The Difference Between Egg Donation and Egg Freezing
At first glance, egg donation and egg freezing may seem similar — both involve retrieving eggs from a woman’s ovaries through a medical procedure.
However, their purposes, processes, and long-term implications are very different.
Egg donation is about helping others — giving hope to families who cannot conceive naturally.
Egg freezing, on the other hand, is about preserving one’s own fertility, allowing women to have the option of pregnancy later in life.
Understanding these differences — as well as the considerations before making either choice — is crucial for any woman thinking about taking this step. Let’s explore what sets egg donation and egg freezing apart, and what to keep in mind before deciding.
Purpose of Egg Donation
The purpose of egg donation is to help individuals or couples who cannot produce healthy eggs but wish to have a child.
Through in vitro fertilization (IVF), donated eggs are fertilized with sperm to create embryos, which are then transferred into the recipient’s uterus to achieve pregnancy.
All eggs retrieved during the donation procedure are transferred to the intended parents, who have full rights over their use or disposal.
Egg Donation Regulations in Taiwan
In Taiwan, egg donation is regulated under the Assisted Reproduction Act.
Eligible donors must:
- Be women aged 20–40 with healthy ovaries and no hereditary diseases.
- Undergo full medical, genetic, and infectious disease screening.
- Receive a nutritional compensation (gratitude allowance) capped at NT$99,000.
- Women who have had a live birth after donation are not permitted to donate again.
Why Egg Donation Is Needed
Declining birth rates are a global issue — not just in Taiwan.
Across Asia and beyond, many infertile couples and LGBTQ+ families turn to egg donation as their path to parenthood.
Because recipients often provide a compensation allowance, the quality standards for donated eggs are typically high.
In many countries, international egg donation is also available, and the compensation range varies widely — from around USD 4,000 to USD 30,000, depending on local regulations, the donor’s profile, and the intended parents’ budget.
Further reading: Ministry of Health and Welfare: Egg and sperm donation information
Purpose of Egg Freezing
The purpose of egg freezing is to preserve a woman’s fertility for the future, giving her the freedom to decide if and when she wants to become a mother.
The frozen eggs remain stored until they are fertilized with sperm — from a future partner or donor — to create embryos for pregnancy.
Egg Freezing Regulations in Taiwan
In Taiwan, unmarried women are allowed to freeze their eggs, but cannot use (thaw) them for fertilization unless they are legally married.
Once retrieved, the ownership and decision-making rights over the frozen eggs belong entirely to the woman herself.
For egg donation, the eligible age limit is under 30 years old, as younger eggs are typically of higher quality.
Cost of Egg Freezing
The cost of egg freezing in Taiwan typically ranges from NT$80,000 to NT$130,000, depending on the medication dosage and the individual’s ovarian response.
This amount generally covers medical consultations, hormone injections, egg retrieval, and initial freezing procedures.
Differences Between Egg Donation and Egg Freezing: A Complete Guide to the Egg Donation Process
Egg Donation Process in Taiwan
In Taiwan, egg donation is conducted under a “blind donation” system — meaning the donor and recipient remain completely anonymous to each other. Neither party is allowed to know the other’s identity or appearance.
The only information disclosed to the recipient includes the donor’s blood type and genetic compatibility (to ensure there are no conflicting hereditary conditions).
This system is designed to protect both the donor’s privacy and the recipient’s rights, following the strict regulations outlined in Taiwan’s Assisted Reproduction Act, which prohibits any form of direct contact or identification between donors and recipients.
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- Chromosome analysis
- Major hereditary disease testing
- Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening
- Hepatitis and drug screening
Registration and Medical Screening
In Taiwan, the egg donation process begins with registration at a certified fertility center.
During the second to third day of menstruation, donors undergo:- AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) testing to evaluate ovarian reserve, and
- Transvaginal ultrasound to assess follicle count and ovarian health.
If the test results meet medical standards, the donor can officially enter the matching and waiting phase.
Matching Period
The waiting time for a match may vary — typically 1 to 3 months, though in some cases, it can take up to a year depending on demand and genetic compatibility.
Comprehensive Health and Genetic Testing
Once a match is confirmed, the donor proceeds with a series of detailed medical and genetic screenings, including:
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Egg Retrieval
Once the donor passes the medical screening, the ovarian stimulation phase begins around 10–12 days after menstruation.
The donor will:- Receive ovulation-stimulating hormone injections (usually for 7–10 days) to promote multiple follicle growth.
- Be administered a trigger shot (hCG) roughly one day before retrieval to induce final egg maturation.
- Undergo egg retrieval approximately 36 hours after the trigger injection, performed under general anesthesia.
Compensation
If around 20 mature eggs are successfully retrieved, the donor typically receives the full compensation amount of NT$99,000.
However, if the number of eggs retrieved is below the clinic’s minimum requirement for use, the compensation may be reduced by half — the exact policy depends on each fertility center’s regulations.It is strongly advised to confirm all compensation terms before signing the agreement.
Once the retrieval procedure is complete and the number of eggs meets the criteria, payment is usually issued within 1–2 weeks.
Overseas and U.S. Egg Donation Process
In the United States and other international programs, the egg donation process includes an additional and distinctive step — donor profiling with photos.
Intended parents are often allowed to view:- Donor photos (to assess resemblance)
- Height, education background, personal interests, family medical history, and donation history
These details — especially appearance, height, and education — play a major role in determining both matching speed and compensation amount.
After submitting the application and photos, the donor enters a matching queue similar to Taiwan’s system.
Matching time varies depending on the demand at each fertility clinic or agency — some donors match quickly, while others may need to wait longer based on intended parents’ specific preferences.
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Egg Bank Donation Process
In the United States, egg donation can be divided into two main categories: egg bank donation and matched (fresh cycle) donation.
Egg bank donation means donors do not need to wait for intended parents to match before starting the process.
As long as the donor’s follicles and ovarian health meet medical standards, she can proceed directly into the screening and stimulation cycle.Advantages:
- Faster timeline — no need to wait for intended parents to be assigned.
- Flexible scheduling — donors can complete the process based on their own timing.
Disadvantages:
- Fixed compensation — the nutritional or compensation fee is typically pre-set and cannot be increased, regardless of demand.
Matched (Fresh Cycle) Donation Process
In a fresh-cycle matching program, the donor’s profile and photos are presented to potential intended parents.
In some cases, the intended parents may request to verify the donor’s academic credentials or even conduct a brief online interview.Once the match is confirmed:
- The donor undergoes medical screening in Taiwan, including:
- AMH testing and transvaginal ultrasound
- DNA saliva genetic testing
- Chromosome analysis
- STI (sexually transmitted infection) screening
- After passing all tests, both parties sign the official contract in Taiwan.
- When the donor’s menstrual cycle begins, she will:
- Take birth control pills for 14–28 days to regulate her cycle,
- Then fly to the designated country for further medical evaluation,
- Begin ovulation stimulation medication, followed by trigger injection and egg retrieval surgery.
- After the egg retrieval procedure, the donor typically stays abroad for only 2–3 days before returning to Taiwan.
- Within approximately 10–15 days, she will receive the international wire transfer for her compensation (nutritional fee).
- You may want to read: Is egg donation dangerous? You must know the complete process of egg donation
Egg Freezing Process
The egg freezing process is relatively straightforward. On the third day of menstruation, the individual undergoes:
- Transvaginal ultrasound to check follicle count, and
- AMH blood testing to assess ovarian reserve.
If the follicle count is too low, the doctor may recommend a period of ovarian health improvement before proceeding with egg retrieval.
Key Differences Between Egg Donation and Egg Freezing
Unlike egg donation, egg freezing involves preserving one’s own eggs, so there is no need for chromosome or genetic screening.
The focus is instead on evaluating egg quantity, quality, and overall health.
The steps include:
- Daily ovulation-stimulating injections to encourage multiple follicles to mature.
- Regular follow-up ultrasounds to monitor follicle growth.
- Trigger injection before retrieval to finalize egg maturation.
- Egg retrieval procedure under anesthesia, followed by freezing and storage of the eggs for future use.
Overseas Egg Freezing Options
Due to restrictions under Taiwan’s Assisted Reproduction Act, same-sex couples and single women are not permitted to fertilize or implant embryos domestically after egg freezing.
Therefore, many individuals choose to freeze their eggs in Taiwan and later transfer them to fertility clinics in the United States or other countries for fertilization and embryo transfer.
This approach allows women to preserve reproductive autonomy and prepare for future family planning under more flexible legal frameworks abroad.
Further reading: Draft amendment to the Artificial Reproduction Act adds singles and same-sex couples, conditionally opening up unpaid surrogacy
Things to Know Before Egg Donation or Egg Freezing:
Understanding the Possible Side Effects and Risks
Egg Freezing Side Effects
Because egg freezing involves a woman’s own eggs, doctors typically use a mild and personalized stimulation protocol rather than excessive hormone medication.
As a result, serious side effects are rare.
Most women experience only temporary bloating or mild discomfort, which usually resolves within a few days after egg retrieval.
Overall, the procedure is safe, and long-term complications are extremely uncommon.
Egg Donation Side Effects
In contrast, egg donation may carry slightly higher risks depending on the type and dosage of stimulation medication used.
After egg retrieval, some donors may experience:
- Abdominal bloating or pressure
- Mild dizziness or nausea
- In rare cases, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
The incidence of OHSS is very low (around 2%), and it typically occurs in slim donors or those producing a high number of eggs.
Symptoms may include severe bloating, abdominal pain, or fluid retention, requiring medical observation.
Doctors usually recommend resting for at least one full menstrual cycle before considering another donation to allow the ovaries to recover fully.
You may be wondering: Are there any side effects of egg donation? Is it painful?
Egg Donation and Egg Freezing: The Freedom — and Responsibility — of Choice
As a woman’s reproductive system naturally ages over time, making informed decisions about fertility becomes increasingly important.
You have the freedom to choose your own path:
- You may decide to donate your eggs, helping others build families while receiving fair compensation for your generosity.
- Or you may choose to freeze your own eggs, preserving your fertility so that—regardless of whether you have a partner in the future—you retain the option to have children on your own terms.
Both decisions embody a sense of empowerment and responsibility. Whether it’s the gift of helping others conceive or safeguarding your own reproductive future, every choice reflects a woman’s right to plan her life and define her future with confidence.
Egg Love—Eggs Carrying Love, Delivering the Miracle of Life
Welcome women with questions about egg donation and egg freezing.
Further Reading:
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