Five Steps

The process of egg donation can generally be divided into five steps:

Step (1) APPLICATION

If you are interested in becoming an egg donor, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire regarding health history and health habits, an application. In addition to this we will ask that you provide photos of yourself. Since we are an anonymous program, pictures or professional portraits from early or late childhood, are preferred.

Step (2) SCREENS

Preliminary drug and infectious disease screening - Blood tests and urine tests for infectious diseases are required by the FDA. You will first go through preliminary tests, and based on the results if you qualify, you will be asked to do a second set of screenings which typically include tests for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and recreational drugs.

Step (3) MATCHING, PSYCH & LEGAL

Upon acceptance to the program, you will be added to our pool of donors. Once you have been chosen and matched with a couple, you will meet with a licensed psychologist who will provide a professional  opinion as to whether or not you are psychologically prepared for the process, and to provide advise and support. After the psychologist has determined that you are suitable egg donor, you will sign a contract, which explains your rights and responsibilities, as well as the recipient's rights and responsibilities to protect both parties. The contract will spell out the financial agreement as well.

Step (4) MEDICAL PROCESS

As soon as the contract is signed, you will be ready to begin. You will first learn how to give yourself subcutaneous injections with a small needle shorter than 1/2 inches. Most donors have expressed that the shots are relatively easy and "much less painful" than they had imagined. The shots are typically administered at an area where there is a thick layer of fat. You will be given a calendar with medication laid out for you so you can coordinate it with your schedule. We have four locations in Illinois and China.. During the last 8 to 10 days of your cycle, you will need an ultrasound and your blood work to be closely monitored.  Two to three appointments may be necessary during that short period of time. Egg donation will not impair your fertility in the future, since the retrieved eggs are the ones your body would naturally have disposed of that month. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine has stated that it is safe for an egg donor to donate 6 times in their lifetime.

Step (5) RETRIEVAL

Once your follicles are ready, you will undergo egg retrieval. Egg retrieval takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and it will be done by a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist doctor, and with IV sedation by an Anesthesiologist doctor, in the physician's office. You will need a trusted person such as a friend or family member to take you home after the procedure. Compensation will be given in the form of cash or money order on the day of the retrieval. As long as you have followed the doctor's instructions for egg donation,
you will be entitled to the compensation for your time spent and effort to donate your eggs.