Gamete Donation: Eggs and Sperm

Gamete donation is one of the most important and widely used techniques in assisted reproductive technology (ART). It allows individuals and couples to fulfill their desire for parenthood even when using their own eggs or sperm is not possible, offering a concrete opportunity to many people who wish to have a child.

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Egg Donation

Egg donation is recommended for women who can no longer rely on adequate ovarian function or on eggs of sufficient quality.

It may be advised in cases of premature menopause, genetic disorders, repeated IVF or ICSI failures, or following oncological treatments that have affected fertility.

Through egg donation, embryos are created using the eggs of a compatible donor and the sperm of the partner or a selected donor, providing a real chance of pregnancy even in complex situations.

Sperm Donation

Sperm donation is essential in cases of severe male infertility, absence of sperm in the semen (azoospermia), or the presence of hereditary genetic diseases.

It is also a safe and recognized option for female couples and single women who wish to pursue an independent path to parenthood.

Donor sperm is carefully selected and stored in certified sperm banks, in full compliance with European and Italian regulations governing heterologous reproduction.

Choosing Between Anonymous and Identifiable Donors

In the context of gamete donation, the way donors are selected and the level of access to their personal data can vary greatly depending on the country and local legislation.

The main distinction lies between anonymous donation and open (or identifiable) donation, two approaches that reflect different perspectives on the donor’s right to privacy and the future child’s right to transparency.

Anonymous Donation

In anonymous donation, the donor’s personal details are never disclosed to the recipients or to the children born from the treatment. This approach is the most common in Europe and protects the donor’s confidentiality, ensuring a secure and discreet process that fully complies with current regulations.

Fertility centers, however, keep essential medical and genetic information to ensure clinical compatibility and the safety of the procedure, but such data are never made public or linked to the donor’s personal identity.

Open or Identifiable Donation

In open donation, once they reach adulthood, the children born through heterologous reproduction have the right to access information about their biological donor.

This model is designed to promote greater transparency and to allow individuals conceived through donor-assisted reproduction to understand their genetic origins in a conscious and informed way.

Personalized Donor Selection

Some assisted reproduction clinics offer access to detailed donor profiles, including information on physical traits, medical and genetic data, family history, and even biographical or personality aspects.

This option enables couples and single prospective parents to make a more informed and personalized choice, evaluating factors such as phenotypic compatibility and the donor’s cultural background.

Need guidance choosing the right donor program? Speak with our fertility experts and explore your best options.