Intended Parents

Pros and Cons of Using a Known Egg Donor


For many intended parents, the option of using a known egg donor—a friend, family member or acquaintance—can be particularly appealing.

Using a known egg donor can impact your child’s life as well as your whole family, since your child will have a permanent genetic connection to them.

Once you have an egg donor and have created an embryo, you can find a surrogate in as little as 1 - 4 months. You can reach out to a surrogacy professional to get connected, or keep reading to learn more about known egg donors.

In this article you can explore the pros and cons of known vs. anonymous donors to help you make the best choice for your family.

What is a Known Egg Donor?

A known egg donor is someone who has a personal relationship with the intended parents, such as a friend, family member, or acquaintance, and has agreed to donate their eggs for assisted reproductive purposes. Using a known egg donor allows for a level of familiarity and trust that can be comforting for both parties.

If you want to connect with an egg donor for surrogacy, you can contact a surrogacy professional now who can help you get started.

Known Egg Donor Pros and Cons

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Anonymous vs. Known Egg Donors

Unlike known donors, anonymous donors do not have a personal relationship with the intended parents and typically remain unknown to them. There are pros and cons to using an anonymous donor vs. a known donor.

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Should I Use Someone I Know as an Egg Donor?

The choice is up to you whether you choose someone you know as an egg donor. Whether you seek out someone through a bank or a friend and family is your donor, the most important thing is that you are comfortable with your choice and you have considered the future of your child.

How to Find an Egg Donor

Finding an egg donor involves several steps, whether you’re considering a known donor or looking through a donor agency. Here’s a guide to help you through the process:

1. Decide on Known vs. Anonymous Donor

Determine if you prefer a known donor (friend or family member) or an anonymous donor from a donor agency.

2. Research Donor Agencies

If choosing an anonymous donor, research reputable egg donor agencies. Look for reviews, success rates, and ethical practices.

3. Review Donor Profiles

Browse profiles of potential donors. Look for information on their physical attributes, education, interests, and medical history.

4. Consult with a Fertility Clinic

Speak with a fertility specialist who can provide guidance on the selection process and the medical evaluations required.

5. Consider Legal Aspects

Consult with a legal professional experienced in reproductive law to understand the implications and to draft necessary agreements.

6. Screening and Matching

If using a donor agency, they often perform initial screenings. For a known donor, both parties may need to undergo medical evaluations and counseling.

7. Communication and Agreement

If using a known donor, establish clear communication about expectations, roles, and future contact. Draft a legal agreement to protect everyone’s rights.

Next Steps: Known Egg Donor Contracts

Egg donor contracts are legal agreements that outline the terms and conditions of the egg donation process. These contracts are crucial to protect the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved—intended parents, the egg donor, and often the fertility clinic.

Having a well-drafted egg donor contract is essential to prevent misunderstandings and protect the rights of everyone involved. It’s advisable to work with a lawyer experienced in reproductive law to ensure that the contract addresses all relevant issues and complies with local laws.

If you are considering surrogacy, you can reach out to a surrogacy professional who can help guide you through the process and connect you to a surrogate in an average of 1 - 4 months once you have created embryos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the most popular egg donors?

The most popular egg donors typically come from agencies that have a diverse pool of candidates, often selected based on specific criteria such as age, health, education, and physical attributes. Popular donors may also be those with notable characteristics or accomplishments (e.g., advanced degrees, artistic talents) that resonate with intended parents.

What are the disadvantages of using donor eggs?

What is Directed Egg Donation?

Directed egg donation is another term for  designated or known egg donation, where the egg donor is personally known to the intended parents. This could be a friend, family member, or acquaintance who has agreed to donate their eggs specifically for the purpose of helping them conceive.

What is the success rate of IVF with donor eggs?

Success rates for IVF with donor eggs are generally higher than for IVF using the recipient’s own eggs, particularly for women over 35. As a gay couple seeking out surrogacy, the odds are likely similar to those of other conception methods.

How common is using an egg donor?

The use of egg donors has become increasingly common, especially as more people seek fertility treatments later in life or face challenges with egg quality. The number is rising as awareness and acceptance of assisted reproductive technologies grow.

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