Egg donation is a highly regulated medical process where a woman voluntarily provides her oocytes, or eggs, to assist individuals or couples who are unable to conceive using their own eggs. This generous act provides a path to parenthood for those facing infertility, premature ovarian failure, or genetic concerns. The overall process is complex, involving strict qualification standards, intensive medical screening, a controlled medication cycle, and a minor surgical procedure.
Initial Eligibility Requirements
The donation process begins with strict baseline criteria designed to ensure the donor’s health and egg quality. Most programs require donors to be between 21 and 30 years old, as this period is associated with peak egg quality. Programs may accept women as young as 19, but the upper limit rarely exceeds 32 to 34 years of age for first-time donors.
A healthy physical profile is non-negotiable. A healthy BMI (usually 18 to 28) is required because excessive fat or low weight can disrupt hormone balance or increase the risk of complications like Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Donors must be non-smokers and free from illicit drug use, as these substances negatively impact egg quality.
Many agencies prefer candidates to have at least a high school diploma. Providing a detailed personal and family medical history is mandatory, including health information for parents, siblings, and grandparents to screen for heritable conditions. Donors must also demonstrate the commitment necessary to adhere to a demanding medication and appointment schedule.
The Screening and Evaluation Process
After initial eligibility is confirmed, a comprehensive, multi-layered screening and evaluation process begins. This intensive phase includes medical, genetic, and psychological assessments, all adhering to guidelines set by professional bodies like the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). The medical evaluation starts with a complete physical exam, including a transvaginal ultrasound to assess the reproductive organs and measure the ovarian reserve.
Blood tests are performed to evaluate hormone levels, such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), which indicate the quantity of eggs remaining. Extensive infectious disease screening is mandatory, checking for conditions like HIV, Hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and chlamydia to protect the recipient and future child. A drug screening is often included to confirm the donor’s reported lifestyle habits.
The genetic screening involves a consultation with a genetic counselor to review the donor’s family history for inherited disorders. This is followed by carrier screening (a blood or saliva test) to check for recessive genes that may cause conditions like Cystic Fibrosis or Sickle Cell Anemia. The psychological evaluation assesses the donor’s motivation, emotional stability, and full understanding of the process’s physical, legal, and emotional implications.
The Medical Cycle and Egg Retrieval
Following successful screening, the donor begins the medical cycle, which typically lasts two to four weeks. The process starts with self-administered hormone injections (gonadotropins) containing synthetic versions of FSH and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). These injectable medications are taken daily to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple mature follicles, rather than the single one that develops naturally.
Throughout the stimulation phase, the donor must attend frequent monitoring appointments, often four or more, involving blood tests and transvaginal ultrasounds. The blood tests track reproductive hormone levels, while the ultrasounds measure the size and number of developing follicles. This close monitoring allows the medical team to adjust medication dosages precisely to maximize egg yield and minimize the risk of complications.
When the majority of the follicles reach an optimal size (usually 18mm to 22mm), the donor takes the “trigger shot.” This final injection, often containing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), mimics the natural LH surge to prompt the final maturation of the eggs. The timing of this shot is precise, as the retrieval procedure must be scheduled 32 to 36 hours later to collect the eggs before they would naturally ovulate.
The egg retrieval is an outpatient procedure performed under light intravenous sedation. A physician uses a thin, ultrasound-guided needle inserted through the vaginal wall to gently aspirate the follicular fluid and eggs from each mature follicle. The procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, and the donor is monitored in a recovery area for a few hours before being released to recover at home.
Compensation and Donor Rights
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) states that donors are compensated for their time and commitment, not for the eggs themselves. Compensation is generally a flat fee, varying geographically and based on the donor’s experience, often falling between $6,500 and $8,500 for a completed cycle. This payment is provided only after the retrieval procedure is successfully completed.
Before the medical process begins, a legally binding contract is established between the donor and the intended parents, clarifying the rights and responsibilities of all parties. The contract specifies the terms of payment, reimbursement for travel or medical expenses, and the intended parents’ legal control over the retrieved eggs and any resulting embryos. The donor must be represented by separate legal counsel to ensure their rights are protected and they legally relinquish any parental claims to the child.
This legal agreement also defines the future contact arrangement. Options range from a completely anonymous donation, where identities are never shared, to a semi-open or open arrangement allowing for future contact with the child at a specified age. Even with anonymous donation, donor information is retained for medical purposes, and some state laws require programs to collect contact information in case the child wishes to seek it at age 18.