What is egg donation
In egg donation, eggs are provided by a donor. After fertilisation in the laboratory, an embryo is transferred into the uterus of the recipient. The recipient carries the pregnancy and gives birth. Genetically, the child is related to the egg donor and the sperm provider.
Egg donation is most commonly considered when a person no longer has viable eggs, when egg quality is severely reduced, in cases of premature ovarian insufficiency, after certain cancer treatments, or after repeated unsuccessful IVF cycles with own eggs. Whether it is appropriate also depends on uterine health, overall medical factors and a clear plan for follow-up care.
How treatment works in practice
Steps for the donor
The donor undergoes hormonal stimulation so that multiple eggs mature. She is monitored with blood tests and ultrasound examinations. Eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure. While this is routine in experienced centres, it requires careful monitoring and clear instructions for recognising symptoms.
Steps for the recipient
The recipient is prepared in parallel, either in a natural cycle or with medication, to optimise the uterine lining. Eggs are fertilised in the laboratory, most commonly using IVF or ICSI. Embryos are cultured for several days, and one embryo is selected for transfer. Additional embryos may be frozen for future transfers.
A key decision: transfer strategy
Many clinics prioritise single embryo transfer to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy. It is important to ask how transfer decisions are made based on age, medical history and embryo quality.
Success rates without promises and how to read the numbers
On average, egg donation offers higher chances per transfer compared with IVF using own eggs at advanced reproductive age, because donors are usually younger. However, there are no guarantees, and outcomes vary significantly between clinics.
When comparing results, it is essential to clarify:
- whether the metric is clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy or live birth
- whether results are reported per transfer, per initiated cycle or cumulatively
- how cancelled cycles or cycles without transferable embryos are counted
- the average patient profile and usual transfer policy
Registry data help to understand overall trends, but individual prognosis always depends on personal medical factors.
Costs of egg donation in India and common budget pitfalls
Costs are rarely a single package price. In practice, they include several components: consultations and diagnostics, laboratory and clinical procedures, medication, embryo freezing and storage, and potential additional transfers. Unexpected costs often arise from details that were not clarified upfront.
Before starting, it is advisable to request a written cost overview.
- Core costs: medical evaluation, laboratory work, embryo transfer, essential medication
- Common additional costs: extra tests, freezing and storage, frozen embryo transfers
- Costs to clarify early: cancellations, rescheduling, rules if no embryos are available
A practical approach is to plan for two scenarios from the start: one cycle ending in a transfer, and one requiring additional transfers. This helps manage expectations and financial stress.
Selling eggs, compensation and what the law allows
Many online searches focus on money, but selling eggs is not permitted in India. Under current law, egg donation must be altruistic. Donors may receive only a fixed, legally defined compensation intended to cover time, inconvenience and related expenses.
The purpose of this framework is to prevent exploitation and commercial markets. If an offer emphasises high payments, quick recruitment or minimises medical risks, it is a sign to pause and ask detailed questions about legal compliance and donor protection.
Medical safety and risks
Risks for donors
Hormonal stimulation can cause temporary effects such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, nausea or fatigue. Severe ovarian hyperstimulation has become less common with modern protocols but still requires prevention and careful monitoring. Egg retrieval is a routine procedure with rare risks such as bleeding or infection.
Pregnancy risks after egg donation
Many pregnancies progress without major complications. Statistically, certain risks, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, occur more frequently after egg donation. This underlines the importance of pre-treatment assessment and coordinated obstetric follow-up.
Screening, matching and documentation
Regulated programmes include medical history, infectious disease screening and eligibility criteria for donors. Blood group and Rh factor matching may be considered, and in some cases genetic testing is performed. Transparency about what is tested and documented is essential.
- cycle plan and timeline
- medication plan with dosage instructions
- embryology report
- embryo transfer summary
- information on frozen embryos and storage rules
- clear documentation of costs and contractual conditions
Timing, waiting periods and common pitfalls
Even without international travel, logistics matter: medical appointments, testing, cycle preparation and donor availability. Problems usually arise not from the procedure itself, but from unclear expectations at the beginning.
- non-comparable success statistics
- costs appearing later in the process
- incomplete documentation
- pressure to decide quickly
- unclear follow-up responsibilities
Legal framework in India
In India, egg donation is regulated under the Assisted Reproductive Technology Act. The law permits egg donation only within a strictly controlled, non-commercial framework and only in registered centres. Treatment is limited to legally married heterosexual couples.
Donation is anonymous, centrally registered and subject to defined limits on donor age, number of donations and compensation. International rules may differ significantly. This section provides general information and does not replace individual legal advice.
When detailed medical advice is especially important
A thorough medical consultation is particularly important in cases of hypertension, clotting disorders, autoimmune disease, recurrent pregnancy loss, uterine abnormalities or previous complicated pregnancies. It is also essential to clarify early pregnancy monitoring and follow-up care.
Conclusion
Egg donation in India is legal but highly regulated. The strongest protection for health, time and budget comes from clear clinical criteria, transparent numbers, complete documentation, realistic cost planning and a structured approach that allows for more than one transfer.
