A safe alternative to fulfill your dream of becoming a mother
On this page you will find everything you need to know about egg donation, an assisted reproduction treatment that can open the doors to motherhood for couples struggling to conceive. We will explore in detail what egg donation is, who the ideal candidates are, how the process works step by step, the success rates, and what you can expect on your journey to motherhood through egg donation.
Our aim is to provide you with clear and accessible information so that you can make informed decisions about your fertility treatment. We are here to support and guide you at every step of the way. Let’s begin this journey together – with you, we create life.
Egg donation involves carrying out in vitro fertilisation (IVF) using eggs donated by a healthy woman. This type of assisted reproduction treatment is one of the most effective, achieving very high pregnancy success rates.
The egg donation process includes stimulating the donor’s ovaries with specific IVF medication, while at the same time preparing your uterine lining for embryo transfer.
At Fertility Madrid, we want you to feel completely reassured—that’s why we guarantee two good-quality embryos as part of our egg donation treatment.
In our clinic, you will find highly experienced professionals ready to support you throughout your egg donation journey. Would you like to know more about how the egg donation process works at Fertility Madrid?
Book your appointment and we will give you all the details about the treatment. You can also decide when to begin—there are no waiting lists.
When is egg donation recommended?
Receiving donor eggs is mainly recommended for women who have lost their reproductive capacity or who carry genetic abnormalities. In particular, it is indicated in the following cases:
Women with absent ovaries
Women of advanced reproductive age (usually approaching their 40s)
Women with premature ovarian insufficiency or premature ovarian failure – a condition that directly affects ovarian function at an early age (before 40)
Women who have had unsuccessful attempts with other assisted reproduction or fertility treatments
Women with a history of miscarriages
Women with genetic abnormalities – using donor eggs avoids hereditary risks and increases the chances of conception
Egg donation process
For the donor, the egg donation treatment involves ovarian stimulation with specific medication to produce eggs. Afterwards, the mature eggs are retrieved through a procedure called follicular aspiration, which is minimally invasive and performed in an operating theatre under sedation.
For the recipient, the medical treatment consists of properly preparing the endometrium so that the embryos can later be received. This treatment may vary depending on whether or not the patient has menstrual periods.
Preparatory phase
This initial stage includes explaining the process, providing guidance, and carrying out medical evaluations. Routine gynaecological tests, along with blood and urine analyses, are required for both the biological parents and the donor to ensure the safety of the patient and the future child. Once the results have been reviewed, a personalised treatment plan will be established.
Selection of a suitable donor
The selection is carried out in a completely personalised way, taking each case into account.
Donor and recipient treatment
In the first case, if the patient does not have menstrual cycles, GnRH agonists are used to prevent interference with other hormones. Afterwards, controlled doses of oestrogen and progesterone are given to prepare the endometrium.
If there is no menstruation at all, the therapy is carried out only with oestrogen and progesterone.
To determine when the endometrium is ready, several ultrasound scans are performed to measure its thickness. Once the patient is prepared, the only step left is to wait for the donor to undergo egg retrieval.
The endometrium may be ready in around six days, but a minimum of two weeks is generally recommended. Oestrogen replacement therapy can be safely prolonged for more than 60 days, if necessary, in order to synchronise with a donor.
Egg retrieval from the donor
To determine when the endometrium is ready, several ultrasound scans are carried out to measure its thickness. Once the patient is prepared, the only step left is to wait for the donor to undergo egg retrieval.
On the day of the donor’s egg retrieval, the recipient is contacted to confirm the number of mature eggs assigned to her and to indicate that she should begin progesterone treatment.
Processing of the semen sample, from partner or donor
The male partner needs to provide a sperm sample, which will be used to fertilise the eggs.
Fertilisation of the eggs (ICSI)
The process of fertilising the eggs with the sperm sample takes place in the laboratories of Fertility Madrid. The ICSI technique is used to make fertilisation easier, by injecting a single sperm directly into each egg.
Embryo development monitoring
The progress and development of each embryo are closely monitored. At Fertility Madrid, we use GERI Time-Lapse incubators, which optimise the culture conditions for each patient’s embryos.
This allows our embryologists to select the best embryos for implantation with greater accuracy and safety, thereby increasing the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
Placing the embryos into the uterine cavity
The final step involves placing the embryos, previously developed in the laboratory, into the patient’s uterine cavity so that the baby can continue its development naturally within her body.
How are our egg donors selected?
At Fertility Madrid, we apply strict selection criteria to ensure the quality and safety of our egg donation treatments. Every donor goes through a thorough evaluation process before being accepted.
Medical evaluation: Comprehensive tests are carried out, including blood analysis to determine blood type and Rh compatibility, as well as to detect infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis. In addition, genetic tests are performed to identify possible hereditary conditions.
Genetic counselling and evaluation: The donor’s family history is reviewed, assessing any significant hereditary factors. This evaluation provides a deeper understanding of the donor’s genetic health and helps to identify possible genetic risks for the future child.
Genetic carrier screening: A thorough evaluation is carried out to identify the risk of serious autosomal recessive genetic disorders and X-linked conditions.
Psychological evaluation: Every donor is carefully assessed to confirm she is emotionally ready for the donation process and in good mental health.
What happens before starting egg donation?
Before starting egg donation treatment, it is essential to carry out a thorough personalised assessment to confirm that this treatment is suitable for the patient.
At Fertility Madrid, we perform a complete gynaecological evaluation and carry out screening tests and checks for both the donor and recipient women, as well as for men.
These tests are performed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the egg donation process. Below are some of the tests and checks we carry out:
For egg donors
Medical history (anamnesis): Collection of the donor’s medical, psychological, and reproductive background, as well as relevant family information.
Gynaecological examination: Includes ultrasound, smear test, and swab.
Blood tests: Anti-Müllerian hormone, Rh factor, screening for infectious diseases and toxic substances.
Genetic carrier test: Analyses chromosomal abnormalities and hereditary factors.
Psychological consultation: Assessment of the donor’s mental health.
For women receiving donor egg
Medical history (anamnesis): Detailed record of the patient’s medical and reproductive background.
Uterine evaluation: To check the health of the uterus and its ability to carry a pregnancy.
Hormonal analysis: To assess hormone levels and ensure an appropriate response to treatment.
Genetic compatibility tests: To identify possible genetic risks that could affect the health of the embryo.
For men
Semen analysis: To assess the quality and quantity of sperm, as these will be used to fertilise the donated eggs.
Genetic compatibility tests: To detect possible genetic issues that could affect the health of the embryo.
These preliminary checks before egg donation are essential to personalise your treatment and ensure the best possible results. Our professional team is always available to offer guidance and answer any questions you may have during this process.
Discover our patients' experiences
We just met with Dr. Oviedo to begin preparations for the transfer of the little embryo we have frozen. The other one we had is now almost 2 years old, and it’s this little sweetheart in the photo — here thanks to the doctor’s hands and the entire Fertility team: embryologist, nurses, receptionists, everyone. You are all wonderful. Thank you so, so much!
Manuela shares some lovely words with us about her «little embryo» transfer
Today we returned to Fertility Madrid with her in our arms. It feels unbelievable, everything we went through to achieve this miracle. We are immensely grateful to all of you… TO EVERYONE! Not only for being such an essential part of this dream come true, but for being so human, so empathetic, so kind, so Fertility… Because you never let us give up, and you always gave us hope — endless thanks to this amazing team! Nurses, receptionists, doctors, embryologists, psychologist, and everyone else… I don’t want to forget anyone! Thank you!
Mar and Agustín introduce us to their baby after their IVF journey
Thank you for everything, Ana — I’ll never get tired of saying it! I hope I get to keep carrying it a thousand more times!! I’ll never be able to thank you enough.
Erica’s words to our colleague Ana
From the moment I walked into Fertility Madrid and met the woman who would become my gynecologist, I knew I was in the right place to make my dream come true. It wasn’t an easy journey, but I always had the support, care, and professionalism of the entire team — especially Ana Fernández. Thanks to all of you, Jon is here with me today. You are incredible! Thank you.
Erica Senderos shares some lovely words with us
The entire team at Fertility Madrid (especially Dr. Lydia Pilar Suárez and Dr. Oscar Oviedo) is simply wonderful. We don’t have the words to properly thank them! They were incredibly professional and kind throughout the entire treatment. We felt like family with them (and in my opinion, that’s so important in this kind of situation). Thanks to them, the little “result” of the treatment is now sleeping here in our arms. Without a doubt, the best fertility clinic in Madrid! I would never choose another one!
Discover the story of Ágnes, a new mom
From the moment we had our first consultation at Fertility Madrid, we knew it was the right place. Rafa, Óscar, and the rest of the team — from the anesthesiologists to the receptionists — make you feel like more than just a number. And I think that’s the most important thing when you’re navigating the world of infertility, where you often feel a bit lost. Even though our first IVF treatment didn’t go as we had hoped, we knew we were in the right place. And we were right — today we can say we’ve fulfilled our dream thanks to Fertility Madrid, and her name is Olivia. The truth is, even though we live in Cyprus, we’re already planning how to organize ourselves for the next treatment to see if it’s possible to give Olivia a sibling — and she’s only 25 days old! Thank you. Warm regards.
Laura introduces us to her little Olivia
We wanted to send our greetings to Dr. Rafael Collazos and the entire team at Fertility Madrid and thank you for the care we received from the very first moment we arrived at the clinic. From the beginning, Dr. Rafael explained the treatment we needed in great detail and treated us with the utmost professionalism and seriousness. From the receptionists to the nurses, embryologists, and Dr. Rafael Collazos himself, everyone treated us with such kindness and professionalism every step of the way. It was a very complex treatment — not easy at all — but with 100% accuracy. The treatment was a success for us, as we achieved it on the very first transfer. It’s been a long nine months, with very close monitoring, and on November 15th our beautiful baby girl was born — a truly cherished little one.
A thousand thanks!
Estefanía and Adrián introduce us to their beautiful baby girl
Today marks one year since we walked through the doors of the clinic to begin the egg donation process. And what a year it’s been... So many things have happened (many of them quite strange) that it feels both short and long at the same time.
I had already been there in February for an initial consultation that my husband couldn’t attend, and I left with a really good feeling. I liked the facilities, but above all, I loved how the gynecologist treated me. Even so, since I’m the most indecisive person in the world, it took me over a month to make up my mind. The fact that he hadn’t been able to come didn’t help, because even though he told me from the start that we’d go wherever I wanted, his impressions meant a lot to me.
As you know, during that month I went over every single pro and con of all the clinics we had visited. I weighed the facilities, the staff, the prices, the guarantees, the location… This wasn’t the cheapest clinic or the closest, but something inside me told me it was the right one. So I told my husband, he agreed, and we made an appointment to finally get started.
The pandemic was already making itself felt in Spain. Schools had closed in Madrid, and the situation was, at the very least, worrying. We actually had the appointment set earlier and postponed it by a couple of days out of fear… But in the end, we decided to go. We didn’t know what the future held, how long this would all last, whether things would return to normal soon or more places (including fertility clinics) would close and everything would be delayed. With so much uncertainty, we felt we had to at least take the first step. I think we made the right call — just two days later, the state of emergency was declared and everything shut down.
One year later, with the pandemic still affecting our lives far more than we would have imagined back then, I’m pregnant — and infinitely grateful. Grateful to the entire team at Fertility Madrid for making this possible — to our gynecologist, the nurses, the embryologists, the reception staff, the psychologist… And of course, grateful to that anonymous donor, because without her, our little one wouldn’t be on the way.
Discover the story of a successful egg donation journey!
IVF success rates with donor eggs – and what makes us unique
At Fertility Madrid, our egg donation treatment has a success rate that is 12% higher than the Spanish average (SEF data 2020). National average: 57.5% (SEF data 2020)
Success rate in egg donation treatments
Our success rate in egg donation treatments is 65% with partner sperm per transfer.
We strive to offer our patients complete peace of mind, which is why we provide fixed-price treatments and include a guarantee of two good-quality blastocysts.
*Guarantee of two good-quality blastocysts, provided FISH and sperm fragmentation results are within normal parameters.
65 %
Egg donation in Madrid
Gynaecological consultations
Gynaecological ultrasound scans
Estradiol blood test
Selection of the egg donor
Donor ovarian puncture (egg retrieval)
Donor ovarian puncture (egg retrieval)
2 good-quality embryos guaranteed*
Embryo culture in a GERI incubator
Embryo transfer
Embryo vitrification for 1 year
Pregnancy test
Pregnancy confirmation ultrasounds
Emotional support
Annual embryo storage fee from the 2nd year onwards
Sperm freezing
Annual sperm storage fee
Genetic compatibility test
Transfer of remaining vitrified embryos
8.500 EUR
Frequently asked questions about egg donation
How long does egg donation treatment take?
Egg donation treatment can vary in duration depending on several factors, such as the specific medical protocols and donor availability.
In general terms, the complete process may take approximately 8 to 10 weeks from the start of hormone treatment to embryo transfer.
This includes the selection and synchronisation of the donor, preparation of the recipient’s uterus, fertilisation of the eggs, and the necessary medical follow-up. It is important to remember that each case can be unique and may require a personalised schedule depending on medical needs or genetic testing.
What is the age limit for egg donation?
The age limit for undergoing assisted reproduction treatment in Spain is 50 years.
In which cases is egg donation recommended?
Egg donation is recommended for all women who, while retaining the uterus, have lost their reproductive capacity.
The most frequent cases are:
Premature menopause or premature ovarian failure
Absence of ovaries (congenital or due to previous surgery)
Healthy ovaries but insufficient eggs (due to age or genetic factors)
Previous failure of assisted reproduction techniques
Poor quality eggs or embryos
Suffering from or carrying genetic diseases that could be passed on to offspring and which cannot be diagnosed through PGD
What are the advantages of egg donation?
High success rate: higher quality eggs leading to higher pregnancy rates
Solution for fertility problems: option for women with ovarian issues
Personalised donor selection: matched to your phenotype (skin colour, eyes, Rh)
Reduced risk of genetic problems: lower chance of passing on genetic anomalies
Is egg donation painful?
Egg donation treatment includes several processes that may cause some discomfort, although the experience varies from person to person. Here is a summary of the stages that may involve some discomfort:
Ovarian stimulation: hormonal medication used to stimulate egg production may occasionally cause mild side effects, such as bloating, mood changes and breast tenderness
Follicular puncture: carried out under sedation, so the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. Afterwards, some women may experience mild cramps, bloating or discomfort, which usually disappear within a few hours
Embryo transfer: a quick and relatively simple procedure, generally not associated with significant discomfort. Some women may feel mild discomfort or cramping during or after the transfer
Luteal phase support: hormonal medication, such as progesterone, is commonly used to support the uterine lining. Some women may find the injections slightly uncomfortable, while others may not experience significant discomfort
Are there side effects or risks associated with egg donation?
Egg donation is generally a safe procedure, but as with any medical intervention, there are potential risks.
Some mild side effects may include:
Abdominal discomfort, bloating, cramps
Temporary hormonal changes due to ovarian stimulation
Rare side effects may include:
Ovarian hyperstimulation
Infections or adverse reactions to anaesthesia during egg retrieval
At Fertility Madrid, we provide thorough medical evaluation and professional care, which significantly minimises these risks, allowing most women to have a safe and successful experience with egg donation.
It is important for patients to be fully informed about these possible side effects and risks before deciding to undergo egg donation treatment.
Can I choose my own egg donor?
The allocation of a donor for a recipient is based on the recipient’s characteristics. First, blood group and Rh are matched to ensure compatibility. Race, skin colour, hair, and eye colour are also considered to avoid mismatches.
Can I know who the donor is?
Currently, in Spain egg donation is completely anonymous, meaning there can be no link between donor and recipient. Donors cannot know the recipients of their eggs, and recipients cannot know the identity of their donor.
Are egg donors paid?
Egg donation is an anonymous and altruistic act. Egg donors receive financial compensation for the inconvenience, travel expenses, and treatment they undergo. This compensation is regulated under Royal Decree-Law 9/2014 of 4 July, concerning quality and safety standards for donation.
Do you offer IVF with donor eggs to single women and same-sex couples?
Yes, egg donation treatment is available to single women who wish to become mothers and to female couples who require egg donation.
How can I prepare my body for egg donation?
It is essential to follow all the instructions given by the professionals at Fertility Madrid, particularly regarding the hormonal medication needed to prepare your uterus for embryo implantation. We will support you throughout the process to maximise your chances of success.
You can also adopt healthy habits such as:
A balanced and nutritious diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats
Avoid alcohol, smoking, and drugs, as these can affect your health
Regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress
Taking vitamin supplements, especially folic acid, to support reproductive health
What is the success rate of IVF with egg donation?
Success rates for IVF with egg donation are usually higher than with conventional IVF, as the eggs come from young, healthy donors. Depending on the case, the chances of pregnancy per cycle are around 50–70%.
What requirements must the recipient meet to access egg donation?
The recipient should be in good general health, and her uterus should be suitable for pregnancy. Before starting treatment, medical tests such as blood tests, ultrasounds, and gynaecological assessments are carried out to ensure safety.
Is IVF with egg donation safe?
Yes. It is a safe and widely used treatment in assisted reproduction. As with any medical procedure, there may be risks associated with hormonal medication or embryo transfer, but these are rare and clinically managed.
What happens if egg donation treatment is not successful?
If pregnancy is not achieved, cryopreserved embryos from the same cycle may be transferred, or a new treatment cycle may be planned. The medical team will analyse each situation individually to optimise the chances in the next attempt.
Can I undergo IVF with egg donation as a single woman or in a same-sex couple?
Yes. Spanish law allows IVF with egg donation for both single women and female couples, ensuring equal access to assisted reproduction techniques.
Can I travel or live normally during egg donation treatment?
In general, yes. It is only necessary to attend the clinic at specific times (transfer, medical check-ups). Between visits, normal life can continue, although it is advisable to reduce stress and maintain healthy habits.