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Can I Become an Egg Donor? Three Requirements to Keep in Mind

Egg donation is a fantastic option for starting a family. In simple terms, egg donation occurs when a Donor allows a couple or individual to use their eggs to help conceive a baby. Parents who chose egg donation may not be able to conceive with their own eggs due to age or fertility conditions. This process also allows LGBTQ couples as well as single parents to build the families of their dreams.

Your egg donation journey depends on your preferences and qualifications, as well as the needs of the family hoping to conceive. Some people who use an Egg Donor meet with a recruiter who helps choose an egg from a carefully screened Donor in an egg bank. Others receive egg donations from a friend or relative if such an option is available. The egg is then fertilized through IVF (in vitro fertilization), and with careful monitoring and tests, the Donor’s embryo is transferred to the recipient’s uterus and the baby is carried to term. However, there are some crucial factors that determine who is qualified to be an Egg Donor.

Age

This is the most important requirement. If you are hoping to become an Egg Donor, it’s all about the timing. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, and that number begins to decline every year. At birth, they have an egg count of between 1 and 2 million--by puberty, their count will drop to around 300,000. Not only does their egg number decrease over time, but the quality of their eggs also declines. By the age of 35, only about 10% of their total eggs remain. Because of this, potential Egg Donors must be the right age--between 21 and 35. This ensures quality eggs and higher success rates.

Health

For a pregnancy to thrive, the Donor must be in good physical, mental and emotional health; specific requirements vary from state to state. In general, each potential Donor will be subject to physical and psychological exams, as well as a detailed summary of their medical and family history. To be accepted as an Egg Donor, each person must at least meet the following qualifications:

  • Have a BMI between 19 and 25 (being overweight or underweight can affect egg quality)
  • Be smoke-free for at least one year
  • Have regular monthly menstrual cycles
  • Be in good health
  • Be willing to undergo a medical and psychological evaluation
  • Have had no STDs or STIs in the past year
  • Have no history of drug use

Lifestyle

What we do with and put in our bodies greatly affects our reproductive health. Certain choices you make could disqualify you from becoming an Egg Donor. To make sure you are the ideal candidate, avoid:

  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Extreme weight gain or loss
  • Excessive physical or emotional stress that results in missed periods

After you are thoroughly screened, evaluated, and approved, you will join a collection of the best Donors our egg bank has to offer. You can then choose to be anonymous, or meet with the hopeful parents whose lives you are changing. If you have questions or would like to speak with any of our qualified experts, contact us today!