What donor egg IVF means
In donor egg IVF, the eggs come from a young, screened donor instead of the intending mother. The eggs are fertilised in the lab with the husband's sperm.
The resulting embryo is placed in the intending mother's uterus. She carries the pregnancy and gives birth. The husband is the genetic father of the child.
Who may need donor eggs
Donor eggs are considered when the woman's own eggs are unlikely to give a healthy pregnancy. The most common reasons are:
- Very low egg reserve: a very low AMH and few follicles on scan, so stimulation gives few or no eggs
- Premature ovarian insufficiency: the ovaries stop working normally before the age of 40
- Repeated poor egg quality: earlier IVF cycles produced poor embryos or failed to fertilise despite good sperm
- Early menopause or ovaries removed by surgery
- Damage from cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation
- A known genetic condition in the woman that she does not want to pass on
Low AMH alone does not always mean donor eggs are needed. Some women with low AMH still respond to stimulation. Our blog on low AMH and IVF explains the options. The decision is made with the doctor after tests and, often, after one attempt with your own eggs.
It is a big emotional decision
Many women need time to accept that the baby will not share their genes. Talking it through with your partner and the doctor helps. Counselling is part of the planning, and there is no pressure to decide quickly.
Donor eggs and the law in India
The ART (Regulation) Act, 2021 sets clear rules for donor eggs. These protect both the couple and the donor.
- Donor eggs can only come through a registered ART bank.
- The donor stays anonymous. The couple and donor do not meet or learn each other's identity.
- The ART clinic itself must be registered with the National Registry, with renewal every 5 years.
- ART services are given to women above 21 and below 50 years, and men above 21 and below 55 years.
- Sex selection is a criminal offence. It is never offered.
If donor eggs are needed with surrogacy, separate rules apply. See our page on donor gamete rules in surrogacy.
The donor egg IVF process
The process runs on two tracks at once: the donor's cycle and the intending mother's preparation. The clinic coordinates the timing of both.
- Consultation and testsThe intending mother has a uterus check, hormone tests and infection screening. The husband has a semen analysis and screening.
- Donor from a registered bankThe ART bank provides a screened, anonymous donor. Broad features such as blood group, height and complexion can usually be matched.
- ConsentBoth partners sign the legally required consent forms before treatment begins.
- Donor stimulationThe donor takes injections and has scans. Her eggs are collected under anaesthesia.
- Preparing the uterusThe intending mother takes estrogen and then progesterone so her lining is ready at the right time.
- FertilisationThe donor eggs are fertilised with the husband's sperm, often by ICSI.
- Embryo transferThe best embryo is transferred to the intending mother's uterus. Extra good embryos can be frozen.
- Pregnancy testA blood test about two weeks after transfer, then early pregnancy care.
How donors are screened
Donor screening is done by the registered ART bank before eggs are provided. It is meant to protect the health of the intending mother and the future child.
- A medical history and physical examination of the donor
- Blood tests for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis
- Blood group and basic genetic screening, such as thalassaemia carrier status
- Egg reserve tests and a pelvic scan, to judge her likely response
The husband also has infection screening and a semen analysis. If his sperm count is low, ICSI is planned for fertilisation.
Preparing the intending mother
A healthy uterus is now the most important factor on the mother's side. Before the cycle, the doctor checks for fibroids, polyps, adhesions and fluid in the tubes.
A hysteroscopy may be suggested if the scan shows a problem. Blood pressure, blood sugar, thyroid and weight should be well controlled before transfer. This matters even more for women in their forties, as pregnancy places more demand on the body.
If you have had several failed transfers before, share those records. The doctor may suggest extra tests of the uterus before planning donor egg treatment.
What affects the chance of success
Because the eggs come from a young donor, the woman's own egg reserve is no longer the main limit. Success depends mainly on embryo quality, sperm quality and the health of the uterus.
Fibroids, polyps, a thin lining and general health such as blood pressure, sugar and thyroid also matter. The doctor checks these before transfer and explains realistic chances after the tests.
Risks to know about
The intending mother does not need ovarian stimulation, so OHSS is not a risk for her. The pregnancy itself carries the usual risks, which can be higher in older mothers.
These include high blood pressure, diabetes in pregnancy and preterm birth. Transferring one embryo at a time avoids the added risk of twins. Your doctor will plan careful pregnancy monitoring.
Donor egg IVF cost in Delhi
An IVF cycle with our donor egg programme usually costs ₹2,30,000 – ₹5,36,000. The table below shows a typical itemised cycle with the donor egg programme included.
| What it covers | Cost |
|---|---|
| Consultation and diagnosisDoctor visits before treatment | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Pre-IVF testsHormones, AMH, infection screening, semen analysis | ₹7,000 – ₹18,000 |
| Stimulation medicinesDepends on age, AMH and body weight | ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Sperm preparationWashing and selecting sperm in the lab | ₹2,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Anaesthesia for egg collectionShort anaesthesia, same-day discharge | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 |
| IVF procedureEgg collection, fertilisation, embryo culture and fresh transfer | ₹1,20,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| Donor egg programmeVery low AMH or repeated poor egg quality | ₹70,000 – ₹1,80,000 |
| Total per cycle | ₹2,30,000 – ₹5,36,000 |
Figures as of 27 October 2026. Your exact cost is given in writing after your consultation and tests.
Extras such as embryo freezing, storage or a later frozen transfer are charged only if needed. You receive a written, itemised estimate before treatment starts. For a full breakdown, see our page on donor egg IVF cost in India.
Initial tests can be done in your own city and reviewed on WhatsApp. You then come to Delhi for the transfer and related visits.