The IVF with donor egg process: a step-by-step guide (plus, info for age 45+)

Our recent deep dive into IVF success rates for women aged over 40 sparked a wave of new questions – especially about the step-by-step process of IVF with donor eggs. With around 12 per cent of all IVF cycles involving donated eggs, according to the CDC, it’s a path many take, yet the decision to hit ‘go’ can feel overwhelming. After all, this is a deeply personal experience.

In this guide, The Prelude Network® break down every stage of the IVF process with donor eggs, answering key questions about success rates, costs, and the differences between using fresh and frozen eggs – so you have the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

With their extensive expertise in fertility treatments – including donor egg IVF – The Prelude Network provide world-class care across the U.S. Their innovative and compassionate approach supports a wide range of family-building options, from donor conception to gestational carriers, LGBTQ+ fertility goals, and more.

Connect with The Prelude Network for support today, wherever you’re based, and keep reading for the IVF with donor egg process step-by-step guide, carefully put together by fertility specialist Dr. Isabelle Ryan, from the network’s Pacific Fertility Center and Dr. Daniel Shapiro, reproductive endocrinologist at Reproductive Biology Associates Atlanta. 

Step-by-step – what’s the process?

When pursuing IVF with donor eggs, there are several key steps involved, from selecting the right donor to the embryo transfer. Here’s a breakdown of each stage in the process:

1. Donor selection and matching

The first step is selecting a suitable egg donor. You’ll begin this process with the guidance of the clinic’s staff, who will help you choose from a pool of carefully vetted donors. The process includes:

• Donor screening: Donors undergo extensive physical exams, genetic testing, pelvic ultrasounds, and psychological evaluations.
• Selection: Once you’ve chosen a donor, you’ll proceed with embryo creation. For Prelude Network families, this will be managed by one of our partnered clinics, such as Pacific Fertility Center or RBA Atlanta.

2. Egg retrieval and fertilization

Once your donor is selected and cleared, the egg retrieval process takes place. This involves stimulating the donor’s ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved by the clinic. These eggs are immediately frozen and stored in an egg bank, allowing you to select the eggs you want to use for fertilization.

• Fertilization: Eggs are fertilized using either partner sperm or donor sperm. The embryos are cultured for a few days to ensure they are developing correctly.

3. Embryo transfer

After fertilization, embryos are ready for transfer. You can either opt for a fresh embryo transfer or a frozen embryo transfer (using embryos from previously fertilized eggs stored in an egg bank). The embryos are carefully selected for transfer to your uterus, or a gestational carrier.

IVF with frozen donor eggs vs. fresh donor eggs

Using frozen donor eggs offers several advantages over fresh donor eggs:

• Speed: With frozen eggs, the process is quicker since the eggs are already retrieved and stored. This eliminates the need for additional time to prepare the donor and retrieve fresh eggs.
• Convenience: Frozen eggs allow you to start the process right away without waiting for the donor to go through a stimulation and retrieval cycle, which can take 3 months for fresh eggs.
• Cost-effectiveness: Frozen eggs tend to be more affordable, as the eggs are stored and ready, meaning fewer overall costs for the patient.

Fresh eggs, on the other hand, may provide a slight advantage in terms of success rates, but they typically involve a lengthier process, and are more expensive.

Success rates for IVF with donor eggs (particularly over age 40)

Understandably, one of the biggest concerns for women over 40 considering IVF with donor eggs is the success rate. Here’s what you need to know:

• Success rates: The uterus itself doesn’t decline in receptivity until around age 45. Success rates for women under 40 who use donor eggs are generally high, with embryo transfer success rates ranging between 60-65 per cent for chromosomally normal embryos (euploid embryos).
• Age 45 and over: For women aged 45 and above, success rates drop to around 50 per cent per embryo transfer, assuming the uterus is normal and there are no additional complications.

At The Prelude Network®, success rates are highly dependent on individual clinic data, but these statistics reflect the expertise of the network’s partner clinics (ours included – the Pacific Fertility Center and RBA Atlanta).

What is the maximum age for IVF with donor eggs?

This varies slightly between clinics, but here’s the general guideline which I’ll regularly run through with families and patients:

• Under 45: There are generally no special health considerations unless a chronic illness is present.
• 45-55: Additional consultations and medical clearances are required to ensure the patient is healthy enough to carry a pregnancy.
• Over 55: Women aged 51-55 may still pursue IVF with donor eggs, but they must be in optimal health without any medical issues that could complicate the pregnancy process.

The Prelude Network offers tailored consultations to ensure that patients are fully supported at every step of their IVF journey, regardless of their age.

How much does IVF with donor eggs cost?

The cost of IVF with donor eggs can vary significantly depending on whether you choose frozen or fresh eggs, as well as the number of cycles you opt for and several other factors. Here’s a breakdown:

• Frozen donor eggs: Typically costs from $21,000. This includes egg thawing, ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), embryo culture, and one embryo transfer. Extra costs may apply for genetic screening, additional embryos, or cryopreservation of unused embryos.
• Fresh donor eggs: Can range up to $60,000, depending on factors like genetic screening and live birth guarantees. Fresh cycles typically involve additional preparation and retrieval steps, making them more expensive.

Financial assistance options are available through The Prelude Network, including financing programs and insurance coverage for fertility treatments.

Support for every family

The Prelude Network is committed to ensuring that all families, regardless of structure, feel welcomed and supported throughout their IVF journey. We offer tailored services for:

• Single parents: Single individuals can access egg donation services, IVF, and surrogacy options – the first step is a consult with our patient care experts
• LGBTQ+ families: The network offers reciprocal IVF, donor sperm management, and the ability to work with gestational carriers to help same-sex couples build their families
• Inclusive services: We celebrate diversity and offer a supportive environment for all patients, including those with physical disabilities or from marginalized communities.

Next steps

IVF with donor eggs is a transformative option for those facing fertility challenges. 

With The Prelude Network’s expertise and compassionate care, patients are guided through each step of the process, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Whether you are considering fresh or frozen eggs, are over 40, or have unique family circumstances, this US-wide clinical network provides the support you need to power those next steps.

Connect with The Prelude Network®, and bookmark their guide What not to do after embryo transfer or your reading list.