Question 1

Why do I have to meet certain criteria to become an egg donor?

Accepted Answer

Egg donors are expected to be females aged between 21 and 28 years old who are physically and mentally healthy and do not smoke or use drugs for a period of time. Applicants can not have any major genetic illnesses. These criteria are set for legal purposes and designed for the higher quality of the eggs to increase the chance of a successful pregnancy. We are strictly following the criteria to benefit both egg donors and recipients.

Question 2

Is the egg retrieval procedure painful?

Accepted Answer

The level of pain is case by case. The egg retrieval procedure is a minimally invasive and outpatient surgery, which usually takes around 30 minutes, and followed by a 30 to 45 minutes recovery time after that. Light sedation will be processed during the surgery so you will experience zero pain. However, egg donors may experience grogginess and irritability post-surgery because of the sedation. Some egg donors have reported tiredness, cramping or bloating, and similar symptoms after the surgery. These side effects are usually temporary and will fade away after resting for a couple of days. We would say most of our egg donors experienced minimal pain and were able to return to their normal activities the day after the retrieval.

Question 3

Do I need to take any medications during the egg donor process?

Accepted Answer

Patriot Conceptions does not possess medical expertise and cannot give out medical advice. Your physician will determine what medications you will take. However, from our experience, most donors will be placed on a form of birth control to synchronize her cycle for about one month. Then most IVF clinics will administer an injection with a small insulin-type needle in order to stimulate ovaries in preparation of an egg retrieval. The injection cycle period varies among different clinics, usually from 2 weeks to 4 weeks.

Question 4

How long does an egg donation process take?

Accepted Answer

Once an egg donor is selected or matched, it usually takes at least 8-10 weeks to complete the entire process. During this time, donors will undergo medical screening, legal process, and the donation cycle itself until the egg retrieval procedure. However, after you are accepted to the program as an egg donor and your profile is available to intended parents, there is a waiting period for the match. The matching time varies by individuals ranging from a couple of days to a few months.

Question 5

Can I become an egg donor if I am on birth control?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will need to specify the type and brand of your birth control upon application. Please be mindful that some birth control such as Depo Provera, Nexplanon, or Implanon will delay your eligibility. Donors will be required to discontinue their use and have at least three regular menstrual cycles before the admission.

Question 6

Can I donate my eggs more than once?

Accepted Answer

According to the rules and regulations set by ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine) and the State Health Department, an egg donor can donate their eggs up to SIX (6) times. Since all children from a single donor will be genetic half-siblings, in this case, there is a small chance that they might cross their paths later in their life and be unaware of the relationship and raise health concerns for their potential offspring.

Question 7

Is there any cost to the egg donor?

Accepted Answer

The only cost would be your current pap smear and local transportation. Intended parents will cover all medical expenses, insurance expenses and travel costs along with your compensation.

Question 8

Will I have to travel during the egg donor process?

Accepted Answer

If you are not living in the local area (within 60 miles) of the recipients’ clinic, travel will be required. If your donation requires travel, Patriot Conceptions will make all your travel arrangements; and travel expenses such as airfare, transportation and hotel accommodation will be paid by intended parents.

Question 9

Do I have any obligation or responsibilities to any children that may be born in the future?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. The recipients will establish total parental rights for the child in depth during the legal phase of the donation. Egg donors will not have rights, responsibilities, nor obligation to any children may be born.

Question 10

How will egg donation affect my daily activities such as work or school?

Accepted Answer

Being an egg donor carries responsibilities and commitments. When you are in the cycle, you are expected to refrain from alcohol, smoking, vaping, use of illegal drugs, use of any prescription or non-prescription drugs without permission. You are also required to abstain from unprotected intercourse during specific weeks in the cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions for Egg Donors

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