Egg Donor IVF
Fertility Treatments
Egg donor IVF is a fertility treatment option where eggs from a donor are fertilized with sperm and the resulting embryo is transferred to the recipient's uterus.
It may be considered when a patient has very low ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, repeated poor response to stimulation, poor egg quality, repeated IVF failure or certain genetic concerns.
Donor egg treatment involves careful counselling, donor selection according to clinic policy, IVF laboratory procedures, embryo culture and preparation of the recipient's uterine lining for transfer.
Iswarya IVF & PGD, Colombo, Sri Lanka evaluates each couple individually and discusses donor egg treatment only when clinically appropriate.
Contact UsWhen donor eggs are discussed
Donor egg treatment is usually raised after other options have been considered, and it is a significant decision rather than a routine next step. It is discussed where the chance of success using a patient's own eggs is very low.
- Premature ovarian insufficiency or early menopause
- Very low ovarian reserve, confirmed on AMH and antral follicle count
- Repeated poor response to ovarian stimulation
- Repeated IVF failure where egg quality appears to be the limiting factor
- Advanced maternal age with poor egg quality
- A serious inherited condition that would otherwise be passed on
- Following cancer treatment that has affected ovarian function
How donors are screened
Donor screening is what makes the treatment safe, and it is thorough. Donors are assessed medically and psychologically before being accepted.
- Medical history, including a detailed family and genetic history
- Infectious disease screening in line with established protocols
- Genetic carrier screening as clinically indicated
- Ovarian reserve assessment and general fitness for stimulation
- Psychological assessment and independent counselling
- Informed consent, documented in writing before any treatment begins
What the treatment cycle involves
Two cycles are coordinated: the donor's and the recipient's. The donor undergoes stimulation and egg retrieval. The eggs are fertilised with the recipient's partner's sperm, usually by ICSI, and cultured to the blastocyst stage.
Meanwhile the recipient's uterine lining is prepared with oestrogen and progesterone so that it is receptive at the right moment. Because the recipient does not undergo stimulation or retrieval, her part of the process is considerably less demanding than a standard IVF cycle.
Counselling, law and what to think through
Donor conception raises questions that are not medical, and they deserve proper time. Independent counselling is part of the process for that reason, not a formality.
Couples commonly want to think through what, when and how they would tell a child; how they feel about a genetic link with one parent but not the other; what information about the donor is available and to whom; and the legal position on parentage. We will set out our clinic's policy and current Sri Lankan practice clearly so you can make the decision with full information.
Frequently asked questions
Will the baby be genetically related to us?
The baby will be genetically related to the partner whose sperm is used, but not to the recipient. The recipient carries the pregnancy and gives birth. Many couples find counselling helpful in working through what that means for their family.
How are donors matched to recipients?
Matching follows clinic policy and typically considers physical characteristics, blood group and medical suitability. We will explain exactly what information is and is not shared in your case before you proceed.
Is donor egg IVF more successful?
Where the limiting factor is egg quality or ovarian reserve, outcomes are generally better than continuing with the patient's own eggs, because donor eggs typically come from younger women. It is still not guaranteed, and uterine and sperm factors continue to matter.
Is the process harder for the recipient?
Physically it is usually easier than standard IVF, because the recipient does not undergo stimulation or egg retrieval — only lining preparation and the transfer. Emotionally, many couples find it the more demanding part, which is what counselling is there for.
Do we have to tell the child?
That is your decision, and there is no single right answer. Counsellors can talk you through what is known about disclosure and how families commonly handle it, so that you decide with the relevant information rather than under pressure.
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