When considering donor egg IVF, one of the decisions you may need to make is whether to use fresh or frozen donor eggs. Both options can be used in IVF treatment, but they differ in how the eggs are collected, stored and prepared for fertilisation.
Fresh donor eggs are collected from a donor during a planned treatment cycle. Frozen donor eggs have been collected previously and preserved using a process called vitrification.
What Are Fresh Donor Eggs?
Fresh donor eggs are collected from a donor specifically for a recipient’s IVF treatment cycle. The donor and recipient’s treatment schedules are coordinated so that the eggs can be collected and fertilised at the appropriate time.
At Team Miracle Cyprus IVF Centre, the fresh donor egg process generally involves the following steps:
- Donor selection: A suitable donor is selected and reserved for the recipient.
- Recipient preparation: The recipient takes prescribed medication to prepare the uterine lining for embryo transfer.
- Monitoring: The recipient’s uterine lining is monitored to assess its readiness for treatment.
- Egg collection: The donor undergoes egg collection after ovarian stimulation.
- Sperm sample: The recipient’s partner provides a sperm sample on the day of egg collection, or donor sperm is arranged where applicable.
- Fertilisation: The collected eggs are fertilised using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
- Embryo monitoring: The developing embryos are monitored in the laboratory.
- Embryo transfer planning: The embryology and clinical teams assess embryo development and suitability for transfer.
- Embryo transfer: An embryo may be transferred on day 3 or day 5, depending on the treatment plan and embryo development.
What Are Frozen Donor Eggs?
Frozen donor eggs are eggs that have been collected from a donor and preserved for future use. They are typically frozen using vitrification, a rapid-freezing technique that helps protect the eggs during storage.
When treatment begins, the eggs are thawed and fertilised using the recipient’s partner’s sperm or donor sperm, depending on the treatment plan. The resulting embryos are monitored before a suitable embryo is selected for transfer.
In certain IVF situations involving a patient’s own eggs, frozen donor eggs may also be considered alongside fresh eggs. Whether this is appropriate depends on the individual treatment plan and clinical advice.
Fresh Donor Eggs vs. Frozen Donor Eggs
| Feature | Fresh Donor Eggs | Frozen Donor Eggs |
|---|---|---|
| Collection | Collected for a planned treatment cycle. | Collected previously and stored for future use. |
| Storage | Used after collection without a prior freezing and thawing process. | Preserved using vitrification and thawed before fertilisation. |
| Treatment scheduling | Requires coordination between the donor’s and recipient’s treatment schedules. | May offer more flexibility because the eggs have already been collected and stored. |
| Fertilisation | Eggs are fertilised after collection. | Eggs are thawed and then fertilised. |
| Availability | Depends on donor availability and treatment coordination. | Depends on the availability of suitable stored eggs. |
| Suitability | May be considered when a suitable donor and coordinated treatment cycle are available. | May be considered when stored donor eggs are available and suitable for the recipient’s treatment plan. |
Does Team Miracle Cyprus IVF Centre Offer Fresh Donor Eggs?
Team Miracle Cyprus IVF Centre offers a fresh donor egg programme and prefers fresh donor eggs whenever possible. The availability of a suitable donor and the recipient’s clinical circumstances are considered when planning treatment.
The medical team can discuss whether fresh donor eggs are suitable for you and explain the treatment process, timing and available options.
How Are Donor Eggs Screened?
Donor screening is an important part of donor egg treatment. Donors undergo assessments and testing intended to evaluate their health and suitability for donation.
The screening process may include:
- Genetic testing and assessment for relevant inherited conditions.
- Screening for infectious diseases.
- Hormonal assessments.
- Karyotyping to assess chromosome patterns.
At Team Miracle Cyprus IVF Centre, donors are generally aged 20–25. The programme also includes proven donors who have previously donated eggs that resulted in a successful pregnancy.
Donor profiles may include relevant characteristics to help the clinical team and recipient consider a suitable match. The availability of specific donor characteristics may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between fresh and frozen donor eggs?
Fresh donor eggs are collected for a planned IVF treatment cycle, while frozen donor eggs were collected previously and preserved using vitrification. Frozen eggs are thawed before fertilisation.
Are fresh donor eggs available at Team Miracle Cyprus IVF Centre?
Yes. Team Miracle Cyprus IVF Centre offers a fresh donor egg programme and prefers fresh eggs whenever possible. Availability depends on donor suitability and treatment planning.
What is vitrification?
Vitrification is a rapid-freezing technique used to preserve eggs for future use. The eggs are stored and later thawed before fertilisation.
Are donor eggs fertilised using ICSI?
ICSI, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, involves injecting a single sperm into an egg. It may be used to fertilise donor eggs as part of an IVF treatment plan.
Can frozen donor eggs be used alongside fresh eggs?
In certain IVF situations involving a patient’s own eggs, frozen donor eggs may be considered alongside fresh eggs. This depends on the individual circumstances and should be discussed with the treating clinical team.
How do I know whether fresh or frozen donor eggs are suitable for me?
The appropriate option depends on factors such as donor availability, your medical history, treatment timing and the clinical team’s recommendations. A consultation can help you understand the available options and decide on a treatment plan with your medical team.
Discuss Donor Egg IVF Treatment
If you are considering donor egg IVF, the team at Cyprus IVF Centre can explain the differences between fresh and frozen donor eggs and help you understand the options available for your circumstances.
Contact our team to discuss donor egg IVF treatment and arrange a consultation.
