For most women with poor ovarian reserve, accepting the diagnosis and using an egg donor is a difficult decision. It takes a few months to decide what type of egg donation is better suited for each couple. Each option has advantages and disadvantages that we have summarized below to guide your during your selection process.

Known ED Frozen Donor Eggs Fresh Anonymous ED
  • Someone known or relative
  • Less costly
  • Tested for genetics*
  • Tested for infections
  • Anonymous
  • Adult pictures available
  • Egg Banks
  • Tested for genetics*
  • Tested for infections
  • Cost sharing; couples share the eggs from that ED cycle.
  • Anonymous
  • Adult pictures available
  • ED Agency
  • Tested for genetics*
  • Tested for infections
  • No cost sharing; more expensive
  • Donor undergoes IVF with CRE
  • All eggs fertilized with husband’s sperm
  • You carry the baby
  • IVF is already done, may be faster.
  • Typically only 6 eggs
  • Because 1/3 eggs are normal, may not be ideal for > 1 child.
  • A transfer with 1 good blastocyst guaranteed.
  • Donor undergoes IVF with CRE
  • All eggs are yours
  • Better if more than one child wanted
  • Extra embryos frozen in case does not work on 1rst transfer.

* Genetic testing refers to taking blood from the ED and testing for any genetic conditions she may be carrying. Embryos made with young egg donors do not require and may do better without embryo
genetic testing.