The decision to become an egg donor offers a path to parenthood for individuals and couples who cannot conceive otherwise. Egg donation is a complex medical process where oocytes are retrieved from a donor and transferred to a recipient. Because the health of the donor and the potential resulting child is paramount, the requirements for participation are rigorous. These strict eligibility criteria are established by medical and ethical guidelines to ensure the highest standards of safety and success.
Physical and Lifestyle Eligibility Criteria
The initial screening focuses on a donor’s physical health and demographic profile. Age is a primary factor, with most clinics requiring donors to be between 21 and 29 years old, though some accept applicants up to 31. This narrow range maximizes the quality and quantity of retrieved eggs, as fertility potential naturally declines after the late twenties.
Maintaining a body mass index (BMI) within a healthy range, typically between 18.5 and 27.9, is required. A healthy weight is important because excess fat tissue can disrupt the hormonal balance needed for ovarian stimulation, while a very low BMI increases the risk of complications like Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. Donors must also demonstrate sound reproductive health, including regular menstrual cycles and two functional ovaries.
Strict lifestyle criteria are enforced to protect the donor’s health and the quality of the oocytes. This includes a prohibition on smoking, vaping, or any form of nicotine use, as tobacco products negatively affect egg quality. Applicants must also have no history of illicit drug use or heavy alcohol consumption, as these factors compromise overall health and the safety of the medical protocol. Some programs require a minimum level of education, such as a high school diploma, as an indicator of reliability.
Detailed Medical and Genetic Screening Prerequisites
Once a donor meets the initial physical standards, they proceed to a clinical testing phase designed to rule out infectious diseases and genetic risks. This medical evaluation begins with a physical exam and a pelvic ultrasound to confirm the health of the uterus and ovaries. Blood testing is performed to assess ovarian reserve, primarily by measuring Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels, which indicates the remaining egg supply.
Infectious disease screening is mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent the transmission of pathogens to the recipient or embryo. This panel includes testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) types 1 and 2, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, and Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2). Cervical cultures are also taken to screen for sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
Genetic carrier screening is the most detailed part of the medical evaluation, performed to minimize the risk of passing on heritable conditions. Donors are tested for a wide panel of recessive genetic disorders, such as Cystic Fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). A certified genetic counselor reviews the donor’s personal and family medical history—often spanning three generations—to identify patterns of inheritable cancers, congenital malformations, or chronic illnesses that would disqualify the applicant. If a donor is found to be a carrier for a recessive condition, the results are compared against the intended parent’s screening to ensure that both parties do not carry the same gene.
Psychological Assessment and Legal Obligations
Beyond the physical and genetic requirements, the process demands a thorough assessment of the donor’s mental health and emotional readiness. A mandatory psychological evaluation is conducted by a licensed mental health professional specializing in third-party reproduction. This evaluation uses clinical interviews and standardized personality tests, such as the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), to assess emotional stability and coping skills.
The primary purpose of the psychological screening is to ensure the donor fully understands the short-term and potential long-term implications of their decision, including the emotional complexity of relinquishing parental rights. The interview delves into the donor’s motivation for donating, current life stressors, and family history of psychiatric disorders or substance abuse. This step also confirms the donor is capable of adhering to the strict protocol, which requires managing medication schedules, attending numerous appointments, and navigating the hormonal changes associated with the cycle.
The final commitment involves signing legal contracts that formalize the arrangement between the donor and the intended parents. These documents outline the financial compensation, the degree of anonymity or openness in the relationship, and the complete relinquishment of any legal or parental rights to the resulting children. The donor agrees to follow the doctor’s prescriptions and complete all necessary medical tests, confirming the contractual commitment required for the donation to proceed.