Egg Donation for Gay Couples

Egg donation is often needed for gay couples pursuing surrogacy. You can combine sperm from one or both partners with donor eggs to create embryos, which can then be transferred to a surrogate.

Finding an egg donor and creating an embryo means that you can have the family you’ve been dreaming of. When you have embryos ready, you can get matched with a surrogate, sometimes in as little as 1 - 6 months.

Surrogacy professionals can help connect you to all of the help you’ll need when you fill out this form. You can also read more about IVF and surrogacy for gay couples.

Egg Donation for Gay Couples

Before you start looking for an egg donor you might be wondering how do gay men use donor egg IVF?

Gay men most often use surrogacy to achieve pregnancy through egg donor IVF. Here’s an overview of the process.

Step 1: Find an Egg Donor

The first step in the process is to find donor eggs or an egg donor who is willing to undergo egg retrieval, which will provide eggs. If you need a sperm donor, this is also when you would find the sperm donor.

Step 2: Create Embryos

Once you have decided who will provide the eggs and sperm, you can work with a fertility clinic that will help you create embryos by combining the eggs and sperm in a lab environment.

Step 3: Find a Surrogate

When you have embryos ready, you can get matched with a surrogate.

Your surrogate will carry your pregnancy for you, and finding a great surrogate is easy when you work with the right surrogate agency.  You can find pre-screened surrogates and get matched quickly—sometimes in as little as 1 - 6 months. You can view available surrogates here.

Step 4: Complete an Embryo Transfer

After careful planning and screening, your fertility clinic will transfer an embryo to your surrogate’s uterus using a small tube in the office, which can begin pregnancy.

Step 5: Pregnancy Testing

In just a couple of weeks after embryo transfer, pregnancy can be confirmed, and if the first transfer was not successful, you can complete another transfer and try again.

Where to Find Egg Donors for Gay Couples

If you are a gay couple looking for an egg donor, there are several good options to start your search, including:

• Egg banks: Egg banks specialize in storing eggs and providing donor eggs.
• Fertility clinics: Fertility clinics specialize in the medical process of creating embryos and transferring embryos, and often have banks that they work with regularly.
• Friends and family: If you want your child to have a link to your family or friend, this option can be a good choice.

You can connect with clinics when you fill out our contact form.

Egg Donor Requirements

While you can start looking anywhere, if you start searching for egg donors with friends and family, you should be aware that egg donors must meet certain requirements, including things like:

• Age: Typically between 18 and 30 years old.
• Health: Good overall health, both physically and mentally. Medical evaluations are often required.
• BMI: Often a body mass index (BMI) within a certain range (usually 18-30).
• Family History: A healthy family medical history, with no genetic conditions that could be passed on.
• Non-Smoker: Many programs require donors to be non-smokers and avoid substance abuse.
• Commitment: Willingness to attend medical appointments and follow the program’s guidelines, which may include hormone treatments and monitoring.
• Legal Considerations: Understanding and agreeing to the legal aspects of egg donation, including parental rights.

What to Look For In an Egg Donor

You may also want to look out for egg donors that match your personal preferences. Often families consider these things when choosing an egg donor:

• Health History: A thorough medical history can be key to assess potential genetic risks.
• Age: Younger donors tend to have higher-quality eggs, which can improve success rates.
• Physical Attributes: Many parents look for physical traits that match or complement their own, such as height, eye color, and hair color.
• Personality Traits and Educational Background: Parents may look for traits or interests that resonate with their own values and lifestyle.
• Ethnic and Cultural Background: Some parents may want a donor who shares similar ethnic or cultural backgrounds.
• Donor Experience: Previous donation experience can be a plus, as it indicates familiarity with the process.
• Availability for Communication: Some parents prefer a donor who is open to communication, while others may want anonymity.

Egg Donation Costs for Gay Couples

The costs of egg donation for gay couples can vary widely, typically ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on factors such as donor compensation, medical procedures, and associated legal fees.

Funding options can include things like:

• Health savings accounts (HSAs)
• Personal loans
• Crowdfunding through platforms that cater specifically to fertility treatments
• Financing plans through fertility companies or third-party partnerships
•  Grants or financial assistance for LGBTQ+ families seeking to build their families through egg donation and surrogacy

If you need help finding a clinic you can contact a surrogacy professional or learn more about how to find an egg donor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does surrogacy work for gay male couples?

Gay male couples can use donated eggs to combine with sperm from one or both partners to form an embryo at a medical facility, then the embryo is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus through IVF.

How much does IVF cost for gay couples?

IVF costs can vary for gay couples, with single rounds of IVF costing approximately $15,000, and surrogacy costs being significantly more.

Is IVF used for gay couples?

Yes, IVF is commonly used for gay couples in surrogacy when neither partner has a uterus, and in some cases, it can be used for couples with infertility.

Who should not donate eggs?

If you have a known genetic or health condition, donating eggs can increase the risk of health complications for you or a potential embryo.