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Fresh or Frozen? Learn About the Two Types of Egg Donation Cycles

by MyEggBankin Learn About Egg DonationAugust 29th, 2024

When undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) using donor eggs, you can use fresh or frozen eggs. But which option is the best for your unique needs and goals? Before making a decision, it’s important to understand the difference between fresh and frozen eggs, as well as their pros and cons. Then, a reputable egg bank can help you explore your options and choose the ideal donor for your family.

The Difference Between Fresh and Frozen Egg Donation Cycles

A fresh egg donation cycle involves synchronizing the menstrual cycles of the egg donor and the recipient. The donor undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and fertilized in a lab. The resulting embryos are transferred to the recipient's uterus shortly after retrieval. In a frozen egg donation cycle, synchronization is not necessary. The donor’s eggs are cryopreserved immediately after retrieval so that they can be thawed and fertilized to create embryos whenever the aspiring parents are ready.

Understanding the Pros and Cons of Fresh Eggs

Fresh eggs have slightly higher success rates. A 2020 study analyzed 36,925 IVF cycles and found that fresh eggs had a 47.7% live birth rate versus 39.6% for frozen eggs. Additionally, fresh eggs generally result in more viable embryos, giving intended parents a better chance of implantation. You can also freeze any remaining embryos created from a fresh egg donation cycle so your child can have a sibling in the future.

However, a fresh donor cycle can be unpredictable. For example, the donor may react differently to their fertility medications than expected, forcing a cycle restart or a cancellation. It’s important to work with a reputable clinic as coordination of cycles is complicated.

What You Need to Know About Frozen Eggs

With frozen eggs, you don’t have to wait months for a typical fresh egg cycle, as there’s no need to sync cycles. Essentially, you can use the frozen eggs as soon as you’re ready to. Additionally, frozen eggs are usually more affordable.

Typically, there is a better selection of frozen donor eggs. Frozen eggs can be shipped to your clinic from anywhere in the country. With a fresh cycle, the carrier and the donor would need to be in the same area.

Learn More About Fresh vs. Frozen Egg Donation Cycles

Both fresh and frozen eggs have their pros and cons. The right choice for you depends on your specific situation and family-building goals. At MyEggBank, we can walk you through each option so you can make your decision with confidence. Then, we’ll connect you to our extensive database of screened donors, ensuring you have support and guidance through each step of the donor egg journey. Contact us today for more information about our egg donor program and how our experienced team can help you grow your family.

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