There are some significant benefits to becoming an egg donor, from the fulfillment of helping someone start a family, to the compensation that many egg donation clinics provide.
However, you may have a few questions about the process before you decide to become an egg donor. It’s important that potential donors do their due diligence before signing up, which is why we’ve compiled the following egg donation FAQs.
Frequently asked questions by egg donors
We want to make sure that you make an informed decision about becoming an egg donor. As such, the following are 15 of the most commonly asked questions that potential donors have for fertility experts.
1. Who will you work with during the egg donation process?
If you become an egg donor, then you’re most likely going to be working with a fertility clinic. Reputable fertility clinics are staffed with experienced doctors and embryologists, who are trained in the care of patients undergoing fertility treatments.
These clinics also have nurses and administrative staff who will be there to answer your questions and support you throughout the process.
2. What is the best age for egg donors?
As a woman grows older, the quality of her eggs naturally declines. Most fertility clinics therefore have age requirements, where donors must be aged between 21 and 31. This age range helps ensure egg quality and the success of the donation, while also limiting any health issues that could complicate the egg donation process.
3. Why can you only donate eggs 6 times?
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends women only donate six times in their lifetime. This is due to the potential risks associated with egg retrieval, such as the increased risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Additionally, limiting the number of times someone can donate eggs helps reduce the risk of inadvertent consanguinity. Inadvertent consanguinity occurs when two people that came from the same egg donor inadvertently meet and have offspring together.
4. How can I qualify to become a KindEos egg donor?
To become a KindEos egg donor, you must meet several requirements. It’s worth noting that different clinics have slightly different requirements. You will also need to pass extensive medical screenings, including both physical and psychological screenings.
At KindEos, our basic qualification requirements include the following:
- Aged between 21 and 31
- A BMI of 30 or less
- Non-smoker
- Non-drug user
- STD-free
- U.S. citizen and resident
- U.S. driver’s license
- Minimum of a high school diploma (although a college degree is preferred)
- Normal pap smear
Donating While On Medication
This depends on the specific medications that you are taking. If you take any type of medication for a chronic health condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, then you should speak with a doctor to determine if your medication will interfere with the donation process. Additionally, there are certain medications that may disqualify you from being an egg donor.
Educational Requirements When Donating With KindEos
While having a college degree is preferred, it is not a requirement to become an egg donor through KindEos. However, you must have at least a high school diploma, as well meeting the other qualifications listed above, in order to qualify as an egg donor at our clinic.
5. If I’m a previous egg donor, can I still donate with KindEos?
Yes, you can be a previous egg donor and still donate with KindEos. However, in order to qualify as an egg donor with our clinic, you must meet all of the basic requirements listed above and pass our extensive medical screenings.
As mentioned, you only can donate six times in your lifetime, so if you have already met this limit you will not be able to donate again at our clinic.
6. How is donating with KindEos different?
At KindEos, our priority is the well-being of the donor and the baby that results from the egg donation.
It’s why we want to educate our donors and ensure that they are making an informed decision about becoming an egg donor. It’s also why we require potential donors to go through such a rigorous screening process. We want to make sure that the donor is physically and mentally healthy, and that her eggs will be healthy as well.
Moreover, not only do we compensate our donors incredibly well, but we make sure to monitor their wellbeing throughout the process and once the process has finished as well. When it comes down to it, the KindEos difference is that we take care of our donors.
7. Should I fill out the prescreen questionnaire even if I haven’t decided to donate yet?
Yes, it is generally a good idea to fill out the prescreen questionnaire even if you are not sure whether or not you want to become an egg donor. It only takes an estimated ten minutes to complete and it will allow our team to review your information and determine whether or not you meet the basic requirements for becoming an egg donor.
It also gives you an opportunity to ask any questions that you may have about egg donation. However, if you are certain that you do not want to become an egg donor, then you do not need to fill out the prescreen questionnaire.
8. If I pass the pre-screen, should I immediately fill out the application?
Yes, if you pass the prescreen questionnaire, you should fill out the egg donor application as soon as possible. This will allow our team to review your information in more detail and determine whether or not you are a good fit for our egg donation program.
It is important to note that even if you pass the prescreen, there is no guarantee that you will be selected as an egg donor. Each applicant is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and factors such as medical history and your overall commitment to the donation process are taken into consideration.
What You’ll Need To Sign
Yes, if you are selected to become an egg donor through KindEos, you will need to sign a legal contract. This contract outlines the donation process and your rights and responsibilities as a donor. It also protects both you and our clinic during the donation process, so it’s important that you read and understand the terms of this contract before signing it.
9. How much do egg donors make?
It varies from one clinic to the next, but here at KindEos we compensate our egg donors with $8,000 the first time they donate. Moreover, for every subsequent egg donation, we increase our compensation by $500. As such, if you donate a second time, you’ll earn $8,500 and if you donate a third time, you’ll earn $9,000.
This means that you can make as much as $10,500 your sixth time (and last time) you donate. When all is said and done, if you donate six times, you can earn a total of $55,500.
10. How long is the egg donor process?
The egg donor process typically takes about one to two months to complete. This includes the initial screening and application process, the administration of medication, the egg retrieval procedure, and the post-retrieval wellness checkups.
During this time, you will be in regular contact with our team and we will provide you with all of the support and guidance that you need throughout the process.
Are you awake during egg retrieval?
No, you will be sedated during the egg retrieval procedure. As a result, you will feel no pain or discomfort during this process. Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure and will generally only take 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
11. Is egg donation painful?
No, egg donation is not a painful process. You may experience some mild discomfort when receiving injections, such as bruising or soreness, but our team will work with you to minimize any discomfort that you may feel.
Additionally, the hormone injections may cause some bloating or discomfort, but this is usually temporary and can be alleviated with over-the-counter medication.
12. How do you feel after donating eggs?
After donating eggs, you may feel some cramping and bloating. This is normal and typically resolves on its own within a few days. Some women also report feeling emotional after egg donation. This is also normal and is due to the hormones that are used during the egg donation process.
Our team will provide you with support and guidance throughout the egg donation process, and we are always available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
13. Does egg donation cause weight gain?
No, egg donation does not cause weight gain. However, you may experience some bloating and swelling after the egg retrieval procedure, which typically subsides after a day or two.
14. Can donating eggs affect fertility?
No, egg donation does not affect fertility.
Women are born with around a million eggs. By the time a woman reaches puberty, she’ll have around 300,000 to 400,000 eggs. Out of all these eggs, only 300 to 400 will be ovulated during her fertile years, and only one is required for a live birth – which is why only one egg is fully matured during each menstrual cycle.
The ovarian stimulation process increases the number of eggs that mature during the cycle, which means that you’ll be donating eggs that would have otherwise died off.
As such, donating eggs will have practically no effect on your ovarian reserve and therefore your ability to get pregnant in the future.
15. Is being an egg donor worth it?
There are many reasons why women choose to be egg donors, but ultimately, the decision is a personal one. Some women donate their eggs to help infertile couples have children, while others do it for financial compensation.
Some women also find the experience to be personally rewarding and feel good knowing that they have helped someone else achieve their dream of starting a family.
Whatever your reason for donating is, we find that women who decide to donate feel like it’s worthwhile to do so and don’t regret their decision afterwards.
consult a professional
If you are considering becoming an egg donor, it is important to consult a professional first. This is particularly true if you have any questions or concerns about the process, as well as any medical conditions that may affect your eligibility as a donor.
At our clinic, we have fertility experts and doctors who can help answer all of your questions about egg donation and help you determine if egg donation is the right choice for you. We will also work with you to ensure that your experience as a donor is positive and rewarding, both emotionally and financially.
Ready to take the next step in egg donation?
