Recipient Frequently Asked Questions
Review our video and click on the questions below for answers to the most frequently asked recipient questions.
Egg Donors FAQs
Are egg donors anonymous?
Atlantic Shared Beginnings works with partnering fertility clinics to cycle their egg donors. Egg Donors are undisclosed. ASB and our participating providers cannot facilitate any contact or personal information between recipients and donors. Recipients will have an opportunity to learn about the egg donor and her wishes regarding future contact. If contact is desired from both parties, we encourage our recipients to make contact through agencies like Donor Sibling Registry or other online services. View this Anonymity and Egg Donation video by Program Director Natalie King for details.
How are eggs donors screened?
Egg donors participating in the ASB program are screened according to the participating clinic’s guidelines. Screenings are designed to ensure qualified candidates for egg donation. The screening process involves many steps including:
◦ Medical Questionnaire
◦ Physical Exam
◦ Consultation with a Reproductive Endocrinologist
◦ Psychological Testing & Evaluation
◦ Infectious Disease & Genetic Testing
What information is available to me regarding my egg donor?
Once an egg donor has passed the screening and testing process, she becomes available for a waiting recipient to select. You will be able to see our available donors through recipient access donor pools. Information provided can include age, height, hair color, eye color, the highest level of education completed and field of study, a vignette written by the screening psychologist, and the donor and her family’s medical histories.
We recommend viewing this helpful video about Anonymity and Egg Donation to learn how ASB handles anonymity.
How can I see ASB's available egg donor and embryo profiles?
Once you have requested and completed your free initial consultation, you will receive a unique password that provides free temporary access to ASB’s egg donor and embryo profiles.
Will the egg donor I select know who I am or be able to find out about me?
ASB and its participating providers cannot facilitate any contact or personal information between recipients and donors. Recipients will have an opportunity to learn about the egg donors and their wishes regarding future contact. If contact is desired from both parties, we encourage our participants to make contact through agencies like Donor Sibling Registry or other online services. View this Anonymity and Egg Donation video by Program Director Natalie King for details.
Once I select an egg donor, how long before the donation occurs?
The recipient submits the clinic clearance letter and the selected donor is contacted for availability and date confirmation. We work to cycle the donor as quickly as possible – typically within 2-5 months.
Fresh Donor Egg Program FAQs
What makes ASB egg lots different from egg banks and other programs?
ASB is unique. We are a FRESH donor egg program that also offers affordable shared risk pricing. Unlike frozen eggs that must survive the freeze/thaw process, ASB donor eggs are fertilized as soon as they are retrieved. This ensures good quality embryos, implantation rates, and live birth rates.
How does the Fresh Donor Egg Program work?
The Fresh Donor Egg Program guarantees the qualifying intended parent(s) will have a good quality day 5 or day 6 blastocyst available for transfer, or we will replace the egg lot with a new donor for free.
The intended parent(s) starts the process by selecting an egg donor and selecting the number of eggs desired through one of the various Atlantic Shared Beginnings package options. The eggs can be fertilized fresh at the participating egg donor originating clinic (recommended) or frozen for fertilization and shipped to a fertility clinic of the intended parent’s choice.
Upon submitting the completed clinic clearance letter, ASB contacts the originating egg donor clinic to verify the egg donor’s availability and confirm cycle dates. Once ASB program payments and contracts are completed, the egg donor will start her treatment cycle.
On the day of egg retrieval, the number of eggs selected will be fertilized and cultured or cryopreserved and prepared for shipping. All laboratory, clinical procedures, and/or shipping charges are paid directly to the participating provider. Clinical and laboratory fees may also be charged to qualifying insurance if accepted by the participating clinic.
What is the clinic clearance letter?
The clinic clearance letter is a document from the participating clinic performing the embryo transfer. The clinic clearance letter is required by ASB for all patients prior to moving forward with donor cycles, embryo transfers, or embryo shipping. This letter communicates to ASB that the patient has completed all required compliances and has been cleared for treatment.
How many fresh eggs will I get?
ASB offers packages with lots of 6 or 12 donor eggs. Additional same donor eggs may be purchased if available. Complete donor cycle guarantee packages are also available.
What if no embryo develops with the fertilization?
If a good quality blastocyst does not develop with the first fertilization attempt, more eggs will be offered with a new egg donor at no additional charge.
What if more than one embryo develops with the fertilization?
All embryos created during the treatment cycle belong to the recipient. The recipient may use them for future transfer cycles, store the embryos with the clinic, ship them to another facility, donate them, or discard them.
Do I get to see photos of the donors?
Yes, childhood and current photos are available to recipients who are accepted into the program as well as other information about the donor’s health and personality.
Can I use my own egg donor?
If your egg donor applies through ASB’s egg donor application process and is accepted, you may select this donor. However, private or known donors are not allowed within the ASB guarantee programs.
Is embryo genetic testing an option?
Yes. Genetic testing (PGT-A, PGT-M) is an option and can be discussed directly with the participating clinic for process and pricing. The program does not guarantee a euploid blastocyst.
Can I buy more same donor eggs for future use?
Yes. If there are available cryopreserved eggs from your donor or if the donor will be cycling again, you may purchase more eggs. Talk to ASB’s Program Director for more information.
Can I participate in this program if I live out of state or internationally?
Many of our patients travel to participate in the ASB Programs. Although travel expenses are not included in the program price, the affordability of the program makes travel a possibility for most patients. Many steps of the program can be completed away from the clinic. You will, however, have to travel to the participating clinic for some appointments.
Can I transfer more than one embryo?
Single blastocyst transfer is recommended. The physician at your participating clinic will discuss the best options for a healthy pregnancy with you.
Can I have my embryos shipped to my local clinic?
Yes. You may use the egg donor originating clinic for embryo transfer cycles, or you may ship the embryos to another facility. This option can be discussed with the program director to make sure the transfer and shipping go smoothly.
If my insurance has fertility coverage, how will this work?
The ASB fees for donor eggs are a discounted bundle package and cannot be billed to insurance. Pre-cycle testing, clinic charges for fertilization, embryo culture and transfer, embryo cryopreservation, and frozen embryo transfer cycles may be covered by insurance and can be discussed with your participating provider.
Can I use my husband’s/partner's sperm?
Yes. Semen analysis on the day of fertilization will determine guarantee eligibility. Discuss this option with the ASB program director during your new patient consultation.
Can I use my own donor sperm?
Yes. Semen analysis on the day of fertilization will determine guarantee eligibility. Discuss this option with the ASB program director during your new patient consultation.
Can I use the results of the required tests I have completed?
Many previous test results can be used and will not have to be repeated. Your records will be reviewed, and the participating clinic will discuss which tests, if any, will need to be repeated and why.
How are egg donors chosen?
Our patients know what they want. When you sign up for an ASB program you will be given a list of egg donors to choose from for creating an embryo that fits your family. We will work closely with you and help you through the selection process.
How soon can the donor I select get started?
As soon as the intended recipient(s) submits the clinic clearance letter, the selected donor is contacted for availability and date confirmation. We will work to cycle the donor as soon as possible, typically within 2-5 months.
Success Guarantee Donor/Donor Embryo Program FAQs
How does the Donor/Donor Embryo Success Guarantee Program work?
The Donor/Donor Embryo Success Guarantee is unique. Our recipients choose both their egg donor and their sperm donor to create an embryo profile that fits their families. The donor eggs will be fertilized FRESH at the time of retrieval and the resulting embryo(s) will be cryopreserved via vitrification. The recipient will then begin preparing for her frozen embryo transfer. Occasionally, a fresh embryo transfer may be possible. This program will provide up to 3 or 5 quality blastocysts for transfer to achieve pregnancy. Live birth and money-back guarantee options are also available.
How does the Live Birth Guarantee work?
The live birth guarantee can be added for an additional cost. Program participants who qualify and are approved receive up to three embryos or live birth, whichever occurs first.
How does the Money-Back-Guarantee work?
The money-back-guarantee can be added to the 12-week gestation or the live birth program for an additional cost. Program participants who qualify and are approved for this option receive up to 5 embryos until successful. If success is not achieved, the recipient will receive a full refund of all ASB program fees.
What is the clinic clearance letter?
The clinic clearance letter is a document from the participating clinic performing the embryo transfer. The clinic clearance letter is required by ASB for all patients prior to moving forward with donor cycles, embryo transfers, or embryo shipping. This letter communicates to ASB that the patient has completed all required compliances and has been cleared for treatment.
What if no embryo develops with the fertilization?
If a good-quality embryo does not develop with the first fertilization attempt, new donors will be selected and more eggs will be fertilized at no extra charge.
What if more than one embryo develops with the fertilization?
If more than one embryo develops with the fertilization and you achieve pregnancy with your first transfer, the remaining embryo(s) may be reserved for future pregnancies at an additional discounted cost.
Do I get to see photos of the donors?
Yes. The donor profiles contain both current and childhood photos.
Can I use my husband’s/partner's sperm?
No. The Donor/Donor embryo program uses only donor sperm. If you wish to use your own or partner sperm, ASB offers this option with our fresh donor egg cohort program.
Can I use the same egg donor for all my transfers?
Because eggs are not reserved in this program, using the same egg donor for additional transfers is only possible if there are embryos available from your previous profile for the subsequent transfer, or if the egg donor is eligible to cycle again. We will always try to accommodate these requests but cannot guarantee them.
If I get pregnant on my first transfer, will I have remaining embryos?
No. Program graduation occurs with a single pregnancy. Any embryos remaining will be available to reserve for future siblings at a discounted rate or for new recipients.
Is embryo genetic testing an option?
Yes. Genetic testing is an option in the ASB Donor/Donor Embryo program. This option can be discussed with the ASB program director. Fees associated with genetic testing for embryos in this program are additional.
Is embryo genetic testing for sex selection/family balancing an option?
Yes, sex selection/family balancing is an option in the ASB Transfer Ready Donor/Donor Embryo program. This option can be discussed with the ASB program director. Fees associated with genetic testing for embryos in this program are additional.
If get pregnant, can I buy more eggs/embryos from my donor for future use?
Yes. If additional eggs are available from your donor, or she is willing to cycle again, cohorts of eggs can be purchased after program graduation. If embryos are remaining from the embryo profile, these can be reserved for future pregnancy attempts. This option can be discussed further with the ASB program director.
Can I participate in this program if I live out of state or internationally?
Yes. Many of our patients travel to participate in the ASB Program. Although travel expenses are not included in the program price, the affordability of the program makes travel a possibility for most patients. Many steps of the program can be completed away from our clinic. However, you will have to travel to the participating clinic for some appointments.
Can I transfer more than one embryo?
We recommend single blastocyst transfer. Participating clinic providers will discuss the best options for a healthy pregnancy with recipient. Double embryo transfers (if approved) will be an additional cost.
Can I have my embryos shipped to my local clinic?
Yes. Embryos in this program can be shipped to other participating clinics if approved with our guarantee programs.
If my insurance includes fertility benefits, how will this work?
The ASB program fees are a discounted bundle package and cannot be billed to insurance. All clinical procedures and embryo transfer cycles will be paid directly to the participating clinics and may be billed to insurance. Please contact the participating provider directly for insurance details.
Can I use my own donor sperm?
If your sperm selection is available at an approved sperm bank and has expanded genetic carrier screening completed, it will likely be eligible for use in the program. Discuss this option with the ASB program director during your new patient consultation.
Can I use the results of the required tests I have completed?
Many previous test results can be used and will not have to be repeated. Your records will be reviewed, and the participating clinic will discuss which tests, if any, will need to be repeated and why.
Can I use my own egg donor?
If your egg donor applies through our regular egg donor application process and is accepted into the program, you may select this donor. Private or known donors are not allowed in the ASB guarantee programs.
How are embryos in the Donor/Donor program chosen?
Our patients know what they want. When you sign up for an ASB program, you are given a list of egg donors, as well as compatible sperm donors, to create a profile that fits your family. We work closely with our patients and will guide you through the process of selecting donors. Occasionally, we have a limited number of frozen embryos available for immediate transfer.
How soon can the donor I select get started?
As soon as the intended parent(s) submits the clinic clearance letter, the selected donor is contacted for availability and date confirmation. We will work to cycle the donor as quickly as possible (typically within 2-5 months). If you select an already cryopreserved embryo, there is no waiting for donor availability.
Transfer Ready Donor/Donor Embryo Program FAQs
How does the Transfer Ready Donor/Donor Embryo Program work?
The Transfer Ready Donor/Donor Embryo program allows our intended parents to select the number of donor/donor embryos desired and have them shipped to their clinic for transfer cycles. This eliminates the need for travel and allows for larger family building with full sibling embryos. Once the clinic clearance letter is submitted, our recipients choose both their egg donor and their sperm donor to create an embryo profile that fits their family. The donor eggs will be fertilized FRESH at the time of retrieval and the resulting embryo(s) will be cryopreserved via vitrification. The shipping process will then begin. Unlike frozen eggs that must survive the freeze/thaw process, ASB donor eggs are fertilized as soon as they are retrieved. This ensures the highest possible quality embryos, implantation rates, and live birth rates.
What are the benefits of the Transfer Ready Embryo program?
The Transfer Ready Donor/Donor Embryo program does not require any travel for treatment. The embryos are created at one of our participating clinics then shipped to the clinic of your choice for transfer cycles. Larger numbers of sibling embryos can also be chosen, allowing our recipients to build the family they envision.
How does the Thaw Guarantee work?
The thaw guarantee ensures that the embryos will survive the thawing process and be eligible for transfer at the receiving clinic. If the embryo does not survive the thaw, it will be replaced.
What is the clinic clearance letter?
The clinic clearance letter is a document from the participating clinic that will be performing the embryo transfer. The clinic clearance letter is required by ASB for all patients prior to moving forward with donor cycles, embryo transfers, or embryo shipping. This letter communicates to ASB that the patient has completed all required compliances and has been cleared for treatment.
What if no embryo develops with the fertilization?
If a good-quality blastocyst does not develop with the first fertilization attempt, new donors will be selected and more eggs will be fertilized at no extra charge.
What if more than one embryo develops with the fertilization?
If more than one embryo develops with the fertilization and you achieve pregnancy with your first transfer, the remaining embryo(s) may be reserved for future pregnancies at an additional discounted cost.
Do I get to see photos of the donors?
Yes. The donor profiles contain both current and childhood photos.
Can I use my husband’s/partner's sperm?
No. The Donor/Donor embryo program uses egg and sperm donors only. If you wish to use your own or partner sperm, ASB offers this option with our fresh donor egg cohort program.
Can I use the same egg donor for all my transfers?
This may be possible if there are embryos available from your previous profile for the subsequent transfer or if the egg donor is eligible to cycle again. We will always try to accommodate these requests but cannot guarantee them.
If I get pregnant on my first transfer, will I have remaining embryos?
No. Program graduation occurs with a single pregnancy and any embryos remaining will be available to reserve for future siblings at a discounted rate or for new recipients.
Is embryo genetic testing an option?
Yes. Genetic testing is an option in the ASB Transfer Ready Donor/Donor Embryo program. This option can be discussed with the ASB program director. Fees associated with genetic testing for embryos in this program are additional.
Is embryo genetic testing for sex selection/family balancing an option?
Yes. Sex selection/family balancing is an option in the ASB Transfer Ready Donor/Donor Embryo program. This option can be discussed with the ASB program director. Fees associated with genetic testing for embryos in this program are additional.
If I get pregnant, can I buy more eggs/embryos from my donor for future use?
Yes. If additional eggs are available from your donor or she is willing to cycle again, cohorts of eggs can be purchased after program graduation. If embryos are remaining from the embryo profile, these can be reserved for future pregnancy attempts. This option can be discussed further with the ASB program director.
Can I participate in this program if I live out of state or internationally?
Yes. Many of our patients travel to participate in the ASB program. The transfer Ready Donor/Donor Embryo program was specifically created for our out-of-state and international patients.
Can I transfer more than one embryo?
We recommend single blastocyst transfer. The participating clinic providers will discuss the best options for a healthy pregnancy with each patient.
Can I have my embryos shipped to my local clinic?
Yes. The Transfer Ready Embryo program allows shipping to other clinics.
If my insurance has fertility coverage, how will this work?
The ASB program fees are a discounted bundle package and cannot be billed to insurance. All clinical procedures and embryo transfer cycles will be paid directly to the participating clinics and may be billed to insurance. Please contact the participating provider directly for insurance details.
Can I use my own donor sperm?
If your sperm selection is available at an approved sperm bank and has expanded genetic carrier screening completed, it will likely be eligible for use in this program. This option can be discussed further at the new patient consultation with the ASB program director.
Can I use the results of the required tests I have completed?
Many previous test results can be used and will not have to be repeated. The participating clinic will review your records and discuss any tests that will need to be repeated.
Can I use my own egg donor?
If your egg donor applies through our regular egg donor application process and is accepted into the program, you may select this donor. Private or known donors are not allowed in the ASB guarantee programs.
How soon can the donor I select get started?
As soon as the intended parent(s) submits the clinic clearance letter, the donor they select is contacted for availability and to confirm dates. We will work to cycle the donor as soon as possible (typically within 2-5 months). If you select an already cryopreserved embryo, there is no waiting for donor availability.
How are embryos in the Donor/Donor program chosen?
Our patients know what they want. When you sign up for an ASB program, you are given a list of egg donors, as well as compatible sperm donors, to create a profile that fits your family. We work closely with our patients and will guide you through the process of selecting donors. Occasionally, we have a limited number of frozen embryos available for immediate transfer.
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