Physician-led perspective on fertility, reproductive health, and family building.
For most women with poor ovarian reserve, accepting the diagnosis and using an egg donor is a difficult decision. It takes a few months to decide what type of egg donation is better suited for each couple. Each option has advantages and disadvantages that we have summarized below to guide your during your selection process.
Known ED
Frozen Donor Eggs
Fresh Anonymous ED
Someone known or relative
Less costly
Tested for genetics*
Tested for infections
Anonymous
Adult pictures available
Egg Banks
Tested for genetics*
Tested for infections
Cost sharing; couples share the eggs from that ED cycle.
Anonymous
Adult pictures available
ED Agency
Tested for genetics*
Tested for infections
No cost sharing; more expensive
Donor undergoes IVF with CRE
All eggs fertilized with husband’s sperm
You carry the baby
IVF is already done, may be faster.
Typically only 6 eggs
Because 1/3 eggs are normal, may not be ideal for > 1 child.
A transfer with 1 good blastocyst guaranteed.
Donor undergoes IVF with CRE
All eggs are yours
Better if more than one child wanted
Extra embryos frozen in case does not work on 1rst transfer.
* Genetic testing refers to taking blood from the ED and testing for any genetic conditions she may be carrying. Embryos made with young egg donors do not require and may do better without embryo
genetic testing.
