Egg Donation: What You Need To Know

There are many reasons why a person might become involved with egg donation. Couples look for donors if they are having trouble conceiving. Women sometimes look to become donors because they need the money or because they want to selflessly help an infertile couple realize their dreams. Sometimes for both reasons simultaneously. While money may not be the primary driving factor, there's no question that the state of the economy has had an impact on how many woman are choosing to become donors. If you are thinking about becoming a donor, here are some of the things you should know about the process.

Criteria

Not all women are appropriate for the egg donation process. Each clinic will have their own qualifications, and there are state and federal laws that have requirements that supersede even clinical desires. Most clinics look for women in their 20s, as they are producing more eggs and are more likely to have healthy reproductive systems. Federal law forbids women over the age of 35 from donating. Clinics will almost always look for women who are healthy and are non-smokers. You will likely be required to produce a medical history for both yourself and your family. In some cases, there is a psychological evaluation.

The Process

Egg donation isn't something that happens in an afternoon. The process may take a few months from start to finish. After the initial acceptance process, there will be a waiting period while the clinic matches you up to a couple looking to conceive. In most cases, you will be given birth control pills or some other form of birth control to suppress your natural menstrual cycle temporarily. Hormones will also be administered to ensure that you are at the optimum level to produce mature eggs. Once these eggs have developed, the doctor will retrieve them for fertilization and implantation.

Payment

Payment will vary, depending on where you go for egg donation. Most clinics pay a minimum of $5,000, but this number will depend on where you live and which clinic you decide to go with. If there is travel involved, it will usually be paid for by the couple receiving the eggs. All other expenses directly involved with the process will be compensated. Most clinics will provide you with a tax form so you can make the appropriate adjustments when filing that year and claiming the income.

Egg donation can be very satisfying for both the donor and the recipient. At the same time, some individuals experience emotional distress regarding the process. Make sure you are ready by talking frankly about your concerns with the doctor before you move forward with your decision.