IVF-LIFE

Technology and assisted reproduction specialists in Spain

Contact our specialists

Learn about our Egg Donation treatments

At our IVF-Life clinics, we employ cutting-edge techniques in assisted reproduction and fertility treatments, ensuring that our patients receive exceptional care and support throughout their journey.

In Vitro Fertilisation with Egg Donation: The Importance of Donor Selection

For some women, IVF with egg donation is the only viable option to achieve a full-term pregnancy. This involves fertilising donor oocytes with sperm to obtain embryos for transfer. Coming to terms with the need for a gamete donor—whether sperm or oocytes—can be emotionally challenging and often brings up many doubts and questions.

In Spain, gamete donation is strictly anonymous. For this reason, the process of selecting the right donor is especially important for both the clinic and the patient. Providing clear and transparent information about how this selection is made helps build trust and contributes to a successful treatment experience.

Before candidates can join our donor pool, they must undergo a comprehensive evaluation process, including medical, psychological, and genetic testing, as required by Spanish law, to assess their suitability as donors. Those who meet all the criteria are then included in our carefully structured four-step donor selection programme, designed to ensure the best possible compatibility with the recipient.

✔️ Step 1: Matching with the patients' phenotype
✔️ Step 2: Matching with the patients' priorities
✔️ Step 3: Medical decision
✔️ Step 4: Donor agreement

Stages of treatment: Egg Donation IVF

The egg donation IVF process typically takes about 6 to 8 weeks and is divided into several key stages, involving both the recipient and the donor. Below is a detailed overview of each phase:

  1. First Medical Consultation

    Your first consultation can be done online or in person at the clinic. During this visit, a fertility specialist will study your case in detail and explain the possible treatment options, helping you determine the most suitable approach. Together, you will review any necessary medical examinations and complementary tests, and a personalised treatment plan will be designed based on your availability.
    At this stage, you will also complete a phenotype form and provide several photos, which will help us select the most appropriate donor.

  2. Donor Selection

    Donor matching is based on physical characteristics and the photos provided by the recipient. Once the most compatible donor has been selected, she will enter the preparation phase.

  3. Monitoring of Donor and Recipient

    The donor undergoes ovarian stimulation with hormone treatment, typically for around 12 days. During this time, hormonal levels and follicular development are closely monitored through blood tests and ultrasounds.
    Simultaneously, the recipient begins preparing her endometrium through estrogen and progesterone (administered orally, via patches, or vaginally). This ensures the uterus is in optimal condition to receive the embryo. Both cycles are synchronised to align the timing of embryo transfer.

  4. Egg Retrieval and Fertilisation

    Once the donor’s follicles reach maturity, ovulation is induced and the eggs are retrieved through a simple procedure under ultrasound guidance. These oocytes are then fertilised in the lab using sperm from the recipient’s partner or a donor. Depending on the quality of the gametes, our embryology team will choose the most suitable technique (IVF or ICSI).

  5. Embryo Development

    The embryos are cultured and monitored for five days to assess their development. Only those with the best quality and potential for implantation are selected for transfer.

  6. Embryo Transfer

    This is a simple and painless procedure carried out in the operating room. Usually performed on day 5 after fertilisation (blastocyst stage), the embryo transfer is a key moment in the treatment. After the procedure, you’ll receive detailed instructions for the following days, along with a report on your embryos and treatment progress.

  7. Pregnancy Test and Follow-Up

    Between 10 and 14 days after the transfer, a blood test (β-hCG or “beta”) will confirm whether implantation has occurred. If you are abroad, this test can be done in your country of residence—we will guide you based on the results.
    If the test is positive, we’ll continue supporting you through the early stages of pregnancy. The first trimester can be a mix of excitement and uncertainty, and we’ll be by your side with personalised care and guidance.

Our commitment to innovation and excellence in reproductive medicine positions us as leaders in the field, dedicated to helping patients achieve successful outcomes.

Why choose IVF-Life Clinics in Spain for Your Fertility Treatment?

Confidential

Guaranteed donor anonymity.

Cost-Effective

Significant savings on IVF treatments compared to the UK, even including travel expenses.

Quick Treatment

Minimal waiting times.

Inclusive Care

Treatments for all patient types, including single women and same-sex couples.

Donor Availability

Large, diverse donor pool.

Progressive Laws

Advanced, inclusive fertility treatment regulations.

Ethical Practices

Rigorous legal framework ensuring patient safety.

Cutting-Edge Technology

State-of-the-art reproductive techniques.

High Success Rates

Impressive pregnancy outcomes.

Expert Specialists

Highly qualified reproductive professionals.

Know our locations!

Alicante

Located in the Levante area, IVF-Life Alicante is in San Juan, a unique spot on the Mediterranean Sea just 10 minutes from the beach. Its privileged connection to the Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport places our clinic just 20 minutes away by car, and you can request our private transfer service to pick you up you at the airport.

Madrid

In the heart of the Spanish capital, IVF-Life Madrid is our most cosmopolitan clinic. Being centrally located, you can reach us by your preferred means of transport, with easy access. While receiving quality medical care, you can enjoy everything Madrid has to offer.

Donostia-San Sebastián

Located in the world-renowned gastronomic capital, IVF-Life Donostia is just 20km from the French border. immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage that Donostia has to offer while we take care of your high-quality fertility treatment.

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Fertility Care, Just a Flight Away

Direct Flight Connections from the UK to Alicante, Madrid, and Donostia-San Sebastián

  • London to Alicante (ALC) direct flights available:
    • Heathrow (LHR): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Gatwick (LGW): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Stansted (STN): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Luton (LTN): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Manchester (MAN) to Alicante (ALC): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Birmingham (BHX) to Alicante (ALC): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Leeds (LBA) to Alicante (ALC): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Northampton to Alicante (ALC) direct flights available:
    • Luton (LTN): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Birmingham (BHX): No flight data available for the past month.
    • East Midlands (EMA): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Plymouth to Alicante (ALC) direct flights available:
    • Newquay (NQY): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Bristol (BRS): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Cardiff to Alicante (ALC) direct flights available:
    • Cardiff (CWL): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Bristol (BRS): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Birmingham (BHX): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Nottingham to Alicante (ALC) direct flights available:
    • East Midlands (EMA): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Luton (LTN): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Manchester (MAN): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Woking to Alicante (ALC) direct flights available:
    • Heathrow (LHR): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Gatwick (LGW): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Sheffield to Alicante (ALC) direct flights available:
    • Manchester (MAN): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Leeeds (LBA): No flight data available for the past month.
    • East Midlands (EMA): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Tunbridge Wells to Alicante (ALC) direct flights available:
    • Heathrow (LHR): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Gatwick (LGW): No flight data available for the past month.
  • London to Madrid (MAD) direct flights available:
    • Heathrow (LHR): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Gatwick (LGW): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Stansted (STN): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Luton (LTN): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Manchester (MAN) to Madrid (MAD): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Birmingham (BHX) to Madrid (MAD): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Leeds (LBA) to Madrid (MAD): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Northampton to Madrid (MAD) direct flights available:
    • Luton (LTN): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Birmingham (BHX): No flight data available for the past month.
    • East Midlands (EMA): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Plymouth to Madrid (MAD) direct flights available:
    • Newquay (NQY): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Bristol (BRS): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Cardiff to Madrid (MAD) direct flights available:
    • Cardiff (CWL): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Bristol (BRS): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Birmingham (BHX): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Nottingham to Madrid (MAD) direct flights available:
    • East Midlands (EMA): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Luton (LTN): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Manchester (MAN): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Woking to Alicante (ALC) direct flights available:
    • Heathrow (LHR): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Gatwick (LGW): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Sheffield to Alicante (ALC) direct flights available:
    • Manchester (MAN): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Leeeds (LBA): No flight data available for the past month.
    • East Midlands (EMA): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Tunbridge Wells to Alicante (ALC) direct flights available:
    • Heathrow (LHR): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Gatwick (LGW): No flight data available for the past month.
  • London to Bilbao (BIO) direct flights available:
    • Heathrow (LHR): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Gatwick (LGW): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Stansted (STN): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Luton (LTN): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Manchester (MAN) to Bilbao (BIO): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Birmingham (BHX) to Bilbao (BIO): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Leeds (LBA) to Bilbao (BIO): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Northampton to Bilbao (BIO) direct flights available:
    • Luton (LTN): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Birmingham (BHX): No flight data available for the past month.
    • East Midlands (EMA): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Plymouth to Bilbao (BIO) direct flights available:
    • Newquay (NQY): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Bristol (BRS): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Cardiff to Bilbao (BIO) direct flights available:
    • Cardiff (CWL): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Bristol (BRS): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Birmingham (BHX): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Nottingham to Bilbao (BIO) direct flights available:
    • East Midlands (EMA): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Luton (LTN): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Manchester (MAN): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Woking to Alicante (ALC) direct flights available:
    • Heathrow (LHR): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Gatwick (LGW): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Sheffield to Alicante (ALC) direct flights available:
    • Manchester (MAN): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Leeeds (LBA): No flight data available for the past month.
    • East Midlands (EMA): No flight data available for the past month.
  • Tunbridge Wells to Alicante (ALC) direct flights available:
    • Heathrow (LHR): No flight data available for the past month.
    • Gatwick (LGW): No flight data available for the past month.

Know our doctors!

Mexi-HasTech

Dr. José M. Gómez

Medical Director - Gynaecologist with expertise in Reproductive Medicine.

en | es

Mexi-HasTech

Dr. Latifa Aboulmajd

Gynecologist expert in Reproductive Medicine.

en | es | fr | ar

Mexi-HasTech

Dr. Oliver Pack

Medical expert in Reproductive Medicine.

en | es | de | fr | it

Mexi-HasTech

Dr. Isabel Herrera

Medical expert in Reproductive Medicine.

en | es | de | fr | pt

Mexi-HasTech

Dr. Paloma Baviera

Gynaecologist with expertise in Reproductive Medicine.

en | es

Mexi-HasTech

Dr. Elisa Pérez

Medical Director - Gynaecologist with expertise in Reproductive Medicine.

es | es | fr

Mexi-HasTech

Dr. Andrea Santolaria

Gynaecologist with expertise in Reproductive Medicine.

en | es | fr

Mexi-HasTech

Dr. Sara Fueyo

Medical expert in Reproductive Medicine.

en | es

Mexi-HasTech

Dr. Manuel Izquierdo

Medical Director - Gynecologist expert in Reproductive Medicine.

en | es

Mexi-HasTech

Dr. Victoria Verdú

Gynaecologist specialising in Reproductive Medicine.

es

Mexi-HasTech

Dr. Rut Gómez de Segura

Gynaecologist expert in Reproductive Medicine.

en | es

Mexi-HasTech

Dr. Alejandro Olloqui Escalona

Gynaecologist expert in Reproductive Medicine.

en | es | it

Our results and testimonials

9 out of 10 patients who use donation get pregnant.

We are experts in complex cases. Our pregnancy success rates include the most complex fertility cases of our patients who, either due to their age or failed treatments at other clinics, end up seeking our medical and scientific excellence to achieve the desired pregnancy.

Trusted from patients

Susan and Chris came to IVF-Life with the hope of fulfilling their desire to raise a family and become parents.

Thanks to the effort, dedication and affection we put into each case, we have been able to make their dream come true.

Despite the difficulties they found in their country of residence (UK) to find the right fertility treatment, that did not stop them and manage to access more advanced treatments at a more affordable price to achieve their greatest dream of becoming parents.

In this video they tell us all about their experience and insight into their journey to parenthood.

FAQs

You should expect to visit the clinic once or twice. The stay for the embryo transfer is usually planned for 1–2 days. The doctor will provide your medication plan and advise you on the length of stay based on your personalised treatment.
Our patient care team can provide you with information about accommodations and airport transfers. Some of our clinics have special agreements for lodging and pick-up services. Our assistants will request your travel details to better manage your treatment.
No. We will ask you to let us know which dates you are available. We are almost certain to be able to accommodate your needs.
All patients and their partners must have blood tests for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis performed. The tests must be no older than one year on the date of the embryo transfer. In addition to these mandatory tests, your doctor will likely order more tests based on your medical history.
Yes. IVF-Life adapts treatments to individual patients’ needs. We usually schedule your first appointment to enable you to return during your treatment window, so the doctor can coordinate your stimulation or the donor stimulation to fit with your plans.
On the day of the transfer, a nurse or assistant will give you written medical instructions specific to your case. However, as a general rule, you can lead a normal life, taking the following precautions:
  • Avoid sexual relations until you have had a pregnancy test.
  • Avoid physical exertion.
  • Do not bathe in very hot water, use saunas, or swim in the sea or a pool to prevent possible infections.
It is important to remember that vitrification (ultra-rapid cryopreservation) or freezing is mandatory when surplus embryos are produced. Once vitrified or frozen, they are stored at the clinic until you give express consent to the contrary.
Yes, flying or traveling by car or train after an embryo transfer is fine. Traveling does not adversely affect the embryo transfer or future pregnancy. However, we recommend arriving a day before the transfer and departing a day after to avoid any potential stress.
The clinic will follow up with you until the twelfth week of pregnancy, giving instructions regarding medication based on the results of blood tests and ultrasound scans. We are also available to answer any questions you may have during this time. We are always delighted to receive updates about our patients and their new arrivals beyond the first trimester.
Once you receive the result of your pregnancy test, please contact your assistant for instructions on how to proceed with the medication. We will keep you informed and assist you in moving on to the next step. Be sure to consult with us before making any decisions about the medication. Please do not discontinue any medication without prior confirmation.
No, there’s no waiting list for donor treatments. The clinics are located in areas with important universities and a large number of students from Spain and abroad, including ERASMUS students, medical students, etc. This means we have donors with a wide range of physical characteristics, making it easy for us to find a suitable donor for each patient.
Egg donation is anonymous in Spain. The medical committee at the clinic is responsible for selecting ideal candidates. IVF-Life has a donor bank with more than 500 donors. Generally speaking, between three and five donors may meet your specific requirements.
In compliance with the law, all donors undergo a battery of tests (blood tests, drug tests, etc.) and physical, gynecological, and psychological examinations. In addition, IVF-Life performs genetic tests on all donors to check for genetic disorders or mutations.
Remember that gamete donation is anonymous and legally protected in Spain. IVF-Life can only provide you with the donor’s blood type and age. You will be informed of the donor’s age at the time of the heartbeat ultrasound, and the blood type will be revealed after birth.
In Spain, donors are aged between 18 and 35 years. However, most of the donors we use at IVF-Life are under 30 years of age. This helps ensure the best quality eggs, although we also consider other factors in addition to age to obtain the highest possible quality in the eggs.
It usually takes between six and eight weeks from the initial visit to the embryo transfer. However, numerous factors can affect the total length of the treatment. We will inform you of the dates during your consultation with our doctor once we have thoroughly reviewed your case.
At IVF-Life, we set ourselves apart from other assisted reproduction clinics by guaranteeing embryos, at the 3 to 5-day stage (blastocysts), depending on the treatment plan. This means we ensure our patients will have an embryo transfer, providing greater confidence in the success of their journey.
If you are over 50 years old or your BMI is greater than 35, consult the clinic for more information.
Yes, the age limit is 49 years. However, the final decision is made by the medical team at IVF-Life. Please check the requirements for patients over 50 years old.

Contact our specialists