Can I become an egg donor with your agency if I don’t live in Southern California, where you are located?
Yes. New Fertility works with donors and future parents from all over the world. Residency status does not matter for international donors (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, student visa, visitor’s visa, etc.). International donors will need to travel to California for screening and retrieval.
What is the compensation for egg donation?
Egg donors will be compensated for their time and effort during the egg donation process. The compensation for first-time egg donors usually starts at $5,000. Egg donors who have previously donated successfully will be compensated at a higher rate. When the donor starts her injectable medication, she will receive partial payment. After the egg retrieval, the remainder will be paid. The intended parents will fund a trust account from which we will disperse the payments in accordance with the egg donation agreement.
How long does the process of egg donation take?
It depends. When your profile is complete and available for future parents, there may be some time that passes until you are selected. Some donors are chosen quickly, while others take longer to be matched. Once you have been selected, the egg donation process of medical screening, legal process, and egg donation typically takes about 12-16 weeks.
What is the egg retrieval process like?
The procedure itself takes less than an hour and is minimally invasive. It is an outpatient procedure and you will be given a mild sedative. You will spend 30-45 minutes in the recovery room, then you may leave with your travel companion. Most donors don’t remember the procedure afterward, and some experience mild cramping after the procedure
What risks are associated with egg donation?
There is potential for risks and side effects with many medical procedures and egg donation is no different. Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome is the primary risk. This condition is quite rare, affecting 1-3% of cases, and your physician will conduct careful monitoring to avoid the possibility. Egg donors may or may not experience side effects from the medication, including headaches, mood swings, bloating, nausea, and/or temporary stinging at the injection site. There are no proven long-term risks of egg donation, and we work with top clinics and experienced doctors to reduce the risks even further.
Why are there weight requirements for egg donors?
It is recommended that egg donors have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or less, according to the ASRM. The risk of medical complications during the process of egg donation is decreased for donors who are within a healthy weight range. There is also a correlation between healthy weight and the quality and quantity of eggs retrieved. You can check your BMI using this BMI calculator.
Why are there age restrictions for egg donors?
The ASRM guidelines give age ranges of 19-29 for egg donors. These ranges ensure donors on the lower age limit can legally enter into a contract, while the upper limit is a reflection of the fact that as women age, egg quality declines.
If I smoke or vape, can I become an egg donor?
You will not qualify to become an egg donor if you smoke or vape nicotine or marijuana, or use any recreational drugs. You must be completely clean of nicotine and any recreational drugs for at least two months before being in our database as a donor.
If I have tattoos and/or piercings, can I donate?
Yes. If you have recently received a tattoo or piercing, we will request a signed letter from the tattoo or body piercing establishment that they followed proper sanitation guidelines and used disposable needles. If you will not be able to provide this letter, there is a 6-12 month waiting period before you may become eligible to donate.
If I am breastfeeding, can I donate?
You may start the application to become an egg donor, but you may not donate while you are breastfeeding.
If I have had a tubal ligation, can I donate?
Yes, if you have had a tubal ligation, you may still become an egg donor.
If I have had an abortion, can I donate?
Yes, you may donate if you have had an abortion in the past.
If I am using birth control, can I donate?
Yes, you may still become an egg donor if you are using birth control. A delay in the donation cycle may be caused by some methods of birth control. Please be sure to ask the egg donor coordinator for more information and note in your profile which method of birth control you are using.
If I have HPV or genital herpes, can I donate?
Yes, you can become an egg donor with either of these conditions. During the process, the IVF doctor will need to ensure that you do not experience any flare-ups. You are still eligible to donate if you have been treated for an STD.
During the donation process, am I required to abstain from sex?
While on medications for the cycle, donors are expected to abstain from sexual intercourse. The egg donor can become very fertile while taking the injectable medications, with an increased risk of an unplanned pregnancy. If the donor engages in sexual intercourse while on medications, a cycle can be canceled.
During the donation process, can I drink alcohol?
When your injections start, you will be asked to refrain from drinking alcohol. You will be given specific guidelines from the IVF clinic coordinator.
During the donation process, can I exercise?
In order to avoid any medical complications, egg donors are asked to refrain from strenuous exercise throughout the process from beginning stimulation hormones through the retrieval. Following the retrieval, the IVF doctor will advise when it is okay to resume exercise activities.
Will I need to travel for egg donation?
If the clinic of the recipient(s) you are matched with is not within 60 miles of your home or work, you will be required to travel. If travel is required, the recipient(s) pay for all travel expenses, including airfare, transportation, hotel accommodations, and $50 per diem per 24 hours away from home. When you travel for egg retrieval, the same travel expenses will be paid for a companion to accompany you. We will take care of making all the travel arrangements. During your match, travel details will be discussed and agreed upon.
Will I need to take time off from school or work?
Little or no time from school or work should be missed, as the appointments are typically early in the morning. One full day off from your normal activities will be required for the egg retrieval. If travel is required for your retrieval, you will need to take 5-10 days off from school or work. If your employer or school requires a doctor’s note, you will be provided one.
Am I going to be able to meet the intended parents who receive my eggs?
Donors usually do not meet the recipient of the egg donation since most donations are anonymous. If the donor chooses a “known donation,” all parties will need to agree to meeting in advance.
Will I have any responsibility for any children that are born?
No. Children who are born from donated eggs are the responsibility of the future parents. During the legal phase of the process, parental rights will be covered in depth. It is important that you read and understand all the legal agreements. An attorney will be provided to you to review the legal contract.
Is my insurance going to be billed for any of the medication or appointments?
The recipient is responsible for all expenses related to the donation cycle. If you choose to use your insurance, the recipient will pay for any costs involved, including your premium. Otherwise, you will be provided an insurance policy once you start injections.
How do you ensure confidentiality throughout the donation process?
Both the legal contract with the recipient(s) and our company confidentiality policy protect donor confidentiality. When donors apply, they are given an ID number that is used throughout the donation process.
SURROGATE FAQWe’ve had many women who enjoy being surrogates so much, that they’ve had multiple successful journeys.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our surrogacy program or the process involved.
We look forward to hearing from you!