What is egg sharing?

In this guide, we’ll cover key aspects of egg sharing, including the egg sharing process, who it’s for, the cost, and success rates. We'll also explore the unique advantages of egg sharing with Apricity, where our advanced technology and at-home services ensure a seamless experience. For a deeper dive into the benefits, visit our egg sharing treatment page.

How does egg sharing work?

Egg sharing works by pairing a woman undergoing IVF or egg freezing with another woman or couple in need of donor eggs. As part of the IVF process, a woman undergoes ovarian stimulation which leads to having multiple eggs collected. In egg sharing, half of these eggs are donated to the recipient, while the remaining eggs are used for the donor's own treatment.

The process follows these main 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. 

With Apricity, many steps in this process can be completed from the comfort of your home, thanks to our advanced mobile app and network of at-home services. Explore our full range of IVF treatments to learn more.

Who can egg share?

Egg sharing may be an option for women who:

• Are already undergoing IVF and are producing a sufficient number of eggs to share.

• Are under a certain age (usually under 35, although clinics may vary).

• Have a good ovarian reserve, confirmed by tests, such as AMH or antral follicle count (AFC) ultrasound scan.

• Are healthy and meet the criteria set by the clinic, including having no history of genetic conditions or major health issues.

For some women, egg sharing is a way to make fertility treatment more affordable, while for others, it's a means of giving back and helping someone else have a child. Apricity’s supportive team will guide you through the process to determine if egg sharing is right for you.

How much does egg sharing cost?

One of the most attractive aspects of egg sharing is the significant reduction in the cost of IVF treatment. When you participate in egg sharing, you may be eligible for either discounted or free IVF treatment, depending on the clinic's policy. At Apricity, we strive to make fertility treatment as accessible as possible by offering flexible payment options and innovative services like freeze and share egg freezing. This allows you to preserve your fertility while sharing the joy of parenthood with others.

Learn more about freeze and share egg freezing and our other fertility services on our treatments page.

Egg sharing success rates

Success rates for egg sharing are similar to those for standard IVF, as the process involves the same techniques for ovarian stimulation, egg collection, and fertilisation. The success largely depends on factors such as the age and health of both the donor and the recipient, as well as the quality of the sperm used for fertilisation.

At Apricity, we are proud to have success rates that are above the national average. Our use of AI-powered technology and personalised treatment plans helps to ensure the best possible outcomes for both egg sharers and recipients.

Benefits of egg sharing with Apricity

Choosing egg sharing with Apricity offers several unique advantages:

1. At-home convenienceOur virtual fertility clinic allows you to complete many stages of the egg sharing process from your home. With clinical-grade tests sent to your door and scans arranged close to home, the need for clinic visits is minimal, with only two visits per cycle required.

2. Advanced technologyOur mobile app provides 24/7 access to your treatment plan, ensuring you never miss a step. You’ll also have direct communication with your dedicated fertility advisor for guidance and support throughout the process.

3. Ethical and regulatedThe egg sharing process at Apricity is fully regulated by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), ensuring that your treatment is safe, ethical, and transparent. Comprehensive counselling and legal guidance are available to help you make an informed decision.

For more information on the benefits of egg sharing, visit our dedicated page.

What are the requirements for egg sharing in the UK?

The main requirements for egg sharing in the UK are regulated by the HFEA and can vary slightly between clinics. Generally, you’ll need to:

• Be under a certain age (usually 35).

• Have no significant medical conditions or a family history of genetic disorders.

• Have a good ovarian reserve (this will be assessed during initial tests).

• Pass screening for infectious diseases and other health checks.

Additionally, you will need to undergo counselling to ensure you fully understand the emotional, legal, and practical implications of egg sharing.

Conclusion

Egg sharing is an exciting fertility treatment option that offers mutual benefits for both egg sharers (donors) and recipients. It not only helps to reduce the cost of IVF but also provides a chance to help another person or couple on their journey to parenthood. With Apricity, the process is more accessible than ever, thanks to our at-home services, cutting-edge technology, and personalised support.

If you're considering egg sharing, Apricity is here to guide you every step of the way. To learn more about the process and find out if you're eligible, visit our egg sharing treatment page or speak with one of our fertility advisors.