Why a Known Egg Donor May be a Choice on Your Fertility Journey

Donor programs can be a lifeline for couples and individuals experiencing trouble conceiving. In Ireland, more and more people are starting to explore the option of using donor sperm or donor eggs, and these programs can help those with male factor and female factor infertility. When it comes to egg donation, you can use known egg donors and this is becoming a more popular option for women with fertility issues. Our fertility specialists at Sims IVF have put together some information for anyone considering asking someone they know to donate their eggs. 

What is Known Egg Donation?

Known egg donation is the process where someone you already have a personal relationship with donates their eggs for your fertility treatment. This could be a family member, such as a sister or cousin, a close friend or an acquaintance. Unlike an anonymous egg donation, you and the donor will be aware of each other’s identities, and the process includes open communication to ensure everyone is on the same page. 

At Sims IVF, we are committed to supporting everyone throughout the known egg donation process. We arrange counselling appointments as well as medical consultations and fertility investigations, protecting the well-being of all parties involved. This includes the donor and their partner, as we understand this process will also impact them. 

Why Choose a Known Egg Donor?

When considering egg donation in Ireland, many are drawn to the familiarity and comfort of using someone they know instead of an anonymous stranger. Here are a few of the reasons why a known egg donor might be the best choice for your fertility journey:

• Emotional Connection - Knowing your egg donor can change the entire process; you might feel safer from the outset and the level of trust can put your mind at ease. Known egg donation can strengthen your bond too. 

• Same Genetic Pool - When the egg donor is a relative, the mother and child will share some genetic characteristics. You might end up with similar physical attributes, which can mean a lot to parents. 

• Improved Transparency - You will have more information about the donors when you know them. 

• Speed of Treatment - There is typically a shorter waiting time to start treatment when you use a known egg donor. You may reach embryo transfer much sooner and won’t have to wait as long to grow your family. Where possible, the donor and recipient cycles are coordinated.

• Potential Openness - You have the option to tell your child about how they were conceived in the future, which can sometimes be easier when you know the egg donor. Even if you don’t disclose everything, you can tell them more about their genetic origins. 

The Implications of Known Egg Donation

While there are benefits associated with known egg donation, it’s important to carefully consider the lasting implications for everyone involved. Not only do you need to think about how knowing the donor will impact you and your partner, but you also need to contemplate what it means for any children resulting from treatments. 

This is one of the many reasons why we arrange separate counselling appointments at Sims IVF. We provide everyone with the opportunity to understand what known egg donation really means. Having counselling early on in the process can help you ensure you’re making the right choice for you and your future family, and you can talk through any concerns you may have. 

We are committed to supporting you from start to finish, and our goal is always to help you achieve a happy and healthy pregnancy. 

Supporting Your Egg Donation Journey in Ireland

At Sims IVF, we offer a wide range of fertility treatments, including known donor egg programmes. Our experienced team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about using a known donor. We can also provide you with more information about the treatment cycle, from fertility investigations and egg collection to blastocyst embryo transfer. 

We understand how important it is to feel in control of your fertility journey, and we are here to help you make informed, empowered decisions. If you would like to speak to a member of our team about your fertility journey in more detail, don’t hesitate to get in touch today. We have several fertility clinics in Ireland, and you will be in very good hands, whichever you choose.