Aspire HFI Egg Donor Program

Using Donor Eggs

Donor egg programs have made it possible for a couple to have a child who, many times, holds half of their genetic fingerprint, and it also allows the woman to carry the pregnancy herself. Many times, it is seen as an alternative to adoption.

There are several reasons why individuals and couples would seek to use donor eggs, including:

• Premature ovarian failure

• Poor quality eggs

• Diminished quantity of eggs

• Advanced reproductive age

• Menopause

• Genetic abnormalities

• Chemotherapy or radiation treatment

At Aspire Houston Fertility Institute, we have an egg donor program that caters to a variety of ethnicities. To view our online donor database, you must first request access by completing the patient registration on donor.aspirehfi.com/registration.

Egg Donation Cycles From a Recipient’s Viewpoint

To begin the process, the patient (recipient) selects a donor. This can be a family member, friend, or an anonymous volunteer who has been screened by our staff. Then, the egg donation process begins, whereby the donor produces and donates eggs to the recipient. The eggs are then fertilized, and the resulting embryos are placed in the uterus of the recipient to continue normal fetal development.

The egg donor uses fertility drugs to stimulate the development of multiple eggs, and the recipient takes estrogen and progesterone to prepare the uterus for embryos to be implanted. Many recipient couples receive a large number of embryos through egg donation, which then allows for freezing and the possibility of future use.

How Does Aspire HFI Screen Its Egg Donors?

Choosing an egg donor is a deeply personal decision, and we’re committed to making the process as thoughtful and transparent as possible. At Aspire HFI, every donor is thoroughly screened to ensure the best possible outcomes for intended parents and future children.

Our screening includes:

• Extensive medical questionnaire

• Ovarian reserve assessment, including antral follicle count and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) testing 

• Psychological evaluation and testing, performed by a licensed mental health professional

• Genetic review of three generations of family genetic health history, performed by a licensed certified genetic counselor

• Genetic testing:

  • Expanded carrier screening of 500+ conditions

  • Chromosome Analysis (aka Karyotype)

  • Fragile X

  • CBC and Hemoglobin Electrophoresis

  • ABO + RH type

• FDA required infectious disease testing

Fresh vs. Frozen Egg Donation, Explained

Aspire HFI offers both fresh and frozen donor egg cycles, giving you the flexibility to choose the path that best suits your timeline, preferences, and medical needs. While both options can lead to successful pregnancies, there are important differences in how each cycle is coordinated.

Why Choose a Frozen Donor Egg Cycle?

Frozen donor egg cycles are often preferred for their convenience and flexibility. Since the eggs are already retrieved and vitrified (flash-frozen), there’s no need to synchronize your cycle with the donor’s. This typically leads to shorter treatment timelines and more predictable scheduling.

Frozen donor eggs from MyEggBank® undergo extensive medical and genetic screening, and success rates continue to improve thanks to advances in vitrification technology. This option may be especially helpful for individuals or couples balancing work, travel, or other personal commitments.

Why Choose a Fresh Donor Egg Cycle

Fresh donor egg cycles may be ideal for those who prefer to use eggs from a donor undergoing a new stimulation cycle specifically for them. This approach allows for the possibility of retrieving a larger number of eggs, which can be helpful if you’re hoping to grow your family over time or want more embryos available for future transfers.

While fresh cycles typically involve more coordination, including synchronizing your cycle with the donor’s, they can offer certain advantages depending on your fertility goals, medical history, and personal preferences.