DO YOU QUALIFY?

IF YOU ARE APPLYING TO BECOME A DONOR, PLEASE REVIEW THIS FAQ PAGE AND QUALIFICATIONS. IF YOU QUALIFY, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION.

 

  • Must have a BMI within normal range - please click on this link to check your BMI. If you are slightly over, we welcome you to apply.

  • College education or skillset preferred

  • Age between 20 - 30 (some exceptions can be made for proven donors who are 30 - 32)

  • Minimum height of 5’1”

  • No illegal drug use, excessive alcohol use

  • Clean family medical history - *please see disqualifying factors below

  • No tattoo or body piercings within last 6 - 12 months unless health certificate can be provided

  • No current cigarette, e-cigarette, hookah, marijuana usage (you will be screened)

  • No travel in the last 6 months to any previously active Zika countries (waivers may apply in some circumstances)

  • Flexible enough schedule to make 8-12 morning appointments (doctor’s notes can be provided for your job/school)


Honesty is truly the best policy. We are more likely to accept you or potential past issues such as previous marijuana use if you are honest and upfront during your interview. It is better for your donor manager to be notified of this prior to finding out later during the donor intake process.


DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

PLEASE READ PRIOR TO REGISTERING AS A DONOR:

  • Inability to return contact within 24 hours or less, especially during your egg donor cycle

  • If you do not know information such as age, height, weight and health issues of your immediate family members

  • Repetitive health history of cancer (such as multiple family members with breast cancer)

  • Two or more family members with drug or alcohol abuse, including prescription medications

  • Personal drug use including marijuana usage, vaping, dipping, e-cigarettes, etc.

  • Two or more terminations

  • Not having dependable transportation

  • Inability to communicate effectively or be a responsible adult

  • An unhealthy BMI (some exceptions may apply for those who have recently experienced childbirth)


*Ask us about our donor referral program

DONOR Q&A:

What is egg donation?

Egg donation is a process in which a fertile woman donates an egg, or oocyte, to another woman to help her conceive. It is a part of assisted reproductive technology, or ART.

The procedure typically involves a doctor removing an egg or eggs from the donor, fertilizing them in a laboratory, and then transferring the resulting embryos into the recipient's uterus. Doctors do this using an implantation procedure, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)

How long does the process usually take? (A brief summary of the egg donation match timeline)

From the moment a donor is selected or “matched” to an intended parent(s) to retrieval, the process is about 2-3 months long. This is due to the timing it takes for some of the blood testing results such as genetic testing and FDA labs (STD) to return. If the donor’s and intended parent’s schedule is un-restricted, the normal timing for a cycle is typically 2.5 months. Donors are required to visit the clinic once in the beginning of the cycle for their screening appointment or donor day and for several appointments (7-10) towards the end of the cycle when taking the injection medications. The order of events within the egg donation cycle are as follows:

  • complete agency agreement

  • clinic will each out within 1-1.5 weeks after receiving your profile from agency

  • a clinical coordinator will contact you with new patient paperwork and to schedule your first screening appointment

  • donor screening day which consists of the following: (physical examination, blood tests/drug tests/ultrasound to examine reproductive organs, medical and psychological history review, genetic screening). These results typically take 2-3 weeks to return.

  • legal contracts - about 1-2 week process

  • arrival of medications

  • stimulation/injections typically begin on Day 3 or 4 of your menstrual cycle, after legal has been completed. You must notify clinic and agency of Day 1 of your period

  • stimulation/injections for approximately 12-15 days

  • trigger shot taken exactly 36 hours prior to egg retrieval

  • egg retrieval *donors usually return to work/school the next day

What are the risks?

Some women may experience mild side effects, such as bruising at the injection site, mood swings, and tender breasts. In rare cases, a woman may develop severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). This occurs when too many eggs develop in the ovaries. Women who develop OHSS may require hospitalization. Secondary insurance coverage is provided to the donor to cover up to $250,000 in medical coverage for any damages caused by the donation process.

What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation (OHSS)? Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is an exaggerated response to excess hormones. It usually occurs in women taking injectable hormone medications to stimulate the development of eggs in the ovaries. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) causes the ovaries to swell and become painful. Rarely, OHSS can result from taking other medications, such as clomiphene citrate or gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

Women with OHSS have a large number of growing follicles along with high estradiol levels. This leads to fluid leaking into the abdomen (belly), which can cause bloating, nausea, and swelling of the abdomen. When OHSS is severe, blood clots, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, dehydration, and vomiting are possible.

What can I do to avoid OHSS?

  1. Drink at least two protein supplements per day each containing 30 grams of protein. ... 

  2. Drink electrolyte balanced fluids rather than water. ... 

  3. Put extra salt on your food and eat salty snacks. ... 

  4. Stay off your feet as much as possible.

  5. Take liquid magnesium citrate during your injections..

Will donating my eggs hurt my ability to get pregnant?

No. Donating your eggs does not harm your chances of becoming pregnant. Becoming an egg donor can help you to better understand your own fertility and your reproductive health. If the physician finds that your AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) is too low or that your ovarian reserve is unhealthy, you will not be able to proceed with egg donation.

What blood tests are usually required for an egg donor?

  • HIV-1/HIV-2

  • Hepatitis B surface antigen

  • Hepatitis B core antibody

  • Hepatitis C antibody

  • RPR for psyphilis

  • GC / Chlamydia cultures

  • Urine drug test

  • Genetic tests

Am I able to have sex while being an egg donor?

After you are matched to an intended parent, it is best to abstain from sexual intercourse. The medications you take will increase your chances of becoming pregnant even while using protection. If a donor becomes pregnant during her egg donation cycle, the cycle will be canceled and the donor may be financially liable for the out of pocket expenses the intended parents have paid.

What is the compensation for being an egg donor?

Our agency allows each of our egg donors to set their own compensation fee within reason. It is suggested that first time donors set their compensation to lower than average or average to increase the likelihood of matching. Many agencies that allow donors to set a high compensation do not tell the donor that it is unlikely she will be matched and it can often take a year or two before an Intended Parent is willing to take the risk. With our method of lowering the compensation for the first donation cycle, donors are able to complete one cycle and raise their fee for the 2nd, 3rd and so on. Intended parents are more inclined to work with a donor that has previously donated. Donors are compensated for their time and effort and is received within 7-10 business days after their egg retrieval. Local donors will receive $500 of their base compensation once they first begin their injections. Non-local donors will receive $800 of their base compensation at the start of their injections.

Can I work out during my egg donation cycle?

Light walking, light weight lifting and swimming are allowed. As you take the medications provided by the pharmacy or clinic, your ovaries will begin to grow to accommodate the growth of your eggs. It is for your own health and safety that we recommend you do not run, jump or do any strenuous actives that could potentially cause your ovaries to turn over causing permanent damage or removal.

What if I’ve had my tubes tied?

Yes, you can still be an egg donor even if your tubes are tied.

What if a couple chooses me from a different state?

Arrangements will be made by our agency for you to travel to the recipients' clinic for the initial screening appointment and the final week for the retrieval at the end of the process. For the retrieval trip, you may also bring a responsible adult companion with you. Your recipient will pay for travel expenses incurred as a result of your donation, including the travel expenses for your companion.

What if I have a full time job and/or school?

Appointments are scheduled for early in the morning so a donor will have as little disruption to her schedule as possible. The egg retrieval procedure will require you to be available for an entire day and it cannot be scheduled on a weekend, as it depends on the course of the medications you will be taking. It is very important that you recognize the level of responsibility required in making and keeping these appointments, and in doing so, be very honest with yourself as to whether or not donation would be possible for you and your work, school and personal schedule. Your commitment and responsibility to the egg donation cycle is very important as it directly effects the Intended Parents emotionally and financially.

What if I’ve never been an egg donor before?

That’s okay! We will walk you through each step. We never want our donors to feel lost or a lack of support. It is important to us that you feel safe and comfortable. Although, there may be parts of the egg donation cycle that might make you nervous, you will also be educated by your clinic on how to properly administer your medications and more. Our case managers are here for you 24/7 during your egg donor cycle. And since our director was a prior donor, you’ll have a first hand resource to help you through each step!

I have an IUD, can I still donate?

Any IUDs other than Paraguard (copper IUD) must be removed prior to donating. You can still apply and be matched, but donors have a waiting period of 4-6 months after the removal of an IUD before they can begin IVF medications for their donor cycle. This is to ensure that your hormones are properly regulated and not suppressed which can negatively effect the donation. If you elect to be on birth control, it is best to be a low-hormonal birth control pill.

Will I have to change my lifestyle to become a donor?

It is best to live a reasonable lifestyle for your own health and the benefit of the egg donation cycle as well. You must remember that the intended parents you are donating to are investing their time, emotions and money for a chance to grow their family. Without donors, many parents would not have this opportunity. Maintaining a health diet with no cigarettes, hookah, recreational/prescription drugs and little to no alcohol is the most suitable for this lifestyle. Please note that as an egg donor, you will go through many screening tests to validate that you do not do drugs or smoke.

Can I breastfeed my baby while being a donor?

While you may still apply, donors who are currently breastfeeding must wait 4-6 months after the last breast feeding before they are able to begin an egg donation cycle. This is due to the increased level or prolactin in your blood stream which allows you to breastfeed. Your levels must be within normal limits to proceed.

What if I’m afraid of needles?

In order to be an egg donor, you will have to become comfortable with the idea of self injections. The needles are very tiny and are usually administered in the evenings before bedtime or early morning. While at first it may seem scary, the needles are very small in size and do not usually hurt more than a little pinch. You will be educated on how to administer your medications properly, along with the proper dosage.

Is it possible to be contacted by e-mail only?

No. As a donor, you will be responsible for keeping the clinic, your case manager (agency) and doctor up to date on any changes during your cycle. You must have a reliable phone number and be available to accept or return calls within a 24 hour period or less. When taking your medications, your dosage may change every night, so it is important to keep your voicemail box cleared as well. Instructions will usually come in the form of a phone call from your nurse/team at the clinic.

What if I have work during the time I am instructed to take my nightly injection?

In most cases, donors are able to place their medications in a small lunchbox/cooler to store at work or at school.

Am I able to bring my medications on a flight if I’m traveling?

Yes! IVF medications may be unfamiliar to some TSA agents, however it is not illegal for egg donors to travel with their medications in a cooler. As a traveling donor, you may be required to bring your medications, sharps and disposal container along with you. When going through TSA, be transparent about your medications. They will be checked and returned back to you as you are checked through. It is always best to travel with your medications in case your checked luggage does not make it to your destination.