Donor Egg
Network

Although there are risks involved with every medical procedure, the simple answer is that an egg donation cycle will not affect your fertility. 

There are thousands of egg donation cycles performed annually in the United States, and this number is steadily increasing with the advent of Donor Egg Bank (DEB) cycles.

More than 200,000 IVF cycles are performed every year in the U.S., and many thousands more throughout the world. Consider that an egg donation cycle is IVF as a “threesome.” You are stepping in for the recipient mom for the stimulation and retrieval phase of IVF. She and her partner (or sperm donor) will take over from there for fertilization and transfer. 

An egg donation cycle only works with the eggs the donor has available for that month…and that month only. The cycle does not “take” your BEST eggs, nor does it “take” MORE of your eggs. It simply helps make more of your available eggs from your current menstrual cycle viable for ovulation.

The eggs you don’t use this month are gone forever…same for next month and the month after that. We’d just like to put them to use – all in an effort to help recipient couples achieve their dreams of becoming parents, without compromising your own dreams of becoming a parent.

Although most states require egg donors to reach age 21 prior to initiating a cycle, we can accept applications from young women between the ages of 20 and 30.  Preferred BMI is 28 or below but with some “wiggle” room. It’s important that egg donors do not use illegal drugs or nicotine in any form.  Alcohol use and marijuana are acceptable although medical protocol may prohibit them during the egg donation cycle.

Upon completion of the application process, we’ll schedule pre-screening evaluations for fertility (blood draw and ultrasound), genetics, and a psychological evaluation to confirm readiness to cycle.

Once a match is identified, donors will be placed on birth control pills, and participate in an STD and drug screen lab work and a physical examination. 

As the cycle starts, donors will initiate a 10- to 12-day injectable hormone stimulation period designed to increase the number of viable eggs at ovulation.  A series of 15-minute morning appointments scheduled every other day will confirm readiness for retrieval.

From the date a match is identified, the egg donation process takes approximately 6 - 10 weeks, depending on where the donor is at in her menstrual cycle and the clinic’s scheduling.  Only the last two weeks of the egg donation cycle are somewhat time-intensive regarding medical appointments.

Each of these forms of birth control can be used with no delay in initiating an egg donation cycle:

• Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs), Patch, Diaphragm, Ring, Non-Hormonal IUD*, Condoms, None

These forms are not acceptable and either need to be removed or run their course

• Armpit Insert and Injection

*Most clinics will require the removal of Hormonal IUDs

First, congratulations on your new baby!  We could not be happier for you and your family.  As breast milk is one of the most important protections you can provide for your baby’s natural immune system, we encourage you to breastfeed as long as is recommended.  Once you have completed breastfeeding, the “rule of thumb” is approximately experiencing three full menstrual cycles prior to initiating a cycle so that your hormones are back to pre-pregnancy levels.

Your clinic will provide instructions relating to sexual activity and exercise during treatment.  It is important to follow their instructions for your safety and well-being during the stimulation phase, retrieval, and post-retrieval periods.  You can expect that sexual intercourse will need to cease during this timeframe, usually up to your first menstrual period post-retrieval when you can resume your preferred birth control method.   For exercise, it’s important to be kind to your body.  Although walking and jogging are encouraged, activities involving heavy lifting, twisting, and running long distances are discouraged during the last two weeks of your egg donation cycle and at least one week post-retrieval just to give your body the appropriate time to recover. 

You will be happy to hear that although there are potential risks and side effects with any medication protocol and procedure, the incidence of significant events is extremely low… less than 1 percent for any single cycle.  The primary side effect we look for is bloating, known as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, or OHSS, which occurs in approximately 1 out of every 200 cycles.  Risks can include abdominal bleeding or ovarian torsion (twisted ovary), each also occurring in about 1 out of every 200 cycles.  Although the risk and side effect profile is extremely low, donor insurance is issued for every cycle to cover any cycle-related care at no expense to the donor.

We never wish for anyone to regret the decision to donate her eggs to an individual or couple in need of this extraordinary gift.  Although there is no requirement for a future relationship or communication with the recipients of your gift, it is important to know that they will most likely be able to identify you due to the popularity of consumer DNA testing. Most are designed to “connect the DNA dots.”  If you or your family members have submitted their DNA for ancestry connections, there is a strong possibility that you may be identified.  We can facilitate a conversation or written communication if you and your recipients desire; however, there is no requirement for you to do so.

Compensation varies among cycles but is always generous!  Clinics and agencies have guidelines, which may incorporate a ladder approach, meaning a first-time donor may receive one amount and an experienced and proven donor may receive a different amount. It’s important to note that you, as the egg donor, always can accept or reject the suggested compensation amount.  Our goal is to meet your financial needs while being considerate of a recipient’s ability to afford medical care.  We will discuss what you can expect during our application process.