Understanding donor embryo IVF

Donor embryo IVF offers the opportunity to experience pregnancy and childbirth using an embryo generously donated by another individual or family. We’re here to help you explore this path with clarity, confidence, and personalized support.

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What is donor embryo IVF?

Donor embryo IVF uses embryos that were created during another individual or couple’s IVF treatment and later donated to help someone else build a family.

The embryos are already frozen, so the recipient does not need to undergo egg retrieval or embryo creation. Once you’re matched with donated embryos, your care team prepares your uterus for transfer, then thaws and transfers an embryo much like a frozen embryo transfer (FET).

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Who uses donor embryos?

Donor embryos may offer another path to pregnancy when previous fertility treatments haven’t been successful or using your own eggs or embryos isn’t possible or right for you.

They may be considered by people with diminished ovarian reserve or premature ovarian insufficiency, those who have experienced multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles or problems with embryo development, people without ovaries, or those concerned about passing on a genetic condition. Donor embryos may also be an option for some male and transgender individuals building a family with a gestational carrier.

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Your guide to donor embryos

Using donor embryos involves a few important steps before treatment begins. Your care team will help coordinate the medical, screening, and matching process so you know what to expect along the way.

1

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Getting screened

Before moving forward, recipients complete required health and infectious disease testing, along with a psychological evaluation to help prepare for the unique considerations of donor embryo family building.

2

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Matching with a donor embryo

Your donor embryo coordinator will help you review available donor information and navigate the matching process. Donors provide personal and family medical histories and complete required infectious disease and genetic screening.

3

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Preparing for embryo transfer

Once you’re matched, your care team creates your treatment calendar. Medications and monitoring are used to prepare the uterine lining and determine when you’re ready for transfer.

4

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Transferring the embryo

The donated embryo is carefully thawed and transferred into the prepared uterus, like a frozen embryo transfer (FET). Your care team will guide you through the next steps after the procedure.

Your care team, from clinic to lab

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The doctors at the heart of your care

Get to know the doctors who bring deep fertility expertise to your care while taking time to understand your history and priorities

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Inside our embryology labs

Much of IVF happens beyond the exam room. In our labs, experienced embryologists closely manage fertilization and embryo development

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Learn more about fertility treatment

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Where do donor embryos come from?
Donor embryos are typically embryos remaining after an individual or couple has completed IVF and finished building their family. Rather than continue storing or discard their remaining embryos, some choose to donate them to help another person or family pursue pregnancy.
How are donor embryos screened?
Embryo donors provide detailed personal and family medical histories and complete required infectious disease screening. Genetic information and testing may also be reviewed to help your care team understand any known risks associated with the donated embryos.
Will my child be genetically related to me if I use a donor embryo?
A fully donated embryo does not have a genetic connection to the intended parent(s). However, if you carry the pregnancy, donor embryo IVF gives you the opportunity to experience pregnancy and childbirth. Your care team can also help you explore the emotional and family considerations that come with donor embryo conception.
How is donor embryo IVF different from donor egg IVF?
With donor egg IVF, donated eggs are fertilized with sperm from an intended parent or donor to create embryos specifically for your treatment. With donor embryo IVF, both the egg and sperm have already been used to create an embryo, which was then donated and frozen for future transfer.
What should I consider before choosing donor embryos?
Beyond the medical process, it’s important to consider how you feel about genetic connections, future conversations with your child, donor information and disclosure, costs, and the possibility that treatment may not result in pregnancy. Psychological counseling is part of the process and can help you feel prepared and supported as you make these decisions.
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