Who can become an egg donor?
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
Will the recipients know who I am?
No, egg donation is completely anonymous. You will not know who the recipients are and they will not know who you are.
Once I become an egg donor, how long will it take for me to get matched?
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.
Once matched, how long will the cycle take?
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.
What screening tests are performed for an egg donor?
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
What is the procedure for retrieving the eggs? Is the egg retrieval painful?
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. In the procedure, the doctor will use a small ultrasound-guided needle to extract the follicles 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.
Are there side effects?
Most donors rest for 24 hours after the retrieval, and most go back to their regular routine the following day. 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.
If I qualify to become an egg donor, what’s next?
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.
Will my insurance be billed for any of the medical appointments or medications?
No. All medical expenses related to the donation cycle are paid by the recipient.
Will I be compensated?
Egg donors are compensated emotionally and financially for the gift of hope they give to families struggling with infertility. The sense of peace a family receives from the donation is shared with their donor. 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.
How many times can I donate my eggs?
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.
Understanding egg donation:
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
All screening and treatment is confidential. Any child born as a result of this process is the legal child of the recipient.
More questions?
No problem. We’re here to answer any questions you may have, to address all your concerns, and to offer our support, to help you give the incredible gift of life!