What is egg donation?
The synchronizing of the menstrual cycles of the Egg Donor and the Recipient mother, followed by the stimulation of Donors ovaries to produce multiple follicles. The next step is the retrieval of the eggs by ultrasound-guided catheter. These eggs are then fertilized in a glass dish. Some of the resulting embryos are placed into the uterus of the recipient mother. A pregnancy test is administered approximately 10-14 days after the implantation.
What fees are paid to the Donor?
Our current compensation is $4,000 per successful egg retrieval procedure. Egg donors can make up to $16,000 once approved and dependant on current recipient demand. Once you have filled out the questionnaire and qualified to become a donor, the staff will walk you through the compensation process.
What are the advantages of egg donation for recipient couples?
- The ability to experience a pregnancy
- A viable alternative to adoption
- Provides more control of the prenatal environment and heath of the child
- Allows a Couple to choose a Donor with similar characteristics to the recipient
What kind of a person becomes an Egg Donor?
A kind and caring woman between the ages of 20 years and 30 years, of any ethnic background, preferably with a college degree or presently pursuing a college degree and is in excellent health.
What is the time commitment for a donation?
Screening the donor takes place over a two to three month period of time. There are several steps in the process.
- Completion of a complete donor a medical history, genetic history and personal information questionnaire.
- A written psychological inventory and psychological evaluation with our counselor
- A physical exam and interview with a member of our clinical staff
Once approved the donation process takes roughly three weeks and includes 8-10 brief office visits. The actual retrieval typically requires one full day.
What happens once a donor is accepted?
It has been our experience that soon after becoming an accepted donor, you may be asked to start a donor IVF cycle. You will attend a class that explains the IVF(In Vitro Fertilization) process. All medications are given by injections. Most patients learn to perform the injections themselves or you may bring a friend or significant other to class to learn how to give injections. An IVF stimulation cycle takes about 2 1/2 weeks, which includes visiting the office between 7:00 - 8:00 AM approximately 7-10 mornings. These visits will include a blood sample and vaginal ultrasound to assess your progress. Egg removal is performed by passing a needle through the vagina, into the ovary while you are sedated. Most patients do not even remember the egg retrieval. You will need someone to drive you home after the egg retrieval.
What information will be shared with the recipient of my eggs?
Your anonymity in this program is very important to us. You will be identified to the recipient by the following information: blood type, height, weight, eye color, hair color , family health history, and other non identifying information on your profile. The couple will not see a picture of you and your actual identity will not be disclosed to any patients.
What information will I know about the outcome of my donation?
This is an anonymous egg donation program. You will not receive information after your donation regarding whether or not a pregnancy was achieved. You will not know the identity of the person who received the gift of your eggs.
If you have further question please feel free to contact a staff member at 509-252-1034. We look forward to speaking with you.