IVF with Egg Donation
In vitro fertilization with donor eggs is an assisted reproduction treatment that gives women with reduced fertility the opportunity to have a child.
In this method, eggs from a donor are used, fertilized in the laboratory, and then the embryos are transferred to the uterus of the woman who wishes to carry the pregnancy.
What is IVF with donor eggs?
IVF with donor eggs is a form of in vitro fertilization in which eggs from a healthy donor are used. The eggs are fertilized in the laboratory with the partner’s sperm or donor sperm, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus of the woman who will carry the pregnancy.
The woman receiving the embryos does not provide her own eggs, but instead prepares her uterus with appropriate hormonal treatment so that it is ready for embryo implantation.
This method is an important option for women who cannot achieve pregnancy with their own eggs and allows many couples to fulfill their wish to have a child.
In which cases is IVF with egg donation recommended?
This treatment may be recommended in cases such as:
- low ovarian reserve, where the number or quality of eggs is reduced
- premature ovarian insufficiency, when the ovaries stop functioning earlier than normal
- multiple failed IVF attempts
- genetic disorders, when there is a risk of passing on hereditary conditions
- older women, where egg quality has declined significantly
The choice of the appropriate treatment is always made after evaluation of the medical history and fertility tests, so that the solution offering the best chances of success for each couple can be proposed.
How is IVF with donor eggs performed (“Fresh Donation Cycle”)?
In IVF with donor eggs, eggs from a donor are used and fertilized in the laboratory with the partner’s sperm or donor sperm. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus of the woman who wishes to carry the pregnancy.
The procedure includes certain basic stages:
- Selection of an egg donor, who has previously undergone medical and genetic screening.
- Collection of the donor’s eggs and their fertilization in the embryology laboratory.
- Preparation of the recipient’s uterus with hormonal treatment so that it is suitable for implantation.
- Embryo transfer, during which one or more embryos are placed in the uterus.
After embryo transfer, a blood test is performed to measure beta-hCG approximately 10–14 days later in order to confirm pregnancy.
Frozen Egg Donation Cycle (Frozen Embryo Transfer)
Today, the most common option in egg donation is the frozen cycle. In this case, the eggs are fertilized and the resulting embryos are frozen at the first stage.
Embryo transfer takes place at a later time, after the woman has completed hormonal preparation of the endometrium.
This method offers greater flexibility in scheduling, reduces the need to synchronize donor and recipient, and is widely used when the eggs come from European egg banks.
Fresh vs Frozen cycle: What is the difference?
In the fresh cycle, egg retrieval from the donor and embryo transfer to the recipient take place within the same time window, requiring synchronization of the two women.
In the frozen cycle, embryos are created and kept frozen, while the transfer takes place in a separate cycle.
Today, the success rates of the two methods are comparable, with the frozen cycle being increasingly preferred because of the flexibility it offers.
How is an egg donor selected?
The selection of an egg donor is carried out using strict medical and scientific criteria. Donors are usually young women who undergo full medical, gynecological, and genetic screening in order to ensure good health and egg quality.
During the evaluation process, factors such as the following are examined:
- medical and family history
- general health status
- genetic and infectious disease screening
Egg banks and legal framework
Many women in Greece today choose eggs from certified European egg banks, which offer an extensive donor network and strict screening protocols.
The eggs are shipped frozen to the embryology laboratory, where they are fertilized and the embryos are prepared for transfer.
According to the current Greek legal framework (Law 3305/2005), egg donation is anonymous and altruistic, and is governed by strict rules that ensure the protection of both the donor and the couple.
The Process
Egg donation using the frozen cycle method. A step-by-step guide.
Selection of an egg donor
The donor is selected after she has completed the necessary medical and genetic screening.
Egg retrieval and fertilization
The eggs are retrieved from the donor and fertilized in the embryology laboratory.
Embryo Freezing (Frozen Embryo Transfer)
The embryos created are frozen so that the embryo transfer can take place at a later date.
Preparation of the uterus and embryo transfer
The recipient undergoes hormone therapy to prepare the endometrium, and embryo transfer is then performed.
Pregnancy test
About 10–14 days after embryo transfer, a beta-hCG test is performed to confirm pregnancy.
Success rates of IVF with donor eggs
IVF with donor eggs usually has high success rates, mainly because the eggs come from young and healthy donors.
Success rates are influenced by various factors, such as the quality of the eggs and embryos, the health of the recipient’s uterus, and the overall health of the couple.
In many cases, the use of donor eggs can significantly increase the chances of achieving pregnancy, especially when previous attempts with the woman’s own eggs were unsuccessful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The process usually takes a few weeks, as time is needed to select a donor and prepare the recipient’s uterus before embryo transfer.
Yes. Before embryo transfer, the woman receives hormonal treatment so that the endometrium is prepared and the appropriate conditions are created for embryo implantation.
Egg donation is carried out under strict medical and legal protocols. Donors undergo extensive medical and genetic screening to ensure the safety of the process.
In most cases, one embryo is transferred in order to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy. The final decision is made by the physician in collaboration with the couple, depending on the characteristics of each case.
Yes. IVF with donor eggs is often recommended for couples who have had repeated unsuccessful attempts with their own eggs, especially when there is reduced egg quality.
The cost may vary depending on the clinic, the donor selection process, and any additional tests that may be needed. The exact estimate is usually provided after medical evaluation.
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