Guidance
When Your Fertility Clinic Recommends Donor Eggs: What Comes Next?
Clinic recommended donor eggs? Understand your options, what to consider, and next steps.
For many intended parents, hearing the words “donor eggs” or “donor embryos” for the first time can feel like both a turning point and a deep emotional challenge. It often follows years of trying, loss, or treatments that haven’t worked. Whether you're just beginning to explore third-party reproduction or were recently referred to a donor program, know this: there’s a path forward that’s filled with hope, support, and real possibilities.
Facing the Emotional Shift
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Choosing to grow your family with the help of an egg donor may stir up grief, questions about genetics, or concerns about the future. According to Stephanie Bartlett, MSN, WHNP-BC, Program Director at Shared Beginnings, “This is a moment of transition, but it can also be the beginning of real hope. We've seen hundreds of families flourish because they took the step to consider donor options.”
Giving yourself space to process those feelings is part of the journey. But the next steps don’t have to be uncertain or intimidating.
Understanding the Recommendation
When a fertility specialist recommends donor eggs, it’s usually because other options have not led to a viable pregnancy or because of specific medical conditions. While the recommendation may feel sudden, it comes from a desire to optimize your chances of success.
At Shared Beginnings, we approach each case with clarity and compassion. “We’re not here to push a program,” says Dr. Susannah Copland, Fertility Specialist and co-founder. “We’re here to create a personalized path that aligns with your goals, your health, and your hopes for the future.”
What Are Your Donor Options?
Once you’re referred to a donor egg or embryo program, the most important thing you can do is understand your options clearly. Shared Beginnings offers four medically-designed programs tailored to different needs:
Fresh Egg Donor Program – Ideal for those wanting the highest number of embryos and the potential for siblings. Fresh eggs are fertilized with your chosen sperm in real time for higher success rates.
Frozen Egg Donor Program – A great option if you’re looking to start quickly. Choose from donor eggs that are already retrieved and stored, and move to embryo creation immediately.
Donor Embryo Selection – Choose from already-created, fully-screened donor embryos. An affordable and immediate path forward.
Donor Embryo Creation – For those wanting full personalization, this program allows you to select both egg and sperm donors and includes a live birth guarantee or 80% refund.
All programs include comprehensive medical and genetic screening, and the option for PGT-A testing for added confidence.
Things to Consider As You Consider Donor Options
As you prepare for this next step, here are some key questions to reflect on:
Do you want to use your partner’s sperm or a sperm donor?
Are you hoping to have multiple children?
How important is timing? Do you want to start treatment immediately?
Is financial peace of mind important? (Some programs include embryo or live birth guarantees.)
Would you prefer a more personalized embryo creation process?
Your answers will help determine which program is the best fit for your goals and values.
You’re Not Alone in This
Shared Beginnings was founded by medical professionals who were disheartened by the impersonal and confusing nature of many donor programs. Our mission is to offer expert care, transparent costs, and outcomes you can trust from the first consultation to the moment your family grows.
“We want every intended parent to feel empowered, informed, and cared for,” says Stephanie Bartlett.
Take the First Step
Whether you’re ready to choose a donor today or just beginning to ask questions, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation with our experienced nurse practitioner and start a path designed for success and peace of mind.
