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Donor Embryo Program

Hope Healing Happiness
in Fertility Care

The Donor Embryo Program uses embryos donated by couples who previously underwent IVF and had excess embryos.
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Donor Embryo Program

What is a Donor Embryo Program ?

The Donor Embryo Program uses embryos donated by couples who previously underwent IVF and had excess embryos. These embryos are frozen and later donated to individuals or couples who cannot produce viable eggs and sperm.
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When it is Considered ?

  • Couples where both partners are infertile (no viable eggs or sperm).
  • Couples with genetic conditions they wish to avoid.
  • Single women or men who cannot provide gametes.
  • Couples who failed with both donor egg and donor sperm programs.

Procedure

Embryo Donation

  • Couples who have completed their family choose to donate unused embryos.

Screening

  • Donated embryos are screened for genetic and infectious conditions.

Embryo Transfer

  • Embryos are thawed and placed into the recipient’s uterus.

Step Process

IVF Procedure Explained

Step 1 : Ovarian Stimulation
  • Normally, a woman releases just one egg per month.
  • In IVF, the goal is to have multiple eggs so there are more chances of success.
  • The woman is given hormonal injections (FSH/LH-like medicines) for 8–14 days to help the ovaries grow several follicles (fluid-filled sacs containing eggs).
  • Monitoring is done with ultrasounds and blood tests to check follicle growth.
  • When the follicles are mature (about 18–20 mm), an injection of hCG (trigger shot) is given to finalize egg development.
  • 36 hours later, the eggs are collected.
  • The doctor uses a thin needle under ultrasound guidance, inserted through the vagina into the ovary to gently suction out the eggs.
  • This is done under light sedation or anesthesia — not painful, but some mild cramping may occur after.
  • On the same day, a semen sample is collected from the male partner.
  • If needed, sperm can be obtained through surgical techniques (TESA, PESA) or donor sperm can be used.
  • The sperm is then washed and prepared in the lab so only the healthiest ones are selected.

There are two main ways to fertilize the eggs in the lab:

  • Conventional IVF – The eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish, and fertilization happens naturally.
  • ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) – A single, healthy sperm is directly injected into each egg (used in cases of male infertility or poor sperm quality).
  • After fertilization, the eggs become embryos.
  • The embryos are grown in the lab for 3–5 days.
  • Embryologists monitor them daily to check their development.
  • The best quality embryo(s) are chosen for transfer. Extra embryos can be frozen (cryopreserved) for future use.
  • A thin catheter (tube) is gently passed through the cervix into the uterus.
  • One or two embryos are carefully placed inside the uterine cavity.
  • This is a simple, painless procedure, similar to a Pap smear — no anesthesia needed.
  • After transfer, the woman takes progesterone supplements (pills, injections, or vaginal gels) to help the uterine lining support implantation.
  • This phase lasts about two weeks.
  • About 10–14 days after embryo transfer, a blood test (β-hCG) is done to check if pregnancy has occurred.
  • If positive → an early ultrasound is scheduled.
  • If negative → the couple may try again using frozen embryos or another stimulation cycle.

Results & Benefits

  • Provides an option for couples who have no viable eggs or sperm.
  • Often more affordable than donor egg or sperm IVF cycles.
  • Reduces embryo wastage by using excess embryos from IVF.
  • Allows recipients to experience pregnancy and childbirth, even if no genetic link exists.
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