Frozen egg donor cycles are a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to help women or LGBTQ + couples become pregnant by using eggs that have been previously frozen and stored. During a frozen egg donor cycle, a woman’s eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a lab.
Once the Egg retrieval is done, we make sure to ship the donor’s frozen eggs to IP country where the IVF clinic is located, in preparation for their treatment. This might be something scary, and give intended parents a feeling of “uncertainty”.
However, at Origen Agency, we strive to alleviate these concerns. We partner with FDA-approved Clinics and our courier is approved and offers the most reliable cryogenic shipping services for IVF in the industry:
We make sure to select the safest and most direct routes, worldwide.
Our frozen eggs travel with the help of advanced technology for biomaterial storage.
Our delivery is timely, secure, and compliant with global shipping standards.
Utilizing the latest cryopreservation technology, our patients now have the option of undergoing an egg donor cycle using frozen donor eggs. These eggs are collected from the donor in the standard manner, then frozen using a process called vitrification, making them available for future use. This advanced technology is the same one we employ to properly freeze eggs for fertility preservation and elective egg freezing. To freeze eggs, we carefully prepare, seal, and label them before placing them in the freezer to ensure optimal preservation.
Vitrification is a sophisticated technique that includes the addition of cryoprotectants to the eggs, followed by an ultra-rapid cooling process. These cryoprotectants play a crucial role in preventing crystal formation and maintaining the egg’s structural integrity. Once frozen, these eggs are safely stored in our egg bank. When the time is right, the donor eggs are retrieved from storage and properly thawed, either overnight in the refrigerator or by running the container under cold water, to ensure safety and quality. Thawed eggs should be used immediately for best results. After thawing, the eggs are fertilized with sperm and readied for uterine transfer.
Proper storage is essential to maintain the viability and safety of frozen eggs, whether you are preserving whole eggs, egg yolks, or egg whites. To ensure the best results, eggs should be stored in a freezer at a consistent temperature below 0°F (-18°C). This low temperature helps prevent degradation and preserves freshness, allowing eggs to be stored for up to a year. However, for optimal quality, it is recommended to use frozen eggs within four months of the freezing process.
When storing eggs, always use airtight, moisture-proof containers to prevent freezer burn and contamination. Each container should be clearly labeled with the date of freezing, the number of eggs, and any added ingredients such as salt or sugar, which can affect the texture and intended use in recipes. Whether you are storing whole eggs, separated egg yolks, or egg whites, proper labeling ensures you can easily select the right form for your needs.
Hygiene is also crucial—always wash your hands before and after handling eggs, and avoid cross-contamination with other foods. Consider the intended use of your eggs, as some recipes may require specific types, such as only egg yolks or egg whites. By following these guidelines, you can maximize the freshness and safety of your frozen eggs, making them ready for use whenever you need them.
For a long time, egg donation was primarily conducted using “fresh” eggs. This process necessitated stimulating the egg donor’s ovaries to yield multiple eggs, which were then retrieved and fertilized with sperm from the intended male parent or a sperm donor. The resultant fresh embryos were promptly transferred to the recipient female, with any surplus embryos being preserved for future use.
While fresh egg donation cycles continue to be a preferred choice for many recipients and intended parents, an increasing number of patients are exploring frozen donor eggs as an alternative. With advancements in egg freezing and thawing technologies, several distinct benefits are associated with opting for frozen donor eggs for embryo creation including, but not limited to, the following:
There’s no requirement for cycle synchronization between the donor and recipient.
Since ovarian stimulation and retrieval have already been conducted, the number of available eggs is known prior to initiating a cycle.
The time frame from selecting a donor to embryo transfer can be shorter when using already frozen eggs. The process of preparing for a frozen donor egg cycle can take several weeks, including hormone treatment and scheduling.
The cost per treatment cycle can be lower with frozen donor eggs compared to fresh ones.
The biological material being preserved and used in these procedures are gametes, specifically eggs, which are stored for later fertilization.
It is important to note that the cost per baby born could be lower, the same, or higher, depending on the live birth rate per embryo transfer procedure at the clinic performing the procedure. While the national average for live birth success rates using frozen donor eggs is currently somewhat lower than that with fresh donor eggs, egg freezing and thawing technologies have significantly improved over the past few years. A woman’s age at the time of egg freezing can significantly affect the likelihood of a successful pregnancy, as age impacts egg quality and survival after thawing.
The choice to use frozen donor eggs is a deeply personal one and can be influenced by a variety of factors. However, certain individuals may find this option particularly beneficial. Those who have experienced challenges with fertility, such as diminished ovarian reserve, premature ovarian failure, or recurrent miscarriages, often turn to frozen donor eggs as a viable path to parenthood. Additionally, single individuals or same-sex couples looking to start a family may also find frozen donor eggs an excellent choice.
Frozen donor eggs can be a valuable option for those who value flexibility and convenience. Since the eggs are already retrieved and stored, there’s no need to synchronize cycles with the donor, which can significantly reduce waiting times. This option also allows intended parents to know the number of available eggs upfront, providing a clearer picture of their potential journey to parenthood.
While using frozen donor eggs offers many advantages, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved. One of the primary medical risks is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can occur in egg donors as a result of fertility drugs used during the egg retrieval process. Although rare, OHSS can be serious and requires careful monitoring by medical professionals.
Other risks include the possibility of infection or bleeding during the egg retrieval procedure. For women and intended parents, it is also important to consider the potential risks to the future child, such as congenital anomalies. However, current research indicates that the risk of birth defects or health issues in children born from frozen donor eggs is minimal and comparable to those conceived through other assisted reproductive technologies.
Beyond medical considerations, there are emotional and psychological aspects to consider, such as how and when to disclose the use of donor eggs to a child in the future. Open communication with your fertility clinic and support networks can help address these concerns and ensure a positive experience throughout the process.
The choice between fresh and frozen donor eggs is a significant one for those embarking on the journey of assisted reproduction. Both options have their unique advantages, and the decision ultimately depends on the specific circumstances and preferences of the intended parents.
With fresh donor eggs, the process is typically more time-consuming and complex, as it requires the synchronization of the donor’s and recipient’s menstrual cycles. However, it often yields a larger number of eggs, which can be beneficial for those planning multiple pregnancies. On the other hand, frozen donor eggs offer a more streamlined and flexible process, as the eggs are readily available for use. This eliminates the need for cycle synchronization and allows for a quicker start to the IVF process. However, the number of eggs obtained in a frozen cycle is typically fixed. It’s essential to discuss these factors with your fertility specialist to make an informed decision that best suits your individual needs and goals.
We provide a support team so that you can address any concerns that may arise during transportation. The team is available 24/7 and will gladly assist you. We use dry shippers with temperature control — frozen eggs require an environment with low temperature, which we support with the help of liquid nitrogen throughout the entire transportation. We never allow the dewars to undergo an X-ray to prevent any damage to the material. We only use the most advanced technology to preserve the quality of your frozen donor eggs. See what other intended parents have to say about IVF.