Your Guide to Egg Donation

Using donor eggs - also known as egg donation - is one of the most effective fertility treatments available for women who have difficulty conceiving with their own eggs.

At Sims IVF, we understand that deciding to use donor eggs can feel emotional and overwhelming. Our goal is to guide you through every step of your journey with compassion, clarity, and hope.

Your dedicated fertility team, including coordinators, nurses, embryologists, doctors, and counsellors, will ensure your egg donation experience is as calm, informed, and positive as possible.

Understanding Egg Donation

The first step toward empowerment is understanding your treatment options. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about egg donation to help you feel confident and prepared for your egg donation journey in Ireland.

I’m in menopause. Can I still have treatment with donor eggs?

Yes. We regularly treat menopausal women using donor eggs. Medication is used to prepare your uterus so it’s ready to receive an embryo. Once pregnancy occurs, you’ll continue these medications until around 12 weeks, when the placenta takes over.

Why do donors choose to donate?

In Europe, egg donation is altruistic, meaning donors give for selfless reasons, to help others build a family. Donors are not paid, but they do receive compensation for expenses and time away from work.

Will I have to travel abroad for treatment?

Not if you choose our in-house egg donation programme. We receive frozen donor eggs from Next Fertility, which are shipped directly to Sims IVF. Fertilisation, embryo transfer, and storage all take place in your local Sims IVF clinic.

What does it feel like to have a baby through egg donation?

It feels exactly like having any other baby. While DNA contributes to who we are, relationships aren’t built on genetics - they’re built through love, care, and shared experiences.

Many women describe carrying and giving birth to their baby as an incredibly special and bonding experience.

It’s also natural to grieve the loss of a genetic connection, and it’s okay to have these feelings. Bonding with your baby happens over time, regardless of how they were conceived.

Will my egg donor be identifiable?

Yes. In Ireland, donors are identifiable. This means that once your child turns 18, they have the right to access identifying information about their donor.

What support does Sims IVF provide?

In Ireland, it’s mandatory to complete implication counselling before starting donor treatment.
This counselling session helps you:

• Understand the process and what to expect
• Explore your emotions, concerns, and questions
• Prepare for future conversations with your child about donor conception

Counselling is confidential and designed to ensure you feel supported and informed throughout your journey.

Who can avail of egg donation?

Egg donation is available to:

• Single women
• Same-sex female couples
• Heterosexual couples requiring donor eggs

We are proud to offer Ireland’s most affordable, inclusive egg donation programme.

What financial supports are available?

Our Egg Donation Programme is among the most affordable in Ireland.
To make treatment more accessible, Sims IVF also offers flexible payment plans through Humm, allowing you to spread the cost in a way that suits you.

How old are egg donors?

Donors at Next Fertility are aged 18 to 33 and undergo rigorous medical screening. They only proceed if all results are negative for infectious diseases.

Can I have a double donation?

Yes. If both egg and sperm donation are required, you can proceed with a double donation if recommended by your doctor.

Who are donor eggs suitable for?

Donor eggs may be suitable for:

• Women experiencing age-related infertility
• Women with premature ovarian insufficiency (early menopause)
• Women with poor egg quality
• Those with genetic conditions
• Women who’ve had cancer treatment
• Women with multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles
• Single women and same-sex female couples who require donor eggs.

Your Next Step

Every family-building journey is unique. At Sims IVF, we’re here to guide and support you with honesty, empathy, and medical excellence - helping you move forward with confidence and hope.

To learn more or to find out more about starting your journey, click here.