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Donor FAQs |
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We have outlined some frequently asked questions to help our prospective donors better understand the process of egg donation and the risks involved. However, this information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician. We recommend that you consult a medical professional for more detailed information regarding the medical procedures and risks associated with egg donation. If you have a question that is not addressed below, please email or call our office.
- Why do some women require the assistance of an egg donor to have a child?
Women with health problems contributing to premature ovarian failure, or women whose eggs are not of adequate quality. Those with genetic diseases or chromosomal abnormalities may wish to utilize third party reproduction to prevent passing these disorders to their children. Also, women who have waited to have children until their late thirties or forties may have diminished ovarian function and require the assistance of an egg donor. Back to top
- What type of person can be an egg donor?
A donor should be a healthy, responsible woman between the ages of 20-34, and of any ethnic background. It is required that donors be non-smokers, have no sexually transmitted diseases, and no major genetic diseases or health problems in their immediate family. Back to top
- What characteristics are in the highest demand for egg donors?
Each set of intended parents have their own characteristics they are seeking in a donor. Most couples are seeking a donor with similar characteristics to themselves. Back to top
- Why should you choose to be an egg donor with Happy Beginnings, LLC?
We have been through the process of egg donation and not only are we familiar with the process, but we know what a rewarding experience it can be. We treat our donors with the utmost respect and strive to maintain their preferred level of anonymity. We will be available to answer questions, support our donors and ensure that they have a stress free donor experience. Back to top
- Will I be compensated for my participation in your program as an egg donor?
Yes, once formally matched with a family, we require that intended parents place the donor's compensation amount in a trust account set up with our agency to be disbursed according to the terms of the egg donation agreement. Our agency abides by the American Society of Reproductive Medicines guidelines regarding the compensation of donors. Our donors receive compensations up to $10,000.00 for their time and effort for participation in an egg donor cycle. Typically this is disbursed as $750.00 upon starting injectable medications and the remainder is disbursed after completion of the egg retrieval procedure. Back to top
- What is the time commitment for an egg donation cycle?
On average it will take approximately three months for complete facilitation of a donor cycle. This time frame is from the time our intended parents choose a donor until the completion of the egg retrieval procedure. This is an estimate only and will vary with each unique situation. To be an egg donor you must be willing to arrange your schedule to attend 5-10 medical appointments. Back to top
- Can I be an egg donor if I have had an abortion?
Most women are able to donate if they had abortions in the past. However, they must be healthy, and have at least three regular menstrual cycles before participating in an egg donation cycle.Back to top
- What types of birth control can I use and still be an egg donor?
- A woman may be a donor if she is on regular monthly birth control pills. Although, she may be required to stop taking them prior to testing and she will be required to stop taking them for a period of time when she is participating in an egg donation cycle.
- It is recommended that donors refrain from using the birth control patch for three months prior to participating in a donor cycle.
- If you have a Non-Hormonal IUD then you may participate in a donor cycle.
- However, if you are using a Hormonal IUD then you will need to have it removed and have three regular menstrual cycles before participating in an egg donation cycle.
- If you are using Depo-Provera or a Norplant device, it is required that you are off of it for at least six to twelve months and have had three regular menstrual cycles before participating in an egg donation cycle. Back to top
- Can I be a donor if I have had a tubal ligation?
Yes, you may be donor if you have had a tubal ligation. In an egg donation cycle the eggs are retrieved prior to being released in the fallopian tubes. However, it is necessary that you meet all of the other donor requirements.Back to top
- Can I be a donor if I am breastfeeding?
You may not donate while you are breastfeeding. It is necessary that you have had three regular menstrual cycles prior to participating in a donor cycle. However, the matching process can sometimes take a while and we may list you as unavailable for a period of time if you meet all of our other donor requirements.Back to top
- Why do you require that donors be height and weight proportionate?
It is necessary for donors to be within a healthy weight range, so that they are not at an increased risk for medical complications when participating in an egg donation cycle.Back to top
- Are there side affects to the fertility medication?
The most common side affects are similar to those experienced during your menstrual cycle. These often include headaches, bloating, mood swings, hot flashes and breast tenderness. With some fertility medications you may experience a rash at the site where you administered the injectable medications. However, if this happens consult the fertility clinic you are cycling with to make sure that this is a common reaction for the medication you are taking. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome is a more serious side affect that can be associated with the over stimulation of your ovaries by fertility medication. It has occurred in 1-5% of ovarian stimulation cycles and can be very serious or fatal if it is not treated. It is imperative that you administer your medication exactly as instructed by the reproductive physician you are cycling with to prevent complications. Notify the clinic immediately if you are experiencing any body changes or extreme side affects.Back to top
- Will I have to undergo surgery for the egg retrieval?
The eggs are retrieved in a sterile, surgical room, but there are no surgical incisions made. The eggs are retrieved through the vagina using an ultrasound-guided needle to aspirate the follicles. Please visit our egg retrieval info. page for a description of the egg retrieval.Back to top
- Will the egg retrieval procedure be painful?
Donors are usually given IV sedation or a light anesthesia during the procedure to prevent discomfort. However, it is common for donors to experience mild cramping, bloating and nausea after the procedure. These usually subside or lessen within few days.Back to top
- Can I have sexual intercourse while taking the fertility medications?
Donors should not engage in sexual intercourse while taking the fertility medication and should not resume sexual activity until they have experienced their first menstrual cycle following the egg retrieval procedure. Engaging in sexual activity during this time can drastically increase your chances of getting pregnant. Back to top
- Will being an egg donor affect my ability to have children?
Your body produces millions of eggs and in one donation approximately 10-40 are retrieved. Many donors have children of their own without any complications after being an egg donor. Back to top
- How many times can I donate my eggs?
An egg donor may participate in six donation cycles in a lifetime.. This is a requirement set forth by the fertility clinics as recommended by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.Back to top
- Will I be required to travel?
We do not require that our donors be available to travel. However, it may be more difficult to match you for an egg donation cycle if you are unable to travel to the location of the intended parents fertility clinic. If the Intended Parents are not local to your home, you will be required to travel on 2 occasions. 1.) A one overnight trip for an in depth medical & psychological screening. 2.) A 5-10 day trip for monitoring and the egg retrieval procedure. It is required that a companion accompany the donor on this trip and all expenses will also be paid for the companion on this trip. **All travel expenses for a donor to travel to the area of the intended parents clinic will be paid for by the intended parents. The funds will be placed in a trust account with Happy Beginnings, LLC. They will be dispensed accordingly to cover donor's travel expenses. A Happy Beginnings representative will make all donor travel arrangements. Back to top
- When will I receive my donor compensation?
Compensation is typically disbursed $750.00 upon the commencement of injectable medications and the remainder is disbursed within (5) days following the egg retrieval procedure. Back to top
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