Not all couples are able to use their own gametes (eggs or sperm) for reproduction. Fortunately, the use of donor egg, donor sperm, or donor embryos offers an option for patients to still build their families. The decision to use donor gametes is an extremely personal one, which may evoke a myriad of thoughts and emotions in patients. Our team is here to help guide you through these complex options and make the experience a memorable one.

Donor Egg (oocytes):

Donor egg involves a women undergoing IVF using another woman’s eggs. This option is commonly used by women unable to use their own eggs for conception but still desire and can carry a pregnancy in their uterus. Common reasons for not being able to use your own eggs includes decreased ovarian function due to age, primary ovarian insufficiency (formerly referred to as ‘premature ovarian failure’), or genetic abnormalities. In many cases, donor egg may offer a higher chance or the only of success when compared to use of a woman’s own eggs. The CRM primarily uses Donor Egg Bank USA or World Egg Bank.

Donor Sperm:

For couples with sperm issues, same sex couples, or single women the use of donor sperm is an effective reproductive option. Donor sperm can be used with IUI or IVF treatments.

Donor Embryos:

In some situations, patients may elect to use a donor embryo. With the advancements in IVF success patients are getting pregnant using fewer embryos. This creates a surplus of embryos which are cryopreserved. After completing their family size, it is common for couples’ to donate their embryos for research or to other infertile couples for use. While the child is not genetically the same as the intended parents, women still can have the experience of pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

Reciprocal IVF:

Commonly also referred to as ‘co-maternity’, reciprocal IVF is an option for lesbian couples. With this treatment option, one partner (A) undergoes IVF to retrieve eggs. Embryos are created and transferred back into the uterus of the other partner (B). The child is genetically related to partner A and partner B is biologically connected to the child through the pregnancy.