How Do You Know It’s Time to Use Egg Donation?

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Couple meeting with a fertility doctor to discuss egg donation and future family planning options at a fertility clinic in San Diego
Key Takeaways:
  • Egg donation may be recommended after multiple failed IVF cycles, poor egg quality, or genetic concerns.
  • Women over 40 or those with diminished ovarian reserve often have higher success rates with donor eggs.
  • Emotional readiness is just as important as medical guidance when considering donor eggs.
  • RPSD offers expert support, counseling, and personalized care for patients exploring egg donation.

For many individuals and couples, deciding to use donor eggs is one of the most significant—and hopeful—steps in the fertility journey. It’s a decision filled with questions, emotions, and deep reflection. At Reproductive Partners Fertility Center – San Diego (RPSD), we help guide you with clarity, compassion, and expertise.

If you’re asking yourself whether it might be time to explore egg donation, you’re not alone. Here’s what to consider when making this important decision.
When Do Fertility Experts Recommend Egg Donation?

You may be encouraged to consider donor eggs if you’re facing:
  • Diminished ovarian reserve or low AMH levels
  • Premature ovarian insufficiency or menopause
  • Repeated IVF failure using your own eggs
  • A known or suspected genetic condition
  • Advanced maternal age (often over age 40)
  • LGBTQ+ family building requiring an egg source

Each fertility journey is unique, and so is the path that leads to donor egg IVF.
Signs It Might Be Time to Consider Donor Eggs
1. Multiple Failed IVF Cycles

If you’ve undergone two or more IVF cycles without success—especially with poor embryo development or low egg quality—donor eggs may offer significantly higher success rates.
2. Low Ovarian Reserve or Hormonal Indicators

Tests showing low anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) or high follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels may suggest your body isn’t producing enough high-quality eggs.
3. Age-Related Fertility Decline

Fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 40. If you’ve tried other treatments without success, donor eggs can offer renewed hope with better pregnancy outcomes.
4. Risk of Inheritable Genetic Conditions

If genetic screening shows a high likelihood of passing on a serious condition, your provider may recommend egg donation to reduce the risk to your child.
5. You Feel Ready to Redefine What Family Means

For many hopeful parents, there’s a turning point where the focus shifts from having a genetic connection to simply growing a family. When that emotional shift happens, it may be the right time to explore donor egg IVF.
What to Expect When Using Donor Eggs at RPSD

At RPSD, we help you navigate every step of the donor egg process—from selecting a donor to legal counseling and treatment coordination. Our egg donation program offers:
  • Access to rigorously screened donors through trusted agencies
  • Embryology expertise to maximize fertilization success
  • Legal, psychological, and emotional support
  • Compassionate care tailored to your values and goals

You’ll never walk this path alone—our team is here to ensure you feel supported and informed at every turn.

Choosing to use donor eggs is not about giving up—it’s about embracing a powerful option to help you achieve the family you’ve dreamed of. Whether you’re just beginning to explore this option or you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help.

Schedule a consultation with one of our RPSD fertility specialists today to explore if egg donation is the right path for you.