For many couples, the dream of having a child is a deep and meaningful part of life. But for some, medical or genetic conditions can make this dream difficult to reach. In such cases, egg donation becomes a hopeful option. In Iran, egg donation is a growing practice that allows many infertile couples to start families. With modern medical facilities, skilled doctors, and clear religious and legal guidelines, Iran has become one of the countries where egg donation is both accessible and accepted. This article aims to explain everything about egg donation in Iran, from what it means to the process, the legal situation, costs, and how hopeful parents and donors come together for this meaningful journey.
A Brief History of Egg Donation
It all began in the 1980s when medical science took a major step forward in the treatment of infertility. For the first time in 1983, in the United States, this remarkable method was put into practice. A woman with a generous heart donated her eggs to another woman who, due to medical conditions, could not produce healthy eggs of her own. In that moment, history changed, and a new life was made possible through an act of kindness.
Egg Donation History
This event marked the beginning of a process that has since helped millions of couples around the world. Egg donation, which at first seemed like a new and perhaps even unusual approach, has gradually become a standard and widely accepted method in infertility treatment. From then until now, it has become a symbol of hope for those longing to build a family.
In Iran, approximately 30% of infertility treatments are successfully carried out using donated eggs. On a global level, the egg donation industry continues to grow, with thousands of individuals each year spending money to receive donated eggs. These numbers highlight the importance and impact of egg donation in helping couples achieve their dream of having children.
What Is Egg Donation?
Egg donation is a medical procedure in which a healthy woman donates her eggs to help another woman become pregnant. This is usually done when the recipient is unable to produce healthy eggs on her own due to age, early menopause, certain diseases, or genetic conditions.
In a specialized lab, the donated egg is combined with sperm, either from the recipient’s partner or a selected donor, to begin the process of fertilization. Then, the resulting embryo is transferred into the uterus of the woman who wishes to become pregnant.
Egg Donation
Egg donation gives women a chance to experience pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood, even if they cannot use their own eggs. It is a kind and generous act by the donor and a life-changing opportunity for the recipient.
Egg Donor Requirements
In Iran, there are specific criteria that determine who is eligible to donate eggs, so not all women qualify for this role. There are certain rules and health conditions that must be met to ensure the safety and success of the procedure. The most common egg donor requirements in Iran include:
Age: Most clinics accept donors between the ages of 21 and 34. This age group is believed to have the highest egg quality.
Health: A potential donor must show signs of both physical wellness and emotional stability before being approved for the donation process.
No hereditary diseases: A thorough medical history is taken to ensure the donor does not carry genetic disorders.
Non-smoker and drug-free: Lifestyle factors matter. A donor must not use illegal drugs or smoke cigarettes.
Egg Donor Requirements
Regular menstrual cycle: Donors should have a normal reproductive system and regular periods.
Psychological evaluation: Donating eggs can have emotional effects. So, donors are often interviewed by a psychologist.
Husband’s consent: In some cases, married women may need their husband’s permission to donate eggs based on religious and cultural guidelines.
Egg Recipient Requirements
Meanwhile, on the receiving end of this process is the woman hoping to carry a child with the help of donated eggs. These are women who wish to become pregnant using another woman’s eggs. The egg recipient requirements in Iran are also carefully considered:
Age limit: Many clinics in Iran offer egg donation to women up to the age of 50, but it varies by clinic.
Uterine health: The woman must have a healthy uterus capable of carrying a pregnancy.
Medical evaluation: Doctors check for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease before beginning the process.
Egg Recipient Requirements
Hormone preparation: The recipient must undergo hormone treatments to prepare the uterus for implantation.
Marital status: In Iran, egg donation is usually offered to married couples due to Islamic and legal traditions.
Egg Donation Process
The egg donation process includes several steps for both the donor and the recipient. It is a medical procedure that requires planning, tests, and coordination. The entire process takes around 4 to 6 weeks from start to finish.
1. Screening and Matching
The journey typically begins with identifying a compatible and healthy egg donor. Clinics often have a list of pre-screened donors. Some recipients choose known donors, such as a sister or friend. Others prefer anonymous donors.
2. Medical Preparation
To encourage the ovaries to release several eggs, the donor is given hormonal medications through injections. This usually takes 10–14 days. The recipient, meanwhile, takes medications to prepare the uterus for the embryo.
Egg Donation Process
3. Egg Retrieval
When the donor’s eggs are ready, a doctor removes them through a minor surgical procedure, usually under light sedation. It takes less than 30 minutes and is generally safe.
4. Fertilization and Embryo Transfer
Once retrieved, the eggs are carefully mixed with sperm in a lab setting to create embryos. After 3 to 5 days, the best embryo is selected and transferred to the recipient’s uterus.
5. Pregnancy Test
Two weeks later, a blood test checks whether the recipient is pregnant.
Is Egg Donation Legal in Iran?
The answer is yes, with some conditions. Iran is one of the few Islamic countries where egg donation is officially permitted, thanks to special religious rulings (fatwas) issued by high-ranking Shia clerics.
According to these rulings, egg donation is allowed for married couples, and the process should be handled with respect and confidentiality. The identities of donors and recipients are usually kept anonymous unless both sides agree to reveal them.
Egg Donation Cost
Clinics also follow strict guidelines to make sure the process is ethically sound. However, laws and religious views can vary, so each case is often reviewed individually. Legal documents, such as contracts between the donor and recipient, are sometimes required, especially in private clinics.
Egg Donation Cost in Iran
Another important question is about the cost of egg donation in Iran, which is of great importance. Compared to many Western countries, the cost of egg donation in Iran is relatively low. This has made Iran a destination for fertility tourism, especially for couples from neighboring countries.
The total cost can vary depending on the clinic, location, and whether the donor is known or anonymous. Typically, the overall cost falls somewhere between 3,000 and 5,000 US dollars, depending on the clinic and specific services involved. This includes the donor’s compensation, medications, laboratory services, and medical procedures.
In some cases, additional fees may apply for travel, extra tests, or special medications. Some clinics offer package deals that include accommodation and transportation for foreign patients. It is important to choose a reliable clinic and ask about all possible expenses before starting the process.
Egg Donation Success Rate in Iran
The egg donation success rate in Iran depends on several factors, such as the age of the donor, the health of the recipient, and the quality of the clinic. In general, egg donation has one of the highest success rates among fertility treatments.
Egg Donation Success Rate
On average, the success rate for egg donation in Iran is between 45% and 60% per cycle, which is comparable to international standards. Some clinics even report higher rates for younger recipients or when using fresh embryos. Multiple cycles may be needed in some cases, but many couples achieve pregnancy in the first or second attempt.
Younger donors tend to produce healthier eggs, increasing the chance of pregnancy.
Modern fertility clinics in Iran use advanced equipment and experienced staff, which improves results.
The recipient’s health also plays a major role.
Emotional and Ethical Aspects
Egg donation is not just a medical process; it involves emotions, beliefs, and sometimes ethical concerns. For donors, it can be a meaningful experience to help someone become a parent. However, some may also feel emotional about giving away a part of themselves.
For recipients, egg donation can bring both joy and anxiety. Some worry about the baby not being genetically related to them. Others are concerned about whether to tell the child in the future.
Egg Donation for Foreigners
In Iran, religious and cultural values shape how people feel about egg donation. But overall, it is becoming more accepted as people learn more about the process and its benefits. Counseling is often offered to both donors and recipients to help them prepare emotionally.
Egg Donation for Foreigners in Iran
Iran also accepts foreign patients for egg donation and other fertility treatments. Many international patients travel to Iran because of the lower costs and high-quality medical care.
Foreigners must go through the same screening and legal process, and some paperwork may need to be translated or approved by local authorities.
Clinics usually provide interpreters and coordinators to help international couples. Iran’s medical tourism sector is growing, and fertility treatment is a big part of it.
Final Word
Egg donation, as an effective option in infertility treatment, has been influenced by both technological and social advancements. From the early steps, such as counseling and medical testing, to more advanced stages, like egg retrieval and storage, every part of the process requires precision and care. The development of new techniques in ovulation stimulation, egg collection, genetic testing, and cryopreservation has increased the chances of healthy and successful pregnancies for recipients. With the growing statistics related to egg donation and increasing attention to its ethical and legal aspects, it is expected that egg donation will become a more recognized and standard solution in infertility treatment in the coming years. Continued research and innovation in this field are bringing renewed hope of parenthood and healthy life to many families.
