What It Takes to Become an Egg Donor
Becoming a donor is not a difficult process. The process does have many steps, however, and it can be time consuming. The speed at which one goes through the process depends on many factors including the donor's drive, the needs of the fertility clinic, and whether she already has a recipient waiting.
Finding DonorsMost egg donors are between the ages of twenty-one and thirty-four. This is the current recommendation by the ASRM. Women over the age of thirty-four have an increased risk of genetic problems in pregnancy (for example, Down Syndrome) and a decline in natural fertility. Some fertility centers also require that the egg donor have proven fertility, meaning she has been successfully pregnant prior to her egg donation.
One of the first steps in selecting a woman as a donor is a psychiatric evaluation. The potential donor will usually have a one-on-one chat with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker, depending on the fertility clinic. This professional is someone who is familiar with the special needs and issues surrounding egg donation.
Once the egg donor clears this stage, the physical exams begin. Some fertility centers choose to start with blood screening. The egg donor's blood will be tested for drug use, medications, disease, and so forth, to ensure that the donor is in good health.
Most fertility centers will provide the donor with short-term health insurance to cover problems that arise from the donation. This fee is usually charged to the recipient. This prevents the recipient from suddenly having to pay out of pocket should some medical problem arise from the egg donor's harvest or treatment.
In addition to the blood work, the donor will undergo a complete physical exam. Some fertility centers allow this exam to be performed by the donor's own physician, while others choose to have the physical exam done by their office. A nurse practitioner or the reproductive specialist of your choosing can do this. This will include examining her reproductive tract and screening for reproductive health.
A detailed medical history is also taken at this time from the egg donor. Occasionally, she may be referred to a genetic specialist if there are questions and concerns about her genetic history.
The Donation ProcessThe number of times that any one donor may donate eggs is not something that is currently established. Since it is wise to limit the exposure to the repeated use of fertility drugs because of their potential problems, some fertility clinic allow their donors to have only four or five cycles. Other professional societies suggest that no more than twenty-five pregnancies occur from one donor, though this includes the use of shared cycles.
Once the process of becoming a donor is completed, the egg donor will be listed in the registry for that fertility clinic. The donor will then wait to be selected by a recipient woman or couple. Once selected, the medical cycle begins and proceeds from that point.
Why would someone donate her eggs?
Most egg donors are women with families of their own who simply wish to be able to help other women who are unable to conceive. They consider egg donation a great gift to an infertile couple.
The process of egg donation is becoming more fine-tuned the more it is done. This is the perfect therapy for women who do not have much, if any, ovarian function. This is also an excellent choice for you if you do not have ovaries. Using an egg donor can open up a whole new world for your fertility options.
