Frequently Asked Questions for Egg Donor Recipients

Can I be a recipient if I have had my fallopian tubes removed or I am in menopause?

Yes, neither will prevent you from being able to conceive with donor eggs, however a full, medical evaluation will need to be done to ensure you are a good candidate as a recipient.

How do you screen your egg donors?

All egg donors are screened and tested according to FDA standards. The Center for Reproductive Medicine also follows recommended guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) when screening egg donors.

Donors must be non-smokers between the ages of 21 and 32, of average height/weight, healthy, and free from substance abuse and communicable diseases. Educated donors are strongly preferred. Eligibility depends on absolute criteria within an intense genetic, medical, endocrine, and psychological evaluation. The psychological evaluation also includes testing the donor with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2). Once donors pass this stage of the screening they are subject to additional screening, infectious disease testing mandated by FDA and further evaluation by the physician before finally being able to be declared an ELIGIBLE donor. The screening is quite rigorous and time-consuming and only committed donors follow through to active status.

Will we be able to “know” the egg donor? Will the egg donor ever know who we are?

The answer to both questions is NO. The egg donor program at The Center for Reproductive Medicine is strictly anonymous and we go great lengths to keep identities protected. Neither the donor nor recipient receives identifying information about the other; additionally, donors are not allowed to receive information about the outcome of their egg donation. We do coordinate direct (“known”) egg donations, when patients have a close friend or family member that they have chosen as their egg donor. We screen and test our direct egg donors just as our anonymous egg donors for medical, psychological, and genetic issues.

Will I be able to see a photo of my egg donor?

We ask all our donors to submit at least one childhood photo of themselves, however many donors choose to upload several pictures to their profile. Some donors opt not to submit a photo on our website database, but will submit a picture only to be shown to you in our office. All photos viewed will be of the donor less than 10 years of age. In the interest of maintaining anonymity, NO adult photos are shared.

How much information about an egg donor can I receive?

More than you would think! You will be surprised how much you can know about a donor without ever receiving identifying information. From physical characteristics to educational level to personal interest and life’s ambitions, we share a lot about our donors with our recipient couples so that the recipients can feel sure that the donor is “the one.”

Do I have to choose an egg donor with the same blood type as me?

It is not necessary to have a blood type match unless you are planning on not disclosing to the child(ren).

How can we be sure that the egg donor we choose will have good results?

Unfortunately, just as in life there are no guarantees in medicine. There is no way to 100% guarantee that the egg donor you choose will have a good response. However, you can be reassured that here at The Center for Reproductive Medicine we take great measures to ensure that each one of our egg donors have been meticulously screened, not only for family medical, genetic, and psychological issues; but that they also undergo extensive ovarian reserve testing to make certain their ovaries have the capability to produce a good number of quality eggs. Only a small percentage of egg donor applicants actually make it through all the steps of our screening process and become eligible egg donors; those who do qualify usually have great success when they do cycle.

How much does a treatment cycle cost?

The fees for a donor egg treatment cycle depend on many variables such as insurance coverage, fresh vs. frozen eggs, and previously completed testing/procedures. On average, a recipient cycle costs between $18,000 and $25,000 but the exact amount is determined on your individual treatment plan. A financial counselor will meet with you to review your costs and insurance coverage before you start treatment . Our specialists will take the time to make sure you get the insurance benefits you deserve. Medications are not included in your price quote.

What are the side effects of the medications I will take?

Possible side effects of the medications include headaches, hot flashes, minimal weight gain, water retention, and mood swings.

Do I have to tell anyone that I used donor eggs?

It is a patient’s prerogative to share this information with others, including the resulting child(ren). We do recommend sharing this information with your OB/GYN as he/she will be continuing your care once you are discharged from our office. Current data supports disclosing data to the child(ren) at an appropriate time in the future. You may discuss with your psychologist at the required evaluation, the pros and cons of disclosure as well as tools to guide you later with your child(ren).