Carrying a child is life-changing, and the choice to proceed with IVF treatment requires plenty of planning and discussion. Even after you move forward, you’ll encounter another decision if you need to select an egg donor. If you’re in the midst of this process, use the following tips to ensure you make the right choice.

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Egg Donor

1. Freshness

If you’re only comfortable with having a specific individual fulfill the role of your egg donor, you may need to choose frozen eggs. These eggs can be stored for months or years before use. The other option is to find a donor that can sync up to your cycle, allowing you to use fresh eggs.

These eggs have more of a chance of facilitating conception, as they aren’t preserved and can be used in greater quantities. On the other hand, they’re more expensive than frozen ones, and you’ll have to wait longer to screen donors and synchronize their cycle to yours.

2. Physical Appearances

Your child will start to notice their appearance as they grow. If they don’t look like you or your partner, they may feel out of place. To prevent these feelings, many parents look for egg donors that have similar physical appearances—you may want to find a candidate who shares your straight hair or brown eyes.

3. Mental Health & History

Learn about your egg donor’s mental health history, such as bipolar disorder or autism, as your child may be genetically predisposed to the same challenges. You may want to ask about how they were raised, like what holidays they celebrate, languages they speak, or whether they took to music or art at a young age. While these factors aren’t hereditary, they’ll help you get to know your egg donor on an intimate level, and they may make you more confident about choosing them.

If you’re interested in pursuing IVF treatment, make an appointment with IVF HAWAII in Honolulu. This fertility clinic is dedicated to helping individuals and couples who are facing challenges with fertility. Dr. Benton Chun is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, and he and his team will take the time to create a custom fertility plan so that you can start a family. Visit their website to learn more about what to expect during the IVF treatment process, or call (808) 538-6655 to schedule an appointment.