Intended parents considering egg donation generally have two main options to choose from: fresh donor egg cycles or frozen donor eggs. While both methods can lead to successful pregnancies, they differ in timing, costs, logistics, and the number of embryos typically available. Understanding these key differences is essential for making a confident and informed decision. This guide clearly explains both options to help you choose the best one for your family-building journey.

Fresh Donor Egg Cycles

How it Works:

Fresh egg donation involves selecting an egg donor through an egg donation agency. Once you’ve chosen a donor, the agency contacts her to confirm availability, compensation, and to conduct medical screenings at a fertility clinic. After passing these screenings, a legal contract is signed, and the donor begins medication to stimulate egg production. Eggs are retrieved at the clinic and immediately available for fertilization. You can learn more about the full egg donation process here.

What to Consider:

• Longer Timeline: The fresh donor egg cycle typically takes two to three months or more because it includes donor matching, medical screenings, legal agreements, and synchronization with the donor’s schedule.
• Higher Uncertainty: Donors, who often are students or young professionals, may have scheduling conflicts or could change their minds, potentially causing delays or cancellations.
• Higher Costs: Fresh cycles tend to be more expensive due to donor compensation (which donors set themselves), travel expenses, medical tests, and legal fees.
• Wide Selection: You have access to a larger pool of donors, including donors from Ivy League universities who typically prefer fresh cycles due to higher compensation.
• Variable Egg Quantity: The exact number of eggs retrieved is uncertain, typically ranging between 15-30 eggs, and can vary based on the donor’s health, medical factors, and luck.
• More Embryos: Typically yields a greater number of embryos, making fresh donor egg cycles preferable if you are considering multiple children or gender selection.

Frozen Donor Eggs

How it Works:

Frozen donor eggs are available through specialized egg banks. These eggs have already been retrieved, frozen, and stored, making them immediately available for purchase. Intended parents can directly select and purchase eggs based on availability, usually in predetermined sets.

What to Consider:

• Quick and Easy: Frozen eggs can be purchased immediately, eliminating the wait for donor availability, medical screenings, or contract processes.
• Guaranteed Availability: Eggs are already frozen and available, providing certainty and flexibility. Purchased eggs can also be shipped to your chosen fertility clinic.
• Lower Costs: Generally, frozen donor eggs are more affordable, especially if purchasing fewer eggs.
• Possible Egg Loss: During freezing and thawing, some eggs may be lost or damaged. For instance, buying 12 eggs might result in 10 or 11 viable eggs. Additionally, egg quality may decrease slightly, potentially impacting embryo quality and pregnancy success.
• Fewer Embryos: Due to limited egg quantity, frozen donor eggs typically produce fewer embryos. This can be a limitation if you are planning multiple pregnancies or seeking gender selection.

Quick Comparison

Final Thoughts

Both fresh and frozen donor eggs have distinct advantages and challenges. When deciding which option is best for your family, carefully consider factors like timing, budget, donor preferences, embryo quantity needs, and your comfort level with uncertainty. Making an informed choice can significantly simplify your journey to parenthood.

Ready to take the next step? Call us today at (626) 545‑1617 or fill out our Intended Parents Application form to get started.