There are many circumstances in which the use of donor eggs may be required for conception. Donor eggs may be obtained through a known donor or through an anonymous donor egg bank. A known donor is someone that you know who will undergo IVF on your behalf and donate you their eggs. Donor eggs that have previously been created and then frozen may also be purchased through an egg bank. After purchase, these eggs would then be shipped to Regional Fertility Program for your own use.

If you are interested in using a known egg donor, please contact your RFP physician directly. Screening will be arranged for your egg donor candidate to ensure they will be a suitable donor.

You may also consider purchasing donor eggs from an egg bank. The decision to purchase anonymously donated eggs is not an easy one with significant emotional, social and physical implications. Take time to understand the issues prior to proceeding. Our councilor will go into considerable depth to help you make the best decision if you decide to explore this option.

The Regional Fertility Program is recognized as a Technology Affiliate of MyEggBank in the United States, from whom eggs can be purchased . Additionally, vitrified donor eggs may also be obtained from egg banks represented by Can-Am Cryoservices and Donor Egg Bank USA. Vitrified (frozen) eggs are sent to the Regional Fertility Program for use in an IVF donor egg treatment cycle. This process facilitates the use of donor eggs without the necessity for travel and treatment in the USA or abroad. There are no donor egg banks in Canada.

The eggs are warmed and fertilized in our laboratory by injecting a single sperm using ICSI into each egg. The resulting embryos are assessed daily and an embryo transfer of one to two embryos is usually performed 5 days later. The embryos are replaced in the recipient uterus which has been hormonally prepared with estrogen and progesterone. If extra embryos are available these can be frozen for future pregnancy attempts.

Please consult the physicians at the clinic and check out our frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) for further information about the vitrified donor egg program.