Donor Egg IVF
Donor Egg IVF & Frozen Donor Egg IVF can be highly successful treatments
Using donor eggs is considered one of the most effective fertility treatments available. The probability of a successful outcome primarily depends on the fertility potential of the egg donor.
Donor Egg IVF &
Frozen Donor Egg IVF
Children conceived with the help of donor eggs are genetically linked to the male partner and the egg donor. However, it is the Recipient Mother who becomes pregnant, nourishes the baby throughout the pregnancy, and experiences childbirth.
You have the option to select a donor from one of the many Egg Donor Agencies available. To assist you in selecting an egg donor, please refer to the Donor Egg Guidelines (PDF).
You can also purchase frozen donor eggs from a catalog provided by a donor egg bank. This process is similar to choosing donor semen from a sperm bank.
Purchasing Frozen Donor Eggs
Finding an Egg Donor
You can select your frozen donor eggs from a catalog provided by a donor egg bank, and the chosen eggs will be shipped to our Clinic.
The recommended egg banks by our embryologists include Fairfax Egg Bank, Donor Egg Bank USA at California Cryobank, and Cryos International-USA.
Alternatively, there is the possibility of finding an egg donor who is blood-related to the female partner, preserving the genetic link.
Another option is to choose an anonymous pre-screened egg donor from an egg donor agency. In this case, the donor will become a patient at our Clinic.
Regardless of whether you use frozen donor eggs or an egg donor, once your Donor Egg IVF treatment is completed, your pregnancy will be indistinguishable from conception through intercourse.
By the time your son or daughter is born, the baby will be biologically yours.
Frozen Donor Egg Treatment Process
1 — Obtaining donor eggs from an egg bank
Once you have finalized the selection of your donor eggs, the egg bank will communicate with our Clinic, and our Embryology Laboratory will make preparations to receive your eggs.
2 — Thawing of frozen eggs
Since it is expected that not all cryopreserved eggs will survive the freezing-thawing process, you will be purchasing a cohort of between 5 and 8 vitrified eggs from the egg bank.
Such a cohort will likely produce some good-quality embryos suitable for transfer.
4 — Culture of embryos
Evidence of fertilization can be seen the next day, approximately 16 hours after insemination. The fertilized eggs are then transferred into a growth medium and continue to be cultured in our laboratory.
3 — Fertilization of eggs
The male partner collects a semen specimen by masturbation on the day of thawing your eggs. The highest quality sperm are extracted from the semen, and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is performed to fertilize the eggs.
5 — Embryo cryopreservation
All normally developing embryos are cryopreserved (vitrified).
6 —Embryo storage in liquid nitrogen
Following the cryopreservation process, the embryos are transferred to a liquid nitrogen storage chamber in our Clinic. Theoretically, there is no limit on the length of storage.
7 — Subsequent Frozen Embryo Transfer
When you decide to conceive using your cryopreserved embryos, one or two embryos will be thawed and transferred into your uterus.
Frozen Donor Egg IVF Procedure
Obtaining Donor Eggs from an Egg Bank
Once you have finalized the selection of your donor eggs, the egg bank will communicate with our Clinic, and our embryology laboratory will make preparations to receive your eggs.
After cryopreservation in the egg bank, eggs are stored and transported in liquid nitrogen containers. Once your eggs arrive at Bay IVF, they will be kept in liquid nitrogen storage until it is time to thaw them.
Thawing of Cryopreserved Donor Eggs
Since not all cryopreserved eggs are expected to survive the freezing-thawing process, and since not all thawed eggs will fertilize or develop into healthy embryos, you will be purchasing a cohort of eggs. You should expect to receive between 5 and 8 vitrified eggs from your egg bank.
Such a cohort will likely produce some good-quality embryos suitable for transfer.
Fertilization of Eggs – ICSI
The male partner collects a semen specimen by masturbation on the day of thawing the eggs. The highest quality sperm are extracted from the semen, and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is performed.
In ICSI, a single sperm is inserted into an egg. ICSI is necessary for the fertilization of cryopreserved eggs.
Culture of Embryos
Fertilization is usually observed the day after insemination, approximately 16 hours later. A normally fertilized egg (zygote) will exhibit two pronuclei representing the genetic material from the egg and sperm. The fertilized eggs are transferred to a growth medium and continue to be cultured in our laboratory.
The following day, embryos should divide into 4 cells, and by the day after, they should reach 8 cells.
By the fifth to seventh day after the insemination, the embryos should develop into the blastocyst stage, consisting of 80 or more cells.
This picture shows an advanced stage of blastocyst development. Notice the central fluid-filled cavity. The cells within the blastocyst have already differentiated into the inner cell mass (at seven o’clock) that will give rise to the fetus and the trophectoderm cells that will form the future placenta.
At this stage, the embryos are still microscopic, invisible to the naked eye.
Blastocyst cryopreservation
Embryos that develop normally are cryopreserved. Preparation for the freezing process involves removing water from within the embryos and replacing it with a cryoprotective substance to prevent ice crystal formation during vitrification and subsequent thawing.
The embryos are then flash-cooled to -196°C (-321°F). Such rapid freezing (vitrification) prevents damaging water crystal formation.
Liquid nitrogen storage
Following the cryopreservation process, the embryos are transferred to a liquid nitrogen storage chamber in our Center. Theoretically, there is no limit on the length of storage, but conceiving past the age of 40 may result in a high-risk pregnancy.
Subsequent Frozen Embryo Transfer
Once you decide to conceive with the cryopreserved embryos, one or two embryos will be thawed and transferred into your uterus. A large majority of the embryos will survive the cryopreservation and thawing process. The implantation rate of the thawed embryos should be the same as the “fresh” embryo implantation rate.
If you are successful, your pregnancy becomes indistinguishable from conception through intercourse, and your obstetrical care should be no different than if you conceived without any treatment.
The implantation rate of the thawed embryos is equal to the “fresh”, unfrozen embryos.
Donor Egg IVF Treatment Process
1 — Ovarian stimulation (Egg Donor)
Your donor’s treatment is always individualized to maximize the probability of a successful outcome.
2 — Egg retrieval procedure (Egg Donor)
The egg retrieval procedure is performed at our Clinic. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes, and we use conscious sedation for comfortable analgesia.
4 — Culture of embryos
Evidence of fertilization can be seen the next day, approximately 16 hours after insemination. The fertilized eggs are then transferred into a growth medium and continue to be cultured in our laboratory.
3 — Fertilization of eggs
On average, eight to fourteen eggs are retrieved during the egg retrieval procedure. Once identified, the eggs are combined with sperm and placed in petri dishes filled with culture medium.
5 — Embryo cryopreservation
All normally developing embryos are cryopreserved (vitrified).
6 —Embryo storage in liquid nitrogen
Following the cryopreservation process, the embryos are transferred to a liquid nitrogen storage chamber in our Clinic. Theoretically, there is no limit on the length of storage.
7 — Subsequent Frozen Embryo Transfer
When you decide to conceive using your cryopreserved embryos, one or two embryos will be thawed and transferred into your uterus.
Below is an example of a Donor Egg IVF treatment cycle. Your donor’s individualized protocol may take less or more time to complete.
Donor Egg IVF Procedure
Ovarian stimulation
There are several different forms of ovarian stimulation protocols, each with many modifications. Your egg donor’s treatment is always individualized to maximize the probability of a successful outcome.
The selection of an optimal protocol is based on your donor’s reproductive history and her pre-treatment evaluation.
Ovarian stimulation takes approximately ten days. During this time, estradiol (estrogen, E2), progesterone blood levels, and ultrasound examinations monitor your donor’s progress.
Ovarian stimulation should result in the development of several eggs in each ovary. The ultrasound image shows a stimulated ovary. Each of the several follicles (dark circles) contains a microscopic egg.
Egg Retrieval Procedure
Under ultrasound guidance, the tip of a thin needle is passed through the top of the vagina into the cul-de-sac (space behind the uterus).
The ovaries are located near the bottom of the cul-de-sac, allowing the tip of the aspirating needle to enter the ovarian follicles and aspirate the follicular fluid from them. The fluid is examined under a microscope to identify the eggs.
The egg retrieval procedure is the last step in the donor’s participation. She will have her normal menstrual period within two weeks of the egg retrieval.
Fertilization of Eggs
On average, eight to fourteen eggs are retrieved during the egg retrieval procedure. Once identified, the eggs are placed in petri dishes filled with culture medium.
The composition of the culture medium resembles the fluid secreted by the Fallopian tubes, facilitating the development of eggs and embryos (fertilized eggs) in our laboratory environment, simulating the conditions in the Fallopian tubes.
On the day of egg retrieval, the male partner provides a semen specimen through masturbation. The highest quality sperm are extracted from the semen and combined with the eggs three hours after retrieval. This in vitro fertilization process takes place over several hours in the evening following egg retrieval.
If the male partner has never caused pregnancy or if his test results indicate significant male infertility, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is performed. In ICSI, a single sperm is directly injected into an egg, significantly increasing the probability of successful fertilization for selected patients.
Culture of Embryos
Fertilization is usually observed the day after insemination, approximately 16 hours later. A normally fertilized egg (zygote) will exhibit two pronuclei representing the genetic material from the egg and sperm. The fertilized eggs are transferred to a growth medium and continue to be cultured in our laboratory.
The following day, embryos should divide into 4 cells, and by the day after, they should reach 8 cells.
By the fifth to seventh day after the insemination, the embryos should develop into the blastocyst stage, consisting of 80 or more cells.
This picture shows an advanced stage of blastocyst development. Notice the central fluid-filled cavity. The cells within the blastocyst have already differentiated into the inner cell mass (at seven o’clock) that will give rise to the fetus and the trophectoderm cells that will form the future placenta.
At this stage, the embryos are still microscopic, invisible to the naked eye.
Blastocyst cryopreservation
Embryos that develop normally are cryopreserved. Preparation for the freezing process involves removing water from within the embryos and replacing it with a cryoprotective substance to prevent ice crystal formation during vitrification and subsequent thawing.
The embryos are then flash-cooled to -196°C (-321°F). Such rapid freezing (vitrification) prevents damaging water crystal formation.
Liquid nitrogen storage
Following the cryopreservation process, the embryos are transferred to a liquid nitrogen storage chamber in our Center. Theoretically, there is no limit on the length of storage, but conceiving past the age of 40 may result in a high-risk pregnancy.
Subsequent Frozen Embryo Transfer
Once you decide to conceive with the cryopreserved embryos, one or two embryos will be thawed and transferred into your uterus.
A large majority of the embryos will survive the cryopreservation and thawing process. The implantation rate of the thawed embryos should be the same as the “fresh” embryo implantation rate.
If you are successful, your pregnancy becomes indistinguishable from conception through intercourse, and your obstetrical care should be no different than if you conceived without any treatment.
Bay IVF Early Pregnancy Heartbeat
Prerequisites for Donor Egg IVF
Only a few treatment prerequisites are needed before the start of your treatment. They assess the egg and sperm quality and ensure that embryos can be accurately placed in a healthy uterus.
Recipient Mother’s age
Pregnancy complications increase significantly with age and could compromise the mother’s and baby’s health. The recipient mother must be 48 and 11 months or younger when the treatment begins.
Pathogen testing
This testing is required by the State of California. You, your partner (if applicable), and the egg donor must be tested for Hepatitis B-Surface Antigen, Hepatitis C-Antibody, HIV I&II, HTLV I&II (male partner only), and RPR.
Ovarian Reserve Assay – ORA (Donor)
ORA assesses the likelihood of producing normal-quality eggs. It involves measuring Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), estradiol (estrogen, E2), and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) blood levels.
These test results are used to optimize ovarian stimulation.
Antral Follicle Count (Donor)
The number of antral follicles (small fluid-filled sacs within the ovaries seen on ultrasound) in unstimulated ovaries is related to the quality of the eggs. Ideally, there should be approximately 20 antral follicles in both ovaries combined.
Uterine measurement and saline ultrasound (Recipient Mother)
It is important to determine the length of the uterus in order to ensure the correct placement of embryos.
A saline ultrasound is utilized to rule out the presence of intrauterine polyps or fibroids.
Semen evaluation
The male partner’s semen will be evaluated at Bay IVF to determine the best laboratory method for semen preparation for egg insemination.
Male partner genetic testing (optional)
All prospective fathers should consider genetic screening for hundreds of the most common genetic diseases. Please inform us during your initial appointment at Bay IVF if you would like to have your blood sample sent for genetic screening.
IVF diet and lifestyle
Environmental factors have a significant impact on reproductive health. Please review the IVF Diet and Lifestyle document (PDF) for a comprehensive list of environmental reproductive health recommendations and a source for dietary supplements.
Meet Your Doctor
- Dr. Polansky received his medical diploma from Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic, in 1978.
- After completing his OB/GYN residency at Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, MO, he graduated from the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) fellowship at Stanford University in 1985.
- In the same year, he co-founded the Stanford IVF Clinic.
- Dr. Polansky obtained board certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1986 and became REI subspecialty board certified in 1988.
- In 1987, he left Stanford University and established Nova IVF.
- In 2011, he founded Bay IVF, where he provides advanced fertility treatments with a holistic approach, utilizing state-of-the-art techniques.
- Dr. Polansky personally performs ultrasound examinations, egg retrievals, embryo transfers, and ovarian and endometrial stimulations for his patients.
- He is deeply committed to his patients and is always ready to lend a helping hand.
Frank Polansky, M.D.
Initial Appointment Questions
When you call to schedule your consultation, one of our Front Office Coordinators will ask you a short series of questions regarding your reproductive history.
- Your name
- Your date of birth
- Your height
- Your weight
- Do you know which treatment you plan to have?
- How many times have you been pregnant?
- For each of your pregnancies, what was the conception date? (month and year)
- What was the outcome?
- Were the pregnancies with your current partner?
- If known, what is the cause of your infertility?
- What is your average cycle length? (number of days between onsets of your periods)
- Are you currently taking any medications? If yes, which ones?
- Are you allergic to any medications? If yes, which ones?
- Your partner’s name (if applicable)
- Your partner’s date of birth (if applicable)
- What is the length of your relationship with your current partner? (years and months)
- When was the last time either of you used any contraception?
- Is the male partner currently taking any medications? If yes, which ones?
- Is the male partner allergic to any medications? If yes, which ones?
- What is the total number of pregnancies the male partner has ever caused?
- Has the male partner ever caused a pregnancy without the ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) procedure?
- Has the male partner had a vasectomy or vasectomy reversal?
- If available, for each Semen Analysis, please give the date (day, month, and year), volume, concentration (sperm count), percentage of motile sperm, and percentage of morphologically normal sperm.
- Have you ever had any treatment for, or problems with, your lungs, heart, blood and blood vessels, breasts, digestive system, genito-urinary system, thyroid disease, diabetes, or neurological disorder? (female partner only)
- For each X-ray of your uterus and Fallopian tubes (hysterosalpingogram), laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, or laparotomy, please give the procedure date (day, month, and year) and the findings.
- If available, for each FSH, LH, estradiol (estrogen, E2), and AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) test you have had, please give the date of the test (day, month, and year) and the result.
- Have you done any intrauterine inseminations (IUI)? If yes, how many?
- Have you had ovarian stimulation with injectable medications?
- For each IVF treatment you have had, please provide the following information if available: Date (month and year), the dose of medications to stimulate your ovaries, your highest estrogen level, number of ovarian follicles that developed, number of eggs retrieved, whether ICSI was done, number of embryos available, number of embryos transferred, number of embryos frozen, and the treatment outcome.
- Have you ever smoked cigarettes? If yes, how many cigarettes a day during the last three months? (Please remember that you must not smoke during your treatment.)
This is Erica
She will be providing you with exceptional support throughout your treatment journey at Bay IVF.
- Your name
- Your date of birth
- Your height
- Your weight
- Do you know which treatment you plan to have?
- How many times have you been pregnant?
- For each of your pregnancies, what was the conception date? (month and year)
- What was the outcome?
- Were the pregnancies with your current partner?
- If known, what is the cause of your infertility?
- What is your average cycle length? (number of days between onsets of your periods)
- Are you currently taking any medications? If yes, which ones?
- Are you allergic to any medications? If yes, which ones?
- Your partner’s name (if applicable)
- Your partner’s date of birth (if applicable)
- What is the length of your relationship with your current partner? (years and months)
- When was the last time either of you used any contraception?
- Is the male partner currently taking any medications? If yes, which ones?
- Is the male partner allergic to any medications? If yes, which ones?
- What is the total number of pregnancies the male partner has ever caused?
- Has the male partner ever caused a pregnancy without the ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) procedure?
- Has the male partner had a vasectomy or vasectomy reversal?
- If available, for each Semen Analysis, please give the date (day, month, and year), volume, concentration (sperm count), percentage of motile sperm, and percentage of morphologically normal sperm.
- Have you ever had any treatment for, or problems with, your lungs, heart, blood and blood vessels, breasts, digestive system, genito-urinary system, thyroid disease, diabetes, or neurological disorder? (female partner only)
- For each X-ray of your uterus and Fallopian tubes (hysterosalpingogram), laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, or laparotomy, please give the procedure date (day, month, and year) and the findings.
- If available, for each FSH, LH, estradiol (estrogen, E2), and AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone) test you have had, please give the date of the test (day, month, and year) and the result.
- Have you done any intrauterine inseminations (IUI)? If yes, how many?
- Have you had ovarian stimulation with injectable medications?
- For each IVF treatment you have had, please provide the following information if available: Date (month and year), the dose of medications to stimulate your ovaries, your highest estrogen level, number of ovarian follicles that developed, number of eggs retrieved, whether ICSI was done, number of embryos available, number of embryos transferred, number of embryos frozen, and the treatment outcome.
- Have you ever smoked cigarettes? If yes, how many cigarettes a day during the last three months? (Please remember that you must not smoke during your treatment.)
This is Nisha
Your invaluable resource for effortlessly managing your appointments at Bay IVF.
Your Initial Visit at Bay IVF
Attending a new patient appointment at a fertility clinic can be stressful. Our primary objective is to ensure that your initial visit is friendly and relaxing. We encourage you to ask questions at every step of the process.
1 — When You Arrive
You will be welcomed by one of the clinic receptionists. One of our nurses will measure your height and weight and take your blood pressure
2 — Meet Your Doctor
Dr. Polansky will ask you a series of clarifying questions and then provide you with a summary of the factors contributing to your infertility
4 — Exam Room
One of the nurses will escort you to an examination room. Your examination will begin with listening to your lungs and heart
3 — Ask Your Questions
You will then have a discussion with him about the most suitable reproductive treatment(s) for you. During this time, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have
5 — Ultrasound of the Ovaries
The next step is a pelvic ultrasound to examine the uterus and ovaries. This ultrasound will help determine the number of antral follicles present within the ovaries
6 — Financial Part
Following that, you will have a discussion with one of the financial advisors regarding the financial aspects of your treatment, including potential treatment financing options
8 — Support 24/7
If you have any questions after leaving the clinic, please feel free to reach out to us via phone call, text, or email. Open and discreet communication is an integral part of the care we provide at Bay IVF
7 — What About Time?
Your entire visit is expected to last approximately one hour
Schedule Your Initial Consultation With Dr. Polansky
Online (free) or In-Person
Call or Text Us: 650-322-0500
You can also complete the form below to request your initial consultationWe look forward to meeting you at Bay IVF and, when your treatment is successful, celebrating your new pregnancy!