Building your family through egg donation is an incredible path—full of hope, courage, and new possibilities. But it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by all the decisions and information involved.

Whether you’re a couple, single parent, or LGBTQ family, asking the right questions up front can help you feel informed and empowered. Your fertility clinic should be a trusted partner, ready to support you at every step.

Here’s a list of essential questions to ask before beginning an egg donor cycle:

1. What Types of Egg Donation Cycles Do You Offer?

• Do you offer fresh or frozen donor eggs—or both?
• What are the benefits and potential drawbacks of each option?
• Is there a difference in success rates between fresh and frozen cycles?

2. What Are Your Success Rates with Donor Eggs?

• What is your clinic’s live birth rate for donor egg cycles?
• Are there differences in success rates for single parents or same-sex couples?
• How does age, sperm quality, or other factors affect my chances?

3. How Are Egg Donors Screened?

• What medical, genetic, and psychological screenings do donors complete?
• How is donor information verified?
• Are donors anonymous, known, or open-identity?
• Can I choose a donor of a specific ethnicity, background, or other characteristics important to me?

4. What Are the Costs and Payment Schedules?

• Can you provide a detailed breakdown of all costs?
• What fees are included—and which might be additional (e.g., legal fees, medications, donor travel)?
• Are payment plans available?

5. What Happens if a Cycle Is Cancelled?

• What is your policy if the cycle is canceled before retrieval or transfer?
• Will I receive a refund or credit toward another attempt?

6. What Support Services Do You Offer?

• Do you provide counseling or emotional support services?
• Is there guidance for talking to my child about being donor-conceived in the future?
• Are there resources for LGBTQ families navigating conversations around donor conception?

7. Do you have agency recommendations?

• Are there any agencies you recommend specifically?
• If yes, what are the reasons you recommend them?
• Do these agencies offer the same level of service as your facility?

Bonus: For LGBTQ and Single Parents

If you’re pursuing parenthood as a single person or LGBTQ individual or couple, also consider asking:

• Do you have experience working with LGBTQ and single parents?
• Are there support groups or resources specifically for LGBTQ or single parents using donor eggs?

Your journey to parenthood is completely your own and it deserves nothing less than respect, support, and celebration. There’s no one-size-fits-all path, so ask every question you need until you feel confident and informed!

At An Eggceptional Match, we believe every family’s story is unique and beautiful. We’re here to help you navigate this journey with knowledge, care, and compassion!