For many individuals and couples, egg donation provides a hopeful path to parenthood when using their own eggs isn’t possible. Whether due to age, medical history, or genetic factors, using donor eggs can significantly increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

At Fertility Centers of New England (FCNE), we guide intended parents through every step of the donor egg process, from selecting a donor, to achieving pregnancy with compassion, expertise, and transparency.

This guide explores everything you need to know about using donor eggs: who it helps, how it works, what to expect, and how to make the right decision for your family.

Who Can Benefit from Donor Eggs?

Donor eggs are a valuable option for many different family-building scenarios, including:

• Diminished ovarian reserve or premature ovarian insufficiency

• Advanced maternal age, when egg quality naturally declines

• Genetic conditions that patients may not want to pass on

• Repeated IVF failure with their own eggs

• Cancer survivors whose treatment impacted fertility

• LGBTQ+ couples and single parents by choice, who may require both donor eggs and a gestational carrier

Egg donation opens new doors for people who might otherwise face limited fertility options.

How the Donor Egg Process Works

The donor egg journey at Fertility Centers of New England is carefully structured to maximize success and provide peace of mind. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Consultation & Screening

You’ll meet with a fertility specialist to review your history, discuss goals, and confirm that donor eggs are the best option.

2. Choosing a Donor

• Anonymous Donors – Most patients select from a donor database, where donors are pre-screened for medical, psychological, and genetic health.

• Known Donors – Some patients choose a relative, friend, or someone they know personally.

3. Egg Retrieval & Fertilization

• With fresh donor eggs, the donor undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, and the eggs are fertilized immediately.

• With frozen donor eggs, the eggs are thawed before fertilization.

The sperm used may come from the intended parent or a sperm donor.

4. Embryo Transfer

The resulting embryos are transferred into the intended parent’s uterus or into a gestational surrogate.

5. Pregnancy Test & Support

Two weeks after transfer, a pregnancy test is performed. Our care team supports you closely throughout early pregnancy and beyond.

Fresh vs. Frozen Donor Eggs

Both fresh and frozen donor eggs can be highly effective. Key differences include:

• Fresh Donor Eggs

  • Typically yield more eggs in a single cycle

  • May offer higher fertilization rates

  • Requires syncing cycles between donor and recipient

• Frozen Donor Eggs

  • Available immediately—no need to wait for donor cycle

  • Often lower cost

  • May provide fewer eggs per cycle

At Fertility Centers of New England, we’ll help you weigh the benefits of each option to determine the best fit.

Success Rates with Donor Eggs

One of the biggest advantages of donor eggs is the possibility of increased IVF success rates, especially for patients whose own eggs are not viable. Since donors are typically young and healthy, embryos created with donor eggs often result in:

• Higher implantation rates

• Lower miscarriage rates

• Increased live birth rates

For many families, donor eggs represent the best possible chance of achieving pregnancy.

Emotional Considerations

While the medical side of donor eggs is straightforward, the emotional journey can be complex. Some intended parents may feel grief over not having a genetic connection to their child. Others feel immediate relief knowing there is a clear path to pregnancy.

At Fertility Centers of New England, we encourage counseling and provide emotional support resources. Many patients also find comfort in joining support groups or reading success stories from other families who used donor eggs.

Legal and Ethical Protections

Egg donation at Fertility Centers of New England follows strict guidelines set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the FDA. All donors undergo medical and psychological screening. Legal contracts ensure that intended parents have full parental rights and that donors relinquish any claims.

Frequently Asked Questions About Donor Eggs

Are donor eggs safe?
Yes. Donors are thoroughly screened for infectious diseases, genetic conditions, and overall health.

Will the child look like me if I use donor eggs?
While the child will not share your genetic makeup, factors such as your partner’s genetics, your environment, and your parenting shape who your child becomes. Many parents find that the bond they create is no less strong.

How much does using donor eggs cost?
Costs vary depending on whether you use fresh or frozen eggs. At FCNE, we offer financial counseling to help families plan confidently.

Can I choose a donor who looks like me?
Yes. Many donor databases allow you to view detailed profiles, including physical characteristics, education, and interests.

Why Choose Fertility Centers of New England

Choosing to use donor eggs is a big decision, and having the right support makes all the difference. At Fertility Centers of New England, we offer:

• A wide range of donor egg options, including both fresh and frozen

• Experienced physicians and embryologists with strong success rates

• Comprehensive emotional, legal, and financial support

• Inclusive care for all families—heterosexual couples, LGBTQ+ couples, and single parents

Take the Next Step

If you’re considering using donor eggs, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Our team at Fertility Centers of New England will walk with you every step of the way, providing expert guidance and compassionate care.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward parenthood.