Sperm, egg or embryo donation

Before you start the ART process, you may need a sperm, egg or embryo donation.

Two hands and loveheart illustration

Here are some questions to consider

What is gamete (egg or sperm) or embryo donation?

Donated sperm and eggs can be used through artificial insemination and/or IVF. This allows you or your partner to provide a genetic contribution to the baby, with the remaining genetic material coming from the donor, and enables you to experience pregnancy and birth.

Donated embryos are different, and involve no genetic contribution from you or your partner. However, you can still form a biological connection with the baby by carrying the pregnancy and giving birth.

 

Is there someone you know who may be willing to donate?

If you would like to have similar genetic make-up to one of the partners, it could be worth considering a relative as your sperm or egg donor.

 

Would you prefer a de-identified donor?

A de-identified donor is not identified at the time of donation; however, their identifying information will be made available to any donor-conceived children once they reach the age of 18 years.

Please be aware that the regulations around sperm and egg donation may vary in different states and territories, so it’s important to check the regulations where you reside when making your decision.

For couples where both partners have ovaries and a uterus

Which partner will contribute the egg and/or carry the baby?

Decisions on who will contribute the egg and who will carry the baby will be based on a multitude of factors, including preference, medical or fertility considerations, and perhaps even taking turns (if you’d like to have more than one child).

Be sure to speak with your fertility specialist about co-IVF, where both partners play an active role in the pregnancy, with one partner supplying the egg and the other partner carrying the pregnancy.24

For couples where both partners have sperm

Which partner will be the donor?

Although only one partner’s sperm will ultimately fertilise the egg, either partner or both may be able to supply sperm. There are several factors that go into making this choice, including preference, sperm quality, and perhaps even taking turns (if you’d like to have more than one child).

What is your next step in the process?

Assisted reproductive technology might be your best next step. Read more to understand about your next step.

Learn more

Know what you are looking for?

Learn more about assisted reproductive technology (ART)

Need a donor

Learn about surrogacy

Learn about adoption
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