FAQ

  • Is egg donation legal in the United States?

    Yes. Egg donation is legal throughout the United States and is fully regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

  • Is medical insurance provided during an egg donation cycle?

    Yes. Medical insurance coverage is provided for emergencies and potential complications (though the risk is extremely low). Coverage applies during ovarian stimulation (approximately two weeks) and continues for several weeks after the egg retrieval.

  • Are travel expenses covered?

    Yes. Travel expenses are covered for the egg donor. For egg donors residing outside the United States, travel expenses for a companion are partially covered (50% of an economy or coach ticket), assuming the companion shares lodging and meals with the donor.

  • Who pays for the medications during my egg retrieval cycle as a donor?

    All medications are paid for and provided by the cryobank or the intended parents.

  • What if the donor smokes or uses marijuana?

    All egg donor candidates are screened for nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, illicit drugs, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates via urine and blood tests. We strongly recommend quitting all substances at least six months before screening. Tests are conducted initially and again before medication for egg retrieval begins.

  • Can an egg donor donate more than once?

    Yes. A young woman can donate eggs up to six times. We welcome and appreciate repeat egg donors.

  • What is the typical duration of an egg donation cycle?

    From initial screening (blood tests, genetic testing, psychological evaluation) to qualification, the timeline is typically 4 to 6 weeks. Once qualified, donors begin medications according to the clinic’s schedule, usually lasting 14 days. Clinic visits occur about a week before medication starts, then on days 9 and 12 of medication. Egg retrieval typically occurs on day 14.

  • Is egg retrieval performed under anesthesia?

    Yes. Egg donors receive monitored anesthesia care administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Common medications include propofol and fentanyl.

  • Does egg retrieval involve any cuts or marks on my body?

    No. Egg retrieval is performed without any cuts or marks, leaving no scars.

  • Is genetic testing performed on egg donors?

    Yes. All egg donors must undergo genetic testing.

  • Is the egg donation program regulated and safe?

    Yes. Our egg donation program is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), College of American Pathologists (CAP), and state regulatory bodies. Our clinics and physicians are fully licensed and board-certified.

  • What screenings will I have as a donor?

    Donors undergo comprehensive drug screening, infectious disease testing per FDA guidelines, medical exams, psychological evaluations, genetic carrier screening, and genetic counseling.

  • Is a background check performed for egg donors?

    No. Egg donors do not undergo background checks.

  • Can I continue working during the egg donation process?

    Yes, you can continue working, except on the day of egg retrieval and any days required for travel.

  • What happens after my eggs are harvested?

    Once harvested, your eggs become property of the cryobank, and you will sign contracts stating this agreement.

  • When will I be compensated?

    You will receive compensation 72 hours after egg retrieval. Donors must remain in the retrieval city and complete a follow-up evaluation 48 hours after the procedure.

  • How will my eggs be used?

    Your eggs may be matched directly with intended parents or made available through our cryobank as frozen eggs. Eggs can be allocated to one set of intended parents or subdivided for multiple recipients.

  • Will the egg donation process be anonymous?

    Yes. Egg donation is de-identified, meaning no personally identifiable information about the donor is provided to intended parents or published on our cryobank site.

  • What if I want to maintain contact with any children born from my donated eggs?

    Typically, egg donors prefer to remain de-identified. However, donors may choose to consent to contact in specific circumstances, such as medical emergencies requiring bone marrow or organ transplants or once children become adults. This consent does not establish any parental relationship.

  • Can an egg donor get some eggs frozen for herself?

    Yes. After completing three egg retrieval cycles, donors can choose to freeze eight eggs for personal use during their fourth cycle, provided 24 or more mature eggs are retrieved.

  • How old can I be to donate my eggs?

    Egg donors should be between the ages of 21 and 30.

  • Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to donate my eggs at this program?

    No. All nationalities are welcome. You must have a valid U.S. visa, green card, or citizenship. Note that we do not provide visa assistance.

  • Is there anything I can do to prepare my body ahead of time?

    Yes, maintain a healthy weight and avoid getting tattoos within six months prior to donation.

  • Do I have to have had children before I can donate?

    No. You do not need to have had children before. Nulligravid individuals (those who have never been pregnant) are welcome and eligible to donate.

  • What other information do you collect from me?

    We collect extensive medical history, educational background, languages spoken, and ethnic heritage information through our questionnaires.

  • Can I donate my eggs if I am identified as Native American or a member of an indigenous tribe?

    Currently, members of Native American or indigenous tribes must have explicit permission from their tribal councils to donate. Documentation is required, and we typically facilitate direct matching for donors from these populations.

  • What if I have additional questions?

    Please contact us at info@eggdonor.llc for any further information.