Egg Donor & Freezing

Thank you for your interest in our egg donor program. We would like to inform you that we will continue to utilize egg donors; however, patients are now required to purchase frozen donor eggs from a reputable egg bank.

Using an Egg Donor

The Mid-Iowa Fertility Egg Donor Program provides crucial opportunities for women facing challenges in conceiving due to factors such as age, ovarian failure, illness, genetic abnormalities, prior surgery, or an unsuccessful response to fertility medications. Donor eggs can empower women to achieve a healthy pregnancy, either by using an anonymous donor or a known donor, such as a family member or friend.

When donor eggs are used, the recipient woman often has the opportunity to carry the pregnancy in her own healthy uterus. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is employed, where the donated eggs are fertilized with sperm to create embryos, which are then carefully transferred into her uterus. In some cases, if a woman’s uterus is deemed unsuitable for pregnancy, or if she does not have a uterus, embryos created from donor eggs can be transferred to the uterus of a gestational carrier.

Couples seeking donor eggs can access frozen donor eggs through the egg bank, where they can review confidential forms detailing each potential donor’s personal, medical, and family history. This valuable information empowers couples to make informed choices that align with their journey to parenthood.

All patients using an egg donor will be contacted by the egg donor nurse to discuss consents, treatments, and medications, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the process. 

Mid-Iowa Fertility - Embryologist working with storage tanks

Reasons to Consider Freezing Your Eggs

A woman’s age is the single most important factor affecting fertility. In women ages 30 to 35, there is a gradual decline in the ability to become pregnant. After age 40, there is a sharp decline in conception and increase in complications, making it difficult for women to conceive. Egg freezing can help preserve future fertility and family-building options. As part of your decision-making process to have children, you may choose to freeze your eggs for the following reasons:

  1. Timing: There are a multitude of reasons you may not be ready to start a family. Some of the reasons frequently cited by egg-freezing patients are school, career, travel, or not having met the right partner yet.
  2. Future Family Planning: You may already have a child, but you know that by the time you’re ready for more, you may be older and your egg supply may not be as optimal. By freezing when you’re in your mid- to late-30s, your fertility at that point in time will be preserved for the future.
  3. Uncertainty: You may not know if you want children, but freezing your eggs provides you with the possibility later on if you change your mind.
  4. Known Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions may impair your ability to have children: endometriosis, family history of premature ovarian failure, or treatment for cancer, to name a few. Egg freezing can help to keep options open for the future.

Whatever your reason, Mid-Iowa Fertility is here to answer any questions you may have about our process. Please contact Sheila, one of our nurse coordinators, at 515-473-8944 or via e-mail at donornurse@midiowafertility.com.