|  | Family Health | Family Planning

Information on Donating Human Eggs

According to a March 15, 2006, article from USA Today, human egg donors have increased, particularly among young women in college in financial difficulty. If you are interested in being an egg donor, you should be aware of the process in order to make an informed decision.

  1. Candidacy/Evaluation

    • You may be a candidate for becoming an egg donor if you meet the fertility clinic's criteria, which may include appearance, family health history, age and SAT scores. In addition, you must be evaluated both medically and psychologically, according to Center for Assisted Reproduction.

    Selection

    • The recipient can select you based on your profile in the clinic's database. Once selected you must have a variety of blood tests to screen for diseases, such as hepatitis B and C, HIV and syphilis, among others.

    Preparation

    • The Center for Assisted Reproduction indicates that in order to prepare you for the egg retrieval, your cycle will be synchronized with the recipient's through the use of birth control pills or a contraceptive vaginal ring. In addition, you will be given daily injections of a hormone to stimulate the production of eggs.

    Retrieval

    • When the eggs are mature, they will be surgically removed from your ovaries. This is done by a needle through your vagina, that is guided for precision by ultrasound. You are sedated for this procedure.

    Payment

    • Payment for egg donations can be anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000, according to a Feb. 18, 2007, Associated Press article on MSNBC.com.

    Follow-up

    • Your fertility clinic should provide a follow-up visit one to two weeks after the egg retrieval.

Family Planning - Related Articles