Egg Donor Questions & Concerns

Before deciding to become an egg donor, it's natural to have questions about the egg donation process. Below we have listed some of the most common egg donor questions and concerns to help you make an informed decision. If you have a question or concern that is not addressed, please contact us here for a quick response.

Will my personal information be kept confidential?

Yes, our egg donor application process is 100% confidential. Your name will not be released. If you become an egg donor, hopeful parents will have access to your egg donor profile which includes relevant information such as your height, weight and hobbies, but they will not be able to identify you. Our egg donors are anonymous unless both parties choose to meet each other.

What is the time commitment for donating eggs?

The time commitment for donating eggs varies but usually lasts 3-5 weeks. The last two weeks of the egg donation cycle is the most time-consuming with several doctors appointments each week. We work with our donors to make the appointment times as convenient as possible.

Can I become an egg donor if I don’t have health insurance?

Yes, the intended parents will be responsible for your medical costs.

Will donating eggs cost anything?

No, all of your expenses related to egg donation will be reimbursed. Our egg donors are generously compensated for their time and dedication to the program. No out of pocket costs will be incurred.

How much will I be compensated?

Egg donor compensation varies on a case by case basis, but is generally between $8,000-$20,000.

What medications are involved with egg donation? What are some possible side effects?

Birth Control
Birth control may be taken to regulate the donor’s menstrual cycle. Possible side effects include nausea, spotting between periods, lighter periods or mood changes.
Gonadotropin
This is a hormonal medicine that will help the eggs mature. It is administered daily during the stimulation cycle which usually lasts around 12 days. Lupron is a common gonadoptropin. Some possible side effects include headaches or moodiness or hot flashes.
Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH)
FSH helps a woman produce more than one egg per cycle for the purpose of egg retrieval. It is taken once a day for nearly 10 days. Clomid is a common FSH. Side effects are mild for most people but may include hot flashes, bloating, moodiness, headaches or nausea.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
An injection of human chorionic gonadotropin triggers ovulation. This is taken the day before the egg retrieval procedure or approximately 36 hours in advance. hCG carries the same side effects as gonadotropins.

How long is the egg retrieval procedure?

The egg retrieval procedure typically lasts about 20 minutes.

Is egg retrieval painful?

Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure that is relatively painless with the help of a local anesthetic. During egg retrieval, ultrasound images are used to guide a small needle through the upper part of the vagina into the ovary. A gentle suction method is used to remove the egg and fluids.

What is recovery like after the egg retrieval?

There may be some slight cramping or soreness over the next few days. Tylenol or a similar over the counter medication is usually enough to make patients comfortable, but pain medication can be prescribed if needed. Many patients return to work the following day.

Will donating my eggs have any long-term reproductive health repercussions?

Egg donation has been around since the 1980s and so far studies have shown that there appears to be no increased incidence of birth defects, congenital abnormalities or spontaneous miscarriages associated with the use of egg donor medications. The long-term health repercussions, if any, remain unknown. In rare cases, (less than 5% of donors) an individual will experience ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome which may damage the ovaries.

Will taking these medicines put me at risk for cancer?

Egg donation has been in practice for nearly 30 years and so far there have not yet been any definitive links between egg donation and cancer. While nothing is ever certain, these medications are commonly used throughout the U.S. by thousands of women each day.

Additional Egg Donation Resources

Here are some trusted 3rd party resources about egg donation. Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information.