Considering Egg Donation?
The act of egg donation is a generous opportunity to help families suffering from infertility, who have been prevented from obtaining their dream of having a family. No one else can help them on their journey to familial completion like an egg donor can, providing a unique genetic gift that may result in new life.
Please read through the following information. The application link is at the bottom of this page.
The Conceptual Options Egg Donor Application Process
First you will complete an initial screening application online. If you meet the required qualifications of age, BMI, availability, and smoking status you will proceed to the next step. The next step is completing the full application. Although the application may seem extensive, it is imperative you spend the time completing it honestly and accurately. If, at a later date, there are changes we ask you to please update us so we may have the most accurate information possible. After completing the application, you will complete a quiz regarding egg donation information. Lastly, you will speak with the Egg Donor Program Manager to address any potential concerns that you may have.
Once you qualify to be an egg donor through our agency, your information will be placed on our donor database where Intended Parent(s) can view your anonymous profile and photo. We are a completely anonymous egg donor agency so your private information will not be shared unless you choose to do so. The Intended Parent(s) will not know your identifying information (ex: last name, address, phone number) but will know your physical characteristics and any pertinent details of your medical, psychological, and family history.
The Matching Process
The Intended Parent(s) search for their egg donor by exploring profile after profile. Discovering an egg donor is an emotionally salient process for the Intended Parent(s). When an Intended Parent(s) picks you a case manager will call and discuss your availability and desire to work with this Intended Parent(s). If you are available and agree to work with the Intended Parent(s), you will then sign a match agreement. The match agreement is simply you officially agreeing to work with the Intended Parent(s). You will then receive an engagement letter from a law office, which after review you will sign and return. Next, you will engage in independent legal consultation to ensure your needs are met per review of the draft contract. This will be followed by psychological and medical screening, and depending on your mental and physical fitness, you will then sign the final contract.
The Egg Donation Process
The egg donation process consists of three major stages- synchronization, medication administration for egg maturation and care, and the egg retrieval process itself. The process and medications may vary slightly based on the clinic.
Synchronization: is composed of taking birth control pills so that the egg donor and the recipient’s menstrual cycle synchronize. This insures that the eggs are mature during the optimum time to foster pregnancy within the recipient’s uterus.
Medication Administration for Egg Maturation and Care: To prevent spontaneous ovulation, some doctors administer Lupron, or similar medication. At this point you will be instructed to stop taking birth control pills and begin taking Lupron. This medication is often given daily by a small injection just under the skin on the stomach. Ice or a local anesthetic may be used to numb the area for the injection. You may be required to take Lupron for approximately 14-21 days.
A woman normally develops and releases one egg per month during ovulation. About the same time you begin Lupron, you will begin taking injectable stimulation medications, called gonadotropins, once or twice daily for approximately 8 to 21 days prior to egg retrieval. They replace your natural follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to trigger a uniform stimulation which induces your ovaries to produce several mature eggs.
Medical personnel from the fertility clinic will instruct you in detail regarding your injections. Your dose may change based on your body’s response to the medication. Vaginal ultrasounds will track the number and size of your follicles and blood work will determine your hormone levels. These appointments can often be completed before work or school.
When your follicles are mature, you will be instructed to take the hCG injection. This medication may be combined with other medications depending on your doctor. This injection helps eggs mature, preparing them for retrieval. Egg retrieval occurs approximately 36 hours after your hCG injection. It is very important to strictly follow your physician’s instructions regarding the time of the medication.
Egg Retrieval: The egg retrieval process is a generally painless procedure which takes about 20-30 minutes with about an hour recovery at the clinic. You will have intravenous sedation for comfort. The procedure to retrieve the eggs is called an oocyte (egg) aspiration, which is performed with an ultrasound guided needle passing from the upper vagina into each ovary.
After a brief recovery from the anesthesia, you will be able to go home. You must have a companion drive you home. You will rest for the remaining portion of the day. The next day you may be uncomfortable as well. You’ll also need to refrain from unprotected sexual intercourse until the completion of your next menstrual cycle, as you will be extremely fertile and unwanted pregnancy could occur.
For Your Consideration
Not everyone is meant to be an egg donor. Egg donation is a gift and the egg donor is compensated for their time and risk. That is why we suggest considering a few other areas of your life to ensure that you are doing the right thing for the right reason.
Medical Concerns: Like every other medical procedure, this procedure has risks and possible side effects. The risks include, but are not limited to, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, negative reaction to anesthesia, infection, and unintended pregnancy. All risks are rare, but may occur. Some possible physical side effects include, but are not limited to cramping, bloating, and headaches.
Psychological Concerns: Hormonal medications that are utilized in the egg donation procedure may cause side effects of moodiness and sensitivity. You must have a life that is flexible enough to incorporate screening and medical appointments, as well as be able to take medication exactly how the doctor instructs you.
Ethical Concerns: Is helping infertile families through donation of genetic material something that you believe in? Are you comfortable donating to single individuals, people of the same sex orientation, couples or individuals over forty years of age? What about donating to individuals or couples that have a life threatening illness? These are choices to consider when considering becoming an egg donor.
Relationship Concerns: Please ask yourself if egg donation will impact any of your current or future relationships with family, partners, and children. Do you feel comfortable discussing this with the important people in your life? If not, why?
Future Concerns: Please consider that you are helping to create a child or children. As a donor it is your responsibility to update the clinic of any changes in you or your family’s health, as well as your contact information. Are you interested in joining the Donor Sibling Registry? This is a website where you can fulfill your donor responsibilities and protect your identity, if you so wish. For more information, please refer to DonorSiblingRegistry.com.
Start Your Donor Application*
*You will be redirected to our secure donor application website by following the above link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be an egg donor?
An egg donor is any female, generally between the ages of 21 and 29, with a BMI within healthy levels, non-smoker, and no history of genetic disorders. An egg donor must not have a personal nor familial history of birth defects or major medical problems. Also, we adhere to FDA laws regarding human tissue donation. Lastly, her schedule must be flexible enough to attend screening and medical monitoring appointments and she must be able to follow a doctor’s instructions.
Will the Intended Parent(s) know who I am?
No. We are a completely anonymous egg donor agency so your private information will not be shared unless you choose to do so. The Intended Parent(s) will not know your identifying information (ex: last name, address, phone number) but will know your physical characteristics and any pertinent details of your medical, psychological, and family history.
What if I am on birth control?
You can continue to use birth control pills while you are waiting to be matched with an Intended Parent. If you use Nuva Ring you may finish your current ring and then switch to birth control. If you are using Norplant or Depo Provera you will have to discontinue use for several months before you can donate. If you have an Intrauterine Device (I.U.D.) that does not release any level of hormone, you may be able to donate without removing it. If you have an I.U.D. that does release hormones you must switch to another form of birth control before becoming a donor.
What if I take other medications?
This depends on the medication. Please let us know any and all medications you take, so neither your health nor the cycle is jeopardized.
What are my responsibilities as an Egg Donor?
Your responsibility is to be honest throughout this process in order to protect both your health and not jeopardize the cycle. Secondly, attend all screening appointments and medical monitoring appointments, and be on time. Third, you must follow the physician’s instructions exactly regarding how and when to take medications, and ask questions when clarification is needed. Fourth, communicate any problems during the cycle to Conceptual Options and your fertility clinician. Fifth, if at any time your information changes, such as your phone number, address, health of yourself or family members, status as a donor, etc. please send us an email or call us and we will update your profile. Lastly, you are also welcome to send us new photographs of yourself that we will post on the database.
Once I am accepted into the egg donor program, how long will it take for me to get matched?
Discovering an egg donor is an emotionally salient process that the Intended Parent(s) experience. Thus, matching can occur immediately or take months to years. There is no guarantee that you will be matched.
Once I’ve been matched, how long will the cycle take?
Once the cycle has begun, with contracts, medication, and biological requirements, the process may range from one to three months approximately.
What might I experience during egg retrieval?
Intravenous sedation is generally utilized during the procedure for your comfort, so the procedure is generally painless. Some women experience cramping on the day of the retrieval, however this feeling usually abates by the next day. Sensations of pressure and/or fullness may last for several weeks after because the ovaries may remain enlarged for some time.
Will my insurance be billed for any of the medical appointments or medications?
All medical costs related to the cycle are the responsibility of the Intended Parents.
How will I be compensated?
You will be compensated for your adherence to the doctor’s protocol, time, and risk with the financial amount you requested. You may also be compensated by the knowledge that you are helping another family to grow and complete their dreams. Lastly, often you may feel empowered by controlling your body as well as by being a medical pioneer.
Will donating eggs affect my fertility?
There is no current research that states that egg donation will impact your future fertility. Increased fertility is experienced during the cycle and after until your next period. Please discuss any of your concerns regarding the egg donation procedure and/or medications with your physician.
Will I have to travel for egg donation?
It’s up to you. Intended Parent(s) may choose a fertility clinic anywhere in the United States, however most often they may choose a clinic in San Diego or Los Angeles areas.
Who will arrange my travel plans?
Conceptual Options will arrange travel plans for your donation. You are required to bring one companion with you for your comfort and safety, as you will need someone to take you back to the hotel/home after the retrieval. If you would like to bring additional companions, it will be at your own expense.
Am I responsible for cycle-related travel expenses?
No. Travel expenses for both you and your companion are covered. Please review with your care coordinator for exact stipulations.
**CALIFORNIA STATUTE ADVISORY**
“Egg donation involves a screening process. Not all potential egg donors are selected. Not all selected egg donors receive the monetary amounts or compensation advertised. As with any medical procedure, there may be risks associated with human egg donation. Before an egg donor agrees to begin the egg donation process, and signs a legally binding contract, she is required to receive specific information on the known risks of egg donation. Consultation with your doctor prior to entering into a donor contract is advised.”
*You will be redirected to our secure donor application website by following the above link.
