this guide is designed to help you move forward with confidence and respect.

Why family medical history matters in egg donation

Family medical history is a core part of egg donor screening. It helps fertility doctors evaluate health patterns across generations that could impact egg quality, embryo development, or future health for intended parents and their potential child. The form asks about conditions like cancer, diabetes, psychological disorders, heart disease, and genetic conditions, among others for first-degree relatives (parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles)..

But even if you know your own health well, it’s common to not know everything about the health of your family members—especially if you don’t see those relatives often or if your family (like mine) doesn’t talk much about health topics. Many applicants find themselves learning about family health history for the first time when they apply for our program!

We know asking personal health questions can feel awkward, even more so when you're doing it for a reason you’re not ready to disclose. The key is to ask in a way that feels casual, responsible, and believable.

Set the stage with a simple reason

When asking family members for health info, it’s helpful to approach the conversation from a place of genuine curiousity. You don’t need to lie about why you’re asking these questions, but you can choose a reason that makes sense for you and doesn’t invite follow-up questions you’re not ready to answer.

Here are a few natural, low-pressure ways to open the conversation:

• “I’ve been trying to get better about knowing our family’s health history. Can I ask you a few things for my own records?”
• “I’m seeing a new doctor and they asked me about our family’s medical history, I realized I don’t actually know that much.”
• “I’m filling out some medical forms that ask about family health stuff and wanted to make sure I’m getting it right.”
• “I set a goal this year to be more on top of my health, and part of that is understanding our family medical history. Do you mind if I ask a few things?”

Each of these opens the door to a respectful, curious conversation while keeping the conversation focused on what you need to know.

Copy-and-paste prompts you can use

If you’re feeling unsure about what to say, feel free to use or adapt these messages. You can ask in person, over the phone, or even by text, depending on your relationship and communication style.

To a parent or close relative:

“Hey! I’m filling out some medical paperwork and it asks a bunch of questions about family medical history. Do you know if anyone in our family has ever had any genetic conditions, like Huntington’s, cystic fibrosis, or anything similar?”

“I’m working on some health forms and realized I don’t know if Grandma or Grandpa had any major health issues later in life—things like Alzheimer’s, cancer, or heart disease. Do you know?”

“I’m trying to keep a better record of family health stuff and I realized I don’t know much about Dad’s side of the family. Do you know if there’s a history of cancer or anything like that?”

“Hi! I’m chatting with a friend about our grandmothers. Can you remind me what Nana passed away from, and how old she was when she passed?

If they ask why you're asking:

If someone pushes for more information, you can stay honest while still keeping your reasons private:

“Nothing is wrong, I just realized how little of this I actually know and wanted to have it on hand in case I need it in the future.”

“I’m just doing some adulting and getting more organized with health stuff.”

“I’ve had a few medical forms lately that ask about this kind of thing, so I figured it’s a good time to check.”

You don’t owe anyone a detailed explanation, especially if you’re still deciding whether or not to move forward with donating.

Tips for collecting accurate info

• Start with what you already know. If you’ve heard mentions of certain diagnoses or family health patterns before, you can use those as an entry point. (“Didn’t Aunt Carol have breast cancer? Was it early-onset?”)
• Use a checklist. Prior to doing this outreach, take a pass at this section of our application on your own. That way, you can isolate the areas you need more information on ahead of time and get the answers you need quickly.
• Take notes right away. Once you get answers, jot them down while they’re fresh, even if it’s just a quick note in your phone. This saves you from having to ask again later.
• Be okay with “I don’t know.” Not every question will have a clear answer, and that’s okay. Just do your best with the information that’s available.
  

How to handle sensitive topics

Some families aren’t used to talking openly about medical issues. And some topics — like mental health, substance use, or certain genetic conditions — can be especially sensitive. If you’re approaching one of these, you can soften your tone without avoiding the question altogether.

Try saying:

“I’m not trying to get into anyone’s business, but I saw a question about things like depression or anxiety in a family medical history form I’m filling out and wanted to ask in case you happen to know.”

“Do you know if there have been any diagnoses in the family related to learning disabilities, autism, or developmental differences?”

“Were there ever any heart-related issues or strokes in the family, especially on Dad’s side?”

It’s okay to approach these conversations with care. You’re not interrogating anyone — you’re gathering helpful, responsible information. Most people will appreciate that you're being thoughtful about your health.

What if you’re adopted or estranged from your family?

If you don’t have access to your biological family’s health history, unfortunately, that does disqualify you from becoming an egg donor. Understanding your full genetic background is an important factor in determining one’s eligibility for egg donation, as it allows the clinic and the recipients to fully understand any factors that may impact future children.

If you’re unable to access your family medical history, or there are factors that impact your eligibility for our Split program, you may still be eligible for egg freezing for your own use. Family medical history does not influence one’s eligibility for our Keep program, and our team is here to help you find the best path forward.

Moving forward, on your terms

If you’re still in the early stages of deciding whether egg donation is right for you, it’s okay to go at your own pace. But if this is the only thing holding you back from applying, we hope this guide gives you the language and tools to keep going.

Getting clear on your family’s health history is a good thing, regardless of whether you move forward with egg donation. It’s information that can serve you in your own medical care, in future pregnancies, and in understanding your genetic background more clearly.

When you’re ready, you can pick up the application right where you left off by logging in here, or start one by taking our quiz. We’re here if you have questions, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way.

Many women interested in egg donation or egg freezing have IUDs for birth control, leading to questions about whether they need to have them removed before starting the process. The good news: research shows that having an IUD doesn't interfere with egg donation or egg freezing. Let's explore why IUDs are generally compatible with egg donation and what you should know if you're considering donating eggs.

Understanding IUDs and egg freezing and donation

IUDs (intrauterine devices) work differently from other forms of birth control. While some birth control methods prevent ovulation, IUDs primarily work by preventing fertilization and implantation. This means they don't affect your body's natural egg production or the ability to stimulate egg development during the donation process.

There are currently two types of IUDs available:

Hormonal IUDs:

• Mirena (releases 20 micrograms of levonorgestrel daily)
• Kyleena (releases 17.5 micrograms of levonorgestrel daily)
• Skyla (releases 14 micrograms of levonorgestrel daily)
• Liletta (releases 18.6 micrograms of levonorgestrel daily)

Non-hormonal IUD:

• Paragard (Copper IUD)

Both hormonal and non-hormonal IUDs are generally compatible with egg donation. However, some doctors may prefer patients to have it removed before a cycle as it may require higher dose of FSH. If you have specific questions about your type of IUD, discuss them with your fertility doctor and how it may relate to your medical history.

A look at the research

A large study from the University of California San Francisco looked at the outcomes of over 1,000 women undergoing egg freezing or donation. The research found no difference in the number or quality of eggs retrieved from women with or without hormonal IUDs. Even more encouraging, when these eggs were used in fertility treatments, the success rates were equivalent - showing that IUDs don't impact egg quality or future pregnancy potential.

The detailed findings showed remarkably similar outcomes:

• Total number of eggs retrieved
• Number of mature eggs
• Fertilization rates
• Pregnancy success rates
• Live birth rates

Because of this research, most doctors are comfortable allowing patients to proceed with egg freezing or donation while keeping an IUD in place. There's generally no need to remove it before starting the process unless you were planning to do so anyway.

Can you do an egg retrieval with an IUD in?

Yes, most doctors do allow you to keep your IUD in during the egg retrieval. When you donate eggs with an IUD:

• Your IUD can stay in place throughout the entire process
• The stimulation medications work normally
• The retrieval procedure isn't affected
• The IUD isn’t impacted
• Recovery remains the same

Read more in Egg Freezing and Birth Control: An Overview

Can I have my IUD removed during the egg retrieval?

If you've been planning to have your IUD removed anyway, you might consider asking your fertility doctor about removing it during the egg retrieval procedure. This can save you an extra appointment and make efficient use of the anesthesia you'll receive for the retrieval.

Can you check your egg count with an IUD?

Yes, you can get your ovarian reserve (egg count) tested while using an IUD. The two main fertility tests - AMH blood testing and antral follicle count via ultrasound - can both be performed with an IUD in place. 

However, one study looked at data from women on various types of birth control and found that hormonal IUD led to a small and temporary 6.7% lower AMH (there was not a significant difference with the copper IUD). 

If you are donating your eggs, most clinics require an AMH of at least 2. If your AMH comes back below that, you may be able to test again after removing the IUD. We have had donors who were able to bring up their AMH to a qualifying level just by removing their IUD.

Read more in Can Birth Control Affect Your AMH Levels?

How soon after getting an IUD can I donate eggs?

The good news is that there's typically no required waiting period between having an IUD placed and starting the egg donation process. Since IUDs begin working immediately after placement and don't interfere with your body's natural egg production, you can begin the donation process right away if you choose to do so. This is true for both hormonal IUDs (like Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, and Liletta) and non-hormonal IUDs (like Paragard), as neither type affects egg quality or production. While some women may prefer to wait a few weeks to ensure they're comfortable with their IUD, this is a personal choice rather than a medical requirement. Your fertility doctor can help you determine the best timing based on your individual circumstances.

Birth control and the Split program

At Cofertility, we work with many egg donors who have IUDs. Our Split program allows women to freeze their eggs for free by sharing a portion with a family who could not otherwise conceive. The presence of an IUD doesn't affect eligibility for the program or impact the success rates.

Remember:

• No need to remove your IUD before donating unless directed otherwise by your doctor
• Research shows equivalent success rates
• Optional removal during retrieval if desired
• All forms of birth control should be discussed with your medical team

Next steps

If you're interested in egg donation or freezing and have an IUD:

1. Take this quiz to see if you qualify  
2. Learn more about the egg sharing process
3. Discuss any birth control concerns and medical history with your healthcare team

The choice to donate or freeze your eggs while having an IUD is safe and well-studied. Our team can help you understand your options and guide you through the process, whether you choose to keep or remove your IUD during the cycle.

Key take-aways

• Having an IUD does not disqualify you from donating eggs or affect your eligibility for egg donation programs.
• Both hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, Liletta) and non-hormonal IUDs (Paragard) are compatible with egg donation.
• You will likely not need to remove your IUD before starting the egg donation process - research shows IUDs don't interfere with donation.
• IUDs are not shown to have a negative impact on egg quality or the number of eggs you retrieve in a donation cycle.
• Your IUD stays safely in place during the egg retrieval procedure and isn't affected by the process.
• Hormone testing is okay with an IUD, though hormonal IUDs may slightly affect AMH levels (by about 6.7%).
• There are no known increased risks or complications for egg donors who have IUDs.
• You can start the donation process immediately after getting an IUD - there's no required waiting period.
• If desired, you may be able to have your IUD removed during the egg retrieval procedure while under anesthesia.
• After you complete your egg retrieval, you will get your menstrual cycle about two weeks later.

Today, more than ever, women are choosing to delay parenthood for various reasons, including focusing on career advancement, establishing financial stability, and finding the right partner. To help with this, many are turning to egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation. Egg freezing has grown in popularity, with a 46% increase in egg freezing cycles from 2020 to 2021 alone! 

If you’re considering egg freezing, you may be wondering: Is egg freezing tax deductible? Let's delve into this topic to provide some much-needed clarity.

The basics of egg freezing

Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a procedure where your eggs are extracted, frozen, and stored for later use. Because younger eggs are, on average, healthier, the egg freezing can increase your chances of conceiving a biological child in the future, even as your fertility naturally declines over time.

Despite the positive possibilities it offers, egg freezing is not an inexpensive procedure. The overall cost depends on the clinic you’re going to, where you are located, the medications you are prescribed (it differs based on your age and body), and where/how long you store the eggs. In the US in 2023, on average, the process can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 per cycle, not including annual storage fees. Thus, it's only natural for individuals to explore avenues for financial relief, such as tax deductions.

Understanding medical expense deductions

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States, certain medical expenses are eligible for tax deductions. The IRS's guidelines state that one can deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of one's adjusted gross income for the year. So, if you have a significant amount of qualifying medical expenses in a year, you could potentially benefit from this tax deduction.

Egg freezing and tax deductions

Is egg freezing considered a deductible medical expense? The answer is complex and largely depends on your individual circumstances. As a baseline, the IRS has traditionally considered fertility preservation treatments, like egg freezing, to be tax-deductible only when they are deemed medically necessary. This typically refers to situations where a medical condition or treatment (such as chemotherapy for cancer) could cause infertility.

When it comes to egg freezing for elective, non-medically necessary reasons (such as delaying childbearing for personal reasons), the situation becomes more nuanced. And unfortunately, as of writing this article, the IRS has not issued definitive guidance on whether egg freezing for non-medical reasons qualifies as a tax-deductible medical expense.

Given this ambiguity, if you're considering egg freezing for elective reasons, it's highly recommended to consult with a tax professional. They can provide advice tailored to your specific situation and keep you informed of any changes or updates in tax law.

Employer benefits and HSAs

Another important aspect to consider is employer-provided benefits. Some progressive employers are starting to cover egg freezing as a part of their employee benefits package, in which case the question of tax deduction might be moot.

If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you might be able to use these pre-tax dollars to pay for egg freezing. However, the rules surrounding these accounts are complex and constantly evolving, so you’ll want to check with your plan administrator or a tax professional to ensure that this is a viable option for you.

Freeze your eggs for less – or even for free – with Cofertility

Cofertility is a human-first, tech-enabled fertility ecosystem that provides people agency over if, how, and when they have babies — today or someday. We have two programs for egg freezers:

1. Our Split program offers women a chance to freeze their eggs for free when donating half of the eggs retrieved to a family who cannot otherwise conceive. If you qualify for the program and decide to donate half of your retrieved eggs, every expense associated with the egg freezing procedure —  medications, supplements, travel if necessary, insurance, and 10 years of storage — are completely free of charge. We don’t even need a payment or credit card up front, as the family you match with covers all the expenses.
2. Our self-pay Keep program allows women to freeze their eggs and keep them all for their future use. Through Keep, we offer our members partnerships and discounts to lighten the financial load of egg freezing, as well as access to our member community. An important note: even if you do have insurance or benefits coverage through work, you’re still able to participate in the Keep program. We’ll work with you to make sure all of your care is handled in a way that you remain eligible for the associated benefits. 

The benefits of working with Cofertility include:

• Power of choice: Freeze your eggs more affordably or, if you qualify, freeze for free when you give half to a family who can’t otherwise conceive.
• Community: Our inclusive online spaces allow you to connect with others going through the process in our private online community.
• Compassion: We’ll always treat you with care, and our Split program gives you the opportunity to make someone’s family building dreams a reality.
• Data-driven: We provide you with trustworthy guidance and evidence-based research so you can make informed decisions about your fertility.
• Free egg freezing: Freeze and store your eggs for 10 years, entirely for free if you qualify for our Split program.

Ready to learn about more affordable (even free!) egg freezing with Cofertility? Fill out this quick quiz to learn about our accessible egg freezing options and see if you qualify for our programs — it only takes one minute.

Summing it up

Egg freezing is an empowering choice for those who want to preserve their eggs for future use. However, its high cost can be a barrier. While certain tax deductions may apply for medically necessary procedures, the applicability of tax deductions for elective egg freezing is less clear. You’ll want to seek personalized advice from a tax professional to understand your options fully. 

In the quest to make egg freezing more accessible, every avenue of financial relief counts. As the conversation surrounding egg freezing continues to evolve, so too may the tax implications. It’s an ever-changing landscape that we’ll be keeping a close eye on moving forward. 

Exactly what happens during the egg donation procedure, anyway? You’re excited about Cofertility’s Split Program, where those qualified get to freeze their  eggs for free when they donate half to a family that can’t conceive. Still, you're unsure about one thing — the egg retrieval procedure itself. You want to understand what goes into maturing more eggs, and how those eggs will be retrieved. It’s a big deal — we get it!

We outlined all the details about what to expect during the procedure—including the protocol leading up to your retrieval. The stimulation and retrieval process is the same as what takes place during egg freezing or IVF. Use this guide to get a glimpse into and help you navigate the process. 

How the egg donation process begins

At the start of your cycle, there are many tiny follicles with the potential to produce mature eggs. A follicle is a fluid-filled sac that continues to grow while the contained egg matures.

Usually, one follicle takes the lead. It grows faster than the rest, maturing before the others can. Once the egg inside fully develops, the follicle ruptures, releasing the egg during ovulation. This halts the other egg follicles in their tracks and never gives the immature eggs inside these follicles a chance to develop. These eggs are lost each month. 

If a woman is not pregnant, the cycle restarts with a new batch of potential follicles. But with the aid of certain medications, doctors can help ensure that many - not just one - follicles mature at the same time. 

The stimulation process

While the medications prescribed may be a little different for every cycle, most protocols to stimulate the ovaries during the egg donation are designed to do the following: 

1. Shut it down. Doctors will prescribe birth control or a progesterone-only pill to  shut your ovaries down for a couple of weeks before your cycle begins. This sets the stage for fertility drugs and makes it easier to control your ovaries' response to those meds. 
2. Stim it up. When it's time to start the cycle, your doctor will prescribe medication to stimulate your ovaries. These drugs are similar to hormones that your body already makes, but in higher amounts. One of these hormones produced by the body is the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), while the other is the luteinizing hormone (LH). Your doctor may prescribe medication similar to either of these, or a combination of the two. These medications are injectables, but you’ll receive proper training from your clinic before you have to give your first dose at home. You’ll need to take these injections once or twice a day for about two weeks. 
3. Ongoing check-ins. During the two weeks that you’re taking these medications, the doctor will continually monitor your progress. Blood work will help monitor your estrogen levels while a vaginal ultrasound will be used to view follicle growth. These monitoring visits will help your doctor decide if and how to adjust your medication doses. If you've never had a vaginal ultrasound, it may sound a little scary, but the probe is slightly bigger than the size of a tampon. It’s totally comfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt. 
4. Prevent Ovulation. Once your follicles reach a certain size, or your estrogen reaches a certain level, your doctor may start you on a medication to prevent premature ovulation. This medication is also done via injection and, if necessary, will be added to your daily routine. 
5. Go time. Once the doctor decides that your follicles are ready for retrieval, you'll take what's known as a “trigger shot.” This injection will help the growing eggs mature and prepare them for retrieval.
6. The egg retrieval. This is the only real “procedure” - the retrieval will be done outpatient (at the clinic, not the hospital) and will be done within 30 minutes. Your doctor will use a vaginal ultrasound with a needle attached. The needle will be guided into your ovary and used to aspirate the fluid in each follicle. With this fluid, will come eggs that can be used to create embryos. You will be under light anesthesia, so you won’t feel a thing and you will be provided medication to help you avoid any discomfort during or after the process. 
7. Recover. Right after the procedure, you may feel a bit foggy. The clinic will give you time to rest and your doctor will likely reiterate that you'll also need to take it easy for the next day or two. Physically, you can return to work or school the following day, but if you have the flexibility, you may want to take a day or two off to relax.

A highly-skilled clinical team will guide you through each of these steps in the egg donation process. Importantly, this team will help ensure that you don't develop  any issues, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is when your body responds too actively to the fertility medication and produces too many eggs. If you have symptoms of OHSS, these usually will resolve after a couple of weeks, says the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Navigating with ease

If you’re considering the Split program, remember that while you may be new to the process, your team is not. Your doctors and nurses (and Confertility’s community) will guide you every bit of the way and answer any questions you may have.

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a hormone produced by the follicles in the ovaries (the fluid filled sacs that contain eggs). It requires a simple blood draw and is most often used as a marker of ovarian reserve. Ovarian reserve is the term for the number of healthy eggs left in your ovaries. Since people with ovaries are born with a fixed number of eggs, this number naturally declines over time. 

A low AMH level is usually related to natural aging, but it can also have other causes. In this article, we’ll explore what a low AMH result means and answer some common questions that can come up.

AMH and its role in fertility

So what exactly can AMH tell you about your fertility? As mentioned, your AMH level is positively correlated with the number of follicles you have in your ovaries. Simply put, the more follicles you have, the higher your AMH level typically is. As a result, AMH levels have been shown to be a good predictor of ovarian reserve and someone’s expected response to fertility treatments. 

In fact, several studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between what your AMH level is and the number of mature eggs retrieved during an egg freezing or in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle. To learn more about those studies, check out AMH and Egg Retrieval Outcomes. 

What your AMH level can’t tell you is the exact number of eggs you have left in your ovaries or what your chances of pregnancy are. There are a number of other factors like your age, overall health, and genetics that also affect the number and quality of eggs and your overall fertility. So while AMH can be a useful tool in assessing your fertility, it shouldn’t be the only factor when making decisions about fertility treatments.

What is a low AMH result?

As with most things in medicine, there’s no absolute answer here. What is considered a low, normal, or high AMH level depends on your age and the lab where you take the test. Since there is no international standard, it’s best to use the reference ranges that come with your test results.

In general, an AMH between 1.0 and 3.5 ng/mL is considered to be in the “normal” range, which means you’re likely to have a good response to fertility treatments. Anything below 1.0 ng/mL is considered low and a sign of a declining ovarian reserve.

What does a low AMH mean?

Having a low AMH level can be a sign that your ovaries are making less of the preantral follicles. The lower the number of follicles, the lower your ovarian reserve is. 

So what does this mean in terms of fertility?

First, having a lower AMH does not automatically mean you aren’t ovulating regularly or that you won’t be able to get pregnant naturally or with assisted reproductive technologies. However, research has found that what AMH is good at predicting is the response to ovarian stimulation and the number of eggs retrieved, regardless of a person’s age. So, someone with a higher AMH is generally expected to be able to get more eggs in one cycle than someone with a lower AMH. Because of this, fertility doctors typically use AMH levels (along with other information) to figure out the drugs and dosages you’ll need to maximize your response to ovarian stimulation medications. 

If you’re trying to conceive naturally, you’ll be glad to hear that multiple studies have shown that AMH does not correlate with how likely you are to actually get pregnant. In fact, one study looked at levels of AMH, FSH, and another ovarian hormone, inhibin B and tracked people for a year. They found that there was no correlation between someone’s ovarian reserve and their ability to conceive and that a low ovarian reserve was not associated with lower fertility. As a result, they did not recommend the use of FSH or AMH levels to “assess natural fertility.”

Reasons AMH would be low

There are a few reasons that could explain a low AMH. Let’s explore them.

Natural decline with aging

By far, the most common reason for a low AMH is age. People with ovaries are born with all the eggs that they’re going to have in their lifetime. These eggs are then slowly used up over time as you ovulate during each menstrual cycle until menopause is reached. As a result, ovarian reserve naturally decreases over time, meaning the AMH level also decreases. 

Hormonal birth control

Research suggests that hormonal birth control may affect AMH levels but it depends on the type of birth control. Specifically, birth control use is associated with a lower average AMH level than for people who are not on birth control, with the exact effect depending on the type of birth control. 

The amount of time you’re on birth control may also be a factor. Multiple studies have shown that AMH doesn't change if you use combined oral contraceptive pills for less than six months. However, you may have a lower AMH if you’ve been a long-term user of the pill (or other hormonal methods). Thankfully, this is temporary – AMH levels typically rebound after a person stops using birth control.

You can learn more about birth control and AMH here.

Tobacco use

Studies have shown that tobacco use, usually cigarette smoking, decreases AMH levels. This effect appears to be reversible though–it was only seen in people who were active smokers, not people who had previously smoked. 

Less common causes 

There are several other, less common causes for a low AMH level. These include:

• Genetic disorders that affect the X chromosome.
• Medical treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.
• Having surgery on your ovaries.
• Losing one or both of your ovaries.
• Autoimmune conditions.

Can I still donate my eggs with a low AMH?

If you are looking to donate your eggs, minimum AMH requirements are usually 2.0 or above. With Cofertility’s Split program, we require a minimum AMH of 2.0, though clinics may have their own unique requirements. This is to increase the chances of retrieving enough eggs to actually split, to ensure positive outcomes for both parties involved.

What to do if you have a low AMH result

Finding out you have a low AMH can be disheartening, especially if you had future fertility plans that you’re worried may be affected. While there’s unfortunately not much that can be done to reverse a low AMH, there is still hope for starting a family someday even with a low AMH. With the exception of birth control or cigarette smoking, most studies have shown that lifestyle changes like diet or supplements have an insignificant effect on AMH levels but despite this, I promise it’s not all gloom and doom. 

Let’s go through a few things you can do as you move forward with this new information. 

Lean on your village

The first thing to do is take a deeeeeep breath… There are a lot of nuances involved here which can make it hard not to get lost in the weeds. Fertility is impacted by so many different things that you can drive yourself crazy trying to manage all of them. 

Having friends, family, and mental health specialists available to support you when you need it is going to be crucial. Navigating fertility is hard no matter what, so having people around you who you can lean on on bad days and celebrate with on good days will help immensely. 

Consult a fertility specialist

Speaking of your village, it should definitely include a fertility specialist. Consulting with a fertility doctor can help you better understand your reproductive health and provide guidance on any concerns or questions you may have. They’ll be able to review your specific options and work with you on a plan that helps you reach your family-building goals. This treatment plan will depend on a lot of things including how soon you want to have a child, how many children you want to have, your finances, and your desire to have a child who is genetically related to you. 

So does this mean I have to freeze my eggs ASAP?

This is typically the first question people ask and the answer is not necessarily. As mentioned before, there are many other factors involved in assessing your fertility and modern technology has allowed for advances that make family building a possibility for virtually everyone. Your fertility specialist will be able to discuss all the options for starting a family based on your unique family-building goals. This could certainly include freezing your eggs for later use but it could also mean trying to conceive unassisted, undergoing IVF with your own eggs or with donor eggs, using a gestational carrier, or even options beyond these. Again, this is something that will require you to examine your personal goals and work with your provider to figure out the best way to reach them. 

You are not a number

Repeat after me: you are more than one number! Your AMH level provides valuable insights into your ovarian reserve, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to your fertility. AMH is always used as part of a full fertility evaluation, which often includes information about your medical history and age, a partner semen analysis, an ultrasound of the pelvis, an x-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes, and/or additional lab work.

If that sounds like a lot, it is. This process can be overwhelming but focusing on the things that you can control can help you feel more grounded during your fertility journey, whatever that may look like.

How Cofertility can help

Cofertility is here to help you every step of the way on that journey. Our Split program offers women a chance to freeze their eggs for free when donating half the eggs retrieved to a family who cannot conceive otherwise. If you qualify for the program and decide to donate half of your retrieved eggs, every expense associated with the egg freezing procedure —  medications, supplements, travel if necessary, insurance, and 10 years of storage — are completely free of charge. We don’t even need a payment or credit card up front, as the family you match with covers all the expenses.

In our Keep program, you can freeze and store your eggs for your own future use, with lower prices on things like storage and medication. as well as our team’s support and access to our community.In addition, you’ll have access to our team’s support and access to our community where you can engage with other people freezing their eggs at the same time! 

Your journey is uniquely yours and our team is here to help you through it in whatever way you need.

Egg donation is a generous act that can help people struggling with infertility build their families. It is a decision that requires careful consideration and understanding of the process and potential implications involved. 

One question that often arises in the minds of prospective donors is whether they will regret their decision to donate their eggs. In this article, we will explore the various factors that can influence the decision to donate eggs and the potential emotional and physical effects of egg donation.

Deciding to donate your eggs

Egg donation is not for everyone. And the decision to donate eggs is a deeply personal one, often driven by the desire to help a family struggling to conceive. Many donors find it rewarding to know that they have helped someone else fulfill their dream of having a child. 

In addition to those struggling with infertility, there are other groups of individuals who may need the help of an egg donor. For example, cancer survivors who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy may have reduced fertility or premature menopause. By using donor eggs in IVF, these individuals can have a chance at conceiving and starting a family. 

Additionally, LGBTQ+ couples or individuals who wish to start a family may need the help of an egg donor. We work with a lot of gay dads, for instance, who need a donor egg to create an embryo that can be carried by a surrogate. By donating your eggs, you have the potential to help individuals and families of all kinds achieve their dream of starting a family.

What the research says about egg donation regret

Unfortunately, there aren’t a ton of studies published on egg donors. But looking at the few studies that do exist, it appears as though egg donors are generally happy with their decision and usually do not regret it. Let’s dive in:

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Study: Egg donation--the donor's view [1]

Who: 113 egg donors in the UK

Findings: 95% had no regrets concerning their donation, and 72% would donate again

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Study: Gamete donors' satisfaction [2]

Who: 165 egg donors in Sweden

Findings: 85.9% were satisfied with their overall experience of being an egg donor 

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Study: Emotional and relational aspects of egg-sharing [3]

Who: 48 egg-sharing donors (similar to our Split program, where donors keep half the eggs retrieved)

Findings: 83.3% would donate again and only 2.1% regretted their decision to participate

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Study: A comparison of the attitudes of volunteer donors and infertile patient donors on an ovum donation programme [4]

Who: 20 anonymous volunteer (unpaid) donors

Findings: 90% would donate again

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Anecdotally speaking, donors we work with at Cofertility are grateful for the opportunity to donate their eggs and keep half of the eggs retrieved for their own future use, for free. 

Physical risks and side effects of egg donation

Egg freezing is considered a safe procedure. It is a low-risk (but not zero risk) procedure. In a single egg freezing cycle, the risk of a serious adverse event is under 2.5%. Severe ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (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 even smaller (<0.5%). This data is from a group of egg freezers; you can imagine the number would be even lower for egg donors who have gone through more rigorous health screening in advance of the retrieval. 

That being said, many women do experience minor side effects – like bloating, constipation, nausea – from the medications and egg retrieval. 

Emotional effects of egg donation 

The emotional effects of egg donation can vary from person to person and can be influenced by several factors, including your expectations and understanding of the experience. Many donors find the experience rewarding and fulfilling, knowing that they have helped someone else start or expand their family. However, some donors may experience more complicated feelings about it. This is why our donors undergo psychological screening – to ensure they are mentally prepared. 

It is important to have a strong support system in place during the egg freezing and donation process. This can include friends, family, and healthcare providers who can provide emotional support and guidance. If you freeze your eggs through Cofertility, you’ll be connected with a cohort of others freezing their eggs at the same time. We offer an online support group, and our entire team of experts will be behind you the entire time. 

At Cofertility, you have a say on who your eggs go to

Some agencies downplay the magnitude of the impact you are making as an egg donor. Bringing a new human into this world is a HUGE deal! We believe donors should have a say in where their eggs go. This is why, with Cofertility, you get to opt-in to any match. You’ll get to learn a little about the family, even meet them virtually (if you’d like), and decide if you want to move forward. You also get to specify your communication preferences up front, giving you real options in the process.

Bottom line

If you are considering egg donation, it is essential to find a reputable and trustworthy egg donation agency. An agency that values the well-being and autonomy of donors is crucial to a positive egg donation experience. When researching agencies, look for those that prioritize your safety, provide comprehensive medical care, and offer supportive services to donors. Find an agency that will treat you with respect, dignity, and professionalism throughout - and beyond - the donation process.

At Cofertility, we are striving to be the best place to be an egg donor (or what we call, a Split Member). We offer a supportive and transparent process that empowers donors to make informed decisions about their egg donation journey. With our innovative approach, donors get to keep half of the eggs retrieved, plus storage for 10 years, entirely for free. 

We believe that every donor deserves to have a positive and empowering experience, and we are committed to making that a reality. That’s why Cofertility was named one of the Best Egg Donor Programs by Egg Donor Connect. 

Interested in egg donation with Cofertility? You can start by taking a short quiz to see if you’re eligible for our Split program. We’re appreciative of your desire to help another family and are excited to be on this journey with you. 

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Sources:

1. Byrd LM, Sidebotham M, Lieberman B. Egg donation--the donor's view: an aid to future recruitment. Hum Fertil (Camb). 2002;5(4):175-182. doi:10.1080/1464727022000199082
2. Skoog Svanberg A, Lampic C, Gejerwall AL, et al. Gamete donors' satisfaction; gender differences and similarities among oocyte and sperm donors in a national sample. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2013;92(9):1049-1056. doi:10.1111/aogs.12156
3. Gürtin ZB, Ahuja KK, Golombok S. Emotional and relational aspects of egg-sharing: egg-share donors' and recipients' feelings about each other, each others' treatment outcome and any resulting children. Hum Reprod. 2012;27(6):1690-1701. doi:10.1093/humrep/des085
4. Power M, Baber R, Abdalla H, Kirkland A, Leonard T, Studd JW. A comparison of the attitudes of volunteer donors and infertile patient donors on an ovum donation programme. Hum Reprod. 1990;5(3):352-355. doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a137104

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Whether donating time, money, hair, blood, we donate because we believe it makes the world a better place. We are wired to feel happy, and when we give we not only feel happy, we also feel a sense of connectedness to those around us. Egg donation is one of those things that can not only make you feel as though you are making a difference, but an act that can create life and family tree branches that may never have existed otherwise. 

Deciding to donate your eggs is a generous and compassionate act that provides hope to many families dreaming of a child. So even though the decision to donate your eggs may be an easy one, sometimes deciding if you should or should not tell friends and family about your donation, may not be as easy. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the considerations for sharing your egg donation journey. 

Should I tell my family I’m an egg donor? 

While there is no right answer, one thing is for certain, your decision to donate is yours and your alone and so is your decision to tell or not tell. This means you are the one who can best make this decision.

So when thinking through this decision, it is helpful to think about the relationships you have and what you feel comfortable telling those close to you. How supportive will they be about your decision? Do you feel afraid they might criticize you or not understand why you would want to do this, or try and talk you out of it? What is your fear or concern about telling, and how do you think this information will impact your relationships?

Something else to keep in mind is that when the egg donation process starts, you will be required to self-administer hormone injections for approximately two weeks. You will also need to have daily medical ultrasound appointments. And since egg donation is a medical procedure, you will not be able to drive home alone and will need someone to be with you after the retrieval. You may even need a few days off from work or school if you experience side effects. So, if you live with friends or family, it may not be easy to keep it from them. 

Also you need to keep in mind that donating your eggs doesn’t just impact you. It impacts your entire genetic family because now they too will be genetically connected to the offspring conceived using your eggs. For example, if you decide not to discuss your egg donation with your family and keep it all under wraps, what happens if in a few years your mother does an at-home-DNA test and sees that she has a ‘grandchild’ out there. Would you rather just explain as things like this come along or would you rather prepare your family members beforehand? 

If you do decide to talk about your plans to donate your eggs, be ready for a wide range of responses, including negative reactions, and uneducated (but well meaning) questions and opinions on the topic. Also be prepared for a lot of surprise and praise and revelations about their own fertility journeys. 

Does my significant other have to know I’m donating eggs?

Just as noted above, because of the medical process related to egg donation, it may be difficult to not have your significant other involved, especially if birth control methods need to change. If you include your partner from day one, they might feel more comfortable and supportive of your decision to donate because they will be well educated about egg donation. 

However, even if they are involved from the beginning, some may still not feel comfortable with this decision because of how they view the potential donor conceived person - they may still see this person as an extension of you and that may be uncomfortable. And if you already have children, your partner may be concerned about any potential impact on the donor-conceived person’s relationship with your children. In these cases, clarifying roles and educating partners will be very important. 

Benefits of sharing 

The benefits of telling your friends and family during the process means they can provide emotional and practical support, such as helping with injections or driving you to your appointments, and helping care for you after the retrieval.  Also, talking about your donation helps educate people and remove some of the stigma that comes along with egg donation. It can also help you learn more about your family tree, their background and health histories. 

How do I tell people I’m donating my eggs? 

If you decide to tell family / friends about your decision to be an egg donor, start off by talking about your motivating factors, such as your desire to help parents build their families. Give them facts about why people need donors and who these people are… put a human face to it. Give whatever information you feel comfortable sharing, let them absorb, process, and then come back to you with more questions. 

How do I tell my future (or current) children I donated my eggs?

Telling your children about your experience as an egg donor teaches them by example the importance of giving and good will, and the idea that we are all connected. How you approach the subject will make a big difference on how they receive the information. If you approach it with pride and honesty, they too will receive it in a very positive manner. 

Depending on their age and level of understanding, children’s reactions vary. Younger children usually cope well with the information, especially if you explain it in age appropriate language. Older children may also have various reactions. Sometimes they just need more time to process it, including a need to understand how it will impact them and their lives. 

Regardless, keep it simple. Explain your reasoning. Describe the process. If you know, tell them about the parents you helped and the outcome. 

Summing it up

The world of infertility treatment is changing. At one time, needing help to create a family was a matter of secrecy.  But now because of human generosity and the incredible advancement of technology, people who never believed it possible, can be parents. Further, medical societies and research encourage parents to tell their child how they were conceived. In the same manner, donors are also advised to be open about their donation. You might be surprised by the support and praise you receive from your friends and family. 

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Cofertility is in the “family” business, striving to make egg freezing and third-party reproduction more human-centered and accessible for all. Our Freeze by Co program allows you to freeze your eggs for free, when you give half to a family who can't otherwise conceive

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As women, we are often tasked with making complex decisions about our bodies, our health, and our future. Among the myriad of choices, one of the most significant is the decision of whether or not to freeze our eggs. But once you've made the decision and plan to go through the process, you now may be wondering, "What exactly happens to my eggs after I freeze them? Where do they go? How long can they remain frozen?"

Egg freezing, also called oocyte cryopreservation, offers a chance to focus on other stuff now while planning for your future family. But how does it work, and what happens to your precious eggs once they are safely frozen? Let's delve into this fascinating, sometimes bewildering world of fertility preservation.

The egg freezing process: a quick recap

Before we venture further, let's refresh our understanding of the egg freezing process. It starts with hormone injections that stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are then retrieved through a minor surgical procedure, and once retrieved, they are immediately frozen in a state-of-the-art laboratory. Following the retrieval and freezing process, your eggs are stored in a secure and carefully monitored cryo-storage facility. 

Egg freezing and preservation

Vitrification is a newer and more effective method of freezing eggs that has largely replaced older methods such as slow freezing. With vitrification, eggs are quickly frozen using a high concentration of cryoprotectants and then plunged into liquid nitrogen for storage. This process creates a glass-like state that preserves the eggs in a nearly perfect condition. In fact, vitrification ensures a very high rate of survival of the eggs, typically 95% or above.

Compared to slow freezing, which can damage the eggs and reduce their viability, vitrification has a higher success rate of producing healthy embryos for later use. It has become the preferred method of egg freezing for most fertility clinics and has allowed more patients to successfully preserve their fertility.

If you have any doubts about your clinic, you can ask them what type of method they use for egg freezing. It's important to do your research and choose a reputable fertility clinic with experience in vitrification if you're considering egg freezing.

Long-term storage and monitoring

Once the eggs are frozen, they are stored in liquid nitrogen. Some clinics keep those frozen eggs stored at an onsite lab, but in most cases they are shipped to an offsite facility. As soon as you’re ready to use them, they can be safely shipped back. 

In either case, the frozen eggs' care doesn't end at storage. They are monitored regularly to ensure the liquid nitrogen levels remain constant, and the facility's temperature control and security systems are working correctly. A well-maintained facility prioritizes meticulous record-keeping, tracking the storage duration and any other pertinent details about each egg. 

Cofertility members can take advantage of our partnership with TMRW Life Sciences, a fertility technology company that has developed the world's first automated solution for storing and managing frozen eggs and embryos. 

TMRW's technology platform digitally identifies, tracks, monitors and stores patients' frozen eggs and embryos with safety, accuracy, efficiency and transparency. TMRW's platform sets a new standard of care by reducing potential points of failure by 94% compared with manual systems.

So what is TMRW doing differently? 

• Digital labeling - instead of handwritten labels, TMRW uses digital labeling and RFID tracking. With this tracking system, clinics always know exactly where your eggs and embryos are and can easily find them when you’re ready to use them.
• Automated management - instead of relying on manual processes, TMRW has a new fully-automated digital system that helps eliminate 94% of potential failure points
• Real-time inventory - TMRW has gone the extra mile by creating a 24/7 cloud-based monitoring system with real-time inventory updates to provide new levels of safety, transparency, and peace of mind. 
• Active monitoring - TMRW provides 24/7 digital monitoring (thousands of daily checks!) and expert human oversight to identify potential issues before they become a problem.

Will my eggs survive the thaw?

Several factors can impact the success of egg thawing, including your age when the eggs are frozen, the number and quality of the eggs, the technique used to freeze the eggs, and the quality of the clinic’s laboratory. 

The quality of the eggs is also a crucial factor in egg thawing. Good quality eggs have a higher chance of survival and fertilization. However, even with good quality eggs, there is no guarantee of success, and the process may need to be repeated to achieve pregnancy.

If and when you decide to use them

When you decide the time is right to use your frozen eggs, just let the storage company know you are ready and they will ship them to your fertility clinic. Remember, if you freeze your eggs with Cofertility you get 10 years of free storage and can get your eggs at any time. From the time your eggs are retrieved they belong only to you. You have the rights to get them from storage directly, and you don’t need to inform the Cofertility team (although we always love hearing from our Split Members!). 

Once the eggs arrive at your fertility clinic, they are thawed in the lab using a warming solution. The eggs will then need to be fertilized with sperm and grown into embryos. The surviving eggs are then fertilized using a process called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into each egg.

After fertilization, the resulting embryos are monitored for a few days as they begin to develop. The most viable embryos are then transferred to your uterus in a procedure similar to a pap smear. If successful, the embryo implants in your uterus and grows, leading to pregnancy.

Generally, the younger you are when freezing your eggs, the better the chances of success. Eggs frozen in your late 20s or early 30s have a higher chance of survival and successful fertilization compared to those frozen in your late 30s or 40s.

If you froze your eggs as part of our Split Program

If you are a Split Member, the cost of the egg retrieval and 10 years of storage is completely covered. However, you are responsible for the cost of moving the eggs out of storage and having them fertilized and transferred. These costs vary greatly across the country, but generally you can expect:

• Shipping your eggs to your clinic: varies by distance and facility, generally $500–$1,000
• Fertilization and embryo culture with (ICSI): $5,000-7,500
• Embryo transfer procedure:$3,000–$6,000
• Medication and monitoring: can vary widely, often an additional $3,000-5,000

Read more in: Split Member Guide: What To Do When You’re Ready To Use Your Frozen Eggs

If you decide NOT to use them

What if, down the line, you decide not to use your eggs, or you have more than you need? 

One study of egg freezing patients at UCSF found that 89% believed they would be glad they froze their eggs, even if they never used them to conceive a child. So if you don't end up needing your frozen eggs down the line, there are a few options for what to do with them.

• Keep them in storage. Most storage facilities offer long-term storage options (our partnership with TMRW includes plans up to 10-years long), allowing you to keep your eggs frozen for as many years as  necessary. This may be a good option if you're not yet ready to use the eggs but want to keep them as a backup plan.
• Donate the eggs to someone else who may need them. Egg donation is a process of donating eggs to another person or couple who needs them, such as LGBTQ+ families or those suffering from infertility. This can be a wonderful gift for those who may not be able to have a child otherwise. If you go through our Split program, you will have already been cleared as a donor and can easily donate these additional eggs. If you’re not part of the Split program but think you may be interested in this down the line, talk to your doctor as they may be able to do some additional donor-related screening during your egg freezing process. 
• Dispose of them.  If you decide that you no longer need your frozen eggs and don't want to continue storing them or donate them, simply request that they are disposed of by the clinic or storage facility.
• Donate to science. Many research studies rely on donated eggs to investigate new techniques and treatments for infertility. Ask your clinic if this is an option.

Emotional considerations

Aside from the practical aspects, it's important to acknowledge the emotional journey involved in egg freezing. It's normal to feel a mix of emotions – relief, hope, anxiety, or even sadness. Know that these feelings are common and valid. Don't hesitate to seek support, be it from a trusted friend, family member, a professional counselor, or the Cofertility community.

Summing it up

The journey of your eggs from freezing to potential future use is complex and exciting, underscored by sophisticated science and meticulous care. Deciding to freeze your eggs can be an empowering choice, giving you autonomy over your fertility and future family planning. Knowing what happens to your eggs after freezing them can provide comfort and clarity as you navigate your fertility journey.

In the end, egg freezing is an investment in your future, offering an opportunity to expand your family when the time is right for you. It's a testament to the advancements in reproductive science and a tool for you to take control of your fertility. Trust in the process, seek support when needed, and above all, know that your choices are valid, and your feelings are heard. After all, the journey to parenthood, in whatever form it takes, is a voyage of hope, love, and extraordinary potential.

If you’re ready to freeze your eggs, we’re here to help. Reach out or learn more about our Freeze program.

Read more:

• Egg Freezing: How Long Can My Eggs Be Stored?
• Egg Freezing Thaw Rates
• When Should I Freeze My Eggs?
• What To Do When You’re Ready To Use Your Frozen Eggs

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Warning: This article contains spoilers for Season 2 of The Sex Lives of College Girls.

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At Cofertility, we are so thrilled that conversations about reproductive health are making their way into the limelight. From Jennifer Aniston opening up about how she wishes she froze her eggs at a younger age, to the latest season of The Sex Lives of College Girls, where Kimberly decides to donate (or as she refers to it, “sell”) her eggs in order to pay her college tuition, we love to see women becoming more educated on their fertility.

Our team has been watching this season obsessively (and spending way too much time talking about it during our daily meetings), and are overall so appreciative of how Kimberly’s donation journey was portrayed. Creators Mindy Kaling and Justin Noble have taken what has been traditionally portrayed as an overly-clinical, overwhelming process and humanized it — showing the reality of what egg freezing or donation cycles can look like for the modern woman. Here are just some of our team’s favorite aspects of the portrayal of Kimberly’s journey:

You don’t have to put your life on pause.

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The process of donating (or freezing) your eggs involves a medical procedure and should be taken seriously, but as Kimberly shows us (with the help of her roommate, Leighton) in Season 2 Ep. 5, that doesn’t mean you have to put your entire life on hold. 

While there are some things you’ll have to avoid, such as heavy exercise, alcohol, and sex, you won’t be pinned to your couch for three weeks while you prepare for your retrieval. You’ll need to stay local to your clinic for your monitoring appointments, but other than that, keep doing you.

Overall, the medical process of donating your eggs is the same process as freezing your eggs. If you’re curious to learn more about what that looks like, (and even how you can freeze your eggs for free when you donate half) we’ve got you covered.

Egg banks often target women in tough financial situations

Kimberly first learns about “selling” her eggs after getting denied a student loan that she desperately needed. If the thought of this gives you the ick—you’re not alone.

It’s true that the egg donation industry has historically targeted individuals in poor financial situations, and we wholeheartedly agree with the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM)’s stance that financial compensation for egg donation opens the door for exploitation.

Additionally, $80K for a single cycle is a pretty unrealistic expectation, given that the average compensation is more like $3,500 - $5,000 per cycle. 

However, women who donate their eggs are truly giving intended parents the invaluable opportunity to fulfill their family-building dreams, and that deserves to be recognized. That’s why we created our Split program, which eliminates the icky-ness of financial compensation by instead giving our members the opportunity to freeze their eggs for free for their own reproductive future when they give half of the retrieved eggs to another family that can’t otherwise conceive.

Your squad is everything

Though going through an egg retrieval is considered a low-risk procedure, it’s not something that you should feel like you’re doing alone. On the day of your retrieval appointment, you’ll need to bring a companion with you since you’ll be put under anesthesia, but as we saw in The Sex Lives of College Girls Season 2 Episode 5, having your crew on deck for emotional support makes all the difference in making sure you feel empowered through this epic journey. 

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It’s more than just “selling your eggs”

Donating your eggs is a huge decision—one that goes far beyond a bank deposit after the fact. When you donate your eggs, you’re not just donating your eggs, you’re donating genetic material that will someday be used to bring a new life into this world, so there’s a lot to be considered.

To quote straight from Kimberly’s pro-con list, the possibility that you’ll “run into future kids at a shopping mall” may sound crazy, but it hints at the reality that we live in a world where anyone can walk into their local pharmacy and purchase a DNA test off the shelf for less than $100, and there is really no such thing as a truly anonymous egg donation experience.

At Cofertility, we take a firm stance in our belief that anonymous egg donation is wrong. We have invested in consulting with the donor-conceived community and truly believe that disclosed relationships are in the best interest of all parties involved, especially the donor-conceived children. So if you’re considering donating your eggs, make sure to keep in mind that the child or children conceived from those eggs may want to reach out to you in the future.

Additionally, Kimberly’s pro of “a cute gay couple uses my eggs” is one that is definitely within the realm of possibility, and one that we wholeheartedly support. The way we build families is more dynamic than ever, and at Cofertility, we work with countless LGBTQ+ intended parents to help make their family-building dreams a reality. If you’ve ever considered donating your eggs to a gay couple who needs them, this is a great way to do that.

Summary

At Cofertility, we’re on a mission to make the process of donating and freezing your eggs more accessible, human-centric, and supported. If you’re thinking about this as an option for yourself, we want you to know that we’re here for you. To see if you qualify for our Split program, where you can donate your eggs while freezing half of the retrieved eggs for your own future use, click here to take our free, two-minute quiz.

While in theory, the idea of egg freezing would have many raising their hands to give this a try, practically speaking it may be more complicated. There are real-world factors to consider: Do I need to freeze my eggs? Will I actually need them down the line? Am I a good candidate? And if so, would it actually fit into my budget, and are the logistics really feasible?

No need to wonder. Here’s what you need to know to make egg freezing possible in reality and the sort of programs where you can bring this to fruition.

Affordable egg freezing programs

We at Cofertility are dedicated to the idea that egg freezing should be more accessible. To make it possible for more of those who are interested, we have designed two different programs that prioritize different aspects of egg freezing. Take our quiz to see if you qualify for these programs.

Paying for keeps

With our “Keep” program, it’s about maximizing the number of eggs that you freeze, geared to enabling many people to be able to answer the question, “Can I freeze my eggs?” with a big, “Yes.”

As a member in this program, you get access to discounted prices we’ve negotiated with clinics and pharmacies, as well as a community of women also freezing their eggs at the same time. With this Keep program we give more leeway on exactly who can participate. While we are aware that research shows that fertility starts to decrease considerably after age 35, you can still take part in the program as long as you are under age 40.

This is egg freezing with real world families in mind, with steps taken to make fees more affordable. The idea is to lighten the load and to make budgeting for egg freezing that much easier, while bringing a little more joy and positivity to the process

The Split cycle

With our Split program, it’s all about taking budgeting out of the equation altogether, while helping another family. 

As a Split program member, if you qualify, you don’t have to set money aside for these burdensome costs at all – they are free as part of the program, including up to ten-years of storage. In return, you give half of your retrieved eggs from a cycle to someone who would be otherwise unable to conceive. The family receiving the donated eggs pays for all the costs to freeze and store your eggs, for their use to build a family now, and your use in the future. 

But, because we are splitting the number of eggs here, every single one counts that much more. So, we need to be more stringent in determining who can become a Split member. 

Important X factors

One of the factors that we weigh heavily for the Split program is age. In order to participate, you cannot be over age 34. That’s because data shows that, on average, those over 35 may not respond to fertility medication as well and therefore may not produce as many eggs. Also, research shows that, unfortunately, egg quality declines with age. 

Given the amount of time it may take to do initial testing and to match you with an intended parent, we have aligned our policy with ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) guidance on this and limit membership here to those who have not yet turned 34. This way if there’s a hiccup along the way, you won’t have to miss out — there should still be sufficient time to participate in the program.

Another factor to consider is what’s known as your anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels. These levels signal how responsive your ovaries are likely to be to medication given to stimulate them to produce multiple eggs. If this number is pretty high, it usually means that your ovaries will respond well to stimulation. 

If at the time of initial screening, your ovarian reserve appears low based on your ultrasound and bloodwork, you, unfortunately, will not be eligible for the Split program, although you can still become a Keep member and achieve your goals that way. The ASRM guidance underscores the importance of considering biomarkers that indicate a donor’s potential ovarian reserve as part of the selection process. Scientists have found the AMH serum range of 2.20 to 6.8 ng/ml to be the one that research predicts will show if someone has enough ovarian reserve. This indicates how you will likely respond during an egg freezing cycle. 

No matter your ovarian reserve, you can still freeze your eggs. You just may not qualify for our Split program. That’s because we want to ensure that enough eggs are produced in the cycle to make it worthwhile for everyone after the eggs are divided, without your feeling that you’ve come up short and won’t be happy unless you do another cycle.

If you’re among those who qualify though, as many in their fertility prime may be able, this can be a golden opportunity. Feel free to read more about qualifications for joining our Split program.

Logistics

There is, of course, also the question of where you’ll need to go to make all this happen. 

If you’re a Split member, your initial physical screening takes place after you are matched with an intended parent. This includes some blood work and a vaginal ultrasound, which helps determine if this program will work for you, and will likely take place somewhere between where you and the intended parent’s locale. If any travel is needed though, our team will help you to make this happen, doing the necessary organizing. But monitoring for the cycle itself can be done at a local clinic right in your own area.

Meanwhile, Keep members have the flexibility to do the testing as well as the cycle locally, where it’s most convenient. 

Can you freeze your eggs? 

So, is this something that could practically work for you? Both of our programs are designed to make this feasible for a wide-variety of women. We try to keep costs down for Keep members while offering added flexibility to pursue their egg freezing goals. Meanwhile, for Split members the financial barriers are removed altogether.

Hopefully, this helps you to see how, practically speaking, you too can raise your hand up high and answer the question, “Can you freeze your eggs?” with a giant, yes, to make egg freezing in reality.

Cofertility's Split program offers a unique opportunity: freeze your eggs for free when you donate half to a family who needs them. If you’re eligible for the program, your egg freezing procedure, medications, any travel, and ten years of storage will be completely free of charge. 

This guide explains how the program works, who qualifies, what the process involves, and important considerations around egg donation. Whether you're exploring egg freezing options or specifically interested in Split, you'll find clear answers to your questions about eligibility requirements, the matching process, medical screenings, and what happens after donation.

Where do my donated eggs go?

Many different families need donor eggs to have children. These include:

• Couples experiencing infertility
• LGBTQ+ couples
• Cancer survivors
• Women with age-related fertility decline
• Single intended parents

Cofertility welcomes all intended parents to our platform to find their match. The families who receive your donated eggs have often tried multiple approaches to building their family before turning to egg donation.

Who qualifies for the Split program?

While we aim to make Split widely available, we maintain guidelines to protect everyone involved.

To qualify for the program, you must:

• Have both ovaries
• Be between ages 21-33
• Have a BMI less than 29 (for medication safety and procedure effectiveness)
• Be physically and emotionally healthy with no genetic or reproductive disorders
• Be a non-smoker and abstain from recreational drugs and Depo Provera birth control

If you're currently pregnant or breastfeeding, you may still qualify but will need to wait until you've stopped breastfeeding and had at least one menstrual cycle. You'll also need to provide a complete medical history about yourself and your biological family members.

How does the process work?

The Split program involves several steps from application through egg retrieval:

Take the initial quiz

Start with our quick one-minute quiz to see if you might qualify for Split. This gives us basic information about your health and background.

Submit your program application

If your quiz responses indicate potential eligibility, you'll complete a full application. This determines your qualification and helps create your profile that intended parents will see.

Consultation with our team

After passing the initial screening, you'll speak with a Member Advocate who can answer your questions and make sure you understand the process before your profile goes live.

Sign the Split program agreement

We'll send you an agreement outlining the program details. This agreement remains non-binding until you begin your egg retrieval cycle, and it's written in clear language. Our team is available to explain anything you don't understand.

Complete initial testing

You'll take a free AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) test to assess your ovarian reserve. Fertility doctors typically look for an AMH level above 2.0 ng/ml for egg donation, as this suggests you'll likely respond well to fertility treatments and produce enough eggs for both donation and personal use. You’ll also take a free genetic test to tell you whether you carry a gene for certain genetic disorders.

Match with intended parents (optional)

Your profile will be listed on our platform for intended parents to view. Once matched, you'll have a dedicated Member Advocate to guide you through every single step. You can choose to meet the intended parents before proceeding. 

Complete medical screening

After matching, you'll undergo physical screening based on FDA, ASRM, and industry guidelines. This includes bloodwork and a vaginal ultrasound to evaluate your ovarian reserve. Depending on your location, testing may happen at a clinic near you or require some travel (which we organize and pay for).

Start your egg freezing cycle

If approved, you'll begin the stimulation phase. You'll take injectable medications to encourage your ovaries to mature multiple eggs simultaneously. While this might sound intimidating, we provide detailed tutorials and support. A fertility doctor will monitor your progress throughout the 10-14 day stimulation period.

Egg retrieval

When your eggs reach peak maturity, you'll undergo the egg retrieval procedure. This outpatient procedure takes about 30 minutes under sedation. The doctor uses ultrasound guidance to remove the eggs vaginally.

Immediately after retrieval, half the eggs are frozen and stored for you (free for 10 years). You can access them anytime and have them shipped to your chosen fertility clinic. The other half go to the intended parents for fertilization. If an odd number of eggs is retrieved, the additional egg goes to the intended parents.

Next steps

Depending on your family planning goals and how many eggs are retrieved in your first cycle, you might decide to complete a second cycle. 

For women under 35, studies show an average of 18-21 eggs retrieved per cycle, closely correlated with AMH levels. Research indicates that freezing nine eggs gives women under 35 approximately a 70% chance at a live birth.

What will I know about potential genetic offspring and what will they know about me? 

When you join Cofertility, you'll choose between two contact options:

• Disclosed donation: You meet the family (virtually or by phone) before finalizing the match. The relationship afterwards develops according to both parties' preferences.
• Undisclosed donation: You match without meeting the family and communicate only through Cofertility, with no contact information exchanged. If both parties agree, we can facilitate a phone or video meeting in which you can speak without sharing names.

In the case a donor-conceived child experiences a serious medical condition, you may need to provide medical information to us, the fertility clinic, or the intended parents. Also, if new information comes up about your medical history, we’ll need you to let us know. The intended parents are required to do the same. This is in everyone’s best interest so everyone can be made aware of unknown medical conditions that occur.     

Based on psychological research, we encourage families to be open with children about their conception story. As donor-conceived children grow up, they may become curious about their genetics and wish to connect. This is something to carefully consider before joining the Split program.

What Split members say about their experience

We recently surveyed Split members about their experiences. Here’s what they said:

• Strong preference for egg sharing: 88% of respondents said they were more motivated to donate eggs through egg sharing than through traditional cash compensation. Many expressed feeling more comfortable helping a family while preserving their own fertility options.
• High satisfaction rates: 97.4% of members agreed or strongly agreed that regardless of their own family-building journey, they were glad to have participated in the Split program. This exceeds industry standards compared to similar programs in other countries.
• Evolving motivation: Many members noted that while they initially joined for the free egg freezing benefit, meeting the intended parents shifted their perspective. As one member shared: "I initially started this process mostly thinking about the free egg freezing benefits for myself, but after virtually meeting the IPs I am donating to, it made me so much more excited for that part of the process, and that I'm able to help such a great couple start a family of their own."
• Practical value: Members frequently mentioned appreciating the financial accessibility of fertility preservation. As one participant noted: "It really is problematic that your eggs are most viable when you have the least in your bank. This Cofertility split program has given me the chance to secure my eggs while they are still viable without worrying about cost, and the bonus is that I get to help a family in need as well."

Summing it up

Freezing your eggs—especially when donating half—is a huge decision. We hope this overview provides a solid foundation to help you determine whether the Split program aligns with your values and goals. Our team remains available to address any additional questions as you consider this option.

Read more:

• Should I Freeze Eggs or Embryos?
• Does Donating Eggs Affect Your Fertility?
• Will I Regret Donating My Eggs?

Freezing your eggs is a big decision — one that we know, first-hand, can take time to think through — and freezing and sharing your eggs with another family is an even more weighted one. With our Split program, you can freeze your eggs for free when you give half to a family who can’t conceive. But beyond that, there’s even more that will come out of your Split program journey. 

By freezing your eggs with Freeze by Co’s Split program, you’ll get to:

1. Invest in your reproductive future

Having kids may be way off your radar today. But if you might want children one day, freezing your eggs may help keep that possibility on the table. We believe in making that possibility as accessible as possible. 

2. Do something life-changing for another family

By giving half of your eggs to another family who can’t conceive — whether it’s a couple with infertility, LGBTQ+ parents, or parents with other medical challenges — you’re making their family-building dreams possible. And that’s something truly incredible. 

3. Empower yourself with knowledge about your body

By freezing your eggs, you’ll get an insight into the hormones and ovarian reserve levels that make up your fertility health. 

4. Gain access to your own genetic family history

Once you match with a family, all Split members undergo genetic testing. This knowledge about your genetics could be super important down the line if you start to think about having kids. 

5. Receive concierge-level support throughout the process

If you’re part of our Split program, we’ll hold your hand every step of the way. With direct access to our founders and our community of other women going through the process at the same time,  you’re never alone. 

We’re so excited for you. And remember, we’re always here to help.