Egg Donation is an assisted reproduction option for women who are unable to achieve pregnancy using their own eggs or when using donor eggs is considered the most appropriate approach. During treatment, eggs provided by a carefully screened donor are fertilised in the laboratory using sperm from the recipient’s partner or, where appropriate, donor sperm. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the recipient’s uterus as part of an IVF cycle.
IVF with donor eggs may be considered in cases of advanced reproductive age, reduced ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, repeated unsuccessful IVF attempts, certain genetic conditions, or after treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy that may have affected ovarian function.
The donor does not carry the pregnancy. Her role is to provide the eggs, while the recipient undergoes treatment to prepare the endometrium so that it is ready for embryo transfer. Depending on the individual treatment plan, fertilisation may take place using sperm from the recipient’s partner or donor sperm.
Egg donation treatment requires careful medical assessment, appropriate donor screening and personalised preparation of the recipient. At our clinic, every treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient, with close monitoring throughout each stage of the process and a focus on providing safe, supportive and specialised fertility care.
Who May Consider IVF with Donor Eggs?
IVF with donor eggs may be considered when pregnancy with a woman’s own eggs is not possible or when the chances of success are significantly reduced. The decision is always based on an individual fertility assessment, medical history and previous treatment outcomes.
Donor egg IVF may be recommended for:
- Women of advanced reproductive age.
- Women with premature ovarian insufficiency or premature menopause.
- Women with a very low ovarian reserve or poor response to ovarian stimulation.
- Women who have experienced repeated unsuccessful IVF cycles.
- Women with certain genetic conditions that could be passed on through their own eggs.
- Women whose ovarian function has been affected by chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other medical treatments.
Not every patient with one of these conditions will necessarily require egg donation. A fertility specialist evaluates ovarian reserve, previous IVF history, age and overall reproductive health before recommending the most appropriate treatment option.
Egg Donor Screening
Egg donors undergo a thorough medical, genetic and laboratory assessment before being accepted into an egg donation programme. The purpose of this screening is to protect both the donor and the recipient and to identify possible infectious or inherited conditions.
In Greece, donor screening includes a detailed personal and family medical history, clinical and gynaecological assessment, psychological evaluation and specific laboratory tests. According to the Greek National Authority of Assisted Reproduction, the required screening includes:
- HIV I & II, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and VDRL screening.
- Blood group and Rhesus factor.
- Screening for haemoglobin disorders, including thalassaemia and sickle cell disease.
- Cystic fibrosis (CFTR) carrier screening.
- Classical karyotype analysis.
- Fragile X syndrome screening.
- Spinal muscular atrophy (SMN1) carrier screening.
- Screening for selected forms of non-syndromic hearing loss.
- Gynaecological examination and testing for infections such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma.
Additional genetic counselling or examinations may be recommended when the donor’s personal or family history indicates an increased risk of a particular inherited condition.
How Does Egg Donation IVF Work?
Egg donation IVF involves careful coordination between the donor, the recipient and the fertility team. The aim is to obtain suitable eggs from the donor, fertilise them in the laboratory and prepare the recipient’s uterus for embryo transfer.
1. Donor Ovarian Stimulation
The donor receives fertility medication to stimulate the ovaries so that multiple eggs can mature during the same cycle. Her response is monitored with ultrasound scans and, when necessary, hormone tests.
2. Preparation of the Recipient
At the same time, the recipient may receive oestrogen and progesterone to prepare the endometrium. The development of the uterine lining is carefully monitored so that it is appropriately synchronised with the treatment cycle.
3. Egg Retrieval and Fertilisation
Once the donor’s eggs are mature, they are collected through an egg retrieval procedure. The eggs are then fertilised in the laboratory using sperm from the recipient’s partner or donor sperm, depending on the treatment plan.
4. Embryo Culture and Transfer
The fertilised eggs are cultured in the laboratory and monitored as they develop. When appropriate, one or two embryos are transferred into the recipient’s uterus, commonly at the blastocyst stage.
5. Embryo Freezing
If additional good-quality embryos are available, they may be cryopreserved for future use. These frozen embryos can be used in a later cycle, either if another embryo transfer is needed or if the patient wishes to try for another pregnancy in the future.
Egg Donation in Greece
Egg donation in Greece is regulated by a specific legal framework for medically assisted reproduction. Treatment is carried out in licensed fertility units, with requirements concerning donor eligibility, medical screening, consent and the handling of reproductive material.
Under Greek regulations, an egg donor must generally be an adult who has not reached the age of 35. In certain circumstances, the age limit may be extended following the conditions and approval procedures established by the National Authority of Assisted Reproduction. Donors must also undergo the required clinical and laboratory screening before their eggs can be used.
Greek legislation also provides different possibilities regarding donor identity. Although anonymity remains a fundamental option, the legal framework can also allow donation from a known donor under specific conditions. In May 2026, the National Authority issued further clarification regarding known donors who wish to donate reproductive material to specific recipients they already know.
Medically assisted reproduction in Greece may be performed in women up to the age of 54. For women from 50 years and 1 day up to 54 years, prior authorisation from the National Authority of Assisted Reproduction is required before treatment.
Why Choose Our Clinic for Egg Donation?
Egg donation treatment requires careful planning, close coordination and an individualised approach. At our clinic, every treatment plan is designed around the medical history, reproductive profile and specific needs of each patient.
Our approach to egg donation IVF includes:
- Careful selection and screening of egg donors.
- Personalised preparation of the recipient before embryo transfer.
- Close monitoring throughout every stage of treatment.
- Coordination between the fertility specialist and embryology laboratory.
- Embryo culture and transfer according to the individual treatment plan.
- Cryopreservation of suitable additional embryos for possible future use.
- Support and guidance for patients travelling to Greece for fertility treatment.
When good-quality embryos remain after embryo transfer, they may be frozen and stored for future cycles. This can provide additional opportunities for embryo transfer without requiring a new egg donation stimulation cycle.
With clinics in Athens and Tripoli, our goal is to provide specialised, supportive and personalised fertility care throughout the entire egg donation journey, from the initial consultation to embryo transfer and follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Donation
Is egg donation legal in Greece?
Yes. Egg donation is legally permitted in Greece and is regulated within the framework of medically assisted reproduction. Treatment must be carried out in authorised fertility units and follow the requirements concerning donor screening, consent and the handling of reproductive material.
Who can have IVF with donor eggs?
IVF with donor eggs may be considered for women with reduced ovarian reserve, premature ovarian insufficiency, repeated IVF failures, advanced reproductive age, certain genetic conditions or ovarian damage following treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The suitability of egg donation is determined after an individual medical and fertility assessment.
How are egg donors screened?
Egg donors undergo medical, gynaecological, laboratory and genetic screening before being accepted into a donation programme. Screening aims to assess the donor’s general and reproductive health and reduce the risk of transmitting infectious or inherited conditions.
Can embryos from egg donation be frozen?
Yes. When suitable embryos remain after embryo transfer, they may be cryopreserved for future use. Frozen embryos can potentially be used for another embryo transfer without repeating the donor ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval process.
What is the age limit for egg donation IVF in Greece?
In Greece, medically assisted reproduction may be performed up to the age of 54 years. Women aged from 50 years and 1 day to 54 years require prior authorisation from the Greek National Authority of Assisted Reproduction before treatment. The final decision to proceed also depends on the individual medical assessment and the treating physician’s evaluation.
