Oocytes are female reproductive cells necessary for reproduction. Every woman is born with an individual, genetically predetermined number of oocytes (or eggs). As women age, their oocytes' quantity and quality decrease, directly affecting their ability to conceive.Oocyte or egg donation is a process where a woman voluntarily donates her eggs to another woman (the recipient) who cannot conceive a child on her own.The first successful birth through this method was given in Australia in 1984. Since then, the practice of egg donation has become a worldwide phenomenon, accounting for 7% of all assisted reproductive techniques.
Success rates of artificial insemination with donor eggsAccording to an article by the PFCLA, in vitro fertilization (IVF) using donor eggs has the highest success rate among all fertility treatment methods, reaching 52%. And depending on the clinic and the recipient's circumstances, the success rates can be much higher.It has also been proven that using frozen donor eggs is equally effective.An egg donor can be anonymous and collaborate with a donor bank, or, at the recipient's discretion, it can be a relative or an acquaintance with a similar genetic makeup. The oocytes (eggs) are retrieved from the donor and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus of the intended mother under medical supervision.Thanks to this procedure, any woman with a healthy uterus, regardless of the condition of her oocytes, has the potential to carry a child from her partner and experience the miracle of childbirth.
What are egg donor requirements?Before donating oocytes, the donor woman undergoes an interview and examination to exclude any contraindications.The main requirements include:● Age: between 18 and 32 years old;● Children: having one’s healthy children; ● Physical health: absence of chronic, genetic, and acute inflammatory diseases;● Mental health: emotional stability and a positive attitude towards donation;● Healthy weight: body mass index (BMI) within the range of 19-29;● No bad habits;● Regular menstruation; ● No previous surgeries on the breasts and uterus, appendages, and so on.These criteria may vary depending on the clinic where the donation procedure is performed. 
Women who meet these requirements proceed to the next stage, which involves detailed medical examinations, such as:● Tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. ● Complete blood count, blood type, and Rh compatibility screening. ● Fertility assessment, including hormone testing and ultrasound examination of the ovaries. ● Genetic screening. ● Psychological evaluation, and so on.
After the doctors conclude, a woman can be approved for donation. But first, the menstrual cycles of the donor and the recipient are synchronized, the donor's ovaries are stimulated, and only then are the oocytes retrieved.

This thorough screening process aims to find optimal oocyte donors and maximize the chances of a successful pregnancy for the recipients. The woman receiving the donated eggs is not genetically related to the child. So she must ensure that all factors are considered for her safe pregnancy and the future child's health.

The procedure itself does not cause pain or subsequent discomfort. The doctor uses ultrasound visualization to carefully guide a small needle into the follicle of the ovary. Several oocytes are retrieved through this needle. This minimally invasive procedure takes about 30 minutes.
Lastly, the egg donor should be aware of the following:● She will not be the legal mother of the child born through egg donation. ● She will not have any legal or financial obligations to the child born from her donated eggs. ● She will not be listed on the child's birth certificate. ● She will not have any rights regarding the child's upbringing. ● The Ukrainian egg donation system is based on anonymity, which means neither the patient nor the egg donor can obtain personal information about each other. An exception is made when using a donor egg from the patient's relatives.