Egg Donation > IVF with Donor Eggs
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IVF with donor eggs

We have many years experience helping individuals and couples create families through IVF using egg donation in the UK. With excellent success rates and exceptional support.

What is IVF with donor eggs?

IVF with donor eggs is when a woman or individual undergoes an IVF cycle using the eggs from another woman, known as an egg donor. This can either be done as a fresh or frozen embryo transfer.


Undergoing many many rounds of IVF can be financially, mentally and emotionally exhausting, and coming to the decision to use donor eggs can be a difficult and painful one. At Apricity we understand this journey, and our egg donation specialists provide exceptional bespoke support.

All you need to know about IVF and egg donation

There are many different reasons why an individual or couple may need the help of an egg donor to conceive or have a baby.


In the UK, altruistic women can donate their eggs at a clinic or egg bank. These eggs are then used to create embryos that can either be used in a fresh IVF transfer or frozen for future use. Egg banks also store frozen eggs that can be used for different couples or individuals in the future.

How does IVF with donor eggs work?


1
Health Assessments

With 1:1 or fresh egg donation IVF both the intended mother (recipient) and the egg donor undergo comprehensive health assessments to ensure they are suitable for the procedure.

2
Cycle Synchronization

Once a donor and recipient have been matched, the menstrual cycles between the recipient and donor are synchronised, to ensure that the recipient parent’s body is prepared to receive the fertilised embryo.

3
Ovarian Stimulation

Following synchronisation, the donor undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs. These eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure.

4
Fertilization

The retrieved eggs are then fertilised with the intended father's sperm or a chosen sperm donor through insemination.


5
Embryo Culturing & Transfer

Once fertilisation occurs, the resulting embryos are cultured for a few days before one or more are transferred into the recipient's uterus.

6
Vitrification

Any remaining viable embryos can be frozen for future use.

7
Egg Bank Usage

When using previously frozen eggs from an egg bank, these can be thawed and embryos created in the lab.

The embryos can then be transferred in a cycle or they can be frozen for future transfers.

8
Pregnancy Test and Confirmation

You can take a home pregnancy test around two weeks after your embryo transfer. During this time, you will be supported by our clinic midwife. If your test is positive, you will be booked in for your pregnancy confirmation scan at 7 weeks of pregnancy.

Find out more about the IVF and egg donor process.

Get in touch, we're here to help

As the first organisation of its type in the UK, Apricity has set the ‘gold’ standard in terms of egg donation, which has resulted in hundreds of successful pregnancies, and families, from our amazingly kind altruistic UK donors. We are delighted to be amongst the handful of organisations that are mentioned on the HFEA website and on the NGDT website.


Book a free consultation with a fertility advisor

Who is IVF treatment with donor eggs for?

IVF with donor eggs is typically recommended for people who face specific challenges in conceiving naturally. These include:


  • Women or individuals who have been through early menopause or experienced premature ovarian failure

  • Women or individuals who have undergone chemotherapy or radiotherapy that has affected their fertility

  • Same-sex male or transgender individuals who need an egg donor and a surrogate to have a child

  • Women or individuals who have been through multiple IVF treatment cycles and been unable to conceive or have been told they are unlikely to conceive with their own eggs

  • Genetic medical history where there is a risk of passing on genetic or hereditary conditions

  • Single Women: Single women aspiring to motherhood but lacking viable eggs of their own.

ivf birth rates by age, own vs donor eggs

What are the success rates for IVF treatment with donor eggs?

The success rates for IVF with donor eggs increase as women age, in comparison with IVF treatment using their own eggs.

As women age, the quality of eggs declines, and it can be harder to conceive. Using healthy donor eggs from a younger woman can improve the success rates for older women.

According to data released in 2018 by the HFEA, for women over 40 years old, the chances of a live birth more than doubles when using an egg donor. And when the woman is over 43, the chances of IVF success are seven times higher with donor eggs than own eggs.

Women or individuals who have been through multiple IVF cycles and been unable to conceive or have been told they are unlikely to conceive with their own eggs.

At Apricity, we have an 86% clinical pregnancy success rate using donor eggs (defined as up to three embryo transfers from one cohort of donor eggs).

Common questions about donor egg IVF

How do we find egg donors?

Thanks to the fantastic generous women in the UK who donate eggs through Apricity, egg donor recipients do not need to travel abroad for treatment. We have specialised in finding and matching altruistic egg donors with recipients for many years. We recruit donors from all ethnicities, and from all over the UK.


Our specialist team takes great care in getting to know our wonderful recipients, and our donors, providing detailed information about the donor including a photograph of them up to the age of 6 and a profile written in their own words.


Our work starts with assessing and screening all potential egg donors for suitability before supporting them into an egg donation cycle and beyond on your behalf. We ensure that every donor understands exactly what is involved in donating eggs, and the level of commitment that is expected throughout the process. All of our egg donors undergo initial profiling and medical checks fully regulated by UK law.

egg donor matching process
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How long does it take to find an egg donor?

With no waiting lists, we work on finding the right donor for the right recipient. Due to our active recruitment programme we generally can find an egg donor in a matter of weeks or few months, unlike the long waiting lists at many clinics. The maximum time frame is usually within 3-4 months.


In certain circumstances when searching for an egg donor from a specific ethnic background or heritage it may take slightly longer.


There are certain factors that can impact how long it takes, such as how strict your criteria is, where she lives in the UK and the donor's own personal circumstances. Our approach is to support both the donor and the recipient throughout to ensure we get it right, for you, and most importantly for any child you may have.

Is IVF with donor eggs a viable option for women over 40?

IVF with donor eggs can be a viable option for women over 40 in the UK, as it can help overcome age-related fertility challenges. Success rates may vary based on individual health factors, so it's advisable to consult with a fertility specialist to determine the best approach for your specific situation.


How does the egg donation process work?

The

typically involves selecting a suitable egg donor, synchronising menstrual cycles, stimulating the donor's ovaries to produce multiple eggs, retrieving the eggs, and fertilising them with sperm in the laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the recipient's uterus

What will your egg donor know about you?

All Apricity egg donors are altruistic and anonymous; many are mums themselves. Choosing to donate to you (albeit anonymously) makes this a very personal egg donation.


We have found that egg donors like to know a little about the people they are helping and are interested to know why their help is needed. Quite understandably, being reassured that any child conceived through their egg donation will be wanted and loved helps them to feel a sense of commitment and purpose, and means they are less likely to change their minds about proceeding with the donation.


With your full agreement, we will give the egg donor non-identifying information about you that gives her the reassurance she might need. This might include your approximate ages, what you do, why you need her help and how long you have been trying for a baby.

What are the success rates for IVF treatment with donor eggs?

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The success rates for IVF with donor eggs increases as women age, in comparison with IVF with own eggs.
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As women age, the quality of eggs declines, and it can be harder to conceive. Using healthy donor eggs from a younger woman can improve the success rates for older women.
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According to data released in 2018 by the HFEA, for women over 40 years old, the chances of a live birth more than doubles when using an egg donor. And when the woman is over 43, the chances of IVF success are 7 times higher with donor eggs than own eggs.
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Women or individuals who have been through multiple IVF cycles and been unable to conceive or have been told they are unlikely to conceive with their own eggs
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At Apricity, we have an 86% clinical pregnancy success rate using donor eggs (defined as up to three embryo transfers from one cohort of donor eggs).
Don't just take our word for it...

Read our reviews on Doctify and learn more about how Apricity has helped people just like you.

female friends talking

Why choose Apricity?

At Apricity we are committed to providing a supportive environment for both our donors and recipients, as well as truly personalised and bespoke care throughout your journey.

We understand that the decision to use donor eggs can be a difficult one, and that once you have made this decision, time is often of the essence.

We have excellent success rates for IVF with donor eggs, and take pride in finding the right donor for each recipient.

What our patients say

Egg donation testimonials

This was a very difficult decision to make but the service and advice we received from Gurjinder was amazing and she was so kind and helpful and understood how I was feeling and answered all my questions.

Anonymous

Egg Donation

The experience was as positive as it could have been due to their support. I wish there was an Apricity for all areas of medicine. Thanks again, brilliant team!

Anonymous

Egg Donation

Inclusive and cost-effective packages

Our egg donation packages are all-inclusive, with no hidden surprises along the way. They include everything you will need to find an egg donor, create embryos and undergo an IVF cycle. Depending on which package you choose, the cost will vary. However all medication, consultations, and donor compensation is included so you only ever pay one price.

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