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- Quick selection of fresh or frozen eggs from a donor
- IVF after age 49 is permitted in Slovakia
- Free initial consultation with our fertility coordinator within 24 hours
What is IVF with donated eggs?
IVF with donated eggs means that the eggs used in your treatment come from a donor, not from you. It is recommended when a woman’s own eggs are unlikely to result in a healthy pregnancy—particularly in cases of very low ovarian reserve, poor egg quality, or repeated unsuccessful IVF cycles.
The procedure itself follows the same basic steps as standard IVF: the eggs are fertilized by sperm, they develop into embryos in the laboratory, and the strongest embryo is transferred to the recipient’s uterus. The main difference with egg donation is simply where the eggs come from. Using donated eggs in IVF does not diminish your role in the pregnancy—you carry and give birth to the child yourself. The genetic bond with the child is established through your partner’s sperm, if it is used.
IVF with donated eggs is a proven and safe treatment, and for many patients, it is an option that finally leads to a successful pregnancy after other treatments have failed.
The decision to use donated eggs is rarely an easy one—it often comes after years of trying and can bring up feelings you didn’t expect. It’s a natural part of the journey, not a sign that you’re making the wrong choice. For many couples we’ve worked with, donated eggs were the path that finally led to a healthy pregnancy, a baby in their arms, and the joy of parenthood they’d been striving for so long.
International patients are very welcome at our clinic. If you are coming to Slovakia from abroad for IVF with donated eggs, an English-speaking coordinator will be in charge of your care and, together with our experienced medical team, will guide you through every step—from the initial consultation to the HCG pregnancy test.
Are you looking for a clinic that can help you undergo IVF with donated eggs even after age 49? Repromedica is the right choice for you— see how it works →
Who is a good candidate for IVF with donated eggs?
IVF with donor eggs is one of the treatment options for infertility in cases where the likelihood of a successful pregnancy using the patient’s own eggs is very low or where using her own eggs is not possible. We recommend considering this method especially in the following cases:
- Significantly reduced ovarian reserve —a low number of available eggs, especially if previous IVF cycles did not produce the expected results.
- Premature ovarian failure or early menopause —when the ovaries no longer produce eggs or their function is significantly impaired.
- Repeated unsuccessful IVF cycles —particularly in cases of proven poor egg quality or consistently poor embryonic development.
- Genetic disorders —if there is a high risk of passing on a serious genetic disorder to offspring and other options are not suitable.
- After cancer treatment or ovarian surgery —if chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery has significantly impaired ovarian function.
- Advanced reproductive age —when the likelihood of a successful pregnancy using one’s own eggs is very low.
Every patient is unique. At Repromedic, we assess the suitability of IVF with donated eggs on a case-by-case basis, taking into account age, hormone tests, ultrasound findings, reproductive history, and the results of previous treatments. Our goal is to recommend a treatment that offers you the highest realistic chance of success.
How does IVF with donated eggs work?
An IVF cycle using donated eggs typically takes four to twelve weeks from the selection of the donor to the pregnancy test; however, this time can be significantly shortened when using pre-screened, vitrified eggs from a donor. The procedure usually involves the following steps:
Consultations and Mandatory Examinations
We will thoroughly review your medical history, hormone levels, and the condition of your uterus to confirm that IVF with donated eggs is the right treatment for you.
Choice of donor
Together with a specialist, you will select a donor based on the results of medical examinations and the selection criteria (see the next section).
Preparation of the Endometrium
Hormonal medications thicken and prepare the uterine lining to receive the embryo, timed according to the donor’s cycle or the selected transfer date.
Egg Retrieval or Thawing
Fresh eggs are retrieved from the donor, or, if necessary, vitrified eggs are thawed shortly before fertilization.
Fertilization
The donated eggs are fertilized with sperm, usually using the ICSI method, in which a single sperm is injected directly into each egg to maximize the chances of fertilization.
Embryo Culture
Fertilized eggs are cultured in the laboratory for three to six days under constant supervision.
Embryotransfer
The strongest embryo will be transferred into your uterus using a thin catheter. Anesthesia is not required.
Luteal Phase Support and Pregnancy Test
Hormone therapy usually continues for 14 days until a blood test confirms the result, because your body does not naturally produce these hormones during a cycle using donated eggs.
IVF with Donor Eggs for Patients Over 49 Years of Age
In Slovakia, there is no uniform legal upper age limit for undergoing IVF treatment. The doctor decides on the appropriateness of treatment based on an individual assessment of the patient’s health and the results of the necessary tests. For older women, it is extremely important to thoroughly evaluate the health risks associated with pregnancy. Unlike in some European countries, where strict age restrictions apply, IVF with donated eggs may be available in Slovakia even to women over the age of 49.
Although the success rate of IVF using a woman’s own eggs declines significantly with age, the use of donated eggs can substantially increase the chances of pregnancy. Eggs from young, medically screened donors help overcome problems related to age and the quality of a woman’s own eggs. However, the recipient’s age continues to play a role in assessing the safety of the pregnancy. Therefore, we take an individualized approach with each patient and evaluate treatment options with regard to her overall health.
How do we select egg donors?
Every egg donor at ReproMedica undergoes a thorough selection process and medical examinations before being accepted into the donor program. Our goal is to ensure a high standard of safety and quality for donated eggs.
- Age and Health Status – Donors are between the ages of 18 and 33, in good overall health, and have an adequate ovarian reserve.
- Medical and Genetic Examinations – These include a detailed personal and family medical history, a gynecological examination, laboratory tests, screening for infectious diseases, and genetic testing aimed at reducing the risk of transmitting hereditary diseases.
- Assessment of Readiness to Donate – We verify that the donor understands the donation process, its potential risks, and conditions, and that she is making a voluntary and informed decision.
- Blood type and physical characteristics —when selecting a donor, we take into account blood type, eye and hair color, height, body type, and other characteristics based on preferences and available options.
- Previous donation cycles – if the donor has already donated eggs, we evaluate her response to hormonal stimulation, the number and maturity of the retrieved eggs, and the available results from previous cycles.
IVF Success Rates with Donor Eggs
IVF with donated eggs generally has a higher success rate than IVF with the woman’s own eggs, especially among women of advanced reproductive age. The main reason for this is that the eggs come from young, carefully selected, and medically screened donors. In IVF with donated eggs, the recipient’s age has a significantly smaller impact on treatment success than when using her own eggs. However, the outcome depends on several factors, including embryo quality, the recipient’s health, and the uterus’s readiness to receive the embryo.
IVF Success Rates with Donor Eggs at ReproMedica. Most of our patients in the donor egg program are over 40 years old.
This figure represents the clinical pregnancy rate following the first embryo transfer.
Before treatment begins, we will explain what these results mean in your specific situation, what factors may affect the success rate, and how many embryos you can expect from a single cycle using donated eggs.
How much does IVF with donated eggs cost?
At Repromedica, a reproductive medicine clinic in Bratislava with 12 years of experience, we emphasize transparent pricing and clear treatment terms. Our donor programs have a precisely defined scope of services so that you know, even before treatment begins, what is included in the selected package and which procedures may be billed separately.
For patients from abroad, IVF with donated eggs in Slovakia offers an affordable alternative to treatment in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other Western European countries. At the same time, we provide treatment in accordance with current European quality and safety standards.
Since each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, the total cost may vary depending on the necessary examinations, the laboratory methods chosen, and any additional services. Therefore, we will provide you with a personalized cost estimate before treatment begins.
You can find current prices and available IVF packages using donor eggs in our current price list. If you have any questions or need more detailed information, our IVF coordinators will be happy to help you choose the right program and explain the various treatment options.
*The blastocyst guarantee is subject to an individual assessment of the semen analysis parameters by the treating physician.
IVF Cycle with Donor Eggs – Guaranteed 2 Blastocysts*
IVF Cycle with Donor Eggs – All Steps of the Cycle in One Package, Guaranteed 3 Blastocysts*
Why choose Repromedica for IVF with donated eggs?
When choosing a clinic for IVF with donated eggs, it is not only modern technology and the cost of treatment that play an important role, but above all the experience of the medical team, the quality of the donor program, and a personalized approach to each patient. At Repromedica, we offer you:
IVF with Donor Eggs in Bratislava – Affordable Treatment for International Patients
Repromedica is located in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, which—thanks to its location and good transportation links—is easily accessible from many European countries.
We have extensive experience caring for international patients. Our IVF coordinators will help you plan each step of your treatment so that you can limit the number of clinic visits to the absolute minimum.
Bratislava has its own international airport with flights to several European destinations. Another option is Vienna International Airport, which offers an extensive network of direct flights from cities both within and outside Europe.
It takes about 45–60 minutes to get from Vienna Airport to Bratislava by car, depending on traffic conditions. Regular bus service is also available.
Bratislava is easily accessible by train, bus, or car from neighboring countries.
Slovakia is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, which makes it easier for patients from many European countries to travel here. Entry requirements for patients from countries outside the EU depend on their nationality.
We’ll be happy to help you plan your treatment. Our coordinators will provide you with the necessary information about your clinic visits and help you set up a treatment schedule before you arrive in Bratislava.
How many times you will need to travel. For IVF with donated eggs, we strive to organize treatment so that international patients have to make as few in-person visits to the clinic as possible.
You can have your initial consultation online, and you can undergo some of the necessary tests in your home country. Please send us the results in advance, and our doctor will recommend the next steps based on them.
You may need to visit the clinic in person for additional tests or to have your partner’s sperm collected. If you already have cryopreserved sperm at another medical facility, we can arrange for its transport under certain conditions.
The next visit is scheduled for embryo transfer, the date of which will be determined based on the chosen treatment plan and the readiness of the uterine lining.
In many cases, one or two visits to the clinic are sufficient. The exact number depends on the individual treatment plan and the necessary tests.
Our IVF coordinators will explain the entire process to you in advance and help you plan each step so that you don't have to travel more often than necessary.
Where to Stay. Bratislava offers a wide range of accommodations—from affordable apartments to comfortable hotels. The historic city center is compact, with plenty of restaurants, cafés, and services, and is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi.
When planning your stay, our IVF coordinators will be happy to provide you with information about lodging and transportation options to make your visit to Bratislava as comfortable as possible.
Are you planning to undergo IVF with donated eggs in Bratislava?
If you'd like to discuss your own treatment plan, click the "Schedule an Appointment" button, and our fertility consultant will help you plan your treatment journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can choose from the donors currently available or wait for a donor who better matches your requirements. In that case, the wait time until treatment begins may be extended.
Our coordinators will help you find a suitable donor, taking your preferences and medical criteria into account.
The medications are primarily used to prepare the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to receive the embryo and support its implantation. Estrogens and progesterone are most commonly used.
In some cases, embryo transfer can be performed during a natural cycle with minimal hormonal support. Your doctor will determine the specific procedure based on your health and menstrual cycle.
You don't have to be alone on this journey
We know that the journey to having the child you’ve always wanted can raise many questions and require many decisions. Our team is here for you to provide the information you need, explain your treatment options, and help you find the solution that best fits your situation. Contact us and take the first step on your journey to parenthood.
