The decision to use donor eggs is one that many people reach after a great deal of thought. It may come following a diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, or repeated unsuccessful IVF cycles, or it may be the right choice from the outset for other medical reasons. Whatever has brought you to this point, our team at Genus Fertility is here to support you with expertise, sensitivity and care.
The decision to use donor eggs is one that many people reach after a great deal of thought. It may come following a diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, or repeated unsuccessful IVF cycles, or it may be the right choice from the outset for other medical reasons. Whatever has brought you to this point, our team at Genus Fertility is here to support you with expertise, sensitivity and care.
Donor egg treatment, sometimes referred to as egg donation or oocyte donation, involves using eggs from a screened and consented donor to create embryos in our laboratory. The resulting embryo is then transferred into your uterus.
All egg donors used at Genus Fertility are recruited either at Genus Fertility or through HFEA-licensed donor banks and undergo comprehensive screening, including medical and genetic assessments, before their eggs are made available. In the UK, egg donation is altruistic and anonymous at the point of treatment, although any child born as a result has the right to access identifying information about the donor when they reach the age of 18.
Our team will walk you through the medical, practical, legal and emotional aspects of donor egg treatment before you begin, ensuring you feel informed and genuinely supported at every stage.
Donor egg treatment may be appropriate for you if:
If you intend to carry the pregnancy, a thorough assessment, including a uterine evaluation and discussion of your full medical history, will be carried out prior treatment to ensure that your uterus is ready to support a pregnancy and that this is the right pathway for you.
Will I be genetically related to my child?
A child born through donor egg treatment will not share your DNA, as the egg comes from the donor. However, your partner’s sperm, if used, will contribute half of the child’s genetic make-up. The pregnancy itself develops within your body.
Is egg donation anonymous in the UK?
Egg donation in the UK is not fully anonymous. Donors are identifiable, which means that any person born as a result of the donation has the right to request identifying information about the donor, including name and last known address, once they turn 18. At the time of treatment, however, donor identity is not disclosed to recipients, and recipient identity is not disclosed to donors. Your counsellor will explain the full implications of this framework before treatment begins.
How are egg donors screened?
All egg donors used at Genus Fertility are recruited either at Genus Fertility or through HFEA-licensed donor banks and undergo rigorous screening. This includes a full medical and gynaecological assessment, ovarian reserve testing, infectious disease screening and genetic carrier testing. Donors must meet strict eligibility criteria and must be of a suitable age. Our team can provide more detailed information about the specific screening requirements at your consultation.
How long does donor egg treatment take?
The overall timeline depends on donor availability and your individual cycle preparation. Once a suitable donor is identified, endometrial preparation typically takes three to four weeks before an embryo transfer can take place. In some cases, frozen donor eggs are available immediately through our partner banks, which can shorten the waiting period. Your consultant will discuss realistic timelines with you at your initial appointment.
What are my chances of success with donor eggs?
Donor egg treatment generally yields higher success rates than IVF using your own eggs, particularly for patients with diminished ovarian reserve or those who are older. Success rates depend on several factors, including the quality of the donor eggs and sperm, your uterine health, and other individual clinical factors. We will discuss your personal prognosis with you in detail, based on your specific circumstances.
Can I use a known egg donor?
Yes, it is possible to use a known donor, such as a friend or relative. This is referred to as known donation. Both you and your donor will need to undergo the required screening and counselling before treatment can proceed, and there are specific regulatory steps that must be followed. Our team will talk you through the full process if directed donation is something you wish to explore.