Who Is a Candidate for Donor Egg IVF?

Donor Egg IVF can be a possible option for couples that have struggled with traditional IVF or are over 40 years old and trying to conceive.  A woman’s egg quality is one of the most important predictors of outcome for fertility treatment, and egg quality normally declines as a woman ages. Regrettably, there is no therapy or medication that will change poor-quality eggs. When there is a diagnosis of significantly decreased egg quantity or quality, IVF using donor eggs may be advised.  Using donor eggs greatly improves the chances of pregnancy in women who cannot become pregnant with their own eggs.

There are a number of situations/indications when Donor Egg IVF could be considered:

1.) Premature Ovarian Failure due to:

• Autoimmune disorder
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Genetic causes
• Environmental causes
• Unknown cause

2.) Diminished Ovarian Reserve

3.) Carrying a genetic mutation

4.) Natural menopause or surgical menopause

The quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs definitely impacts her ability to become pregnant and to maintain a full-term pregnancy.  Age is one of the top components in women’s fertility. The natural process known as diminished ovarian reserve is the main reason pregnancy rates decline with age. According to the American Fertility Association, female fertility peaks around age 25 and soon after, it begins to decline at around age 27.  By age 35, most women have a considerable decrease in the number of quality eggs, which directly impacts the chances of becoming pregnant with their own eggs.

When using donor eggs, the mother shares a biological connection with her child (pregnancy, delivery, breast-feeding), but not a genetic relationship (the DNA comes from the egg donor). While few women start their fertility journey expecting to use donor eggs, before the availability of Donor Egg IVF, most infertility patients facing the diagnosis of decreased egg quality were told that their only option was to adopt. Of course, adoption is a wonderful and loving choice today, but in the years since the beginning of Donor Egg IVF, adoption is not the only option.

Donor Egg IVF opens up additional possibilities and a renewed hope for women who have been unable to conceive.  It allows many women who could not become pregnant with their own eggs to become pregnant fairly easily, using fresh or frozen donor eggs.

At the Center of Reproductive Medicine, we have a complete donor program with a very high success rate for helping couples achieve conception and full-term pregnancy. Our fertility specialists and professional staff are dedicated to providing compassionate guidance for families that want to grow.  We strive to empower each family with the knowledge needed to choose the best fertility options available to them, and we will make every attempt to match you with one of our quality donor egg selections.  Please visit our Egg Donor Profiles page to view an online database of registered egg donors.

For information regarding infertility treatment and support in the greater Houston area, be sure to contact the Center of Reproductive Medicine at (281) 332-0073. The knowledgeable and friendly staff will answer your questions and provide the guidance you need.  Our goal is to provide a positive and nurturing experience for all patients.