Explore our egg donor FAQs to decide if egg donation is right for you

If you’ve ever wondered about donating your eggs, but have questions about the process, you’re not alone. Below are common egg donor FAQs that can give you more information about becoming an egg donor.

Are you taking all of my eggs – can I still have a baby later on?
There is a common myth that egg donation can result in the inability to have your own children because you are losing all of your eggs—this is false! Most women are born with 1million eggs, give or take a thousand or so!  An egg donation cycle will typically result in 10-20 eggs retrieved.  The biggest facto impacting your ability to have a baby of your own is the age that you attempt to conceive!

What should you include in your egg donor application essays and personal statement?

Much like a college application, these essays require some humble bragging. Your profile is designed to help someone decide if you’re the egg donor for them. It’s your story of “you”, in your own words. The essays allow the recipients to see you as a real person, so let them get to know you. Things to consider including in your profile are things that give insight into who you are:

1.      About your family – do you have children, a partner, brothers or sisters
2.      Why you decided to become an egg donor
3.      What you hope for someone who uses your eggs
4.      What you do for a living and why you chose this career
5.      Your outlook on life
6.      What is your personality like
7.      How would your closest friends and family describe you
8.      A goodwill message to a donor-conceived child, this is important as it may be given to child one day to explain genetic origins

How are donors and recipients matched?
As and egg donor, your profile will be available to egg recipients in our database.  Most egg donor programs are anonymous so only non-identifying information is shared.  Pictures are usually pat of the database profile so those are the only identifying information shared with future parents.  Future parents (egg recipients) choose their donors based on a range of factors, including physical features, ethnic background, personality and talents.

How often can you donate your eggs?

It takes about 6 to 8 weeks for a physician to review your donation (whether it was safe, the quality and quantity of your eggs, etc.) before you may donate again. Pathways to Parenthood allows women to donate their eggs up to six times in their lifetime, a guideline established by the governing body of infertility, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Are there any expenses associated with egg donation?
No, the intended parents will be responsible for all costs of the cycle.

Is my egg donation anonymous?
The majority of egg donors choose to be anonymous. In these setups, no identifying information is shared between the donor and the intended family. Donors are also not informed of the outcome of their eggs. Semi-anonymous, or semi-open, setups also exist, in which donors and intended parents agree to share a small amount of information with one another. This may include locations or first names. Known donors, or open donors, are far less common. These setups involve a friend or family member of the intended parent(s) serving as a donor.

How will I be compensated?
Pathways to Parenthood Egg Donors compensation is $5,000 for a first-time donor, distributed upon completion of the cycle. Donors may be eligible for increased compensation upon subsequent cycles, if eligible.

Basic Criteria for Egg Donor Candidates:

1.      Between the ages of 21-29
2.      Healthy BMI: Under 29
3.      Physically and emotionally healthy
4.      Good family health history (including mental health)
5.      Non-smoker, non-drug user (all donors are tested)
6.      Have regular periods
7.      Not currently breastfeeding
8.      Willing to undergo medical and psychological evaluation
9.      Willing to take injectable medication

Becoming an egg donor is a big deal. It’s a decision that will affect many lives, including your own. There’s no denying that donating your eggs is a sacrifice, and you’re giving the gift of life to a couple waiting for a family. If you’ve decided to become an egg donor, Pathways to Parenthood can guide you through the process.  They have been helping bring together future parents and egg donors for 9 years!