1. Why should I use frozen donor eggs from Fairfax Egg Bank?

Many donor egg recipients have difficulty finding an ideal egg donor during the time period that works best for them. Frozen donor eggs are immediately available, and scheduling treatment using frozen donor eggs is a very simple process. The convenience of frozen donor eggs allows you to decide when to schedule your treatment. Many recipients may also find that a frozen cycle is a more affordable option when compared to a fresh Donor Egg IVF cycle.

2. Can my initial consultation be done over the phone?

The first step for all patients interested in frozen Donor Egg IVF is to schedule an initial consultation with one of our reproductive endocrinologists. The initial consultation can be done either in person or over the phone depending on your preference.

3. What is needed for the typical "precycle" testing?

Precycle, or diagnostic, testing is done prior to the start of any fertility treatment. This usually includes infectious disease and preconception blood work, hysterosonogram to evaluate the uterine cavity, and a semen analysis. Additional testing may be ordered by the physician based on your age, health history, and/or fertility history.

4. Where do I get my precycle testing done?

This testing can be done at the Genetics & IVF Institute, or at a clinic or physician's office close to your home. Freestanding radiology facilities and laboratories are also options for the necessary testing.

5. If I've already had testing done elsewhere, do I need to repeat everything?

Many patients have already undergone testing or treatment at another facility. We are usually able to accept outside testing and results, as long as it has been conducted within the last 6-12 months. We ask that you forward any pertinent medical records prior to your initial consult, if possible.

6. How long will frozen donor egg treatment take?

Most recipients will be able to schedule an initial consult and complete their diagnostic testing within just a few weeks. Once all testing has been completed, your coordinator can plan your cycle. This usually takes only another 4-6 weeks of medications before you are ready for the embryo transfer. Every medication protocol may be a little different and we work with your body to create an individualized plan.

7. How many trips will I have to make to Fairfax Egg Bank?

Most patients only require one trip to our facility, which is conveniently located in the greater Washington, DC area. This will take place around the time of oocyte warming and embryo transfer, usually lasting about one week (though it may be even shorter).

8. How long will I need to stay?

We advise patients to plan for one week, though it may end up being a shorter amount of time depending on the day of embryo transfer. Your patient care team will work closely with you to determine the necessary length of stay. We also offer concierge services to help you plan your visit and enjoy the Washington, DC area while you are here.

9. Are there any age restrictions?

We accept recipients for the frozen donor egg program up to the age of 47.  The embryo transfer would need to be completed by your 48th birthday.  Due to the fact that we have additional testing requirements based on age and health history, we recommend planning ahead for frozen Donor Egg IVF. 

10. How much does frozen donor egg cost?

Fairfax Egg Bank offers a full cycle, including all coordination, in-cycle monitoring (blood work and sonograms), oocyte warming, ICSI, and embryo transfer done through the Genetics & IVF Institute for a very reasonable price. Items not included are the initial consultation, diagnostic testing, and recipient medications. Click here for more information in pricing.

11. How much do the medications for frozen donor egg cost?

Some of the necessary medications can be obtained through a local pharmacy, but others will need to be ordered from a specialty pharmacy. We work with several specialty pharmacies to help our patients get the lowest possible prices on these medications. If a recipient does not have insurance coverage, we estimate the medications to cost around $200-$500, depending on the medication protocol.

12. Do I have to use a specific pharmacy?

We will order your medications from any US pharmacy, but may recommend a specialty pharmacy to ensure you receive your medications on time and for the lowest possible price.

13. Will insurance cover frozen donor egg treatment?

Every insurance plan is different, so take some time to review your individual coverage. We have financial counselors available to assist you with this process if needed.

14. How many egg donors are there to choose from?

All of the donor eggs we have available to potential recipients are listed by donor profile on the Fairfax Egg Bank website. This is updated on a regular basis as we add more donor eggs and warm other donor groupings. Please refer to this list for donor options and call or email if you have any questions. Click here to view our donor list.

15. Where do you find your egg donors?

We offer frozen donor eggs from fully-screened, quality egg donors through the Genetics & IVF Institute's highly successful Donor Egg IVF program. Our egg donors are successful young professionals, students, or mothers of the Washington, DC area, who are willing to help recipients become parents. Our team of reproductive endocrinologists, geneticists, and genetic counselors studies each egg donor's individual and family health histories, medical tests, and other information to ensure that each egg donor meets our highly selective standards.

16. How much information do you provide on the egg donors?

We offer a great amount of detailed information about each egg donor. In fact, our program is one of the few to offer such an extensive amount of information on each donor. Basic information can be found on the website, but additional medical and personal history, donor essays, childhood and current donor photos, as well as audio interviews are also available. Many recipients say that this additional information is incredibly helpful in finding the right egg donor.

17. Do you share current photos of the egg donors?

All egg donors have given permission to share their current photos with our current patients. We do ask that you have a consultation with one of our physicians by phone or in person, as well as sign a consent form, prior to viewing these photos.

18. Are there any restrictions on the egg donor I choose?

You are able to choose any egg donor you feel is the best fit. Your primary nurse will be available to help you through the process if you need additional assistance.

19. Who do I call or email to get more information about Fairfax Egg Bank?

For more information about Fairfax Egg Bank, please contact us by phone at 888.352.5577, or click here.

20. What are my chances for success with frozen donor egg treatment?

Frozen egg technology is relatively new, so data reflecting the long-term success of frozen donor eggs as opposed to fresh donor eggs is limited. However, our program has experienced live births from frozen eggs and in the lab we have seen similar progression with frozen eggs as we see with fresh eggs. Furthermore, our program uses the same techniques with frozen eggs that have been reported in the literature to have comparable success rates with fresh donor eggs.

21. Do you offer support groups and/or counseling services to discuss donor egg treatment and disclosure?

If you live in the Washington, DC area or are able to travel here, GIVF offers individual counseling sessions and a monthly donor egg support group moderated by Phyllis Martin, LPC. The donor egg support group is usually held on the second Tuesday of each month, more information and a monthly schedule can be found here.