If you have tried to get pregnant without success, you may want to consider using donor eggs with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Donor egg success rates are high with IVF, especially if you’re over 35. Older women may have poorer egg quality and quantity and be at higher risk for miscarriage. But findings show donor egg success rates to be higher in older women than using their natural eggs for IVF treatment.
In addition, donor egg success rates are high if you worry about transmitting a genetic disease to your children. By using a healthy donor egg with in vitro fertilization, you can enjoy a healthy baby without passing on inherited problems.
Factors that impact donor egg success rates
- Your age. Age plays a key factor in donor egg success rates. Also, when an older woman gets pregnant, you’re at higher risk for miscarriage and for having babies with abnormalities such as Down syndrome. If you are older and have failed at several IVF cycles, check out donor egg success rates when using eggs from a younger woman with in vitro fertilization. Then ask your doctor if the donor egg process is best for your age and health situation.
- Your partner’s sperm. No matter how young and healthy the donor is, if your partner has low sperm count or other sperm-related problem, this can affect the donor egg success rates. A sperm analysis (SA) prior to IVF is important. In some situations, your reproductive endocrinologist may suggest using donor sperm to boost the donor egg success rates.
Increasing donor egg success rates
If you are considering using donor eggs, you may want to think about the following to improve the chances of getting pregnant:
- Screening the donor. Making sure that your donor has been properly screened for any medical or psychological problem is essential. Fertility clinics present egg donor profiles to recipients that give a comprehensive evaluation of the donor’s health, emotional status, family health history, education and more. If your donor has “passed” all the required criteria, this can increase the donor egg success rate for you and your partner.
- Using the best fertility clinic. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) publish statistics on success rates at fertility clinics. Ask your doctor to help you interpret the statistics to find the most suitable clinic for you. It’s also important to visit the fertility clinic and interview the specialists to make sure this place is best for you and your partner.
- Staying healthy. No matter what your age, the chances of getting pregnant using donor eggs are increased if you and your partner are healthy—physically and mentally. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing your stress, and avoiding unhealthy lifestyle habits such as cigarette smoking and using illicit drugs are important in boosting the donor egg success rate with in vitro fertilization.
Knowledge is power
No matter what statistics reveal about donor egg success rates, making the decision to use a donor egg is an emotional experience. Many of your greatest fears and hopes about getting pregnant are focused on one scientific procedure. In addition, it may be hard for you to accept someone else’s genetic makeup with the donor egg instead of using your own.
An alternative to boost donor egg success rates and keep it “all in the family” is to use the donor eggs of a family member (your sister or cousin) to preserve the genetic connection. Still, this decision carries many emotional and social worries and must be well-thought-out. If you choose this route, make sure both you and the donor get counseling and legal advice.
Along with knowing about donor egg success rates, it’s so important for you and your partner to talk openly with your reproductive endocrinologist or fertility specialist. Once you get a better understanding of the specific steps involved with the donor egg process and in vitro fertilization, you will feel a greater sense of control and can continue your family planning—on schedule.
Sources: American Society for Reproductive Medicine: Age and Fertility: A Guide for Patients. Resolve.org: The Medical Aspects of Egg Donation. IntegraMed Fertility Network: IVF Success Rates. American Pregnancy Association: Donor Eggs.
