There are many factors to consider when making the decision to use donor egg. Here we will discuss the pros and cons of donor eggs so that you can make an informed decision about whether this is the right path for you.

What are the pros of donor eggs?

There are many pros of donor eggs. These include:

• Allows you to have a child if you have no more of your own eggs left
• If you have gone through menopause or have gone through premature menopause, you will not have any of your own eggs left.  This leaves the options of adoption or using donor eggs to still achieve your goal of having a child. There are many, many women who choose to use donor eggs in these circumstances and are very happy with their babies and children.
• Allows you to have a child if your own eggs aren’t working
• One of the main pros of using donor eggs is that the success rates of IVF are very much dependent on the age of the eggs. Older eggs are far more likely to be damaged and genetically abnormal. The energy levels in the mitochondria of older eggs equally are much lower. Using donor eggs from a younger egg donor significantly increases your chance of falling pregnant with each embryo transferred. Although the child does not carry your genetics, there are many epigenetic changes that take place when you carry that child. This can be important for many people who want to ensure that their child has a connection to them.
• Avoid certain genetic diseases
• Another pro of donor eggs is that they can help you avoid certain genetic diseases. If you are concerned about passing on a genetic disease to your child, using donor eggs can help you avoid this.
• Increased chance of pregnancy
• Another pro of donor eggs is that they can increase your chance of pregnancy. This is because donor eggs are usually healthy and have a higher success rate than using your own eggs.

What are the cons of donor eggs?

There are also some cons to consider when it comes to donor eggs. These include:

• Cost
• One of the main cons of donor eggs is the cost. This can be a significant expense for many people and may not be covered by insurance. It can also be costly as donor eggs may not always be fertilised the first time, meaning you may have to pay for multiple cycles. This again is where using your superannuation to cover the cost may be an option for you.
• Emotional considerations
• Another con to consider is the emotional considerations. This can be a difficult decision to make and you may have mixed feelings about using donor eggs. It is important to think about how you would feel if your child was not genetically related to you. At Shire IVF, we have a psychologist that we use to help you through this process.
• Lack of control
• Another con of donor eggs is that you may not have as much control over the process. You will need to find a reputable donor and fertility clinic that you trust. This can be a difficult and time-consuming process.

Are you having trouble conceiving and are considering donor eggs? Contact Shire IVF.

We are a leading fertility clinic in Southern Sydney with over 25 years of experience. Contact us so we can help you make the decision that is right for you and provide you with the support you need every step of the way.