When is egg donation needed?
Egg donation may be recommended for women in the following cases:
- Early depletion of ovarian reserve due to physiological or pathological reasons, or the onset of menopause after ovarian surgery
- Lack of quality eggs (late reproductive age)
- After chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or treatment with medications that affect egg quality and ovarian reserve
- Primary ovarian insufficiency
- Ovarian resistance to gonadotropins—diagnosed when there is no response of the reproductive system to pituitary hormones or medication stimulation
- Premature ovarian failure—early menopause (before the age of 40)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Absence of ovaries due to surgical removal
- Certain congenital genetic conditions
- Repeated failed IVF attempts due to poor embryo development
In these cases, egg donation may be recommended to achieve the best outcome. However, the final decision is always made by the woman together with her doctor, only after a complete consultation.
How to prepare for egg and embryo donation
Preparation for donation has specific requirements for both the donor and the recipient.
The donor undergoes ovarian stimulation to retrieve mature eggs.
The recipient undergoes endometrial preparation to ensure the uterus is ready for embryo implantation.
How should a woman prepare for embryo or egg donation?
To ensure successful embryo implantation, the recipient undergoes hormonal therapy. While waiting for donor material, the patient stays in regular contact with the clinic. Once a donor is found, the clinic informs the patient and preparation begins.
Recommendations for women:
- Avoid bad habits and alcohol
- Get 7–8 hours of sleep per night
- Avoid stress
- Eat a balanced, nutritious diet
- Engage in light physical activity, unless advised otherwise by a doctor
These simple steps help support a woman’s overall health.
How should a man prepare for sperm donation?
Donor sperm may be obtained on the same day as the egg donation procedure. Preparation tips for men include:
- Abstain from sexual activity for a few days before the procedure
- Avoid alcohol, medications, and any substances that may affect sperm quality
After the sperm is collected, it is sent to the laboratory where it is purified and prepared for fertilization. Sperm can also be collected in advance and cryopreserved until a suitable egg donor is found.
