Transvaginal egg retrieval and embryo cryopreservation have made the application of IVF with donor eggs feasible. The recipient undergoes hormonal treatment to prepare her uterus for potential implantation. Once donor eggs are available, they are fertilized with her partner’s sperm and placed in her uterus at the optimal time for implantation. Ideally the donor’s and recipient’s cycles are synchronized, but if this is not possible, the embryos may be frozen until the recipient can be hormonally prepared for embryo replacement.

According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines for egg donation, all egg donors are screened psychologically as well as for infectious and sexually transmitted diseases. Careful genetic, family and social histories of the donor are obtained. Donors are between the ages of 21 and 34, and are required to give their informed consent after acceptance by the IVF team. Total anonymity is maintained for the donor as well as the recipient, except when the egg donor and recipient are known to each other, as with a relative or friend.