Egg donation offers a pathway to parenthood for many individuals and couples facing infertility. Those considering becoming a donor often have questions about how existing medical conditions might influence their eligibility. Understanding the requirements is an important first step for anyone interested in this generous act.
Herpes and Egg Donation Eligibility
A history of herpes simplex virus (HSV), whether HSV-1 (oral herpes) or HSV-2 (genital herpes), does not automatically disqualify an individual from egg donation. Clinics generally accept donors with herpes if they are not experiencing an active outbreak at the time of screening or the donation procedure. An active outbreak means the virus is currently causing visible lesions or symptoms, which would lead to a deferral or disqualification until the outbreak resolves.
The virus primarily resides in nerve cells and is not transmitted through the egg itself. If a donor has a dormant infection with no recent outbreaks and is asymptomatic, donation may proceed. Specific clinic policies can vary, and a thorough medical evaluation is a necessary step. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) provides guidelines for screening infectious diseases like HSV, which clinics follow.
Why Herpes Affects Eligibility
The primary concern regarding herpes and egg donation centers on the risk of transmitting the virus, particularly if an active outbreak were to occur during pregnancy in the recipient. The concern is for vertical transmission to the fetus or baby if the recipient develops an active outbreak during pregnancy or at the time of delivery. This could lead to neonatal herpes, a serious and sometimes fatal condition for the infant, which can result in lasting damage to the central nervous system.
The risk of neonatal herpes is very low for individuals who had herpes before pregnancy because their immune system produces antibodies that offer some protection to the baby through the placenta. However, a new herpes infection acquired during pregnancy carries a higher risk of transmission to the baby, especially if it occurs late in pregnancy. Fertility clinics prioritize minimizing all potential risks to both the recipient and any resulting child, even if the direct transmission through the egg is not a concern.
The Egg Donor Screening Process
The screening process for egg donors is thorough and designed to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient. It includes a comprehensive review of the donor’s medical history, where any past or present medical conditions, including herpes outbreaks, must be disclosed. Blood tests are a standard part of this screening, checking for antibodies to various sexually transmitted infections, including HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Beyond infectious disease testing, the screening also includes physical examinations, such as a transvaginal ultrasound to assess ovarian health and a general physical exam. A psychological evaluation is also performed by a qualified mental health professional to assess the donor’s emotional readiness and stability for the donation process. This multi-faceted approach helps determine overall eligibility.
General Egg Donor Requirements
Beyond infectious disease status, several general requirements apply to egg donors. Donors are typically between 21 and 32 years old, though some clinics set the upper limit at 29. Donors are expected to be in good physical health, with a healthy body mass index (BMI) between 19 and 29.
A clear family medical history is also important, as it helps assess for any genetic risks that could be passed on to a child. Donors should not have a history of inherited genetic disorders. Additionally, donors must be non-smokers and free from drug use.