Egg Donor Search

Who qualifies to be an egg donor?
Not every woman can become an egg donor. There are many criteria that must be met. These criteria are set in place for the benefit of both the egg donor and the recipient. These criteria maximize the chance that a pregnancy will result. These criteria will also ensure that the process is safe for both the egg donor and the recipient. Egg donors should be between the ages of 18-30. They must also pass a psychological evaluation. The egg donors are also required to have a genetic evaluation to diminish the possibility of transmitting any genetic disorders. Other criteria include passing a medical evaluation, infectious disease screening, and a gamut of hormonal tests.

What happens next?
Once a prospective donor has completed her evaluation the egg donor agency will place her on a list to be chosen. Infertile couples will then choose a donor based on many factors. The factors that the recipient uses to choose a donor are both personal and variable. Common reasons why a donor is chosen are ethnic background, general health, physical traits, and personality.

How is it done?
To help a couple achieve a pregnancy the donor must undergo In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). The donor will receive medications that stimulate the ovaries to produce many eggs at one time. While the donor is undergoing the stimulation process she will be constantly monitored with Ultrasound evaluations and blood tests. Once the Ovary has produced mature eggs these eggs are retrieved. The retrieval process involves a minor surgical procedure commonly termed "egg retrieval" "egg harvesting" "oocyte retrieval". Once the retrieval is complete the donor's part of the treatment is complete.

The eggs retrieved will then be fertilized using the male partners sperm. The fertilized eggs now become embryos. These embryos are grown in the laboratory for several days. The best embryo or embryos that result from this process are then transferred into the recipient's womb (uterus). If the recipient becomes pregnant she will be the legal mother of that child.

Benefits to the donor:
An egg donor will receive compensation for her time and effort. Currently compensation is at least $5000. The donor will also know that she has participated in a very kind and compassionate process that has helped a couple achieve their dream of starting a family. She will also have extensive medical evaluation including genetic and psychological evaluations.