Egg Donor - Questions & Answers
Before deciding to become an egg donor, it is natural to have questions about the egg donation process. We have listed some of the most common egg donor questions with answers to help you make an informed decision. If you have a question that is not addressed below, please feel free to contact us.
Will my personal information be kept confidential?
Synergy Egg Donation is committed to maintaining every egg donor’s privacy. We will not release your name or date of birth on our website. We will identify you to intended parents using an alphanumeric ID code. Intended parents will have access to your donor profile, which will list information about you, including your personal characteristics and interests, and photos.
If you are selected to become a donor, Synergy Egg Donation will not release your name, date of birth or contact information to an intended parent or donor-conceived offspring without obtaining your written consent. However, due to advances in technology and DNA testing, we cannot guarantee that an egg donor’s identity will not be revealed in the future by a third party. We do our best to protect each egg donor’s anonymity, but we are unable to guarantee that an egg donor will remain anonymous forever.
How long will it take to donate my eggs?
The time commitment for donating eggs varies but it usually takes between 8 to 12 weeks to go through the entire process. The IVF stimulation itself typically lasts about 2 weeks and is the most time-consuming part of the process because it includes several monitoring appointments. We work with our donors to make the appointment times as convenient as possible.
How much will I be compensated?
Donor compensation varies, on a case by case basis, but is generally between $6,500 to $15,000. Egg donor compensation can increase beyond $15,000 in certain rare cases.
Is egg donation considered to be taxable income?
Yes. Synergy Egg Donation will issue 1099s for all egg donors who receive donor fees.
What medications are involved with egg donation? What are some possible side effects?
--Birth Control
Birth control may be taken to regulate an egg donor’s menstrual cycle and to assist with the timing of the egg donation. Possible side effects include nausea, spotting between periods, lighter periods, or mood changes.
--Gonadotropins
Gonadotropins are fertility medications given to an egg donor that contain follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) alone or FSH combined with luteinizing hormone (LH). Both FSH and LH are produced naturally by the pituitary gland in the brain to stimulate ovaries to make a single egg during a woman’s regular menstrual cycle. Lupron, Ganirelix, and Cetrotide are other common gonadoptropins that may be used to prevent premature ovulation. These hormonal medications help eggs mature. Gonadotropins are administered daily via injection to the donor during the stimulation cycle, which typically lasts between 8 to 12 days. Some possible side effects of gonadotropins include bloating, headaches, moodiness, or hot flashes.
--Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG)
FSH and HMG help a woman produce more than a single mature egg per cycle. These medications help to mature and grow the follicles and eggs. Some providers also use oral medications such as Clomid to help the body produce its own FSH. Side effects of these medications are mild for most people but may include hot flashes, bloating, moodiness, headaches, or nausea.
What medication will I need to take to donate my eggs?
Although the protocol and medication dosage will vary from one egg donor to another, most egg donors take 4 different medications during the egg donation process. You will start with a standard birth control pill, followed by a self-injectable FSH, HMG, GnRH Antagonists, and a final Lupron or hCG injection (the trigger).
How long is the egg retrieval procedure?
The egg retrieval procedure typically lasts between 10 to 20 minutes.
Is egg retrieval painful?
The egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure that is relatively painless with the help of a ‘light’ general anesthetic. During the egg retrieval, ultrasound images are used to guide a small needle through the upper part of the vagina into the ovary. A gentle suction method is used to remove the egg and fluid from the ovarian follicles. During the retrieval you will be asleep, your pain will be controlled with medications, but you will be breathing on your own with a certified anesthesia specialist who will be monitoring your breathing and cardiovascular system closely.
What is recovery like after the egg retrieval?
Some patients experience cramping or soreness for a few days but Tylenol and/or over-the-counter medication are usually sufficient to make patients comfortable. If necessary, additional pain medication can be prescribed. Many patients return to work a day or two following the procedure.
Can I become an egg donor if I don’t have health insurance?
Yes, the intended parents will be responsible for your medical costs and insurance during the stimulation cycle.
Will donating eggs cost me anything financially?
No, your expenses related to egg donation will be reimbursed. Our donors are generously compensated for their time and dedication to the program.
How many times can I donate my eggs?
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends no more than six egg donations in a woman’s lifetime.