Egg donors should be between the ages of 18 and 30, and should meet the following criteria:

• No significant medical history, including no hereditary/genetic diseases
• A body mass index (BMI) less than 28
• Committed to giving the gift of hope to a family struggling with infertility

Unless you have been asked to donate by a friend or family member, or you and the recipient have both agreed to an “open egg donation,” the process is strictly anonymous.

Because choosing an egg donor is an extremely personal decision, the time period for a donor to be matched with the right family varies. It can happen as quickly as the same day, or it may take a month or more.

The calendar for egg donation cycles depends on your availability and the timing of your menstrual cycle, as well as the recipient’s availability and menstrual cycle. Because of this, a cycle may range from a few weeks to two months or more.

• Blood and drug screening: You will receive a blood test to establish ovarian age, and to rule out genetic diseases, drug use, and infectious diseases, such as HIV
• Physical consultation: You will meet with a physician for a physical exam and an in-depth explanation of the medical procedures involved in the egg donation process, including possible side effects and risks
• Psychological consultation: Egg donors will meet with a therapist to discuss all the implications of egg donation

Toward the end of the donation cycle, you will be monitored daily. When the doctor determines that you are ready, the retrieval will be scheduled. The egg retrieval is a simple surgical procedure that requires a mild general anesthetic and takes roughly 10-20 minutes. During the procedure, the doctor will use a small ultrasound-guided needle to extract the eggs from your ovaries.

After the procedure, you will rest in the recovery room for an hour or two. Because of the general anesthesia, you will be unable to drive following the procedure. It can take anywhere between a day and a week to fully recover, but generally donors return to normal activities within 24 hours of the procedure.

Most donors rest for 24 hours after the retrieval before going back to their regular routine. Some donors experience more painful menstrual-like symptoms (cramps/bloating/headaches) that can last for up to a week. Severe side effects are rare, but they do exist. Your doctor will explain all the possible side effects to you in detail when you meet.

Once the screening process is complete and you are eligible to participate in the egg donor program, we will meet for an in-depth review of the egg donation process. At this appointment, you will learn more about the injection technique and egg retrieval procedure.

You will be asked to sign an informed consent form asking you to relinquish all rights to the eggs at the time they are harvested.

Egg donors are compensated emotionally and financially for the gift of hope they give to families struggling with infertility. Egg donors receive $10,000 for their first donation. This fee is paid for the time and effort involved in the donation process. For donors who have donated more than once, the fee will increase by a standard amount. Additional fees may be offered to donors under special circumstances.

In keeping with the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines, donors are limited to a maximum of six donations. This is to limit the number of genetically related children that may meet as adults, and to protect the health of the donor.

All screening and treatment is confidential. Any child born as a result of this process is the legal child of the recipient.

No. All medical expenses related to the donation cycle are paid by the intended parent recipient.