What is the success rate of IVF with egg donation in Greece?

Successful IVF with Egg Donation in Greece

If you have been navigating the complex world of fertility treatments, you probably know that hope can sometimes feel like a numbers game. When it comes to IVF with egg donation in Greece, those numbers are incredibly promising. It’s not just about the statistics; it’s about the real possibility of building a family when other doors seem to have closed.

Greece has quietly become a powerhouse in the world of reproductive medicine. The combination of advanced medical technology, highly skilled doctors, and a progressive legal framework allows clinics to offer success rates that rival or even exceed those in the US and UK. What stands out most is that the success rate of IVF with egg donation in Greece remains consistently high regardless of the recipient's age, because the quality of the donor eggs is the primary driver of success.

In this guide, we are going to dive deep into everything you need to know. We will look at the specific numbers, break down the costs compared to other countries, and explain exactly why so many international patients are choosing Greece for this life-changing journey. Whether you are curious about safety, legalities, or just want to know if this path is right for you, we have got you covered.

Why are success rates with donor eggs higher in Greece?

The primary reason for the exceptional outcomes in Greek fertility clinics is the meticulous screening and selection of egg donors. In Greece, donors are usually young women between the ages of 18 and 30, though the legal limit is 35. Biologically, egg quality is at its peak during these years, leading to embryos that are genetically normal and have a much higher potential for implantation.

Furthermore, Greek clinics are equipped with state-of-the-art embryology labs that utilize advanced technologies like time-lapse monitoring and blastocyst culture. These technologies allow embryologists to select only the healthiest embryos for transfer. When you combine young, premium-quality eggs with world-class lab environments, the IVF success rate naturally climbs significantly higher than cycles using a patient's own eggs, especially for women over 40.

Does the recipient's age affect IVF success with donor eggs?

This is one of the most comforting facts for many women. If you are using your own eggs, age is the biggest enemy of fertility. However, with egg donation, the biological clock is effectively rewound. The success of the procedure depends almost entirely on the age of the egg donor, not the woman carrying the baby. Statistics from Greek clinics show that women in their late 40s and early 50s achieve pregnancy rates comparable to much younger women when using donor eggs.

Of course, your general health still matters. Before proceeding, doctors will ensure that your uterus is healthy and that you can safely carry a pregnancy to term. Issues like fibroids or polyps would need to be addressed, but your ovarian reserve—or how many eggs you have left—becomes irrelevant in this process.

What is the cost of IVF with egg donation in Greece?

Cost is often a deciding factor for families considering medical tourism. In Greece, you get premium medical care at a fraction of the price you might pay elsewhere. A standard egg donation cycle usually covers all the medical procedures for the donor and the recipient, including the laboratory phase. However, it is important to check if medication for the recipient (you) and travel expenses are included, as these are often extra.

To give you a clear perspective, here is a detailed comparison of approximate costs for IVF with egg donation across popular destinations:

How does the cost in Greece compare to the UK and USA?

The financial difference is staggering. In the USA, the high cost is driven by expensive medical insurance, high donor compensation, and operational costs. In the UK, while the NHS offers some support, egg donation cycles are rarely funded, and private clinics are expensive with long waiting lists. Greece offers a solution where low cost does not mean low quality.

Many patients find that they can pay for their treatment, a beautiful vacation in the Mediterranean, and still have money left over compared to what they would have spent at home. This affordability allows some couples to budget for multiple cycles if necessary, reducing the financial pressure of the "one shot" mentality.

Is egg donation anonymous in Greece?

Greece has traditionally been known for its strict anonymity laws, which protected the privacy of both the donor and the recipients. This meant you would receive non-identifying information such as the donor's height, hair color, eye color, blood type, and education, but not their name or photo. This system ensured a massive pool of willing donors, eliminating waiting lists.

However, acknowledging the global shift towards transparency, Greece has updated its framework. Donors can now opt for "Open ID" donation. This means that while the parents cannot know the donor's identity at the time of treatment, the child has the right to access this information once they reach adulthood. This flexibility makes Greece a unique destination that caters to different parental preferences regarding donor anonymity.

What is the maximum age limit for IVF in Greece?

This extended age limit is a game-changer for many women who have been turned away by clinics in other countries where the cut-off is often 45 or 50. The Greek law recognizes that biological age and physical health are not always the same. If you are fit and healthy, the state allows you to pursue motherhood later in life.

For patients aged 50 to 54, the process involves submitting recent medical records (like cardiac and general health checks) to ensure pregnancy won't pose a serious risk to your health. The regulatory body reviews these requests, but approval is generally granted if the medical evidence supports your ability to carry a pregnancy safely.

How are egg donors screened in Greece?

Safety and quality are paramount. The screening process is exhaustive to ensure the baby is healthy and the donor is safe. Donors undergo a battery of blood tests to rule out infectious diseases (HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis) and comprehensive genetic screening to check for common hereditary conditions prevalent in the Mediterranean and Europe.

Beyond physical health, donors are also evaluated psychologically to ensure they fully understand the implications of donation and are mentally prepared. This thorough vetting process is a key reason why the success rate of IVF with egg donation is so reliable in Greek clinics.

What is the timeline for an IVF egg donation cycle in Greece?

One of the biggest advantages of treatment in Greece is the lack of waiting lists. Once you select a donor, the synchronization process can begin almost immediately. You will start taking medication in your home country to prepare your uterine lining, while the donor undergoes stimulation in Greece.

You will travel to Greece for the final stage: the fertilization of the eggs (using partner or donor sperm) and the embryo transfer. This "medical holiday" is short enough to fit into a standard vacation leave, minimizing disruption to your work and daily life.

Can single women and unmarried couples undergo IVF in Greece?

Greece is incredibly welcoming to diverse family structures. Single women can access the full range of fertility treatments, including sperm donation and egg donation (double donation). For unmarried couples, the law requires a simple legal document signed before a notary in Greece, stating that the partner consents to the treatment and will be the legal father of the child.

Currently, female same-sex couples can also access treatment, often treated legally as a "single woman" unless civil partnerships are recognized, though laws are evolving rapidly. It is always best to check the specific legal requirements with your chosen clinic.

What medical tests are required before traveling to Greece?

To maximize your chances of success and ensure you are ready for the transfer, doctors need a complete picture of your health. Most of these tests can be done in your home country and emailed to the clinic. This "remote workup" saves you time and money, ensuring that when you arrive in Greece, everything is ready to go.

If any issues are found, such as a polyp in the uterus or thyroid imbalances, they can be treated locally before you book your flight, ensuring your body is in the optimal state for embryo implantation.

Are there waiting lists for egg donors in Greece?

In countries like the UK, patients can wait months or even years for a donor. In Greece, the availability is abundant. Whether you are looking for specific physical traits like eye color, hair color, or skin tone, clinics can usually find a match very quickly.

This immediacy is crucial for older patients who feel the pressure of time. It allows you to plan your treatment cycle around your schedule, rather than waiting indefinitely for a donor to become available.

Is gender selection allowed in Greece?

Greece adheres to strict ethical guidelines regarding assisted reproduction. While you can use PGT-A (genetic testing) to ensure your embryos have the correct number of chromosomes—which significantly reduces miscarriage rates—you cannot use this information to choose a boy or a girl purely for preference.

Exceptions are made only when there is a proven medical history of serious genetic conditions that affect only one sex (like Hemophilia). In such cases, gender selection is permitted as a medical necessity to ensure the health of the child.

What are the risks associated with IVF using donor eggs?

While the success rate of IVF with egg donation is high, it is a medical procedure. The medication used to prepare the uterus (estrogen and progesterone) is generally well-tolerated but can cause bloating or mood swings. The most significant medical risk for the recipient is High Blood Pressure or Pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, which is slightly more common in donor egg pregnancies than in spontaneous ones.

Your obstetrician will monitor you closely. The risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is virtually zero for you, as you are not stimulating your own ovaries—only the donor carries that small risk.

How many embryos can be transferred in Greece?

Greek law is specific about the number of embryos to prevent high-risk multiple births. For women over 40 using their own eggs, up to three or four embryos might be allowed, but with donor eggs, the embryos are of such high quality that transferring more than two is rarely necessary or safe.

A single high-quality blastocyst gives you an excellent chance of pregnancy (often over 60-70%) without the complications that come with carrying twins. Your doctor will discuss the best strategy for your specific case.

Is surrogacy legal in Greece for international patients?

Greece is one of the few countries in the EU that allows altruistic surrogacy for foreigners. It is not a commercial "pay-for-baby" system; the surrogate is reimbursed for expenses, but cannot be paid a salary. The intended mother must have a medical reason (like absence of uterus or repeated IVF failures) to apply.

The process is legally secure because a court order issued before the pregnancy establishes the intended parents as the legal parents from the moment of birth. This provides immense security compared to other countries where parentage is decided after birth.

What happens to remaining embryos after treatment?

Since donor egg cycles often result in multiple good-quality blastocysts, you will likely have "spares." These are vitrified (flash-frozen) and stored at the clinic. If your first transfer is successful, these frozen embryos are a golden ticket for a sibling later on.

Frozen Embryo Transfers (FET) are much cheaper and easier than a full fresh cycle, as the embryos are already created. You simply prepare your lining and travel for the transfer. Success rates for FET in Greece are nearly as high as fresh transfers, thanks to advanced freezing techniques.