Deciding to become an egg donor is a decision that truly helps someone else give life to their dreams in the most literal sense there is. It can also assist you, the potential egg donor. Egg donors receive compensation and benefits in exchange for their decision to donate, read more about Egg Donor Compensation. Before you sign up with an egg donor agency, you should understand that not everyone can be an egg donor. Below we will discuss the requirements and qualifications for those that wish to donate.
Eligibility Considerations
Many requirements determine eligibility for egg donation ranging from lifestyle choices to genetic anomalies. Those factors and many more will come into play as you progress from your decision to determine if you are healthy enough to move forward. Statistically, only a small percentage of potential egg donors actually qualify. In general, you can expect egg donor agencies to only accept only 3-4% of all applicants.
Egg donor requirements vary by agency. The rules and regulations surrounding egg donors are very strict. The egg donor agencies establish these rules to maintain compliance with the FDA. The requirements also work to ensure the safety and success of the egg donor process from start to finish. The egg donor agencies care about all parties and wish for the experience to be an overall positive experience.
What to Expect
An egg donor can expect the following requirements in addition to in depth screening as part of the qualification process:
- Qualifying age of 21-29
Age matters for a few reasons when trying to become an egg donor. Contrary to popular belief, it has little nothing to do with age discrimination. Most people are unaware of the fact that women are born with their set amount of eggs, about 1-2 million at birth. The number of eggs decreases at varying rates throughout a woman’s life.
- US Citizen
The U. S. State Department enforces rules regarding egg donors and the gestational parent. The laws are rather complex, however, the egg donor agency should be able to translate the meanings and how it applies to you upon application.
- Healthy Weight and BMI
Healthy weight and BMI are important for egg donors because it impacts the way they metabolize drugs. It also can impact the safety off the egg retrieval process.
- Non-Smoker
Research indicates tobacco products has an adverse effect on fertility. Also, it is known that female smokers will produce fewer follicles and have fewer usable eggs capable of fertilization when stimulated for IVF treatments.
- Non-Drug User
Drug use of any kind will disqualify an egg donor. Even Nicotine Is not allowed, so vaping of any kind would still be a disqualifying activity.
- Healthy Reproductive System
Any known abnormalities to the egg donor’s reproductive system would also stand as an issue for disqualification. Most egg donor agencies require two ovaries. Reproductive abnormalities might include any structural damage to the hymen, vagina, fallopian tubes or uterus.
Unknown reproductive abnormalities will be learned by genetic assessment, testing of the hormone levels, ultrasound, MRI, or exam. Additionally, there will be testing for STD’s and other related type things that may render the egg donation process unsuccessful.
- Excellent Family History
Egg donors need to provide a detailed family history of their immediate known family members. It is important to know as much as possible about the egg donor. The medical history as well as other personality factors, and education are all taken into consideration during the qualification process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Egg Donor
Will I have any parental responsibilities?
You won’t have any parental responsibilities. Egg donor agencies require contractual agreements to be signed waiving any parental rights or obligations. The woman (the recipient) of the donated egg will be listed as the birth mother.
Can I remain anonymous throughout the egg donor process?
Yes. Egg donors have the choice of remaining anonymous or referred to as a “directed egg donor”.
If I donate my eggs, will I get paid for donating?
Yes. It is standard practice for most egg donor agencies to compensate the egg donor. The amount varies by the agency as does the compensation for benefits such as medicines and health care during and post egg donation procedures. Read more about Egg Donor Compensation.
Does the egg donor process pose any long-term damage to my health?
No. The egg donor process is deemed safe by most medical experts. As with any medical procedures, there are always risks and anomalies associated with each experience.
Can I get pregnant during the process?
Yes. You can get pregnant during the egg donation process. The fertility drugs given to stimulate the ovaries can increase the chance of pregnancy. Because of this fact, most agencies require that the egg donors abstain from sex or use condoms. If pregnancy occurs, it disqualifies the egg donor and violates the contractual agreements that are in place.
Will becoming an egg donor hurt my chances of having my own children?
No. Egg donation does not decrease your future chances of becoming pregnant.
