Egg Donation – Process and Requirements
Egg donation is an assisted reproduction method in which one woman donates her eggs to another woman, giving her the opportunity to become pregnant. At the ReproCreate Fertility Clinic, we provide individual support along this journey – from preparation to aftercare.
Egg Donation Process
Preparation
Preparation for egg donation usually takes between one and three months. There are two clinical starting situations:
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- No menstrual period for an extended time: hormonal support over 2–3 cycles before starting treatment
- Normal uterine function: 14–20 days of hormonal preparation with tablets
Transfer
Embryo transfer is performed in the same way as classical IVF. It is a minimally invasive procedure using a flexible catheter under ultrasound guidance. The embryos are placed into the uterus with a small amount of fluid.
After the Transfer
The procedure places little physical strain on the body but can be emotionally challenging. After the transfer, there is a 14-day waiting period (“Two-Week Wait”) before the pregnancy test. The success rate is up to 50%.
Legal Requirements in Austria
Egg donation is clearly regulated in Austria and permitted for both heterosexual and lesbian couples. Key legal provisions:
- Participation is limited to women up to 45 years of age
- The final embryo transfer must take place no later than the day before the recipient’s 45th birthday
- A notarized agreement is required before the donation
- Donors must be no older than 30 years
- Children have the right to access the donor’s basic information from the age of 14
Medical Requirements
To carry out an egg donation, both medical and safety conditions must be met:
- Functioning uterus
- Negative serological tests (HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, etc.) for both donor and recipient
- Freedom from infection in both parties
Eligible candidates include women with diminished ovarian function, low egg reserves, or no chance of spontaneous conception.
Success Rates
Egg donation offers a high but not guaranteed chance of success. Statistically, the success rate corresponds to that of a healthy woman around the age of 30. Realistically, the probability per cycle ranges between 30% and 50%, depending on age, health status, and egg quality.
Cost of Egg Donation
Total costs consist of several components:
- Price of the egg donation (paid directly to the donor bank)
- Cost of laboratory fertilization (IVF or ICSI)
- Notary fees
- Medical preparations (examinations, blood samples, vaccinations, consultations, status checks)
Costs are not covered by the IVF Fund in Austria.
Legal Classification: Who Is the Mother?
In egg donation, a distinction is made between genetic and legal motherhood:
- Genetic mother: the egg donor
- Legal mother: the recipient carrying the child
The recipient builds the child’s body during pregnancy and is therefore regarded as the mother both legally and biologically.
Risks of Egg Donation
Medically, the procedure carries low risk. The main risk lies in the possibility of no pregnancy despite treatment. Immunological complications are extremely rare. Additionally, general pregnancy risks increase with age, such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, or cesarean delivery.
Your Path to Egg Donation
Egg donation is a sensitive and individually tailored treatment that enables many women to experience motherhood. Schedule a non-binding initial consultation to discuss your personal situation and learn more about the possibilities of egg donation at our ReproCreate Fertility Clinic Graz.
