Egg Donation for PCOS: When is it the Right Choice?
Women of reproductive age increasingly suffer from the endocrine disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
In women with PCOS, the menstrual cycle may easily be disrupted at a premature age. Long breaks between monthly cycles sometimes become the norm, and may last 40 days or more. Ovulation doesn’t occur anymore; hence sperms cannot fertilize an egg inside the woman’s body during natural intercourse.

The relation between PCOS and IVF
The complexity of treating the syndrome is that women often have a combination of life-affecting symptoms. In addition, metabolic, somatic, reproductive and psychological problems may develop and create a negative impact on ability to conceive.
All this has a strictly negative effect and gradually leads to inability to conceive naturally.
Analytical studies show that 5-15% of women with PCOS struggle without the help of assisted reproductive technologies and seek reproductive care.
Ovulation induction using medications has always been the first-line fertility solution for patients with PCOS. If it doesn’t help the patient, it is followed by classic IVF (In vitro fertilization) treatment. Some interesting facts emerge in relation to that. For example, patients with this diagnosis frequently have the maximum ovarian reserve to be found in their age group. Hence, their prospects to succeed using their own eggs remain the best after 35. The rare cases of giving birth using own eggs after 43-44 usually consist of patients from the PCOS group.

Properly addressing PCOS is no small issue. To help a patient give birth and not cause hyperstimulation during IVF, a REI specialist needs a solid qualification and experience. Each patient has to be treated individually since combinations of various symptoms and deviations make every patient respond to treatment differently.
In order to get a focused picture and successfully help the patient overcome infertility, first, a detailed study of the anamnesis and the use of advanced techniques are required.
Although many women suffering from PCOS can successfully get pregnant using own eggs and IVF, with passing time donor egg IVF may also become the right treatment strategy.
Note. The NGC clinic employs experienced specialists who are able to solve the most complex problems. The modern equipment of the reproductive center ensures a positive result in the fight against infertility and decreased fertility.
The importance of individual assessment and consultation
When planning to fight infertility, create your own roadmap.
- Seek help from experienced reproductive specialists at NGC clinic. An initial review of your medical case will help remove many fears and approach fertility issues productively. Our fertility doctor is available for Zoom meetings.
- Review and consider all possible treatment options. Study each treatment method and its timeline in detail, choose the best one based on your expectations.
- Set a realistic goal. Do not rush; undergo the check-up prescribed by us, complete all the tests and examinations.
- Find and nurture a support community. Stay close to your partner, family members and friends in order to be empowered throughout the complex and demanding IVF journey.
- Keep your finger on the pulse. Staying busy while undergoing treatment and not shying to ask your questions will sustain you emotionally and help succeed in treatment.

When egg donation may be recommended to address PCOS
IVF success depends on the scope of data available to the doctor and observations made during an ultrasound investigation.
NGC Center conducts a detailed study of each patient's condition, including ovarian reserve, hormone levels, preexisting conditions and their impact on the options. On the basis of carefully collected anamnesis we recommend a treatment method and confirm medication scheme.
A donor IVF cycle is prescribed to PCOS patients only if common treatment methods have not yielded results so far.

The following predictors are the main ones to name:
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Low egg quality
Sometimes solid ovarian reserves are sadly not backed up by quality. With advancing age, ovaries affected by PCOS may seem capable during ultrasound, but produce lower quality eggs which directly impacts embryo creation process during an IVF cycle. Usually, patients pass through several unsuccessful IVF cycles before there are enough statistics proving this point.
If the quality of the eggs is low, there will be fewer to none developing embryos. This situation is also called the embryo developmental block.
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Multiple unsuccessful embryo transfers
After numerous unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant using euploid (genetically tested) embryos created from their own eggs, 40+ patients with PCOS may be recommended to consider a donor program.
Don't forget. The decision to use donor IVF for PCOS is made by a reproductive physician after you have undergone all the necessary tests and evaluations.
Pros and cons of egg donation compared to other methods of infertility treatment
IVF using donor eggs shows excellent results and is considered to be the most effective method in terms of statistics.
The main advantages:
- The highest success rates and efficiency among any IVF programs;
- Ability to choose a donor who looks like you;
- Partner’s sperm will be used for genetic relation;
- No stimulations scheduled in vain at the expense of your own health, stress and time;
- Easiness of planning;
- Lowered genetic risks due to donor screenings and young age.


The main disadvantages:
- Higher cost compared to regular IVF.
Let us help you understand all the specifics. Get competent answers by contacting the NGC reproductive clinic using the form on this webpage. Visit our database of donors to check the pictures and profiles.
Conclusion
If you are 40+ and have PCOS, it is necessary to accept the complexity of the situation and carefully consult with a doctor. It is true that sometimes continuing attempts is worth it, nonetheless you should also think about limiting these tries. Remember, with PCOS it is possible to give birth to a healthy child, but own egg IVF and egg donor IVF have different timelines and success rates.
NGC clinic specialists are always ready to help, consult and help cope with low fertility and infertility. We will help you avoid impasse and purposefully go to success. Modern methods of combating infertility can cope with any difficult task.
Our team stood at the origins of reproductive medicine in Russia and is known all over the world as the highest-level professionals.
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FAQs
All success rates can only be calculated individually since the patient's age and preexisting conditions each play they roll. Donor eggs have the highest success rate in IVF in general. However, in polycystic ovary syndrome cases, it is advisable to use them when IVF is not an option, or to address the embryo developmental block.
Compared to other treatments, egg donation will cost more, which is due to the complex donor selection process performed by the clinic and expensive ovarian stimulation drugs. In return, this technique gives high results in the minimum amount of time.
Embarking on the donor egg journey is a pivotal moment full of unexpected emotions. You and your partner should devise a strategy to tackle every step ahead. Amidst all concerns, remember that your partner will contribute his material, you will carry the pregnancy to term, and that no donor can claim any rights after a donation agreement has been signed. NGC will help you select the most suitable, beautiful woman with proven fertility and results.
The most common misconception is that those who have used donor eggs experience psychological problems accepting their child. It isn’t true and has been debunked by millions of couples already. Donor egg is not a problem, it is a solution designed to help overcome infertility and live a complete life. Every woman undergoing donor egg IVF is designed to make the child her own. After the embryo is transplanted, you and the baby will be the one for 9 months. This will create an unbreakable bond that will continue to be nurtured during the first months of your baby’s life.
NGC has the largest database of genetically screened donors who are ready to donate in a fresh program. We invite you to send us a treatment request and gain access to adult photos of our donors!