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Donor eggs offer the possibility of childbearing to women whose ovaries are absent or do not produce enough eggs to reliably perform IVF. Donor egg is basically IVF between two people, the donor and the recipient. The donor is stimulated for IVF. The eggs are retrieved, fertilized by the recipients partner, and transferred into the recipients uterus after it has been hormonally synchronized to match the embryos stage of development.

When Are Donor Eggs Recommended?

As our population ages, donor eggs are being used with increasing frequency. In 1995, 4783 cycles were performed with a 35.5% pregnancy rate. Donor eggs are recommended for patients with premature ovarian failure, absent ovaries, or those with diminished ovarian reserve and poor response to fertility drugs. This can be seen in women with advanced Endometriosis or severe pelvic adhesions. In addition, embryo quality diminishes with advancing age, making donor egg the treatment of choice for many patients over the age of 40. Ovarian reserve is assessed by measuring a day 3 FSH and Estradiol level. A Serophene challenge can also be used. For a more complete discussion, please see your physician.