Will the baby look like me if I use donor eggs?

Not genetically. Physical traits come from the donor and sperm provider. But the baby will share your uterine environment, influencing aspects like epigenetics and health.

Is donor egg IVF legal in India?

Yes, but only altruistic donation is permitted under the ART Regulation Act, 2021. Commercial egg donation is banned.

Are donor egg IVF success rates higher than self-egg IVF?

Yes, especially for women above 38, where self-egg success drops sharply. Donor egg IVF maintains higher pregnancy rates due to better egg quality.

Do I need to tell my child about donor conception?

This is a personal decision. Many experts recommend openness, but timing and approach matter. Counsellors can guide you.

Donor Egg in IVF: What to Consider Before Choosing

Pregnancy through IVF with donor eggs is becoming more common as women delay motherhood, experience premature ovarian failure, or face repeated IVF failures. In India, this option is available but often surrounded by silence or hesitation. If you are considering donor eggs, understanding what it involves can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

What Donor Egg IVF Means

Donor egg IVF involves fertilising eggs from a healthy donor with sperm (partner’s or donor’s), and then transferring the resulting embryos into your uterus. This process is often recommended when:

Your ovarian reserve is very low.
You have a genetic condition you don’t want to pass on.
You’ve had repeated failed IVF cycles.
You’ve entered early menopause or had your ovaries surgically removed.

In India, egg donors must be legally registered, medically screened, and typically anonymous as per ICMR guidelines.

Why It Matters in Fertility Journeys

Choosing donor eggs has wide-ranging effects:

Higher success rates: Donor egg IVF generally has a 50–60% success rate per transfer, compared to lower rates with self-eggs in older women.
Genetic differences: The child will carry the genetic material of the donor, not the egg recipient. This can raise questions of identity and family acceptance.
Legal framework: In India, only altruistic (non-commercial) egg donation is permitted under the ART Regulation Act, 2021. Compensation is restricted to medical expenses.
Cultural implications: Many families hesitate to discuss donor eggs openly, which may impact emotional readiness.

When Doctors Recommend Donor Eggs

You might hear donor eggs suggested if:

Premature ovarian insufficiency: Ovaries stop functioning before age 40.
Age-related decline: Egg quality and quantity decrease sharply after 35, more so after 40.
Multiple failed IVF cycles: Poor embryo quality with self-eggs.
Genetic disorders: If you carry inheritable conditions like thalassaemia.

Screening, Matching, and Legal Requirements

Before donor eggs are used, several checks are mandatory:

Medical screening of donors: Includes infectious diseases (HIV, hepatitis B/C, syphilis), genetic history, and ovarian health.
Age limits: ICMR guidelines restrict donors to women aged 23–35.
Anonymity: In India, donor identity cannot be disclosed. Recipients also remain confidential.
Consent: Both partners must sign consent forms before proceeding.

While abroad, known donors (like relatives or friends) are sometimes allowed, Indian law restricts this to registered donors only.

Preparing for Donor Egg IVF

As a recipient, you’ll undergo treatments to prepare your body:

Uterine preparation: Oestrogen and progesterone are given to thicken the uterine lining.
Synchronisation: Your cycle is aligned with embryo development.
Transfer: Embryos are transferred when your uterus is ready.

This part of the process is similar to a frozen embryo transfer in IVF.

Emotional and Practical Considerations

Opting for donor eggs goes beyond medical procedures.

Emotional readiness: Some women struggle with the idea of not sharing genetics with the child. Counselling helps process these feelings.
Partner and family acceptance: In Indian families, acceptance of donor egg IVF may require careful conversations.
Cost: Donor egg IVF is often more expensive than standard IVF, with added costs for donor selection and compensation.
Future disclosure: Deciding whether and how to tell your child about donor conception is a long-term consideration.

Success Rates and Risks

Higher implantation rates: Because eggs come from young, healthy donors.
Pregnancy risks remain: Risks like multiple pregnancy, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes depend on your age and health, not the donor’s.
Emotional stress: Even with high success, failed cycles can be emotionally taxing.

Support Systems That Help

Donor egg IVF offers hope when other fertility options seem closed, but it also brings unique medical, emotional, and cultural challenges. In India, where laws restrict commercial donation and families often hesitate to speak about it, the choice requires both awareness and preparation. Understanding success rates, risks, and the psychological side of donor eggs can help you make a decision that feels right for you and your family.

IVF can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Join our IVF support group, where stories, guidance, and strength are shared daily.

FAQs on Donor Egg in IVF: What to Consider Before Choosing

Will the baby look like me if I use donor eggs?
Not genetically. Physical traits come from the donor and sperm provider. But the baby will share your uterine environment, influencing aspects like epigenetics and health.
Is donor egg IVF legal in India?
Yes, but only altruistic donation is permitted under the ART Regulation Act, 2021. Commercial egg donation is banned.
Are donor egg IVF success rates higher than self-egg IVF?
Yes, especially for women above 38, where self-egg success drops sharply. Donor egg IVF maintains higher pregnancy rates due to better egg quality.
Do I need to tell my child about donor conception?
This is a personal decision. Many experts recommend openness, but timing and approach matter. Counsellors can guide you.