IVF with donated eggs

IVF with donated eggs is an advanced fertility treatment offering hope to many couples. Discover how it works, who it benefits, and what to expect on your journey toward parenthood.

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What is IVF with donated eggs?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) with donated eggs is a fertility treatment where eggs from a donor are fertilized with sperm in a lab, outside the body. The embryos from these fertilized eggs are then transferred to the mother's uterus, where they can develop into a pregnancy. This advanced reproductive technology brings hope to individuals and couples struggling with infertility due to factors like advanced maternal age, poor egg quality, or genetic conditions.

IVF with donated eggs gives individuals and couples the chance to have a biological child using eggs from a healthy, thoroughly screened donor. The process starts with stimulating the donor’s ovaries with medication, which helps produce multiple high-quality eggs for fertilization. Most of the time the oocytes are frozen and stored in the donated egg bank from which frozen oocytes are imported to our clinic.

At the same time, we prepare the recipient’s uterus to accept the embryos. At our clinic, we provide full support and guidance throughout the IVF journey, ensuring you receive the highest quality care and the best possible outcome. We are here to help you every step of the way, making the process as smooth and hopeful as possible.

 

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Who should consider IVF with donated eggs?

IVF with donated eggs is an excellent option for individuals and couples facing various fertility challenges. This advanced reproductive technique can help those who may have an issue with:

Advanced maternal age

Women over the age of 40 often have a decreased quantity and quality of eggs, making natural conception difficult. Donor eggs can significantly increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Poor egg quality

Regardless of age, some women may have eggs that are not viable for fertilization due to various medical conditions or unknown reasons. Using donor eggs from a healthy, screened donor can help overcome this obstacle.

Genetic disorders

Women with genetic disorders that could be passed on to their children may opt for donor eggs to ensure their child does not inherit these conditions. This provides peace of mind and a healthier start for their baby.

Premature ovarian failure (POF)

Women with POF, where the ovaries stop functioning before the age of 40, may still carry a pregnancy with the help of donated eggs.

Repeated miscarriages

Women who have suffered multiple miscarriages may benefit from using donor eggs. Sometimes, recurrent pregnancy loss is due to issues with egg quality, and using healthy donor eggs can increase the chances of a successful and sustained pregnancy.

Cancer treatments

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can adversely affect egg quality and quantity. Using donor eggs can help cancer survivors achieve their dream of having a family.

Unexplained infertility

In some cases, the cause of infertility remains unknown despite thorough testing. Donor eggs can offer a new avenue for achieving pregnancy when other treatments have not been successful.

How does  IVF with donated eggs work?

Initial consultation and necessary examinations

choosing a donor and donor matching

collecting donor eggs from the donor egg bank

thawing the oocytes and collecting the partner sperm or using the donor sperm

in vitro fertilization and embryo culture

embryo transfer

luteal phase support

pregnancy test

Your yourney through
infertility treatment

Steps of the IVF procedure with vitrified (cryopreserved) donated oocytes

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Preparatory phase: Initial consultation and necessary examinations

This phase involves explaining the egg (oocyte) donation process, providing counselling, and conducting diagnostics.
To ensure the health of our patients and the child, the intended parents will undergo a series of tests. These tests include routine gynaecological exams, blood tests, swabs, and other necessary tests for both partners.
Based on consultations with our experts and the results of initial examinations, our specialists will recommend specific methods suitable for you and develop your comprehensive treatment plan.

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Choosing a donor and donor matching

At the Gynera Fertility Clinic, we use frozen donated oocytes, imported from an international egg bank.
All donors undergo thorough medical, genetic, and psychological screening to ensure suitability.

The donor will also undergo several specialized examinations and tests and will be proposed and chosen based on the patient's profile.
The Gynera Fertility Clinic can help you to: find the donor, prepare the documentation, obtain import/ export authorizations for reproductive cells or embryos transferred internationally, organize the special transport (special transport in liquid nitrogen, with a specialized attendant), and store the biological samples used in preparing for the IVF procedure.

The requesting couple fills-in and sends to the oocyte bank a questionnaire that includes their own genetic characteristics (skin, eye and hair colour, height, blood type}. At the request of the couple, the egg bank specialist finds a donor with the most genetically suitable profile for the receiving couple in the database. The donation is anonymous. Excepting features relevant for donation (race, blood group, height, colour of skin, eyes and hair), the personal and medical data of the donors remain confidential.

Filing application - To the National Transplant Agency and obtaining the import authorization
Psychological counselling - To ensure you are mentally prepared for the donation program
Transport of frozen oocytes - To the Gynera Fertility Clinic by an authorized carrier
Consent for cryopreservation / storage of oocytes - At the Gynera Oocyte Bank
Consultation with the IVF specialist - To develop the treatment plan and start the IVF procedure

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Thawing the donor eggs and collecting the partner sperm/ or using donor sperm

Your doctor will design a treatment plan to synchronize your menstrual cycle with the time for thawing the donor oocytes, ensuring that you are ready for the embryo transfer at the appropriate time.

On the day of egg thawing, your partner will visit the clinic for sperm retrieval, or alternatively, we can use his previously frozen sperm for fertilization, or a sample of donor sperm.

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Embryo transfer

The conclusion of each IVF treatment with donated eggs is embryo transfer.

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Pregnancy test

Two weeks after embryo transfer, you can teda a pregnancy test. Pregnancy confirmation will then be conducted at the Gynera Clinic through blood tests and ultrasound examinations.

How are the egg donors screened?

We understand that embarking on your IVF journey can feel overwhelming, and we're here to support you every step of the way. One of the critical aspects of IVF with donated eggs is ensuring the highest quality and safety of the eggs used in the process. 

Here's how our partners from the oocyte international bank achieve that:

Comprehensive Donor Screening

Medical Screening

The egg donors undergo thorough medical tests to ensure they are in excellent health. Testing includes:

  • A complete blood count

  • Blood type and Rh compatibility check.

  • Blood tests for infectious diseases like STIs, HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis

  • Genetic tests for inherited conditions, such as spinal muscular atrophy and cystic fibrosis

  • Urine tests to screen for drug use and STDs, like active gonorrhea and chlamydia

Genetic Counseling and Screening

The genetic counsellor meets with each potential donor to discuss their family medical history, ethnic background, and any hereditary traits. This helps to understand the genetic profile in detail, providing as much information as possible.

Genetic Carrier Screening

Genetic carrier screening, used in some cases, helps identify donors who might carry genes for severe childhood-onset genetic disorders. 


Psychological Screening

This ensures that all our donors are mentally prepared for the donation process. The psychological screening confirms that donors fully understand the journey ahead and have the emotional support they need.

By following these rigorous screening processes, we aim to give you peace of mind and the best possible chances for a successful and healthy pregnancy. Your dream of parenthood is our top priority, and we are here to provide you with the care and support you deserve.

 

 

What happens before starting IVF with donated eggs?

We understand that every patient is unique, and finding the right treatment for you is our priority. Here’s how we ensure a personalized and effective approach:

Personalized Diagnosis

Tailored to Your Needs

To determine the best treatment for you, we start with a personalized diagnosis. By thoroughly understanding your medical history, we can choose the method that offers the highest chance of successful fertilization.

Assessing Women and Men

Before starting IVF with donated eggs, we carefully assess both women and men. This assessment helps us understand your specific needs and tailor the treatment accordingly. We distinguish between local and foreign patients to determine which tests are required and which ones can be done based on your diagnosis.

Female Partner

  • Blood tests: Blood group, Rh, complete blood count, blood glucose, urea, creatinine 
  • Coagulation: Fibrinogen, APTT 
  • Serology: HIV, VDRL / TPHA, HCV Ac, HBsAg, HBcAc 
  • Hormones: TSH, fT4, prolactin 
  • Immunology: lgG CMV, rubella, varicella, toxoplasma, herpes 
  • Genital secretions: Pap test, cervical culture 
  • Ultrasound scan – Gynaecological with infertility specialist 
  • Ultrasound scan - Breast

Male Partner

  • Blood tests: Blood group, Rh, complete blood count 
  • Serology: HIV, VDRUTPHA, HCV Ac, HBsAg, HBcAc 
  • Semen analysis: Spermogram and semen culture 
     

Both partners

  • Psychological counselling for the couple * - at least one session (* available in the clinic)

Comprehensive Support

Counselling Services We know that navigating fertility treatments may be emotionally challenging at times. That's why we offer counselling services to provide you with the support and guidance you may need throughout your journey to parenthood.

 

Success rates of
IVF with donated eggs

Learning about the success rates of IVF with donated eggs can give you a clearer picture of what to expect on your fertility journey. At our clinic, we are dedicated to providing you with compassionate care and reliable information, helping you make informed decisions with confidence and hope.

Graph of cumulative frequency - Treatment success with donated eggs

1st cycle
2nd cycle
3rd cycle

FAQs about IVF with donor eggs

Everything you need to know about your journey to conceiving a baby.

From the moment of submission, the period of processing the file and performing the import is 2-3 months on average.

All pregnancies have risks, and pregnancy after 50 is no exception. Most clinics will set their own age limit cut-off for donor egg treatment in older mothers. At the Gynera Fertility Clinic, the cut-off is 50 years of age, as we want to safeguard the health of all our patients.

Egg donation treatments are distinct from IVF treatments. They do not require ovarian stimulation, medication injections, sedation, or anaesthesia. The process is painless and non-invasive, allowing you to maintain your daily habits without any disruption.

The IVF procedure with a known donor involves a known person or relative who wants to donate oocytes voluntarily and free of charge, in order to help the receiving couple.

A donor must meet certain requirements in order to be able to make a donation. The donor must agree: to an investigation, to perform all legal steps, to receive ovarian stimulation, and to allow oocyte sampling by puncture.

Given the lack of anonymous oocyte donors in Romania and the restrictions imposed by law, patients who are recommended the IVF procedure with donated oocytes can choose to perform the procedure at the Gynera Fertility Clinic, with frozen oocytes, imported from an international egg bank.

Make the most of your meals by opting for nutrient-dense, vitamin-rich, balanced meal options. Say no to alcohol and highly processed products. Instead, prioritize drinking plenty of water and enjoying a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, healthy fats, and whole grains. Your body will thank you for making these positive choices.

Oocyte banks recommend packs of 8- 10 frozen oocytes, in order to obtain 2 blastocysts (5-6 day old embryos).

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