Is donor egg IVF right for you? Understanding the journey

For many people, the journey to parenthood isn’t always straightforward and can come with emotional ups and downs. But you’re not alone –support is available to help you feel informed and cared for along the way.

If you’ve been exploring fertility treatments and are considering treatments using a donor, like in vitro fertilisation (IVF), it’s natural to have questions and concerns. This guide offers a clear overview of donor egg IVF to help you decide if it’s the right option for your fertility journey.

Who might consider donor egg IVF?

Donor egg IVF may be a good option for women who have a reduced number or quality of eggs, including those who have experienced early menopause (where your periods have completely stopped before the age of 45). 

You might also benefit from donor egg IVF if you: 

• Have a genetic condition and want to stop it from being passed down to your child
• Are a woman over 40, as you may have a lower ovarian reserve (number of eggs in your ovaries) and reduced egg quality or may have had previous multiple unsuccessful treatments with your own eggs 
• Have had cancer treatment that’s affected your fertility

At Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, our experienced team provides personalised care to help you explore your options and find the most suitable path forward.

Understanding the donor egg IVF process

The donor egg IVF process shares many similarities with traditional IVF, with the key difference being the use of donated eggs. Knowing what to expect can ensure you feel fully informed and confident. 

Donor selection

You’ll be supported in choosing a donor based on characteristics that are important to you. 

All donors go through rigorous health, genetic and infectious disease screening to help ensure they are in good health. This thorough process is designed to reduce the risk of passing on genetic conditions or transmissible infections.

Cycle preparation

If you’re using fresh eggs, your cycle may be aligned with the donor’s to help prepare for egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Medication might be recommended to gently support this process by helping the lining of your womb become ready for embryo implantation.

Egg retrieval and fertilisation

The donor takes part in a short procedure to retrieve the eggs, which are then fertilised with sperm, either from your partner or a chosen sperm donor.

Embryo transfer

The resulting embryos are carefully left to develop for a few days before one or more are transferred into your womb.

Pregnancy test

About two weeks after the embryo transfer, you’ll take a pregnancy test to find out whether the treatment has been successful.

If you choose to use frozen donor eggs, the process can be a little more flexible. This approach avoids the need to synchronise cycles and may shorten the overall treatment timeline.

Success rates of donor egg IVF

Donor egg IVF often offers improved success rates compared to traditional IVF, particularly for women over 40 or those facing certain medical conditions. While results can vary from person to person, research has shown a clear difference in outcomes. 

For example, between 2018 and 2019, IVF birth rates for patients aged 43 to 50 increased from just 5% when using their eggs to over 30% when using donor eggs. This difference highlights the potential benefits donor eggs can offer in supporting a successful pregnancy.

It’s essential to speak with a fertility specialist to understand your chances of success with donor egg IVF.

Emotional considerations

Choosing to use donor eggs is a very personal decision, and it’s natural to experience a mix of emotions along the way. 

Some people feel a sense of loss as they come to terms with the idea of not having a genetic connection to their child. Others may feel uncertain about how they will bond with their baby or how their choice might be perceived. At the same time, many find comfort and renewed hope in the possibility of becoming a parent through this route. All of these emotions, whatever they may be, are completely valid and deserve space to be acknowledged and understood.

Support is available to help you navigate this part of the journey. Speaking with a counsellor can provide reassurance and guidance, helping you work through your feelings and move forward with confidence and care. Navigating feelings of loss or uncertainty about using donor eggs is completely normal, and the support from counsellors or a compassionate fertility clinic can make a world of difference.

Financial implications of donor egg IVF

The cost of donor egg IVF can vary depending on several factors, including the clinic, whether fresh or frozen eggs are used, and any additional services required. On average, the cost in the UK ranges from £4,500 to £12,000 per cycle.

At Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, we understand that the financial aspect of fertility treatment is a significant consideration, so we provide our pricing upfront. 

To help make treatment more accessible, we offer a range of options:

• Fixed price treatment packages – our packages include all necessary procedures and support services, providing clarity on costs from the outset. 

• Finance solutions – we partner with third-party providers to offer flexible payment plans, allowing you to spread the cost of treatment over time. 

• Egg and sperm sharing programmes – eligible individuals can significantly reduce the cost of their treatment by participating in our sharing programmes, which also help others on their fertility journey. 

It’s important to consider all potential expenses, including medication, donor compensation and any additional procedures. Our team is here to guide you through the financial options available and help you find a plan that suits your needs.

Is donor egg IVF right for you?

Choosing donor egg IVF is a significant and often emotional decision, and it’s completely natural to take time to consider whether it feels right for you. You might be thinking about your current fertility health, how you feel about using donor eggs or what the financial side of treatment may include.

Whatever your thoughts or concerns, you don’t have to navigate them alone. Our team will take the time to understand your situation and provide clear, compassionate guidance to help you make the decision that’s right for you.

Take the next step with Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic

If you’re exploring the idea of donor egg IVF and want to find out more, you’re very welcome to book a free Discovery call with our team. We’ll take the time to understand your situation, share information that’s tailored to you and answer any questions you may have.

Book your Discovery call today and begin your donor egg IVF journey.