IVF double donation is a form of in vitro fertilization where both the egg and the sperm come from donors. It is commonly used when one or both intended parents cannot produce viable gametes, or when treatment involves single women or same-sex female couples. Across Europe, this treatment is established, regulated, and widely accessible.
What patients usually want to know
- IVF double donation uses donor eggs and donor sperm
- Donors are medically, genetically, and psychologically screened
- Success rates are generally higher than IVF with own eggs and sperm
- Access rules, donor anonymity, and costs vary by country
- Emotional preparation is as important as medical readiness
- Many patients travel abroad to reduce waiting times and access wider donor pools
What is IVF with donor eggs and donor sperm?
IVF with donor eggs and donor sperm commonly called double donation IVF involves fertilising a donated egg with donated sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the uterus of the recipient.
This treatment pathway exists because not all fertility challenges can be overcome with stimulation protocols or repeated IVF attempts using a patient’s own gametes. Over time, the development of clinic-based donor banks and independent egg and sperm banks has made double donation IVF increasingly accessible across Europe.
Patients are usually able to specify general donor characteristics, such as physical traits or blood type, within the limits of national legislation. All medical, ethical, and legal aspects of donation are managed by the clinic or licensed donor banks.
When is IVF double donation recommended?
Double donation IVF is typically discussed after other fertility options have been explored or ruled out. Doctors may advise donor eggs, donor sperm, or both when there is little or no realistic chance of achieving pregnancy using a patient’s own gametes.
Common reasons on the female side
- Advanced maternal age and poor egg quality
- Diminished ovarian reserve or ovarian failure
- Endometriosis affecting egg viability
- Genetic or hereditary conditions
- Repeated failed IVF cycles
Common reasons on the male side
- Very low sperm count or poor sperm morphology
- Severe male-factor infertility identified after IVF failure
- Irreversible vasectomy or decision not to reverse it
Double donation IVF is also a medically appropriate and commonly used option for single women and lesbian couples, depending on the country where treatment takes place.
IVF double donation: when donor eggs and sperm are advised
The use of donor eggs and/or donor sperm may be recommended when a negative diagnosis is made meaning there is little or no possibility of pregnancy using the patient’s own gametes.
For women, this may be linked to ovarian function, egg quality, or conditions such as endometriosis. For men, donor sperm may be advised where there are severe issues with sperm quantity, quality, or morphology, or when infertility has been identified in previous IVF cycles.
This treatment route is also applicable for single women and female same-sex couples, subject to local regulations.
IVF with double donors: how the process works
IVF with donor eggs and donor sperm involves one or more third parties in the assisted reproduction process.
- Donor selection: Eggs and sperm are obtained from healthy donors via fertility clinics or licensed donor banks.
- Donor screening: Donors undergo extensive medical, genetic, and psychological screening. Donors are usually under 35 and capable of producing viable gametes.
- Legal framework: Depending on the country, donor identity may be anonymous or non-anonymous, and children born through donation may have access to identifying information at a certain age.
- Laboratory fertilisation: Fertilisation takes place in a laboratory environment.
- Embryo transfer: Once embryo development has been achieved, an embryo is transferred into the recipient’s uterus with the aim of achieving pregnancy.
Understanding success rates in double donation IVF
IVF with donor eggs and/or donor sperm is widely used because it generally offers higher success rates than IVF using a patient’s own eggs and sperm.
While clinics may promote very high success figures, outcomes can vary. On average, success rates for donor-based IVF treatments are higher than for standard IVF cycles using own gametes.
According to published data referenced in clinical contexts, live birth rates can reach approximately 45–50% when donor eggs are used, whether fresh or frozen.
IVF using donor sperm
Sperm donors are screened to ensure both physical and psychological well-being, including semen analysis and genetic testing. Donor sperm may be used as part of double donation IVF or independently, depending on patient circumstances.
IVF double donation by country in Europe
IVF with double donors in the UK
- Donors are non-anonymous
- Children can request identifying donor information at age 18
- Donors undergo genetic and psychological screening
- Donor sperm adds approximately £500+ to treatment costs
- Available to single women, lesbian couples, and unmarried heterosexual couples
- Waiting times are generally short
IVF double donation in Spain
- Donors are anonymous
- Use of known donors (friends or family) is not permitted
- Comprehensive screening for genetic and sexually transmitted diseases
- Donor sperm adds approximately €500–€1,500
- Available to single women, lesbian couples, and unmarried heterosexual couples
- No waiting times and good donor availability
Double donation in the Czech Republic
- Increasingly popular destination for double donation IVF
- Donors undergo thorough genetic and health screening
- Donor sperm adds approximately €200
- Available to single women and same-sex female couples
- Donor availability is mainly Caucasian, with external banks expanding options
- No waiting times
Double donation treatments in Greece
- Donors are anonymous
- Egg and sperm donors undergo physical and genetic testing
- Donor sperm may cost up to €800
- Available to single women
- No waiting times
IVF double donation in North Cyprus
- Donors are anonymous
- Donor sperm adds approximately €200–€500
- Extensive psychological and genetic screening
- No waiting times and broad donor availability
Double donation IVF in Portugal
- Donors are non-anonymous
- Donors undergo genetic and physical assessments
- Donor sperm adds approximately €450
- Available to single women, same-sex female couples, and heterosexual couples
- Diverse donor database with no waiting times
Double donation in Ukraine
- Donors are anonymous
- Donor sperm adds approximately €350
- Donors are primarily Caucasian and undergo stringent screening
- Available to single women and married heterosexual couples
- No waiting times
Comparing double donation IVF across countries
| Country | Waiting Times | Donor Availability | Donor Health Checks |
| UK | Short | Good (varied races) | Comprehensive screening |
| Spain | None | Good (plentiful donors) | Comprehensive |
| Czech Republic | None | Good (varied options) | Thorough checks |
| Greece | None | Good (varied options) | Health screening |
| North Cyprus | None | Good (clinics and banks) | Psychological & genetic |
| Portugal | None | Good (diverse options) | Genetic & physical |
Understanding the emotional impact of IVF with double donation
Choosing IVF with donor eggs and donor sperm is a significant emotional decision, usually made only after all other options have been explored.
Patients are encouraged to discuss practical arrangements with their treatment provider and seek counselling where appropriate. Psychological support can help address concerns about genetics, disclosure, and expectations.
It is important to remember that donors contribute only the biological component. Once pregnancy is achieved, it progresses like any other pregnancy, and parental roles are no different.
Concerns about physical or behavioural resemblance are common, but genetic inheritance is complex, and no guarantees exist in any form of conception.
Common emotional concerns and support options
| Concern | Description | Support |
| Genetic association | Worries about lack of genetic link | Counselling and education |
| Physical resemblance | Concerns about similarity | Donor matching within legal limits |
| Psychological impact | Ethical or emotional uncertainty | Access to experienced therapists |
| Informed consent | Complexity of decisions | Multiple consultations |
Frequently asked questions about IVF double donation
What is double donation IVF?
Double donation IVF is a fertility treatment where both egg and sperm come from donors.
Can IVF with donor sperm be used on its own?
Yes. IVF with donor sperm is suitable for heterosexual couples, lesbian couples, and single women, depending on country regulations.
How successful is IVF with double donation?
Success rates are generally higher than IVF using own eggs and sperm due to donor quality.
How much does IVF with donor egg and sperm cost?
Costs vary widely by country. Eastern Europe tends to be less expensive, while the UK is more costly, with Spain and Greece in between.
What legal factors should be considered?
Donor anonymity and access to donor identity differ by country and should be reviewed before treatment.
What is the typical IVF double donation timeline?
Approximately 8–12 weeks, from consultation to embryo transfer.
