When own eggs aren't enough: understanding the shift to donor IVF (dIVF)

There are many paths to parenthood and each journey is unique. For many, the process begins with IVF using their own eggs. However, if those treatments aren’t the most feasible option for you, donor treatment is a wonderful opportunity on your way towards parenthood. While this can feel like an unexpected turn, it also opens the door to effective and well‑established options that have helped many people achieve pregnancy.

What you will learn about dIVF in this article:

• The timing: When is dIVF considered?

• Success rates: what are typical success rates with dIVF treatments?

• The process: how the dIVF treatment process unfolds?

What is dIVF?

Donor IVF (dIVF) is a form of in vitro fertilisation in which voluntarily donated eggs are used instead of the patient’s own gametes. The eggs are fertilised with sperm from a partner or a voluntary donor. Finally, the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus of the person who will carry the pregnancy.

DIVF is a well-established and widely used fertility treatment, particularly when pregnancy is unlikely with one’s own gametes. While the genetic connection differs, the pregnancy, birth and parenthood experience remain the same as in IVF with own eggs.

When is dIVF considered?

The decision to move to donor IVF is always based on an individual fertility assessment. Donated eggs may be recommended when egg quality or quantity significantly reduces the chance of pregnancy. Donor sperm can also be considered when the male partner has severe fertility issues.

Situations where donor IVF may be advised include:

• Age-related concerns

• Poor egg quality

• Several previous unsuccessful IVF treatments using own eggs

• Recurrent miscarriages

• A known risk of a serious hereditary disease when using one’s own eggs

Situations where donor sperm may be advised include:

• Single women or female same‑sex couples who require donor sperm to conceive

• Severe male infertility such as low sperm count or reduced sperm motility or morphology

• Pregnancy is not achievable using the male partner’s own sperm

• Repeated unsuccessful fertility treatments where sperm-related factors are considered

• Genetic conditions or inherited diseases in the male partner that carry a high risk of being passed on to the child

For some, donor IVF is considered after several treatment attempts whereas for others it is recommended earlier to avoid unnecessary delays. The timing is always discussed carefully with your doctor.

Success rates with donor eggs and donor sperm

One of the key reasons donor IVF is recommended is its high success rate. Ovumia’s egg donors are carefully screened and undergo a karyotype analysis, screening for infectious diseases and a thorough clinical interview to exclude hereditary risks.

At Ovumia, donor IVF has helped many patients achieve pregnancy where other treatments have not been successful. The success rate for egg donation treatment at Ovumia clinics exceeds 50% from the first embryo transfer.

Your doctor will explain success rates in the context of your own medical situation, helping you understand what the numbers mean for you personally.

The dIVF process

Donor IVF follows a clear and well-established process:

• Initial consultation: The medical prerequisites for safety of the treatment, the course of treatment and prognosis are reviewed. The legal aspects of the treatment are explained to the woman or couple receiving treatment. Plenty of time is reserved for any questions you may have.

• Donor gamete counseling: Finnish law requires that donor gamete treatments are preceded by a counselling session. This is usually a one-time appointment, either at the clinic or remotely.

• Donor egg coordination and treatment planning: A donor egg coordinator supports the process of identifying a suitable donor in line with your preferences. At the coordinator’s appointment, the donor’s final agreement is confirmed. The recipient can choose whether fresh or frozen eggs are used.

• Treatment planning: Once a donor has been confirmed, the physician creates a personalised treatment plan for the recipient. Detailed information on medication and the treatment schedule is provided, and nurses give clear guidance on medication use and care instructions.

• Actual treatment and the embryo transfer: Treatment begins according to the individual plan.

  • Fresh eggs: The donor undergoes hormonal stimulation, and the sperm sample is provided on the day of egg retrieval.

  • Frozen eggs: The selected eggs are thawed and fertilised on a pre-scheduled day using fresh or frozen sperm.

Throughout the process, the recipient is kept informed of treatment progress. The embryo transfer is performed in the same way as in standard IVF, and a pregnancy test can be taken approximately two weeks after the transfer.

Emotional support throughout the treatment

Moving from IVF with own eggs to donor IVF can involve complex emotions. It is natural to reflect on genetics, expectations and what parenthood means to you.

At Ovumia, treatment always includes space for discussion, guidance and emotional support, alongside medical care. With clear information and personalised planning, donor IVF can become a reassuring and empowering step forward. If you’re considering donor IVF, a fertility assessment can help clarify whether this treatment is right for you and what the next steps might be.