Explore our egg donor FAQs to decide if egg donation is right for you
At Midwest Fertility Specialists (MFS), our team understands that it’s a big decision to become an egg donor. To help make it easier, our Indiana egg donation experts strive to help you understand the process. Below are common egg donor FAQs that can give you more information about becoming an egg donor.
- What is egg donation? Egg donation is a process that allows a young woman to donate some of her eggs to help another woman or a couple conceive using in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- How old do you have to be to donate eggs? You must be between 21 and 30 to become an egg donor.
- What are the other egg donor requirements? In addition to age requirements, potential egg donors must meet certain qualifications and submit to a full medical screening. Our team will also consider logistical issues, such as the ability to keep appointments.
- Will I receive compensation for donating my eggs? Yes, egg donors receive partial compensation at the beginning of the cycle. They receive final compensation for their time and dedication at the time of egg retrieval. The egg donor compensation rate will be discussed during your consultation with one of our donor coordinators.
- What is the difference between egg donation and surrogacy? A gestational carrier (surrogate) carries a baby for another woman or a couple who is unable to carry a pregnancy. As an egg donor, you will donate eggs that will be fertilized and transferred to another woman as part of IVF. That woman will then carry the pregnancy herself.
- Are there any expenses associated with egg donation? No, the intended parents will be responsible for all costs of the cycle.
- Will I have coverage for medical emergencies? Yes. While the risk of a medical complication resulting from the egg donation process is extremely low, we believe that all patients should have coverage during any type of medical treatment.
- What are the risks of egg donation? Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) results in enlarged ovaries, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and bloating. A mild form occurs in 10-20% of cycles and almost always resolves without complications. A severe form occurs in approximately 1% of cycles. With close monitoring using sonograms and blood work, the risk of developing OHSS is very low. There is also a minor risk of bleeding or infection with egg donation (less than 1%).
- Does donating eggs hurt? The egg retrieval occurs while you are under sedation, so you will not feel pain during the actual procedure. Afterward, you may experience some bleeding and/or cramping.
- Will donating eggs affect my future fertility? No, donating eggs will not affect your own future fertility. Each month, your ovaries recruit multiple follicles, but only one reaches maturity and releases an egg. The remainder will stop developing and degenerate. The use of fertility medications develops follicles that would otherwise degenerate.
- Can I donate eggs if my tubes are tied? Yes, a previous tubal ligation does not affect egg donation.
- Can I donate eggs if I’ve already had a baby? Yes, previous pregnancies do not limit your ability to donate eggs.
- How many times can I donate eggs? The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends no more than six donations.
- How long does the egg donation process take? The time between becoming an active donor and a family choosing your eggs for a cycle varies greatly. Once your profile has been chosen by an intended parent, the screening process takes about six weeks to complete. Your egg retrieval is usually scheduled three to four weeks after the start of the injectable fertility medications.
- How are donors and recipients matched? As an egg donor, your profile will be available to egg recipients in our database. Egg recipients choose their donors based on a range of factors, including physical features, ethnic background, personality and talents.
- How much time will I need to take off from school or work? Our donor coordinators will work with your schedule as much as possible. Appointments are typically scheduled in the early to late morning. You will have approximately seven appointments at our office for screening and monitoring follicular development. You should expect to stay home the day of your retrieval and possibly the day after should you choose.
- What are my restrictions during the cycle? We ask that you limit alcohol and caffeine intake during the cycle. Also, it is very important to abstain from sexual relations during the cycle to prevent pregnancy.
- Do I have to give myself injections? Yes, you self-administer medications and hormones through subcutaneous injections. Your donor coordinator will give you an injection lesson and make sure you’re comfortable with the process.
- Will the donor egg recipient know who I am? Our egg donation and recipient egg selection process are designed to ensure your privacy. Your name is not associated with your listing in our donor database, and you will remain anonymous to any recipient(s) who choose you as their egg donor.
- Where can I donate my eggs? Monitoring can occur at both our Carmel and Fort Wayne locations. Our doctors perform egg retrieval procedures in our Carmel office.
