Egg Donation & Embryo Donation Glossary

Your comprehensive guide to understanding the language of egg donation, embryo donation, and fertility care.

General Fertility Terms

Blastocyst
An embryo that has developed for five to six days after fertilization, often ideal for transfer or freezing.
Cryopreservation

The process of freezing eggs, sperm, or embryos for future use.

Egg Retrieval

A brief outpatient procedure, performed under sedation, to collect mature eggs from the ovaries.

Embryo Transfer
Placement of an embryo into the uterus, either fresh or thawed.
Fertilization

In IVF, the union of an egg and sperm in the lab to create an embryo. 

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)

A common IVF technique where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg to achieve fertilization.

Ovarian Stimulation

The use of injectable medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature eggs in one cycle.

 

Semen Analysis

Laboratory evaluation of sperm quantity, quality, and motility.

Vitrification

The most advanced egg freezing technique used today. Eggs are rapidly cooled to a glass-like state at -196°C, preventing ice crystal damage. All frozen donor eggs in the Donor Nexus Egg Bank are vitrified.

Egg & Embryo Donation

Directed Donation
A donation arrangement where the donor and recipient(s) know each other.
Donor Egg Bank

A selection of frozen donor eggs available for immediate use.

Egg Donor

A woman who donates her eggs to help another person or couple conceive.

Embryo Adoption
A process sometimes used interchangeably with embryo donation, but legally and logistically more complex.  
Embryo Donation

The process of donating embryos to another individual or couple.

Fresh Cycle
A cycle in which eggs are retrieved and fertilized immediately without freezing.
Frozen Cohort
A batch of vitrified (frozen) donor eggs available for purchase through an egg bank. Cohorts typically include a set number of eggs (often 6–8) from the same donor.
Identified Donation

A donation arrangement where the donor and intended parent(s) agree to exchange identifying information and possibly have direct contact.

Intended Parent
Individual(s) who plan to raise the child conceived through assisted reproductive technology, such as egg donation, embryo donation, or surrogacy.
Non-Identified Donation
A donation arrangement where only non-identifying information is shared between the donor and intended parent(s).
Open ID
A donation type, often with frozen eggs, where the donor agrees to have their identity shared with and be contacted by the donor-conceived individual once they turn 18, if requested.
Premier Donor
A donor who meets highly sought-after criteria such as academic achievements, specific physical traits, or unique talents.

Medical Testing & Screening

AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)
A blood test used to measure ovarian reserve (egg supply).
Antral Follicle Count
An ultrasound examination to count the small follicles within the ovaries, used to estimate ovarian reserve.
FDA Infectious Disease Panel
Screening for infectious diseases as required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before donation.
Genetic Carrier Screening
Testing to determine whether a donor or intended parent carries genes for inheritable conditions.
Psychological Evaluation
An assessment performed by a licensed mental health professional to ensure emotional readiness for donation or receipt.
Ultrasound Monitoring
Imaging used throughout stimulation cycles to track follicle growth and ovarian response.

Legal & Financial

Agency Fee
The cost charged by the agency for recruitment, screening, matching, and coordination of the donation process.
Compensation
The payment provided to the donor for her time, effort, and commitment during the donation process.
Escrow Account
A secure holding account for donation-related funds, managed by a third party to ensure payment is handled properly.
Legal Agreement

A written contract outlining the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of the donor, recipient(s), and agency.

Success & Outcomes

Cycle
The full donation process from ovarian stimulation to egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
Egg Thaw Survival Rate
The percentage of vitrified (frozen) eggs that survive the warming (thawing) process. 
Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)
The transfer of a previously frozen embryo into the uterus.
Implantation Rate

The percentage of embryos transferred that successfully implant in the uterus.

Live Birth Rate

The percentage of cycles that result in a live birth.

Pregnancy Rate

The percentage of cycles that result in a confirmed pregnancy.

Questions?

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