Egg sharing & reciprocal IVF

In this blog, we’ll dive into what egg sharing and reciprocal IVF entail, who they’re for, the costs, and success rates. With Apricity’s cutting-edge technology and at-home services, we’ll also explore how these processes are made simpler and more accessible.

What is Egg Sharing?

Egg sharing is an option of fertility treatment where a woman undergoing IVF or egg freezing donates half of her eggs to another individual or couple in exchange for free or discounted IVF treatment. This creates a mutually beneficial arrangement—allowing the donor (egg sharer) to reduce treatment costs while helping others on their path to parenthood.

The egg sharing process follows these steps:

1. Ovarian stimulation: the egg sharer undergoes a course of hormone injections to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs.

2. Egg retrieval: once the eggs are ready and mature, they are collected during a procedure known as egg collection.

3. Sharing the eggs: the retrieved eggs are divided between the donor and recipient/egg bank on the same day.

4. Fertilisation or freezing: shortly after the retrieval, the eggs are fertilised in the lab or frozen, depending on the egg sharer’s and recipient’s needs. The embryos resulting from fertilised eggs can be transferred to the womb or frozen for a subsequent frozen embryo transfer (FET). If eggs were frozen, they can be later warmed and fertilised. 

This process allows women to help others achieve their dream of having children while also benefiting from significant financial savings. Learn more about egg sharing and how Apricity can support you throughout the journey.

What is reciprocal IVF?

Reciprocal IVF, often referred to as shared motherhood, is a popular option for same-sex female couples where one partner provides the eggs, and the other undergoes embryo transfer and carries the pregnancy. It’s a beautiful way for both partners to play a role in creating and nurturing the pregnancy.

The reciprocal IVF process works similarly to traditional IVF but with a key difference:

1. Egg retrieval: one partner undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, just like in a standard IVF cycle.

2. Fertilisation: the retrieved eggs are fertilised with donor sperm in the lab to create embryos.

3. Embryo transfer: the fertilised embryo of suitable quality is transferred to the uterus of the other partner, who will carry the pregnancy. If there are remaining surplus embryos, they are frozen and stored for subsequent FET. 

Reciprocal IVF offers a way for same-sex couples to share the parenting experience. Apricity offers specialised support for couples pursuing this route, and our app makes it easy to stay on track with your treatment plan. Visit our reciprocal IVF page for more details.

Who is egg sharing and reciprocal IVF for?

Egg sharing is ideal for women who:

• Are undergoing IVF and wish to reduce their treatment costs

• Meet the medical requirements for egg donation, which typically include being under 35, having a good ovarian reserve, and being in good health

• Want to help others achieve their dream of having children

Reciprocal IVF is a great option for same-sex female couples who:

• Want to share in the experience of creating a child together

• Prefer a method where both partners are involved—one providing the eggs and the other carrying the pregnancy

• Are using donor sperm to create embryos

At Apricity, we support a wide range of family-building journeys, offering personalised treatment plans to suit your specific needs. Visit our treatments page to learn more.

What are the costs of egg sharing and reciprocal IVF?

Egg sharing is one of the most cost-effective ways to undergo IVF. By sharing half of your eggs, you could receive free or significantly reduced treatment costs. The exact discount will depend on your clinic and the number of eggs donated, but with Apricity, we work to make the process as affordable for you as possible.

Reciprocal IVF typically follows the pricing structure of a traditional IVF treatment with the added cost of using donor sperm. At Apricity, we offer transparent pricing and flexible payment plans to suit different needs, making it easier for you to focus on your journey without financial stress.

Learn more about our IVF treatment packages to explore the various options available.

Success rates for egg sharing and reciprocal IVF

The success rates for both egg sharing and reciprocal IVF depend on factors such as the age and health of the egg sharer or the partner undergoing egg retrieval, as well as the quality of the sperm used in fertilisation. 

According to data from the HFEA’s Fertility Treatment 2022: preliminary trends and figures report, the IVF live birth rates using fresh embryos across different age groups were as follows:

• Age 18-34: 33% live birth rate 

• Age 35-37: 25% live birth rate

• Age 38-39: 17% live birth rate

• Age 40-42: 10% live birth rate

• Age 43-50: 4% live birth rate

Success rates for donor egg IVF are comparable to success rates for own egg IVF for women under 35. Egg donation success rates for women over 40 years old more than double the chances of a live birth (4-12% success rate with own eggs, vs. 30-34% with donor eggs). When a woman is 43 or older, the chances of IVF success with donor eggs are over 7 times higher than when using own eggs. 

At Apricity, we are proud to have success rates that exceed the national average, thanks to our AI-powered algorithms and highly personalised treatment plans. Our mobile app provides real-time updates and reminders, helping you stay on top of your fertility treatment at every step.

Benefits of egg sharing and reciprocal IVF with Apricity

Choosing to pursue egg sharing or reciprocal IVF with Apricity comes with a range of benefits:

1. Convenience and flexibilityWith Apricity, many parts of your fertility treatment can be completed from the comfort of your home. Our mobile app allows you to schedule at-home tests, communicate with your fertility advisor, and manage your treatment plan with ease.

2. 24/7 supportOur app offers 24/7 access to a dedicated fertility advisor, ensuring you have expert guidance whenever you need it. You’ll also receive personalised reminders to ensure you never miss a medication or appointment.

3. Ethical and regulatedWe follow strict guidelines set by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), ensuring that your treatment is safe, ethical, and transparent. You will receive comprehensive counselling and legal advice to help you make informed decisions about egg sharing and reciprocal IVF.

Explore how Apricity can support your family-building journey through egg sharing or reciprocal IVF.

Conclusion

Both egg sharing and reciprocal IVF offer empowering options for individuals and couples looking to build their families. With Apricity’s innovative approach to fertility treatment—combining at-home services, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional care—you can embark on your fertility journey with confidence.

If you’re considering egg sharing or reciprocal IVF, let Apricity guide you every step of the way. For more information, visit our egg sharing treatment page or reach out to one of our fertility advisors today.

References

1. https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/publications/research-and-data/fertility-treatment-2022-preliminary-trends-and-figures/