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Using an Egg Donor When You Have Endometriosis: What Intended Parents Should Know

by MyEggBankMarch 1st, 2025

Overcoming Endometriosis: The Role of Egg Donation in Your Fertility Plan

Endometriosis is a common condition that affects almost 10% of the female population at reproductive age worldwide, making conception more challenging for millions. While some individuals with endometriosis can conceive naturally, others may need to explore alternative paths to parenthood, such as using an egg donor. Understanding how endometriosis affects fertility and when egg donation might be recommended can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive journey.

How Endometriosis Can Impact Egg Quality and Ovarian Reserve

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, scarring, and sometimes ovarian cysts (endometriomas). This condition can affect fertility in several ways, including:

  • Reduced Ovarian Reserve: Research suggests that chronic inflammation and disrupted blood flow caused by endometriosis can damage ovarian tissue, leading to a lower number of available eggs.
  • Compromised Egg Quality: Inflammation and poor blood circulation due to endometriosis restrict oxygen to the ovaries, impairing egg maturation and thus reducing the chances of successful embryo development.
  • Hormonal Imbalances: Endometriosis can disrupt hormone levels, leading to irregular ovulation and making conception more difficult.

For some individuals, fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) can still be effective. However, in cases where egg quality and ovarian reserve are significantly impacted, a fertility specialist may recommend using an egg donor.

Fresh vs. Frozen Donor Eggs: What’s Best?

When choosing an egg donor, intended parents must decide between fresh and frozen donor eggs. Both options offer advantages, but certain factors may influence which is best for individuals with endometriosis.

  • Fresh Donor Eggs: A fresh egg donation cycle involves synchronizing the donor and recipient’s cycles so that freshly retrieved eggs can be fertilized immediately. This option results in slightly higher success rates per cycle but requires more time and coordination.

  • Frozen Donor Eggs: Frozen eggs are retrieved, cryopreserved, and stored for future use. They offer greater flexibility, faster timelines, and lower costs compared to fresh cycles. Advances in egg freezing technology (vitrification) have significantly improved the success rates of frozen eggs, making them a popular choice for intended parents.

For individuals with endometriosis, frozen donor eggs may be a more convenient and efficient option, especially if endometrial preparation needs to be carefully managed due to prior surgeries or hormonal treatments. However, a fertility specialist can help determine the best approach based on medical history and treatment goals.

Moving Forward with Egg Donation

Deciding to use an egg donor is a deeply personal choice, but for those affected by endometriosis, it can open the door to parenthood. If you're exploring this path, MyEggBank offers a diverse selection of high-quality frozen donor eggs from rigorously screened donors. Explore our database of egg donors or connect with our team to learn more about your options.

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