Can’t Conceive Using Your Own Eggs? Try “Egg Donation”!
If your fertility journey cannot proceed with your own eggs, egg donation (donor-egg IVF) may be the key to achieving your dream of becoming a parent. Understanding the complete process—from matching with a donor to embryo implantation—helps you prepare thoroughly and increase your chances of success.
This guide walks you through how to choose the right donor, select suitable eggs, and navigate the implantation and pregnancy stages for the best possible outcome.
1. From Donor Matching to Egg Retrieval: How to Choose the Right Donor
In donor-egg IVF, finding the right egg donor is one of the most crucial steps. Since the egg contributes 50% of the baby’s genetic material, many intended parents hope to select a donor whose traits resemble their own.
Egg donation laws and processes vary across countries, so application requirements differ by region. Below is a comparison of major countries where donor-egg IVF is available.
Comparison Table: Egg Donation in Taiwan, the U.S., China, and Thailand
| Category | Taiwan | United States | China | Thailand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Heterosexual married couples only | Open to single women, LGBTQ+, and advanced-age infertility | Only infertile heterosexual couples with medical proof | Open to foreign intended parents |
| Ideal Candidates | 1. One partner infertile or carrying genetic disease 2. At least one partner with healthy cells | Freedom to choose embryos; can select by gender, height, and genetics | Must present medical proof (e.g., infertility, cancer); some use intermediaries | Suitable for overseas couples unable to undergo IVF in China; high privacy |
| Donor Source | Egg banks or fresh donors (anonymous; facial details not disclosed) | Egg banks or fresh donors (anonymous or open; info may include ethnicity, education, photos, videos) | No egg banks; must match with overseas donors (via agencies such as Luan Ai) | Mostly local Thai donors; some foreign donors travel to donate |
| Matching Time | 1–2 weeks (bank) / 3–4 months (fresh) | As fast as 1 week or up to 5–6 months | 1–6 months | 1–12 months |
| Cost | NT$300,000–400,000 | USD $30,000–60,000 | RMB ¥160,000–250,000 | RMB ¥150,000–200,000 |
| Main Process | 1. Both partners visit clinic for diagnosis 2. Submit ID & notarized documents 3. Wait for donor match 4. Pay & approval from Ministry of Health 5. Wife undergoes tests (hormone, uterus, tubes) 6. Sperm freezing & notarization | 1. Online consultation with Luan Ai 2. Confirm donor screening criteria 3. Review donor profiles 4. Donor undergoes exams & stimulation cycle | 1. Obtain infertility certificate from hospital 2. Donor matching 3. Donor’s menstrual Day 1: AMH & follicle scan 4. Fly to Thailand for checks 5. Begin stimulation & egg retrieval | 1. Online consultation with Thai clinic 2. Donor matching 3. AMH & follicle scan 4. Begin stimulation & egg retrieval |
| Egg & Sperm Collection | Bank: Thawed donor eggs + husband’s fresh sperm Fresh: Donor stimulation, retrieval, and sperm collection | Bank/Fresh: Thawed or newly retrieved eggs; sperm collected locally or shipped internationally (via Luan Ai) | Fresh donation: local sperm collection at partner hospital | Fresh donation: local sperm collection at partner hospital |
| Embryo Transfer | 1. Fertilize to Day-5 blastocyst 2. Optional PGS testing 3. Uterine lining check (Day 11–12) 4. Transfer on Day 18–20; pregnancy test after 14 days | Same as Taiwan; may involve surrogate or recipient | Same as Taiwan | Same as Taiwan |
2. Key Takeaways for Choosing Egg Donation Location
- Taiwan:
Best for couples who prefer strict legal protection, anonymous donors, and lower costs. - United States:
Ideal for those who want maximum flexibility, genetic screening, donor choice, and higher success rates. - China and Thailand:
Suitable for those seeking lower cost options, shorter waiting times, and more flexible matching, especially for overseas couples.
Your Reliable Partner in Egg Donation –Global Egg Donor
If you’re exploring donor-egg IVF but unsure where to begin, Luan Ai provides end-to-end matching services — from selecting qualified donors to arranging legally compliant international procedures.
Our professional coordination ensures safety, transparency, and peace of mind, helping you move one step closer to welcoming your healthy baby.
The quality and quantity of a donor’s eggs have a direct impact on fertilization success, embryo development, and ultimately the health of the baby. Choosing the right egg donor can significantly increase pregnancy success rates and ensure genetic compatibility. Below is a detailed guide to help you optimize the donor selection process and achieve your dream of parenthood.
Selecting a High-Quality Egg Donor
Choosing eggs is not a random process—it requires careful evaluation through several medical and genetic assessments. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting an egg donor:
1. Donor’s Age
Younger donors typically produce higher-quality eggs. Generally, eggs from donors under 30 years old have better fertilization and pregnancy outcomes.
2. Donor’s Health Condition
A comprehensive health screening is mandatory, including genetic disorder screening and infectious disease testing, to ensure the eggs are healthy and safe for fertilization.
3. Family Medical History
Understanding the donor’s family health background helps assess any potential hereditary risks that could affect the child.
4. Donor’s Experience
In Taiwan, a donor can only donate once if a live birth occurs, while overseas donors have no such limitation.
Experienced donors usually respond better to ovarian stimulation medications, leading to more mature eggs and higher success rates.
Ideally, a successful donor retrieval yields at least 20 eggs, with 15 mature eggs, resulting in a good chance of live birth.
If available, egg retrieval or embryo reports provide additional reliability when selecting a donor.
5. Lifestyle Habits
A donor’s daily routine can affect egg quality. Smoking, alcohol consumption, late-night habits, or poor sleep can all negatively influence hormone balance and egg development.
The Importance of Genetic Testing
Genetic testing plays an increasingly vital role in modern IVF. It allows doctors to identify eggs or embryos that carry genetic abnormalities, reducing the risk of hereditary diseases and increasing the chance of a healthy pregnancy. Common tests include:
- PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening):
Checks whether an embryo has the correct number of chromosomes, helping improve implantation rates and lower miscarriage risk. - PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis):
Detects specific inherited genetic conditions in embryos before implantation.
The cost of genetic testing generally ranges between NT$30,000–60,000, but for couples with a family history of genetic disorders, it’s a worthwhile investment. Both the egg donor and the recipient’s partner are advised to undergo genetic testing to ensure compatibility.
Communicating with Your Fertility Specialist
Open communication with your fertility doctor is crucial throughout the IVF and donor selection process.
Your fertility specialist will evaluate your health, guide you through suitable donor options, and recommend necessary tests to maximize success rates.
Here are some questions to discuss with your doctor:
- Which donors’ eggs are most compatible with my situation?
- Do I need to undergo genetic testing?
- What key factors should I pay attention to when choosing donor eggs?
By working closely with your fertility team and selecting a qualified donor through proper screening, you can greatly increase your chances of a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.
2. How Does the Donor-Egg IVF Process Work?
Donor-egg IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) designed for couples facing infertility, women with diminished ovarian reserve or poor egg quality, those unable to produce eggs, or patients at risk of passing on genetic disorders.
Although the treatment plan varies depending on individual circumstances and clinic protocols, the overall process generally includes the following steps:
(1) Preparation Phase: Health Evaluation and Treatment Planning
Fertility Assessment:
- For women:
Ovarian function test (AMH level), ultrasound examination of the ovaries and uterus.- If using a donor egg, only the fallopian tubes and endometrial thickness need to be evaluated.
- If using a surrogate, these tests are not required.
- For men:
Semen analysis and hormone testing.
Regulatory and Safety Testing:
Both partners must provide recent (within 6 months) HIV and syphilis test reports.
Treatment Planning:
Based on test results, the fertility specialist designs a personalized ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer plan.
(2) Ovarian Stimulation: Ensuring High-Quality Eggs from the Donor
Monitoring Ovarian Response:
On the third day of the donor’s menstrual cycle, a transvaginal ultrasound and blood test are performed to check follicle count (ideally more than 20) and growth progress.
Ovarian Stimulation Medication:
Hormonal injections are administered to encourage multiple eggs to mature. The doctor adjusts medication dosage based on the donor’s response.
Trigger Injection:
When follicles reach the appropriate size, an HCG or Lupron trigger shot is given to finalize egg maturation in preparation for retrieval.
(3) Egg Retrieval and Sperm Preparation
Egg Retrieval Procedure:
Performed under intravenous anesthesia, eggs are collected via transvaginal aspiration under ultrasound guidance.
Sperm Collection:
A semen sample is collected on the same day or thawed from a previously frozen sample (after 3–7 days of abstinence).
(4) Fertilization and Embryo Culture
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF or ICSI):
Eggs and sperm are combined in the lab for fertilization, and embryos are cultured under controlled conditions.
Embryo Evaluation and Selection:
Embryo development is closely monitored. The best-quality embryos are selected for transfer.
If preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A) is required, embryos are frozen while awaiting results.
In some countries, chromosomal and gender screening can also be performed during this stage.
(5) Embryo Transfer: The Critical Stage
Fresh Embryo Transfer:
After 3–5 days of culture, the highest-quality embryo is transferred into the uterus of the intended mother or gestational carrier.
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET):
The recipient undergoes 1–2 months of endometrial preparation to ensure optimal thickness and receptivity before transfer.
3. How Long Is the Implantation Window After Transfer? What Are the Signs?
Successful implantation is essential for pregnancy. The implantation window refers to the period when the uterine lining is most receptive to the embryo, typically occurring a few days after transfer.
For IVF or artificial insemination, the critical implantation period is usually 5–9 days after ovulation (equivalent to days 19–23 of a natural menstrual cycle).
However, the first 1–2 days after embryo transfer are the most crucial in determining whether implantation will occur successfully.
Common early signs of implantation may include mild cramping, bloating, fatigue, or light spotting, though not all patients experience symptoms.
Understanding this critical phase and following your doctor’s post-transfer care instructions can significantly improve IVF success rates.
How to Identify the Key Implantation Period
To increase your chances of success after embryo transfer, it’s important to understand the implantation window and recognize potential signs that implantation has occurred.
Four Common Signs of Embryo Implantation After IVF
Implantation is a gradual biological process and may not produce obvious symptoms—some people feel no changes at all. However, a few subtle signs may appear after successful implantation:
1. Implantation Bleeding
Light spotting or minor blood streaks in vaginal discharge may occur 10–14 days after fertilization or transfer as the embryo attaches to the uterine lining.
2. Lower Abdominal Discomfort
Mild cramps, pressure, or tingling in the lower abdomen can appear 2–3 days after implantation, similar to premenstrual discomfort. If the pain is severe or persistent, consult your doctor immediately.
3. Increased Vaginal Discharge
To protect the newly implanted embryo and prevent bacterial infection, the body increases cervical mucus secretion.
4. Other Common Symptoms
Some may experience fatigue, sleepiness, frequent urination, breast tenderness, or mild nausea due to hormonal changes.
Note: Not all women experience these symptoms, and their presence doesn’t always confirm pregnancy. The most reliable way to confirm implantation is through pregnancy testing.
Typically, a blood test measuring HCG 10–14 days after embryo transfer is the most accurate confirmation. A positive result indicates successful implantation—congratulations!
Post-Transfer Care and Lifestyle Tips
The period after embryo transfer is one of the most critical stages of the IVF process. Staying calm, following medical instructions, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can greatly improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
| Focus Area | Recommendations | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Balanced Nutrition | Eat fresh vegetables, lean protein (fish, chicken, tofu), whole grains, and stay hydrated (2,000 ml+ daily). Avoid spicy, fried, caffeinated, and alcoholic foods. | Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects; Vitamin D supports calcium absorption. |
| Physical Activity & Rest | Gentle walking promotes circulation. Avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise. Sleep 7–8 hours nightly, ideally before 11 p.m. | Maintain a regular routine and avoid overexertion. |
| Emotional Wellbeing | Listen to music, read, or talk with friends and family. Seek counseling if needed. | Stress can affect hormone balance—trust your body and your doctor. |
| Normal Post-Transfer Symptoms | Mild spotting, abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue are normal. | Seek immediate care if bleeding is heavy, pain is severe, or fever develops. |
| Pregnancy Test Timing | Take a blood test (HCG) or home test 10–14 days after transfer. | Testing too early may lead to false negatives—follow your doctor’s schedule. |
| Medication Compliance | Take prescribed hormones (e.g., progesterone) on time. Do not stop or adjust dosage without medical advice. | Contact your doctor immediately if you experience abnormal symptoms. |
Did You Know? – Government IVF Subsidies in Taiwan
To ease the financial burden of infertility treatments, Taiwan offers subsidies for couples undergoing IVF.
1. Who is eligible?
Married couples under 45 years old who meet infertility criteria as defined by the Assisted Reproduction Act.
2. What treatments are covered?
Mainly IVF procedures such as ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer. The amount varies based on income level or household classification.
3. How many times can you apply?
Up to six times per couple, depending on age and infertility condition.
4. Required documents:
ID cards, marriage certificate, infertility diagnosis, and a treatment plan from an approved reproductive clinic.
5. Application process:
Apply through a certified fertility center. Once approved, the subsidy is usually deducted directly from the IVF treatment cost.
Quick IVF FAQ
Q: Is a blood test the most accurate way to confirm pregnancy after IVF?
Yes. The most reliable method is an HCG blood test about 10–14 days after embryo transfer.
While home pregnancy tests are convenient, they may produce false negatives if hormone levels are still low.
An HCG level above 50 mIU/ml usually indicates implantation, but doctors also monitor whether the level doubles every 48 hours—a sign of normal pregnancy progression.
If confirmed pregnant, your doctor will schedule an ultrasound around 5–6 weeks to check for implantation and fetal heartbeat.
