Donor Egg IVF: Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering donor egg IVF, you may have questions about how donors are selected and screened, what treatment involves and what your individual chances of success may be. This guide explains the donor egg pathway at Consilium Clinic, including counselling, legal considerations, embryo creation and the factors that can influence treatment outcomes.

Are donor eggs fresh or frozen?

Our donor egg pathway uses frozen donor eggs accessed through our partnership with CARE Fertility Egg Bank. Using frozen donor eggs means that the eggs have already been collected and cryopreserved and can be allocated once an appropriate donor has been selected and the necessary requirements have been completed.

Are egg donors screened?

Yes. Donors used within UK licensed fertility treatment undergo medical assessment and screening in accordance with regulatory requirements. This includes assessment of relevant personal and family medical history and screening for specified infections and other conditions. Screening substantially reduces certain risks but cannot completely eliminate the possibility of a genetic, medical, or infectious condition.

Is counselling required?

Donor conception has lifelong implications for patients, donors, and donor-conceived children. Specialist fertility counselling forms an important part of our donor egg pathway, and patients are offered counselling in accordance with the requirements governing licensed fertility treatment. We strongly encourage patients to use this opportunity to explore the implications of donor conception before proceeding.

Is egg donation anonymous in the UK?

No. Egg donation in the UK is not anonymous in the traditional sense. Patients are provided with certain non-identifying information about their donor. Under UK law, a donor-conceived person may, when eligible, request identifying information about their donor from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Aurthority (HFEA). We will explain these implications in detail before you consent to treatment.

Will the egg donor have parental rights over my child?

When treatment takes place appropriately through a UK HFEA-licensed fertility clinic, the egg donor does not have legal parental rights or responsibilities for a child born as a result of their donation.

Can I use my partner's sperm?

Yes. Donor eggs can be fertilised using your partner's sperm where clinically appropriate. If required, donor sperm may also be used.

Does using donor eggs guarantee a pregnancy?

No. Unfortunately, no fertility treatment can guarantee pregnancy or the birth of a baby. Although donor eggs can provide a good chance of pregnancy for appropriately selected patients, success depends on several factors. These include the survival of eggs following thawing, fertilisation, embryo development, embryo quality, uterine and endometrial, factors and the general health of the recipient. Pregnancy loss and other complications can still occur.

We will discuss the expected chances of success in your individual circumstances before treatment.

Does my age still matter if I use donor eggs?

The age of the egg is an important determinant of embryo potential, which is one reason donor eggs can improve the likelihood of pregnancy in women whose own eggs have a low chance of success. However, the age and health of the woman carrying the pregnancy remain important.

Increasing maternal age is associated with higher risks during pregnancy, including hypertension, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and other maternal and obstetric complications. For this reason, women of more advanced age require additional medical investigations and/or specialist assessment before we recommend proceeding with treatment.

What happens if the eggs do not survive thawing or embryos do not develop?

Although modern egg vitrification techniques have significantly improved egg survival, not every frozen egg will survive the thawing process. Similarly, not every surviving egg will fertilise, and not every fertilised egg will develop into a good-quality embryo.

In a small proportion of treatment cycles there may therefore be no embryo suitable for transfer. We will discuss these possibilities with you before treatment.

Can we have another child using the same donor?

Potentially, yes, if further eggs or embryos from the same donor are available. If having genetically related siblings is important to you, please discuss this with us at the outset so that we can advise you about the available options.

Why choose Consilium Clinic for donor egg treatment?

At Consilium Clinic, donor egg treatment is individually planned rather than following a one-size-fits-all pathway. Our approach combines specialist fertility consultation, detailed ultrasound assessment, and personalised preparation for embryo transfer with access to donor eggs through our partner CARE Fertility Egg Bank.

We will guide you through each stage of the process, from deciding whether donor eggs are right for you and selecting a donor, through embryo creation and transfer, to early pregnancy care. Our aim is to provide treatment that is medically appropriate, transparent and supportive, while giving you a realistic understanding of your individual chances of success.

Considering treatment with donor eggs?

If you are considering donor egg treatment, your first step is a fertility consultation at Consilium Clinic. During your consultation, we can review your fertility history, discuss whether donor eggs are appropriate for you, and explain the treatment pathway and expected chances of success in your individual circumstances.