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Egg Donor Screening

Egg donor screening refers to a number of different tests that are performed on all egg donors before they are allowed to donate eggs. Because standard screening guidelines have not been developed, screening practices vary between clinics and donor agencies. Still, exactly how egg donors are screened and selected is an important issue and one that should be carefully consider when selecting a reputable clinic or egg donor agency.

The Importance of Egg Donor Screening

A thorough screening of all egg donors is critical to both the recipient family and the egg donor to protect everyone’s health and well-being. Egg donors need to be screened in order to:

  • Prevent passing infectious diseases to the recipient
  • Minimize the chances of passing genetic disease or defect to the child
  • Ensure the psychological and emotional stability of the donor
  • Ensure the donor’s dedication and health throughout the donation process

Medical Screening

Medical screening typically begins with a fertility evaluation to verify the capacity of the donor’s ovaries to produce eggs. This usually consists of a physical exam, pelvic exam, ultrasound, and blood tests to check for hormone levels.

Additionally, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends the following screenings and tests:

  • Blood Type
  • Rh Compatibility
  • HIV
  • Hepatitis B and C
  • Syphilis
  • Drug Use
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • HTLV -1 (a rare virus associated with certain types of cancer)

A thorough medical and family history along with a genetic screening should be conducted as well in order to rule out any hereditary diseases (such as having a family history of cancer, heart disease, mental illness, etc.) or genetic abnormalities (such as being a genetic carrier for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, etc.) that could affect the offspring.

Psychological Screening

It is also highly recommended that all prospective donors undergo a complete psychological examination aimed at identifying emotional problems, evaluating donor motivations, and verifying the donor understands the physical, psychological, and legal risks that could result from donation. Common reasons potential egg donors are excluded from donating eggs include: a current psychiatric disorder; inappropriate motivations for donation, unstable lifestyle; unrealistic expectations from the donation process; history of psychiatric medication use; or sexual abuse.

Partner Screening

If the egg donor has a partner, the clinic or agency may require that the partner undergo blood tests to identify any infectious diseases as well as a psychological screening to ensure they fully understand the implications of egg donation.

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Comments

how do i become a egg donor

Just curious about how to become an egg donner. I live in the Chicagoland Northwest suburbs. 28yr old woman with one child (1yr old boy)

I had a depression problem in my teen years of highschool..
I was prescribed a few different psychiatric medications and hospitalized once... Went through cognitive therapy for a few years...
Haven't been on any psychiatric medications in over a few years... (almost 3) and no hospitalizations.. Therapist said I can do without therapy...
I've been doing amazing compared to my angsty teenage self years ago...
But I don't plan on children ever... I know I am in a great physical condition to donate...
Seeing as I had a history of psychiatric medication use, would I be "automatically" disqualified simply because of that?

Do you have to be 21, Or would someone be qualified to dontate at the age of 20?

Would herpes disqualify me for egg donation?

I am currenly a 24 year old female in the active duty army i have 1 little boy but i don't plan on having anymore children. I have been seeing a psyhciatrist since my last appt. but no medications. would this disqualify me from being a donor?

I'm just wondering, I have one beautiful little girl, and I have had two miscarriages... would that disqualify me for egg donation?

I just turned 23 years old and I am considering becoming an egg donor. I have been pregnant 4 times but only have 2 children. I rencently stopped smoking and have lost some weight I was wondering if any of that would disqualify me as being a donor

Is there an age requirement? Or can anyone be a donor? I'm only 19 but I feel like helping people out there who can't do this on their own?

My mother is almost 52 years old and we've talked about her freezing her eggs for me because I had a full care hysterectomy about 5 years ago (when I was 23). Is she too old to freeze her eggs for me to use with a surrogate later?

I am 29 years old and in great shape. I would like to know the steps to donate my eggs, and how much I would get compensated. Thanks!!

i currently have 2 children and i have had 3 live births. there was an in family adoption and it has meant so much to me to help someone who couldn't conceive, when i couldn't give the child the future that they could. i am however overweight and have a BMI of about 44% according to the calculator anyway. otherwise i have no health problems, and excercise regularly, but i was wondering if the BMI alone would be a determining factor for eligibility?

I am active duty in the military I am 23yrs old I have a 4 yr old girl and two 21 month old boys I don't drink or smoke. I have had two abortions since my twins and I want to get my tubes tied but I want to donate my eggs first because I know that they will be of good use to someone else question is how do I go about donating my eggs if I am stationed somewhere that isn't close to a hospital specilizing in egg donation and does the military cover it

hey! I am donating now. What happens is, find an egg donation site, then they will set you up with a couple if you meet all of the health requirement. Then the family will have you go to THEIR doctor, and THEY pay for it, you don't pay for anything at all. If they are in a different state they will fly you there, but try and see if you can do it in state so you can just drive. Just do the online stuff, the rest they will help you with.

I am having a hysterectomy in Jan. I would like to provide eggs for people who need help. Also It wouldnt be so bad to have extra money.

I am 22 years old and in the army reserve. I do not smoke and only drink on occasion. I have had no children and don't think I want any of my own. I was adopted and when I decide to have children I would like to adopt. I want to help out other women who are unable to have children of their own. How would I go about finding a donation center near by, and would i get compensated for donating? Also, do I have to pay for any of the doctor test or visits?

hello. i am currently recreating my 5 year plan. i would like to include egg donation! i have never smoked. don't drink. 5'6-ish 116lbs... my mother was born with a cleft lip and palate. i think this means im a carrier. does this mean that they will not except my egg? PLEASE give me as much of a response as you can! =D yay for babies!

I am 25. I would like to donate my eggs, but don't know how to do it. I'm a little overweight. Is there a physical 'norm' I have to be at in order to donate? Also, is there any cost to me throughout the donation process? What about who gets my eggs? I understand about confidentiality, but I would like to screen the family I would be adding to, at least on paper.

I am 19 years old and i would like to donate my eggs. I am young so I'm not planning on having any kids right now. I would love to help out a family who can not have children. Would i qualify or am I too young to donate?

I am 25 years old, have had 3 pregnancies, one resulting in miscarriage, my babies had no problems and I am in very good health. Ihave been married for 6 years, my husband has had a visectamy and we are very much done with our family but feel strongly about helping other couples. I do take an antidepressant and have HPV. Will either of these factrs mean I cannot become a donor?

how do i become a donor. i am 33yrs old

I am 32 years of age. I have 3 wonderful kids. 2 I carried and had natural births (no drugs). My oldest came with the marriage to my husband. I would like to help couples in need, so they can experience the happiness of raising kids of their own. I have offered to be a surrogate mom for my brother and his partner but they are not yet ready to have kids. So I figured I would like to help other couples who are unable to have babies. How do I become a donor to help other Families.

If you are interested in becoming an egg donor or a surrogate, you should contact an egg donor agency or surrogacy agency in your area. They can provide you with information on eligibility and other requirements. Also, many fertility clinics have donor egg or surrogacy programs. You can do a search by city or zip code on FertilityAuthority to find a fertility clinic near you.

Best,
Claire

I am a 23yr old student at an community college. I have a 11 month old and would like to become a donor and give a couple the experience of having kids.

I am a 23 year old single mom -of a 2 year old boy-, I am interested in donating my eggs but I am afraid to trust just any advertising of the process. How do I know who to go to? Who can I contact?

I am very interested in egg donating, I am 25 years old with 5 kids (all mine) but I just recently quit smoking.... Will that disqualify as an egg donor? Also, I do not know how to get started any info would be greatly appreciated, Thanks. Please e-mail me at amanda_ashcraft@hotmail.com

im 21 and want to know how i can become an egg donor so. what do i need to do and how much does it pay?

i am 28 years old and interested in donating my eggs. i have type 1 diabetes can i still donate my eggs

I have type 1 diabetes can i still be a egg donor? oh i'm also 26.

I am 23 years of age and I smoke but I will quit before any type of process I will have to go through as an egg donor. I have NO health issues from smoking or any in general. Would this disqualify me?

Can I be an Egg Donor if I have Type 1 Diabetes?

I am 32 and single. I would love to have a child before turning 35. I'm more interested in becoming a mother than becoming a wife. I earn enough income to manage being a single parent and I have enough family and emotional support. I'm also interested in becoming a donor to help women like myself but who are having fertility issues. I have a BMI of 33.6. Does my age and BMI disqualify me?

Hi Hazeleyez,

It sounds like you are interested in pursuing Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) with donor sperm. If you would like me to help you find a fertility doctor in your area who can help you with this, please email me at carecoordinator@fertilityauthority.com

Regards,
Kim
Patient Services Coordinator
Fertility Authority