Several groups can benefit from using donor eggs in assisted reproduction. Broadly, they can be categorized into three main groups:
Individuals with poor egg quality or low ovarian reserve: Women who struggle to conceive with their own eggs—often due to advanced maternal age, early menopause, or prior failed IVF cycles—may turn to donor eggs to improve their chances of a successful pregnancy.
Those seeking to reduce genetic risks: Couples or individuals who carry known genetic disorders may choose donor eggs to prevent the transmission of hereditary conditions to their child.
Men pursuing surrogacy: Single men or male same-sex couples often rely on donor eggs, fertilized with their sperm, and use a gestational carrier to achieve biological parenthood.
In all cases, donor eggs provide a safe and effective path to conception, offering higher success rates and healthy pregnancy outcomes.
Most donor egg recipients are diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve, meaning their egg quantity or quality is too low for successful conception. Some women may still produce eggs, but the embryos created may not develop properly due to poor egg quality. Although donor egg IVF is often linked to advanced maternal age, nearly half of all recipients are under 40, showing that age is not the only determining factor. In the United States, less than half of recipients attempt a second IVF cycle using their own eggs before transitioning to donor eggs. Deciding when to make this shift is often emotionally challenging and deeply personal, requiring thoughtful reflection and readiness. However, most who pursue donor egg IVF later report satisfaction with their choice, appreciating the opportunity it provided to achieve a successful pregnancy when other methods had failed.
Most donor egg recipients are diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve, meaning their egg quantity or quality is too low for successful conception. Some women may still produce eggs, but the embryos created may not develop properly due to poor egg quality. Although donor egg IVF is often linked to advanced maternal age, nearly half of all recipients are under 40, showing that age is not the only determining factor. In the United States, less than half of recipients attempt a second IVF cycle using their own eggs before transitioning to donor eggs. Deciding when to make this shift is often emotionally challenging and deeply personal, requiring thoughtful reflection and readiness. However, most who pursue donor egg IVF later report satisfaction with their choice, appreciating the opportunity it provided to achieve a successful pregnancy when other methods had failed.
Men who wish to become parents through surrogacy typically require the use of donor eggs, as they do not produce eggs themselves. The eggs are fertilized with the intended father’s sperm and then transferred to a gestational carrier to carry the pregnancy. This process allows single men or male same-sex couples to achieve biological parenthood while utilizing a surrogate. Successfully navigating surrogacy with donor eggs involves careful coordination of egg donor selection, fertilization protocols, and legal agreements between all parties. Costs, timelines, and medical considerations vary depending on the clinic, donor availability, and the surrogate’s readiness. Intended fathers must also address emotional and logistical aspects, including counseling, medical appointments, and travel for procedures if necessary. Comprehensive guidance ensures that men pursuing this path understand each step, maximize success rates, and feel confident throughout the surrogacy and donor egg process.
While IVF with donor eggs is highly effective, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Some prospective parents experience genuine concerns about bonding with or relating to a child conceived from donor eggs. Experts often consider these feelings an important signal to pause before proceeding. In many regions, candidates are required to consult a mental health professional to explore such emotional and psychological factors.
Age restrictions also play a role. Many clinics and regulatory bodies set upper limits—often between 50–55 years—for embryo transfer using donor eggs. These limits aim to reduce pregnancy complications like hypertension or diabetes, ensure safer delivery outcomes, and consider the long-term welfare of the child.
For individuals or couples who have faced repeated IVF challenges, questions about connection, resemblance, or parental identity are common. Addressing these concerns with a qualified professional helps ensure that the decision to use donor eggs is thoughtful, informed, and emotionally prepared.
Our job is to listen, to connect the dots between your needs, and to determine how we can best help you have your baby. If you’re asking how much does it cost for a surrogate, we’ll walk you through every step of the process to ensure there are no surprises.
To make an appointment with one of our counselors or physicians, please call (212) 661-7673 or email info@surrogacy4all.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Surrogacy4All is a unique international surrogacy service targeted at providing state of the art IVF and surrogacy services to Intended Parents irrespective of age, sex or color, at the lowest possible cost in the world.
Secret Guide to Minimizing Surrogacy Costs
All Rights Reserved to Surrogacy4all