Egg Donation
Step 1 – The APPLICATION PROCESS
Determining Donor eligibility begins with the initial application that is usually filled out online. This application asks questions regarding general health, medical history and family history to ensure the Donor meets initial criteria prior to proceeding. Some common questions include:
- Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease?
- Have you had an abnormal pap smear?
- Do you get a period every month?
- What type of birth control do you use?
- Do you have any medical/genetic problems?
- Any medical/genetic problems in your family?
- Do you smoke cigarettes/ hookah/vape?
- Do you use any drugs or medication?
EGG DONOR REQUIRMENTS:
- Being between the ages of 18 -30,
- Be a non-smoker and drug free
- Be in good general health
- Have a BMI 28 or lower
- Have regular periods,
- Not on Depo-Provera birth control
- Commitment for 3-4 months
STEP 2 – THE INTERVIEW
Once the application process is passed the second step is the interview. The interview is with the Egg Donor Agency to make sure that all of the details are discussed. Some of the topics that are emphasized include:
- What is the process of Egg Donation?
- What are the responsibilities of the Donor?
- What are the responsibilities of the Agency?
- What are the risks?
- What is the timeline?
- What does the screening process entail?
The interview is important for both the Donor and the Agency to ask questions about each other. It is another step to ensure that the Donor is ready for this process and understands what it entails. Usually by the end of the interview the Donor will complete a donor profile to share with possible intended parents.
STEP 3 – THE MATCH
The Donor cycle does not begin until the Egg Donor is selected by an Intended Parent to cycle. An Intended Parent looks through a database filled with Donor profiles when considering a Donor. The Donor profile includes a few photos and information about the donors medical history, family background, history, grades, goals, hobbies, work experience, and personality traits. Once the match is completed the Donor begins the screening process.
Step 4 – THE MEDICA SCREENING
The medical screen is conducted by a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist. During the medical consultation the Donor will have an opportunity to ask any questions they may have about the medical process. The medical screen includes the following.
- Medical history and physical exam.
- Pelvic ultrasound to look at the ovaries.
- Ovarian reserve testing
- Blood work to check all sexually transmitted disease.
- Genetic testing
- Pap smear
STEP 5 – PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION
The psychological evaluation is to determine if the egg donor is in suitable condition to make the decision to donate her eggs. It is important to make sure that the decision to donate eggs is done with a sound mind with no coercion involved. The donor should not be suffering from depression, anxiety, or any mental health condition. The egg donor must be in good mental health to proceed with the cycle.
STEP 6 – LEGAL CONTRACT
Once the medical and psychological screen is completed the Egg Donor will have the opportunity to meet with a legal consultant that will explain the laws and regulations surrounding egg donation, relinquishing parental rights, compensation and conduct.
STEP 7 – GENETIC COUNSELOR CONSULTATION
A thorough consultation with a genetic counselor to discuss genetic testing results and family history.
STEP 8 – HEALTH INSURANCE
All Egg Donors will have health insurance coverage for the duration of their cycle and a month after. This is a precautionary measure to make sure if anything happens the Donor will have access to medical insurance and appropriate care. There are limitations to this insurance and the policy can be different at each center.
STEP 9 – CONSULTATION WITH COORDINATOR
The medical coordinator works with the Physician that you are working with during the cycle. The coordinator will teach you how to use all the medication and review all the consents prior to start of the cycle. The medical coordinator works with the agency to help provide a support system for the Donor.
STEP 10 – THE CALENDAR
Now that the screening process is done the Donor can start the medication. The calendar is a schedule that everyone will follow. The Intended Parents, the Physician, the Coordinator, the Agency and the Donor. There is a team of people that are working hard to help support the Donor through this process! Egg Donation is a rewarding and fulfilling process that allows young,unique, generous women to help couples struggling with infertility. It is important to have a strong sense of commitment and dedication to helping change the lives of others when considering to be an Egg Donor. Being dependable and having a strong sense of integrity is essential to this process!
