Egg donation

Donor egg IVF is a form of in vitro fertilization in which eggs from a young, healthy donor are fertilized with sperm and the resulting embryo is transferred to the intended mother or gestational carrier. Donor egg IVF is used when a woman's own eggs are not viable — due to age, diminished ovarian reserve, repeated IVF failure, or genetic concerns. Chelsea Fertility NYC has extensive experience with egg donation for a wide range of patients.

Donor egg IVF may be recommended for women with significantly diminished ovarian reserve, women who have experienced multiple failed IVF cycles with poor embryo quality, women of advanced reproductive age, those who carry a serious genetic condition they wish not to pass on, and individuals who have undergone treatments such as chemotherapy that affected their fertility. It is also a primary option for gay male couples using a gestational carrier.

Yes. Donors can be anonymous — selected from a database based on physical characteristics, education, and other traits — or known (directed), meaning a friend or relative who has volunteered to donate. At Chelsea Fertility NYC, all donors undergo a thorough evaluation of their medical, psychological, and family history. Eggs can also be sourced from an egg bank (frozen donor eggs), offering flexibility and shorter wait times. Learn more on our egg donation page.

Donor egg IVF typically has higher success rates than standard IVF, because the eggs come from young, healthy, screened donors whose egg quality is not affected by the recipient's age. Success rates vary based on the donor's age at the time of egg retrieval, sperm quality, and the recipient's uterine health. Chelsea Fertility NYC will provide a realistic prognosis based on your specific situation. View our success rates page for more information.