Egg Donation in Greece

Everything You Need to Know

What is Egg Donation?

Egg donation is a significant advancement in the field of assisted reproduction, offering hope to couples who are unable to conceive naturally or through IVF using their own eggs. It is a process that requires responsibility, scientific guidance, and absolute respect for both the donor and the recipient couple.

From a social perspective, egg donation is closely linked to the values of generosity and support. A woman who chooses to donate her eggs gives another individual or couple the opportunity to experience parenthood—an experience that might otherwise not be possible. The process is strictly regulated by Greek law, ensuring the safety and ethical balance of all parties involved.

Over the past decade, there has been a steady increase in cases where IVF with egg donation is considered the most appropriate solution. Couples facing fertility challenges due to age, repeated failed IVF attempts, or genetic conditions are increasingly turning to this method. Although the decision is often accompanied by emotional and social considerations, strong scientific evidence and high success rates make egg donation one of the most reliable fertility treatment options available.

Egg donation in Greece is regulated by Law 3305/2005. It is a modern, scientifically proven solution that helps many couples achieve their dream of having a child. View the full legal framework here.

Why Should I Choose Egg Donation?

When Eggs Are Not Sufficient

Egg donation is often a necessary solution for women who are unable to achieve pregnancy using their own eggs.

This mainly applies to women:

With diminished ovarian reserve,
Experiencing premature menopause or ovarian insufficiency,
Who do not produce eggs or produce poor-quality eggs,
Who carry genetic abnormalities they do not wish to pass on to their child.

Egg donation offers these women the opportunity to become mothers using eggs from young and healthy donors, significantly increasing success rates in IVF treatment.

What Are the Indications for Egg Donation?

The main indication is reduced ovarian reserve, meaning a low number of follicles and poor egg quality.

This condition is common either due to age or as a result of medical conditions such as:

Chromosomal abnormalities,
Consequences of chemotherapy or radiation,
Autoimmune diseases affecting ovarian function.

According to data, over 70% of women over the age of 45 who wish to have a child resort to egg donation. Similarly, this option is recommended in cases of repeated IVF failures, as well as when there is a risk of passing on a serious genetic disorder.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Egg Donation

Gentle adult hand holding a newborn’s hand during egg donation journey in Greece.

What Does Egg Donation Offer?

Egg donation is one of the most effective solutions in assisted reproduction, with clear clinical and psychological benefits.

High Success Rates

Eggs come from young, fertile, and healthy donors.
The chances of successful implantation and pregnancy are significantly increased, even in older women or those with previous IVF failures.

Gestation by the Recipient

The recipient becomes pregnant and carries the child herself.
The embryo develops in her body, ensuring natural hormonal communication and psychological bonding from the start of pregnancy.

Prevention of Genetic Diseases

Donation is chosen when there is a risk of transmitting genetic or mitochondrial diseases.

Medical Safety for the Donor

The procedure follows standard IVF medication protocols.
The donor’s future fertility is not affected.
Risks are minimal and similar to those any woman undergoing egg retrieval would face.

Newborn’s delicate hand resting on adult finger — emotional moment post egg donation in Greece.

What You Should Know About the Challenges

Despite the many advantages, egg donation may raise concerns and questions, both emotional and practical.

Psychological Issues

The absence of genetic relation may cause dilemmas for the recipient.
Full acceptance of the situation requires internal processing and/or psychological support.

Financial Cost

The procedure may carry a significant financial burden, which includes:

Compensation for the donor covering expenses and participation in the process
Medication and hormonal preparation
Laboratory procedures

Medical Risks

Although rare, side effects may arise from hormone treatment or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Procedures are controlled but require medical monitoring by specialized staff.

Ethical and Social Questions

The use of genetic material from a third party often raises ethical concerns that require sufficient legal and medical guidance to be addressed safely and transparently.

Are You a Candidate for Egg Donation

Talk to our team and receive scientific guidance and human support.

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The Step-by-Step Process

Below you will find a complete timeline of all stages from donor selection to final pregnancy testing. The detailed description of each step helps you understand exactly what will happen, when, and why—so you can make decisions confidently and maximize success rates.

Donor Selection

The process begins with evaluating and matching the appropriate donor:

Medical history and reproductive characteristics
Age, blood type, physical features for better compatibility
Legal consent and signing of all required documents

Preliminary Medical Exams

Before any medical action, both donor and recipient undergo:

Hormonal and gynecological assessment
Infectious and genetic testing for maximum safety
Determination of medication protocol based on individualized data

Egg Donation Methods & Cycle Synchronization

The egg donation process can be carried out in two main ways, depending on the origin of the eggs and the treatment plan:

Through a European Egg Bank:The couple selects the donor and the egg package. After arrival at the IVF laboratory, the eggs are thawed, fertilized, and cultured to the blastocyst stage. Embryo transfer can take place immediately or at a later time, following appropriate endometrial preparation of the recipient.
Through a Donor Based in Greece: This approach may involve either cycle synchronization for a fresh embryo transfer or egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo freezing, with transfer performed once the recipient’s endometrium is optimally prepared.

Ovarian Stimulation & Donor Egg Retrieval

The donor receives short-term stimulation to develop multiple follicles. With mild sedation, egg retrieval is performed—a process lasting only a few minutes and completed within the day. Eggs are immediately transferred to the embryology lab.

Fertilization & Embryo Culture

Eggs are fertilized with the partner’s sperm or from a bank. The embryos are then cultured in special incubators until the appropriate stage. The embryology team selects the most viable for transfer or future cryopreservation.

Recipient Endometrium Preparation

Alongside embryo culture, the recipient receives estrogen and progesterone for thickening and maturation of the endometrium. Preparation is monitored via ultrasound until the ideal embryo transfer date is determined.

Embryo Transfer

The procedure is performed in a specialized environment and does not require anesthesia. Using a thin catheter, the embryo is placed inside the uterus. The recipient may leave a short while after the transfer.

Pregnancy Test & Next Steps

Ten to twelve days after embryo transfer, a beta-hCG blood test is done to confirm pregnancy. If positive, an ultrasound follows to check for the embryo’s heartbeat. Unused embryos may be frozen for future use.

Donor Selection & Criteria

The success of an IVF cycle with egg donation starts with proper donor selection. The process is strictly regulated, follows multi-level criteria, and ensures the genetic material comes from women medically and psychologically fit.

Legal Framework in Greece

According to Greek law, egg donation is anonymous and non-compensated beyond expense coverage. Clinics must maintain a donor record and inform the National Authority of Medically Assisted Reproduction for each cycle. Data protection is strict, and the maximum number of births per donor is monitored to avoid overuse of a single genetic profile.

Medical Eligibility Criteria

Donors are usually selected between 20 and 32 years old, an age range that ensures high ovarian reserve and good egg quality.

Each candidate undergoes detailed:

Hormonal profiling (FSH, LH, AMH)
Ovarian ultrasound evaluation
General physical assessment
Cardiological and gynecological exams

Excluded are those with histories of endocrine, autoimmune, or severe metabolic diseases, as well as substance users or heavy smokers.

Psychological & Social Assessment

A specialized psychologist conducts an interview to confirm the decision stems from conscious will and not external pressure.

Additionally evaluated:

Motivation for donating,
Understanding of anonymity
Emotional stability
Family support

The goal is to safeguard the well-being of both donor and future parents.

Matching Process with Recipient

The clinic uses a combination of biological and phenotypic parameters for optimal matching:

Blood type and Rh
Height, weight, eye and hair color
Education level and interests
Recipient’s special requests like language or cultural background

The process is finalized once the recipient approves the suggested profile, always maintaining anonymity.

What Donor Compensation Covers

Compensation is not a “payment” but reimbursement for the expenses and discomfort the donor undergoes. In Greece, the process is regulated by the National Authority of Medically Assisted Reproduction; only expense reimbursement is allowed, preserving the altruistic character of the donation.

Legal Framework in Greece

Anonymity of donor and recipient.
Full coverage of stimulation medication, medical tests, travel, accommodation, and any nutrition during the treatment period.
Compensation for lost wages or work leave, when documented.
Birth limit per donor to prevent overuse of a genetic profile.

Typical Compensation Range in Practice

In Greek fertility centers, the total amount usually covers:

€700 – €1,200 for medication and monitoring.
€100 – €400 for travel and accommodation, depending on residence.
Up to €300 for lost income in daily wage workers.

The overall cap is typically below €1,500, maintaining the non-commercial nature of donation.

Success Rates & Influencing Factors

Egg donation offers higher success rates than conventional IVF attempts with "own" eggs, due to the age and fertility of the donors.

Average Success Rates

45-55%

International average clinical pregnancy per embryo transfer

50%

Live birth per embryo transfer in Europe

Rates remain consistently high even when the recipient is aged 44–50, as egg quality is the main limiting factor bypassed by donation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Egg Donation

How much does IVF with egg donation cost in Greece?

The total package usually ranges from €5,500 to €6,000, including lab procedures, ICSI, embryo culture, and embryo transfer.

What exactly does donor compensation cover?

Compensation covers only reasonable expenses: stimulation meds, medical exams, travel, accommodation, and possible lost income. The actual cap rarely exceeds €1,500 per cycle.

What are the success rates for recipients over 45?

With donor eggs under 32 years old, clinics report clinical pregnancy rates of 45–55% and live birth rates around 50%, regardless of recipient’s age.

Is there a genetic relationship (DNA) between recipient and child?

The child’s genetic material comes from the donor (egg) and biological father (sperm). The recipient does not contribute DNA but provides the uterus and gestational environment, which epigenetically influence development.

What’s the average waiting time for egg donation in Greece?

Waiting time usually ranges from 1 to 3 months, depending on the desired donor traits and center availability.

What are the main risks for the recipient?

Most side effects relate to hormonal support (nausea, fluid retention), while the main serious risk is multiple pregnancy if more than two embryos are transferred. In Greece, a maximum of two embryos is allowed.

Can I choose specific characteristics for the donor?

Donor matching is based on medical and phenotypic characteristics, such as blood type, Rh factor, height, eye color, and hair color, aiming for the closest possible resemblance to the recipient.

According to Greek legislation, selecting “custom” characteristics beyond medically acceptable criteria is not permitted. In cases involving collaboration with European egg banks, additional donor information may be available, such as photos or more detailed profiles, always within the limits of applicable regulations.

What does the law say about anonymity?

Egg donation is fully anonymous. Recipient and donor cannot exchange personal details, and the National Authority tracks births per donor for traceability.

How many embryos can be transferred per cycle?

Regulations set a maximum of two embryos for recipients under 50 to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy. Elective single blastocyst is recommended when quality is high.

Is the procedure safe for the donor?

The donor follows the same stimulation protocols as women undergoing IVF for their own child. Side effects are rare and include mild ovarian hyperstimulation; compensation covers any recovery costs.

Our Doctors

In an era where fertility requires knowledge, care, and substantial guidance, FertUlity is not an impersonal clinic. It is two people who look you in the eye and accompany you step by step on the journey you dream of.

Dr. Chrysostomos (Makis) Papadopoulos Obstetrician – Gynecologist, MD, PhDc, MIC I

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Dr. Chrysostomos Papadopoulos - Specialist in Infertility, Endocrinology & Menopause in Athens

Dr. Maria Oikonomou Obstetrician – Gynecologist

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The First Step Starts Now

You don’t need to have all the answers to begin.
All it takes is one first step, and a team that truly listens.

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FertulityThrough the Words of our Parents

100% genuine, public Google reviews.
Because every fertility journey begins with honesty and trust.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 12 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Μαρια 
 26 days ago
 
 
  The word "thank you" to Dr. Makis Papadopoulos is too small to describe the gratitude we feel for this man. I am pregnant after IVF, having succeeded on the first attempt, and we owe this exclusively to our doctor. First Contact & Communication: From the very first contact, he won us over with his kindness, enthusiasm and willingness to dedicate as much time as we needed. Willing to explain everything in every detail, he solved every question we had in depth — not even a professor to students would analyze them with such patience and contagiousness! Scientific Training: He is an excellent scientist, with deep knowledge of the subject, a perfectionist and focused professional who leaves absolutely nothing to chance. He designed the right treatment for us, solving every problem down to the last detail, making us feel that whatever problem arises, it is certain that it will be solved. HUMANITY & SUPPORT: The most important thing, however, is his humanity. Communication with him was Immediate and he always had as much time as you needed on the phone to solve every question. He showed a deep, real interest, embracing us not just as a doctor, but as if he were our brother. We highly recommend him to every couple starting this journey. He deserves blind trust! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the greatest miracle of our lives!

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   Alexandra 
 52 days ago
 
 
  I don't often write reviews, but I feel that Mr. Makis truly deserves it. From the very first moment, he made me feel safe and confident. He listened carefully to what was on my mind, answered every question I had, and explained everything in a simple way, always based on scientific data. Many times, he even sent me relevant scientific studies so that I could better understand why he was suggesting a particular approach. But what stood out to me the most was that he didn't stop at the appointment. He followed up, was genuinely interested in my progress, and was available when I needed him. This is something you rarely encounter. Fortunately, he returned to Greece. He is one of the few doctors who, beyond their knowledge, remain above all human beings. He makes you feel like he sees you as a person and not as just another incident.

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   Matina 
 69 days ago
 
 
  A big thank you to Dr. Makis Papadopoulos who supported us from day one, who checked every little detail, who explained to us every move-step, every test, every medication for the reason we were doing it and what we would achieve. With incredible experience, knowledge, a lot of patience (because we had two other failed attempts with another doctor) and trust, within 8 months he adapted the protocols for our case and we achieved the positive result and we hold in our arms a priceless diamond. Above all, a rare person, calm and always available to listen to our concerns and reassure us. I highly recommend him!

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   Eva 
 93 days ago
 
 
  Thanks to Dr Makis Papadopoulos, I am now holding my two beautiful babies in my arms! He is a true expert. Professional with a human centric approach, friendly and empathetic, always available to answer our (many many) questions. I trust Dr Makis blindly and, honestly, I cannot recommend him enough!
  
 
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   Ivy 
 100 days ago
 
 
  My experience with Dr. Makis took me from a clinical stagnation to an incredible breakthrough, highly recommend Dr. Makis! Navigating the exhausting world of IVF, you know how devastating it is to watch your protocol dosages go up while your results go down. After three intense, high-dosage cycles with a previous clinic, I was left feeling incredibly discouraged. Despite escalating medications and growth hormones, my blastocyst yield was dwindling, culminating in a heartbreaking round with zero blastocysts. I knew I needed a doctor who didn't just follow a standard script, but who truly understood the nuances of egg quality and customized protocols. That is when I found Dr. Makis. Dr. Makis completely revolutionized my treatment plan. Instead of just pushing maximum dosages, he took a highly strategic, tailored approach. The result? Quality over pure protocol size. While my previous doctors kept increasing the medication dosages (which yielded fewer or zero blastocysts), Dr. Makis completely changed the strategy. He lowered the heavy stimulation, introduced smart egg-quality support (like melatonin), changed the protocol style entirely, and achieved a 700% increase in blastocysts compared to my best previous rounds. Beyond the incredible results, Dr. Makis brings a level of expertise, precision, and reassuring care that is rare to find. He looks at you as an individual, not a statistic, and knows exactly how to pivot when traditional routes fail. If you are looking for a specialist who can turn a difficult prognosis into an overwhelming success, look no further than Dr. Makis. I am incredibly grateful for his care.
  
 
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   Olga 
 111 days ago
 
 
  Dr. Makis Papadopoulos was excellent, professional, and very reassuring throughout the entire process. Thanks to his expertise and guidance, we were able to identify the issue early and take the appropriate steps from the beginning. He took the time to explain everything clearly, answered all our questions with patience, and made us feel comfortable and confident throughout our journey. We truly appreciated his caring approach, professionalism, and dedication. Highly recommended!
  
 
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   Euaggelia 
 122 days ago
 
 
  Dr. Makis Papadopoulos is an excellent scientist and above all a rare person! He is an approachable and smiling doctor, with excellent medical knowledge, who from the first moment I met him made me feel comfortable and trust him completely, answering every question I had with patience and documenting every answer with scientific studies and articles! The most important thing, however, is that Dr. Makis Papadopoulos is always there on the other end of the line to listen to you and reassure you without a trace of haste, a doctor who truly cares and makes you feel like he is your own person! Makis, thank you very much for everything!!! I am very lucky to have met you!

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   Anastasia 
 129 days ago
 
 
  Dr. Makis Papadopoulos is an excellent scientist with a human-centered interest. Our collaboration was excellent from the very beginning and he made me feel confident and secure by explaining every step of the process in great detail. I highly recommend him!

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   Fay 
 131 days ago
 
 
  Dr Makis Papadopoulos is very professional, caring and attentive. Very thorough in explaining the whole process throughout every step. Thank you! Highly recommended!!
  
 
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   Christina 
 134 days ago
 
 
  I would like to share my experience with Dr. Makis Papadopoulos, an outstanding gynecologist and scientist. We first connected in the summer of 2024, while he was based in Germany, through a mutual acquaintance, following a particularly challenging period for us. Prior to meeting him, we had gone through repeated unsuccessful attempts of stimulation and fertilization with other gynecologists. Unfortunately, those approaches relied largely on standardized protocols, without sufficient personalization to address the specific needs of my case. From the very beginning, Dr. Makis stood out for his human-centered approach and his willingness to dedicate time to truly understand our situation in depth. With strong, up-to-date scientific knowledge, he approaches every case holistically, focusing on individualized treatment and adapting protocols to the patient's unique needs. Throughout our collaboration, which now spans approximately two years (with a few breaks on our side), he has consistently been available, supportive, and clear in his guidance. He inspired confidence and helped us stay positive even during difficult phases of the journey. Beyond his scientific expertise, what truly sets him apart is his genuine care for the person behind each case: his empathy, honesty, and continuous effort to achieve the best possible outcome. My husband and I are deeply grateful for his support and guidance, and we now feel ready and optimistic to move forward to the next final stage. We highly recommend him to anyone seeking a gynecologist with true expertise, professionalism, and compassion. I would like to share my experience with Dr. Makis Papadopoulos, an excellent gynecologist and scientist. We met in the summer of 2024, when he was in Germany, through a mutual acquaintance, after a particularly demanding period for us. Before meeting him, we had gone through repeated failed attempts at stimulation and fertilization with other gynecologists. Unfortunately, the approaches that had been followed were mainly based on standardized protocols, without the necessary individualization to the specifics of my case. From the beginning, Dr. Makis stood out for his human approach and his willingness to spend time to understand our case in depth. With modern knowledge and scientific training, he approaches each issue multidimensionally, emphasizing the individualization of treatment and adapting the protocols to the real needs of the patient. During our collaboration, which now spans about two years (with short breaks on our part), he was always available, supportive and clear in his guidance. He inspired confidence in us and helped us remain optimistic even in difficult phases. In addition to his scientific competence, what sets him apart is his genuine interest in the person behind each case: his empathy, his honesty and his constant effort to achieve the best possible outcome. My husband and I thank him warmly for his support and guidance and we now feel ready and optimistic to move on to the next final stage. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a gynecologist with real knowledge, professionalism and humanity.

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   Faidra 
 135 days ago
 
 
  Dr. Makis Papadopoulos is an excellent gynecologist and above all an excellent person! I truly thank him for his support and care during the egg freezing process. Although my case was particularly demanding, he stood by me with patience, knowledge, great experience and real interest. Our communication was direct and human, while his availability at the many appointments made me feel safe at every step. The protocols were designed specifically for me, aiming for the best possible result, while also taking into account the cost of the medications. I recommend him with all my heart to every woman who wants to trust someone for something so important and sensitive for her.

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   Iliana 
 137 days ago
 
 
  I highly recommend Dr. Makis, he is an incredible specialist. My journey was far from easy, encountering several challenges that  made the process feel overwhelming at times. What sets him apart is his willingness to go beyond standard procedures. He developed a specialized, custom protocol, tailored to my situation, which ultimately made all the difference. Beyond his technical expertise, his calm and clear communication kept me grounded throughout the process. I am so grateful for his persistence and high level of care!

Why choose FertUlity?

Because every fertility journey deserves the right support. At FertUlity, we provide science-based fertility care with a human approach. We support every path, from fertility assessment and preservation to modern assisted reproduction.

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