Double Donation IVF: Using Both Egg and Sperm Donors in Portugal

Double donation—using both donor eggs and donor sperm—creates embryos from two donors that are then transferred to the intended mother. It's sometimes called "embryo donation" when pre-made embryos are used.

Key Takeaways

• High success rates: 55-70% clinical pregnancy per transfer with young donor eggs
• Two options: Fresh double donation (6,100-8,600 EUR) or embryo donation (2,700-4,400 EUR)
• You are the parent: Legally, you are the sole parent with no donor involvement
• Genetics vs. bonding: Research shows parents bond deeply regardless of genetic connection
• Early disclosure: Children told early about their conception adjust well

Who Uses Double Donation?

Situation	Why Double Donation
Single women with poor ovarian reserve	Need eggs; using sperm donor anyway
Couples with both egg and sperm issues	Neither can contribute genetically
Same-sex male couples (with surrogate)	Need eggs; using sperm donor or both partners
Older women without partner	Donor eggs + donor sperm
Genetic conditions in both partners	Avoid passing conditions

Types of Double Donation

Fresh Double Donation

• Fresh donor eggs
• Donor sperm
• Embryos created specifically for you
• Can select both donors

Embryo Donation (Adopted Embryos)

• Pre-existing embryos from other IVF patients
• Often from couples who completed their families
• Lower cost
• Less donor selection

The Process

Step 1: Consultation and Matching

• Medical evaluation
• Discuss donor preferences
• Match egg donor (physical characteristics)
• Select sperm donor from bank

Step 2: Donor Egg Cycle

• Egg donor undergoes stimulation
• Egg retrieval
• Your preparation begins (if simultaneous)

Step 3: Fertilization

• Donor eggs fertilized with donor sperm
• ICSI typically used
• Embryo culture to Day 5

Step 4: Embryo Transfer

Option A: Fresh transfer

• You're prepared simultaneously with egg donor
• Transfer 5 days after retrieval

Option B: Frozen transfer

• Embryos frozen
• Transfer in subsequent cycle
• More scheduling flexibility

Step 5: Pregnancy Test

• Blood test 10-14 days after transfer

Success Rates

Factor	Impact on Success
Egg donor age	Young donors (20-30) = high quality
Sperm quality	Screened donors = good quality
Your uterine health	Determines implantation success
Your age	Minimal impact (not using your eggs)

Expected success rates: 55-70% clinical pregnancy per transfer

Costs in Portugal

Fresh Double Donation

Component	Cost
IVF cycle with egg donation	€5,500-7,500
Sperm donor	€300-600
Medications (recipient)	€300-500
Total	€6,100-8,600

Embryo Donation

Component	Cost
Embryo donation cycle	€2,500-4,000
Medications	€200-400
Total	€2,700-4,400

Donor Selection

Egg Donor

In Portugal, matching typically considers:

• Physical characteristics (height, eye/hair color, ethnicity)
• Blood type
• Medical history
• Education (sometimes)

You won't see photos (anonymity law).

Sperm Donor

More detailed profiles typically available:

• Physical characteristics
• Medical history
• Education/occupation
• Sometimes personality descriptions
• Sometimes adult or baby photos (varies by bank)

Legal Considerations

In Portugal

• Both gamete donors have no parental rights
• You are the legal parent
• Anonymous donation (identity not disclosed until child is 18, and then only with court involvement)
• Birth certificate lists you as mother

In Your Home Country

Laws vary regarding:

• Recognition of donor-conceived children
• Parental rights
• Birth registration

Research your specific jurisdiction.

Emotional Aspects

Processing No Genetic Connection

Double donation means no genetic link to your child. This can bring up feelings about:

• Identity and family
• What makes someone a parent
• How to explain to the child

What We Know

• Parents bond deeply regardless of genetics
• Donor-conceived children raised with openness thrive
• Carrying and birthing the baby creates profound connection
• Parenting is about love, not DNA

Support Resources

• Counseling (often required/recommended)
• Donor-conceived family communities
• Books and resources on donor conception

Explaining to Your Child

When to Tell

Research supports early disclosure:

• Start in infancy with age-appropriate language
• Build understanding gradually
• Never make it a "secret reveal"

Sample Language

Toddler: "A kind woman gave the egg and a kind man gave the seed to help mommy have you."

Older child: "To have a baby, you need an egg and sperm. Mommy's eggs weren't working, and daddy's sperm weren't working, so a donor gave us each. Then I carried you in my tummy and you were born."

Resources

• "The Pea That Was Me" (picture book)
• Donor Conception Network resources
• Age-appropriate books for each stage

Comparison: Double Donation vs. Adoption

Factor	Double Donation	Adoption
Pregnancy experience	Yes	No
Legal process	Simpler	Complex, variable
Genetic connection	None	None
Medical history of child	Partial (donors screened)	Variable
Wait time	Months	Often years
Cost	€6,000-9,000	Variable (often more)

Both paths create families. The right choice is personal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my child "really" mine?

Yes. You carry, birth, and parent this child. The law recognizes you as the parent. The bond is real.

Should I tell people the child is donor-conceived?

Personal choice. The child should know. Whether others know is up to you. Many families are open; some keep it private.

Can my child find the donors?

At age 18, donor-conceived people in Portugal can request non-identifying information. Identifying information requires court involvement.

What if I have remaining embryos?

You can freeze them for siblings, donate to others, donate to research, or let them perish. Decide before treatment.

Is it expensive to store embryos long-term?

Annual storage is typically €200-350/year in Portugal.

Your Next Steps

1. Consultation: Discuss your specific situation with a clinic
2. Counseling: Process the emotional aspects
3. Decision: Confirm this path feels right
4. Begin: Start the matching and treatment process

Contact us to discuss double donation options in Portugal.

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Nestiva supports all paths to parenthood, including double donation, with compassion and expertise.