Starting IVF with donor eggs is a big step, and it often comes with even bigger questions — one of the most common being, “How many donor eggs do I actually need?”
It’s a fair question. The answer depends on several factors, like whether you’re planning for one child or hoping for siblings in the future, and how your clinic approaches embryo transfer. Most clinics will only transfer one embryo at a time, so it’s helpful to think ahead about how many embryos you might want available for future use.
In this blog, we’ll help you make sense of your options. Whether you’re considering a premium program through Central Egg Bank (CEB) or a more affordable option through Australia Wide Egg Bank (AWEB), this guide will give you the answers you need to take the next step.
How many donor eggs do you need for IVF?
When using donor eggs, the number of eggs you start with can affect your outcome, especially when it comes to fertilisation, embryo development, and how many embryos are available for transfer or freezing.
Of course, quality matters just as much as quantity. But having more eggs does statistically increase your chances of developing healthy embryos that are suitable for transfer, and eventually your chances of getting pregnant and giving birth. That’s why understanding our program options is so important.
How do you know how many donor eggs you need?
How many children do you hope to have?
If you plan to have one child, fewer eggs may be enough. If you’d like the chance to have genetic siblings later, you might benefit from a higher egg program.
What is your clinic’s approach to embryo transfer?
Some clinics transfer embryos on Day 3, while others prefer to wait until Day 5 when embryos reach the blastocyst stage. Our program guarantees coverage for both these scenarios. However, this is best discussed with your fertility specialist.
Read: What is an Embryo Guarantee, and how does it work?
How is your male partner’s sperm health?
All programs are based on a standard sperm analysis for the guarantee to apply. If there are concerns about sperm quality or if you’ve been advised to use surgical sperm retrieval (like TESE or PESA), choosing a program with more donor eggs can increase your chances of creating healthy embryos. More eggs mean more opportunities for successful fertilisation and embryo development.
What is your budget and timeline?
Some families want the highest possible chance of success up front and are able to choose this option. Whilst others prefer to start with a lower-cost option and see how things go. Even the more affordable options come with strong guarantees — just check the T&Cs for details.
What are CEB’s program options?
We offer four premium donor egg programs, all backed by blastocyst guarantees. This means you’re not just receiving eggs, you’re receiving the reassurance that your treatment has a strong foundation. These programs are perfect for recipients who want the highest chance of success, the possibility of future genetic siblings, and additional peace of mind.
Learn more about our egg programs here.
Introducing our new 8-egg program
Our 8-egg program now guarantees two blastocysts instead of one, providing you with even more value at no additional cost.
| PROGRAM | PRICE (USD) | GUARANTEE |
| 8 eggs | $12,900 | Two blastocysts |
| 10 eggs | $14,500 | Two blastocysts |
| 12 eggs | $16,300 | Three blastocysts |
| 14 eggs | $17,900 | Four blastocysts |
If your clinic transfers embryos earlier (Day 2 or 3), your guarantee will cover cleavage-stage embryos instead.
What are AWEB’s program options?
Created by the same trusted team behind CEB, AWEB offers more affordable donor egg programs without compromising on care. These programs are designed for people who want to grow their families through egg donation, but with a more budget-friendly approach.
These programs are a great fit for people who:
- Are planning for one child only.
- Want to manage costs while still receiving high-quality eggs.
- Are comfortable with a single blastocyst guarantee or no guarantee for embryos.
- Have a typical sperm analysis and don’t require advanced genetic testing of embryos (e.g. PGT-A).
Learn more about their programs here.
Introducing AWEB’s new 7-egg program
AWEB now offers a 7-egg program with a blastocyst guarantee — a great middle-ground for families who want added reassurance without a higher upfront cost.
| PROGRAM | PRICE (USD) | GUARANTEE |
| 6 eggs | $8,400 | 90% thaw survival rate and a guarantee of 5 eggs |
| 7 eggs | $10,200 | One blastocyst |
| 8 eggs | $11,600 | One blastocyst |
Shipping fees and treatment costs at your clinic are not included in these program prices.
Should I choose CEB or AWEB?
When it comes to choosing between CEB and AWEB, it really depends on your goals, your budget, and what matters most to you during your fertility journey.
If you’re hoping to have more than one child using the same donor, or if you’d simply feel more comfortable with a higher embryo guarantee, CEB may be the better fit. Its programs include a greater number of eggs and higher blastocyst guarantees. It’s also the better option if your clinic has recommended additional testing like PGT-A, or if you’re using surgical sperm retrieval methods, which require a more tailored approach.
On the other hand, AWEB is ideal if you’re planning for one child and looking for a more affordable entry point to egg donation. While the egg numbers are lower, the guarantees are still reassuring. If you’re not doing advanced testing or using specialised fertility techniques, AWEB can offer a safe and effective pathway at a more economical cost.
Regardless of which option feels right for you, you’ll be supported by a caring team that prioritises your needs. Both CEB and AWEB’s programs are designed with expertise, compassion, and a genuine focus on helping you build your family.
| QUESTION | CEB | AWEB |
| Do you want multiple embryos or hope for more than one child? | Most suitable option. | Limited option. |
| Are you looking for the most affordable option? | Priced higher than AWEB, but still offers great value compared to other providers. | Lower cost |
| Do you feel more comfortable with higher embryo guarantees? | 2-4 blastocysts guaranteed | 1- blastocyst guaranteed in our 7 and 8-egg programs |
| Are you undergoing advanced testing (like PGT-A) or using surgical sperm retrieval? | More suited option. | Might not be suitable |
Choosing the right egg program isn’t just about numbers. It’s about what matters most to you. Maybe you’re just starting to explore your options, or maybe you’re ready to take that next step with a clear plan in mind. Keep in mind that some donors are only available through certain programs. For example, if your best-matching donor is listed with a 10-egg program, that’s the program you’ll need to choose, even if you were originally considering a smaller option. Our team is here to help guide you through those choices and find the best fit for your journey.
Central Egg Bank is here to support you with clear information and programs designed for everyone’s needs. From affordable single-blastocyst options to comprehensive blastocyst guarantees, we’re proud to offer many pathways to parenthood that feel right, no matter where you’re starting from. Reach out to our team to explore our programs, browse donor profiles once ready to choose a donor, or get personalised advice and support.
