What is the purpose of using donor eggs?

Donor eggs are used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) to help women who are unable to conceive using their own eggs. There are several reasons why a woman might need to use donor eggs, including:

* Age-related infertility: As a woman ages, her egg quality and quantity decline. This makes it more difficult to conceive naturally or with the help of fertility drugs. Donor eggs from a younger woman can increase the chances of successful pregnancy.

* Premature ovarian failure: Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a condition in which a woman's ovaries stop producing eggs before the age of 40. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, autoimmune diseases, and chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Donor eggs can allow women with POF to become pregnant.

* Genetic disorders: Women who carry genetic disorders that can be passed on to their children may choose to use donor eggs to avoid passing on these disorders.

* Multiple failed IVF cycles: Women who have undergone multiple failed cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) using their own eggs may opt to use donor eggs in an attempt to increase their chances of success.

Donor eggs can be obtained from known donors (such as a friend or family member) or from anonymous donors. Anonymous donor eggs are typically obtained through egg banks. Both known and anonymous donors are carefully screened to ensure they are healthy and free from genetic disorders.