The Egg Donation Process

Key Takeaways

• Many patients use donor eggs to conceive for reasons such as age-related infertility, male individuals or couples, or genetic concerns.
• Egg donation serves both a practical and deeply compassionate purpose: donors are compensated for their time while helping others grow their families.
• The egg donation process includes screening, hormone treatment, and a short outpatient egg retrieval procedure.
• Ideal donors are healthy women in their 20s, with good overall health and no inheritable conditions.

What Is Egg Donation?

Egg donation involves collecting eggs from a donor to help another person achieve pregnancy. The donated eggs are fertilized with sperm through in vitro fertilization (IVF) or frozen the day of the retrieval for future use. 

People may use donor eggs for several reasons. Some have had limited success with IVF using their own eggs in the past, others may be experiencing age-related fertility decline, or may have ovaries damaged by medical treatments such as chemotherapy. Some may wish to avoid passing on genetic conditions. For same-sex couples, single parents, and individuals of all identities, egg donation combined with a gestational carrier can make parenthood possible.

Choosing to use donor eggs can be a significant emotional shift for some intended parents, but it can also be an extraordinary opportunity to create a family.

The Donation  Process

Medical Evaluation and Screening 

Before retrieval, donors go through a thorough screening to confirm they are a good candidate for egg donation. This includes:

• Comprehensive application and interview
• Medical history review and physical exam
• Infectious disease testing
• Psychological evaluation
• Genetic counseling and screening for inheritable conditions

Ovarian Stimulation

Once approved, the donor takes a course of hormone injections for about two weeks to encourage multiple eggs to mature at once. During this time, response to the hormone medications is monitored with ultrasound and blood work every few days until the ovaries are ready for egg collection.

Egg Retrieval

The retrieval procedure takes place in an outpatient setting under sedation. The physician guides a thin ultrasound-guided needle to collect the mature eggs.

The retrieved eggs are evaluated in the lab by an embryologist and can either be fertilized immediately or frozen for future use.

Who Is Eligible for Egg Donation

Age and Health

Most donors are between 21 and 32 years old and in good health.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Donors must be within certain BMI parameters to ensure safety and efficacy of egg donation.

Non-Smoking

Donors must be non-smokers, as smoking negatively affects fertility and general health.

Inheritable Diseases

All donors are screened for genetic conditions through both medical testing and family history review.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Testing is required for infections such as HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia.

Psychological Evaluation

Emotional readiness is an important part of egg donation. Donors complete a psychological assessment to ensure they understand the process and its emotional aspects.

How Safe Is Egg Donation?

With any medical procedure and medications, there can be possible side effects and risks. Many feel little to no discomfort while others have symptoms that resolve a few days after the egg retrieval. 

During hormone treatments, some donors may notice mild side effects such as bloating, tenderness, or temporary mood changes.  There is a small risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) occurring after the egg retrieval. This involves swelling of the ovaries, significant bloating, and abdominal pain.  Approximately 10% of egg donors experience mild OHSS, which resolves without intervention over the course of 10-14 days.  OHSS that is moderate or severe occurs in only 1% of egg donors.  Moderate and severe OHSS can require treatment and result in a longer period of recovery following egg collection, but long term complications from the condition and hospitalization are very rare.

The egg retrieval itself is a low-risk outpatient procedure. Mild cramping or light bleeding can occur afterward, but these symptoms usually fade quickly and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as acetaminophen.

Egg Donation Process FAQs

How old must I be to donate eggs?

Most clinics accept donors between ages 21 and 32. At Los Angeles Reproductive Center, our egg donors are typically between 21 and 32 years old.

How often can I donate eggs?

Donors are typically advised to wait two to three months between cycles, with a lifetime limit of six donation cycles.

Is egg donation anonymous?

Los Angeles Reproductive Center works with both identified and non-directed (previously called “anonymous”) donors. However, with technology advancements and modern DNA testing, complete anonymity can no longer be guaranteed. Donor-conceived adults sometimes seek to learn about their biological origins, so it’s best to discuss any concerns with your fertility specialist.

What legal issues are involved in egg donation?

Both donors and recipients sign a contract outlining rights, responsibilities, and compensation. Donors waive parental rights to any children conceived through their eggs. Some states allow donor-conceived individuals to access identifying information once they reach adulthood, so understanding your state’s laws is important.

If you have questions about any agreement, consult a legal professional before signing.

The Bottom Line

Egg donation combines generosity and science to make parenthood possible for those who need help conceiving. If you’re interested in becoming an egg donor, visit us online to start your application and learn more.

If you’re a patient exploring donor eggs as part of fertility treatment, our specialists at Los Angeles Reproductive Center are here to guide you through every step. 

Clinically reviewed by Jamie Massie, MD and Alyssa Schoenemann, RN