05/11/2025
🥚 Fresh vs Frozen Donor Eggs
Is there really a difference in IVF success rates?
One of the most common questions patients ask when considering IVF with donor eggs is:
👉 Are fresh oocytes from the egg donor better than frozen oocytes?
There are many studies showing various results. However, when we look at large-scale data from a high number of IVF cycles and compare outcomes, a clearer picture begins to emerge — at least it did when looking at data from 2021.
https://www.eggdonationfriends.com/
📊 Based on USA data (CDC & SART, 2021)
There were noticeable differences in success rates depending on the type of oocytes used:
Transfers resulting in live-birth deliveries:
🟢 Fresh oocytes: 53.5%
🔵 Frozen oocytes: 45.8%
(difference: 7.7%)
Transfers resulting in singleton live-birth deliveries:
🟢 Fresh oocytes: 49.3%
🔵 Frozen oocytes: 43.0%
(difference: 6.3%)
The data was based on 1,113 cycles with fresh oocytes and 2,859 cycles with frozen oocytes in the United States (2021).
At that time, fresh donor eggs appeared to offer a measurable advantage in success rates.
📈 But what about more recent data? (SART USA, 2022)
When we assess the most recent National Summary Report (2022), the results look quite different.
Importantly, the way the data is presented has changed — the outcomes are now calculated per started cycle (all cycles where a patient began preparation for transfer), rather than per embryo transfer.
Here’s what the 2022 data shows:
Live births:
🟢 Fresh oocytes: 39.2%
🔵 Frozen oocytes: 38.9%
(difference: 0.3%)
Singleton births:
🟢 Fresh oocytes: 37.1%
🔵 Frozen oocytes: 37.0%
(difference: 0.1%)
Based on 960 cycles with fresh oocytes and 2,764 cycles with frozen oocytes in 2022, the results are now almost identical.
🧩 What does this tell us?
If we focus on the most recent data and evaluate success per started cycle rather than per embryo transfer, the difference between fresh and frozen donor eggs becomes very small.
However, there’s something else worth noting:
The overall live birth rates in 2022 are noticeably lower compared to 2021.
Why?
Most likely, this is due to the change in how success rates are measured.
In 2021, the results were based on embryo transfers — meaning only cycles that made it to transfer were counted. This naturally produces higher percentages because it excludes cycles that were cancelled or didn’t reach transfer.
In contrast, the 2022 data includes every started cycle, even if a transfer didn’t occur. This approach provides a more realistic and patient-centered picture of the actual chances of success, as it reflects what happens in the real world — from the start of treatment to the outcome.
💡 So, what’s the takeaway?
✨ While older data showed fresh eggs outperforming frozen, modern IVF technology — especially improvements in egg vitrification and thawing — has closed the gap.
Today, both fresh and frozen donor eggs can offer excellent chances of success.
When deciding between the two, the most important factors remain:
The quality of the donor eggs
The laboratory standards of the clinic
The experience and success record of the medical team
If you’re considering IVF with donor eggs abroad, discuss your options directly with the clinic.
You can also reach out to us — we’ll help you review your case and find reliable, high-quality clinics abroad suited to your individual needs. 💬
Boost Your IVF Success and Plan Your Journey Abroad with Confidence!
