What is the average success rate for IVF with donor eggs?

Why Do Donor Egg Success Rates Seem Higher Abroad?

Posted in IVF Success Rates,

I have come across this question many times before. If you do research on fertility clinics abroad, you will see that the donor egg success rates advertised seem to hover around the 50-60% mark. This is usually the clinical success rate, but you should check to be sure because it is possible that the chemical success rate is being reported (and this is usually higher).

Egg Donation Success Rate: Understanding the Numbers

When it comes to starting a family, many couples turn to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) as a beacon of hope. Among the various IVF treatments, using donor eggs has become a noteworthy option, often due to its higher success rates. But what exactly does “egg donation success rate” mean in this context? It’s a measure of the number of successful pregnancies, often reported as live births, that occur as a result of the IVF cycle. Different clinics may calculate this rate per embryo transfer, per egg retrieval, or per cycle started, and it’s crucial for patients to understand the specific metrics used by their chosen clinic.

This success rate usually relates to the pregnancy rate following embryo transfer. You could further drill down and ask the pregnancy rate per embryo transferred. This will be lower because clinics often transfer more than one embryo. It is also prudent to ask about how many cycles got to embryo transfer because obviously the fewer cycles there are, the less predictive the results are.

Why not give live birth rates? I think that for IVF clinics which treat many people from abroad, this particular statistic may be more difficult to report. Contacting everyone after their due date may be logistically a bit difficult.

So it can be difficult to compare like-with-like when it comes to pregnancy rate.

Factors Influencing Donor Egg IVF Success Rates

Several factors can impact the success rates of IVF with donor eggs. The age and health of the egg donor are paramount; typically, younger donors with robust medical histories offer the best chances. The recipient’s health, including the uterus’s receptivity, also plays a critical role. Additionally, the quality of the sperm and the overall IVF laboratory conditions can affect the outcome. It’s a symphony of medical precision, with each element needing to be in harmony for the best chances of success.

Comparing Success Rates: Donor Eggs vs. Own Eggs

When we look at the numbers, IVF with donor eggs generally shows higher success rates compared to using one’s own eggs, especially as maternal age increases. This is a pivotal point for many to understand when considering their options.

But why the higher success rate with donor eggs? The answer largely lies in the biology of aging. Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and as they age, both the quantity and quality of these eggs diminish. Donor eggs, typically sourced from younger women, are less likely to have chromosomal abnormalities, thereby increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Research papers, such as those published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, often highlight the correlation between donor egg age and IVF success rates, underscoring the importance of egg quality.

Why do the egg donation success rate seem higher abroad?

A perceived increase in pregnancy rate in clinics abroad can be explained by the following:

1) The number of embryos transferred may be greater abroad than in the UK. There is a real push to promote single embryo transfer in the UK. Abroad, the average number of embryos transferred is usually about two. The result of this may lead to an increased pregnancy rate.

2) Blastocysts are routinely used for embryo transfer abroad and are usually included in the price advertised (this can be called extended culture). At this stage, the embryo has passed all of its milestones and is progressing in development. So transferring at this stage means that preimplantation development has successfully completed. Transferring embryos at this stage should lead to better success.

3) The egg donors will, on the whole, be younger than donors in the UK. Having a younger egg donor may mean that egg quality is superior. Although many women do donate here in the UK, it can tend to be women who are a little older – friends, family members. Women going through treatment themselves for infertility also donate eggs. However, if the cause of the infertility is unknown, this may lower the chance of success for the recipients of these eggs.

4) IVF clinics abroad can use “proven” donors a few times (in Spain six children can be born from the same donor -including her own). So the chances of success with each cycle using a proven donor may be higher.

If you are considering going for an egg donation IVF abroad, please read information about popular destinations. You will also find information about egg donation success rates in a specific country.

Egg donation success rates – Real-World Success Stories

Consider these anonymized snapshots from real cases:

A 42-year-old woman with a BMI of 29, diagnosed with premature ovarian failure, had two previous IVF cycles fail. Using donor eggs, she successfully carried a pregnancy to term.
A couple with the male partner diagnosed with low sperm motility, after three failed IVF attempts with the female partner’s eggs, turned to egg donation. The result was a positive pregnancy test and a subsequent live birth.
A 38-year-old woman with unexplained infertility had undergone four IVF cycles with her own eggs with no success. Switching to donor eggs, she experienced a successful implantation and pregnancy on the first try.

What is the average egg donation success rate?

The average success rate for IVF with donor eggs varies widely, but studies and clinic reports often indicate a range between 40% to 60% per embryo transfer leading to live births. These rates are influenced by several factors, including the quality of the donor eggs, the age of the donor, the IVF procedures used, and the recipient’s health. Donor egg IVF tends to have a higher success rate than IVF using the intended mother’s own eggs, particularly as the maternal age increases. This is largely due to the higher quality and genetic stability of eggs from younger donors, which are less likely to carry chromosomal abnormalities.

How does age affect egg donation success rate?

While the age of the egg donor is a significant factor in IVF success, the age of the recipient has less impact when using donor eggs. Donors are typically young women who have undergone thorough medical and genetic screening, ensuring their eggs are of optimal quality. This means that older recipients, who may face age-related fertility challenges with their own eggs, can see success rates similar to younger women when using donor eggs. However, it’s important to note that the recipient’s age can still influence other aspects of pregnancy and delivery, which should be considered in the overall treatment plan.

Are fresh or frozen donor eggs more successful?

The success rates between fresh and frozen donor eggs have become increasingly comparable due to advancements in freezing technology, particularly with the widespread adoption of vitrification. Some studies suggest that fresh donor eggs may offer a slight advantage in terms of success rates, but the difference is often minimal. The choice between fresh and frozen eggs usually depends on factors such as availability, convenience, timing, and cost.

How many IVF with donor egg cycles should I attempt?

The decision on how many IVF with donor egg cycles to attempt is highly personal and should be made in consultation with fertility specialists. It often depends on individual circumstances, including the recipient’s health, financial considerations, and emotional resilience. Clinics may suggest a certain number based on statistical probabilities, but there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some couples may succeed on the first try, while others may require multiple attempts.

Can the egg donor’s lifestyle affect success rates?

Yes, the egg donor’s lifestyle can impact the quality of her eggs and the success rates of IVF. Factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, poor diet, and high stress levels can negatively affect fertility. Reputable clinics thoroughly screen donors and often select individuals who lead healthy lifestyles to maximize the chances of successful IVF outcomes.

Does the recipient’s BMI influence the egg donation success rate?

The recipient’s Body Mass Index (BMI) can influence IVF outcomes. Extremes in BMI, either too low or too high, have been associated with lower implantation rates, higher miscarriage rates, and other complications during pregnancy. A healthy BMI can improve the chances of successful implantation and a healthy pregnancy following IVF with donor eggs.

What role does the sperm quality play in egg donation success rates?

Sperm quality plays a crucial role in the success of IVF with donor eggs. Factors such as sperm count, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity are important. Poor sperm quality can lead to difficulties with fertilization and may affect the development of the embryo. In cases of severe male factor infertility, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may be used to assist in fertilizing the donor eggs.

How does the clinic’s experience with egg donation affect success rates?

A clinic’s experience and success rates with egg donation can significantly influence outcomes. Clinics with extensive experience in donor egg IVF often have well-established protocols, experienced staff, and state-of-the-art technology, all of which contribute to higher success rates. It’s important for patients to research and select clinics with proven track records in egg donation.

Can genetic screening improve the chances of success?

Genetic screening of both the donor eggs and the sperm can improve the chances of success by ensuring that the embryos used for transfer have the best possible genetic makeup. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) can identify embryos with chromosomal abnormalities, which can reduce the risk of miscarriage and increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.

What is the impact of the recipient’s uterine health on success?

The health of the recipient’s uterus is critical for successful implantation and pregnancy. Conditions such as fibroids, polyps, scar tissue, or congenital anomalies can interfere with embryo implantation and should be addressed before undergoing IVF with donor eggs. A receptive uterine environment, confirmed by tests such as a hysteroscopy or saline sonogram, is essential for the success of the treatment.

How do egg donation success rates vary with single vs. multiple embryo transfers?

Single embryo transfer (SET) is increasingly recommended to reduce the risks associated with multiple pregnancies. While transferring multiple embryos may seem to offer a higher chance of pregnancy, it also significantly increases the risk of twins or higher-order multiples, which can lead to complications. SET with a high-quality embryo has shown excellent success rates and is considered a safer approach.

Are there any risks that could decrease the success rates?

Risks that could decrease success rates include poor ovarian response in the donor, suboptimal embryo quality, inadequate endometrial lining in the recipient, and lifestyle factors such as smoking or obesity. Additionally, technical factors during the IVF process, such as errors in egg retrieval, fertilization, or embryo transfer, can also affect success rates.

How do international success rates compare?

International success rates for IVF with donor eggs can vary based on the clinic’s expertise, technology, and regulatory environment. Some countries have higher success rates due to better technology and more stringent donor selection processes. Patients should research and compare international clinics, considering success rates, costs, legal aspects, and the availability of donors.

Can pre-existing medical conditions of the recipient affect the outcome?

Yes, pre-existing medical conditions of the recipient, such as autoimmune disorders, thyroid disease, or untreated polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can affect the outcome of IVF with donor eggs. It’s essential to manage these conditions and optimize the recipient’s health before starting the IVF process to improve the chances of success.

What are the success rates for donor eggs in women with a history of recurrent miscarriages?

Women with a history of recurrent miscarriages may have higher success rates with donor eggs, especially if their miscarriages were due to chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs. Donor eggs from young, healthy donors can provide a better chance of producing genetically healthy embryos, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. However, it’s also important to investigate and address any underlying issues in the recipient that may contribute to miscarriages.

If you are interested in the subject and would like to have a detailed approach on IVF donor egg success rate – you may be interested in this article, written by EggDonationFriends, “IVF with donor eggs success rates – the truth clinics don’t tell you“

We hope this has partly answered the question about IVF success rates abroad.

Author: Aleksander Wiecki