Sometimes IVF is not successful, even after multiple attempts. A number of factors can affect this, for example, sperm or egg quality. In these cases, embryo donation can help couples achieve their Baby.

There are two types of embryo donation. One is selecting a donor, and using fresh eggs, the other is the use of a frozen embryo.

If you choose to go with fresh eggs, a donor is selected and her ovaries are stimulated with medication to produce a high number of high-quality eggs. After the donor’s eggs are collected (approximately 12 days after starting medication), they are fertilised with donor sperm using ICSI. After around 5 days of being cultured in the lab, the embryos are ready to be transferred to the mother.

The other option is to use a frozen embryo. This treatment option is much quicker than a fresh cycle, as embryos can be transferred after a 15 minute ‘defrosting’ period. Embryos can be frozen for about 2 years without losing quality.