Embarking on the journey of parenthood through egg donation can be both exciting and daunting. The process involves several important steps, from selecting a donor to receiving your precious eggs. Knowing the timeline and what to expect will help you make informed decisions and manage your expectations during this important journey.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the egg donation process, from the initial consultation to receiving your donor eggs. You’ll discover the timeline, what to expect at each stage, and how Central Egg Bank can support you throughout the process.
Understanding the egg donation process
The egg donation process involves several steps designed to ensure the safety and satisfaction of all parties involved.
Step 1: The first consultation
The first practical step is registering with an IVF clinic that partners with us. If your current clinic is not a Central Egg Bank partner, let us know, and we can contact them.
The registration process may vary but typically involves an initial consultation where medical history and personal goals are discussed. During this meeting, you’ll discuss your fertility options. Your fertility specialist will talk to you about your needs, review any previous fertility treatment and advise if they recommend egg donation as a suitable option for you.
Step 2: Register with Central Egg Bank
Once your fertility specialist advises that egg donation is right for you, they will usually advise you to contact the donor team to discuss the next steps. The donor team will give you further instructions and provide you with a link to register with the Central Egg Bank portal. This online platform is your gateway to all available donor profiles.
Step 3: Explore the Central Egg Bank Portal
Once registered, you can dive into the portal to begin your search for the perfect donor. The portal lets you explore detailed information about potential donors, including their physical and academic attributes, hobbies, and personality traits.
With filtering options available, you can tailor your search based on specific preferences, such as hair and eye colour. Our dedicated team, led by professionals like Smadar and Amy, assists you in navigating the portal and finding the perfect match.
At Central Egg Bank, we offer only donors who have either frozen eggs already available or are currently in the process of cycle and egg collection. Rest assured, all donors have passed initial screenings to ensure they meet our rigorous standards.
Step 4: Choosing your donor
Now is the time to choose your donor from our screened pool of candidates. Our thorough evaluation process ensures that all donors are safe and suitable. While many donors have completed their genetic testing, some may still be awaiting final results. Our team will keep you updated throughout this process to help you make an informed decision and give you peace of mind as you select your ideal match.
Step 5: Egg shipment
Once you’ve chosen your egg donor, and if their frozen eggs are already available, we’ll arrange their safe transport from Ukraine to Australia. If your donor is still completing their cycle or awaiting egg collection, the eggs will be shipped shortly after collection.
Shipping occurs approximately every six weeks, so your clinic receives your precious cargo as quickly as possible. If you choose a donor who is still pending their cycle or awaiting genetic screening results, please note that there will be a wait for these results and a subsequent comparison before shipping.
Our specialist courier ensures the eggs are handled with the utmost care throughout their journey. They provide a personal, humane, and professional service and meticulously plan every specimen transfer. Each shipment is accompanied by a dedicated courier who hand delivers each shipment to the clinic, ensuring your eggs arrive safe and sound.
Read: Egg donation Australia: What is egg donation and how does it work?
How long does the process take?
The timeline for receiving donor eggs can vary depending on individual circumstances. Generally, recipients can expect to start choosing a donor soon after registering with their fertility clinic and Central Egg Bank – provided they are ready with their funding and clinic requirements.
Many of our recipients have reported becoming pregnant as early as three to four months after registration. With our immediate donor matching, there’s no need to wait—once you find the right donor, we can move forward swiftly.
Shipping fees
The shipping fee for transporting donor eggs is $1,800 (USD) for a group of at least five patients per clinic. If there are fewer than five patients, the fee may be higher – but rest assured, we will advise you of the fee before shipping. Central Egg Bank reserves the right to update this fee based on the latest shipping rates and handling.
Choosing to use donor eggs is a deeply personal decision, and at Central Egg Bank, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. If you’re ready to start your journey or have any questions about the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. With no waiting list and a tailored approach to your needs, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
