Is Egg Donation Painful?
Medication
Age Restrictions
Donating More Than Once
Will I Have Any Expenses?
My Tubes Are Tied
My Husband or Partner

Q: Does the egg retrieval process hurt?

A: Ordinarily, the eggs are retrieved transvaginally by ultrasound guided aspiration, so that no incision is required. Because the procedure is uncomfortable, the egg donor is given IV sedation, remaining conscious, but comfortable. The infertility physician will provide the egg donor with a prescription for pain medication to take following the procedure if she becomes uncomfortable.

Q: Do I have to take medication to donate eggs?

A: Yes. The treating physician will usually prescribe an injectible medication to prevent your ovaries from creating any eggs. You will then be prescribed injectible fertility medication for several days to cause your ovaries to produce several eggs at once. When the physician decides the time is right, you will take a final medication to cause the eggs to mature and become ready for harvesting. Several different prescription medications are available, and the treating physician will decide what is most appropriate for you.

Q: Are there age limitations to being an egg donor?

A: Egg donors are typically between 21 and 33, a guideline most frequently used by infertility physicians for anonymous egg donations. Surrogacy Solutions accepts applications from women as young as 20, beginning the application, screening and matching process, but delaying egg donation until immediately after her 21st birthday. Alternatively, Surrogacy Solutions matches the donor with a couple whose infertility physician has guidelines that permit them to treat egg donors who are under age 21.

Q: How many times may I donate my eggs?

A: Each infertility physician sets his or her own standards, which range from two to six times. Surrogacy Solutions prefers to work with women who have donated less than four times.

Q: What expenses should I expect to have?

A: Egg donors are not responsible for the cost of medications or medical treatment necessary for an egg donation. You can expect to pay for childcare for your child during medical treatments associated with the egg donation, and meals and transportation if you are two hours or less from the office of the treating physician. Intended parents pay for airfare or other transportation if the infertility physician is not located within two hours driving distance from your home.

Q: My tubes have been tied. Can I still serve as an egg donor?

A: Absolutely. Women in the appropriate age range may still donate their eggs after a tubal ligation.

Q: Is there anything required of my husband (partner)?

A: Your husband or partner must agree to participate in medical screening (HIV, Hepatitis B and C, CMV, and any other sexually transmitted diseases or disorders). The same request must be made of any person with whom you have had sexual contact during the six months prior to applying as an egg donor.

For married egg donors, husbands must become parties to the contract, agree to receive no tattoo or body piercing during the contract, and must cooperate with all provisions of the contract.