10 Steps to Becoming an Egg Donor
Step 1. Psychosocial Counseling
Once you have completed the Donor Screening Form and attended our informational seminar, your first step as an egg donor candidate is to meet with a SRM Counselor to review the psychosocial aspects of egg donation.
Step 2. Physical Examination and Ovarian Reserve Testing
Part A
At this appointment you will have a physical examination and a transvaginal ultrasound to evaluate the ovaries. Cervical cultures will be done including GC and Chlamydia as well as a PAP unless the donor has completed one in the last 6 months. This can be done at any time during your menstrual cycle.
Part B
The second appointment for your ovarian reserve testing consists of a FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) blood test that must be done on day 2, 3, or 4 of your menstrual cycle. If on birth control pills, must be done on day 7 of the placebo (sugar) pills.
Important! Please contact Amy Smith at 206-301-5013 (or call 206-301-5000) on day one of your menstrual cycle in order to schedule your FSH blood draw appointment.
Step 3. Genetic Counseling
Please be prepared to discuss your family medical history for the past three generations
Step 4. Matching
After the above is complete, your profile will be made available to recipient couples. The matching process can take anywhere from one week to six months before proceeding with the next step.
Step 5. Final Testing Appointment
At this appointment, your remaining blood tests for general health assessment and infectious diseases such as HIV 1 & 2, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, RPR, as well as a complete blood count, blood type, and any genetic tests will be ordered. Consent forms and an ART booklet will be given for review.
Step 6. Cycle Coordination
Once you and your recipient have completed all of your screening requirements, you will agree on a target month for receiving embryos. Coordination and synchronization of your treatment cycle to the recipient's cycle will occur. This process may take several months based on your natural menstrual cycle, the recipient's natural menstrual cycle, and your personal schedules. It is important to note that it takes 4-6 weeks from the time you and your recipient are synchronized with birth control pills to the actual egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
Step 7. Consent Signing, Protocol Review, and Injection Training
Part A
At this appointment, the consent form will be given and any questions will be discussed with a member from the Donor Egg Program. Your individual protocol with instructions for medications, appointments, and retrieval dates will be reviewed.
A separate injection training class may also be scheduled, if needed.
Part B
The FDA has recently required that all egg donors complete a Risk Assessment form at least 30 days before the retrieval. We will be giving you this form at either your suppression check or Days 3 or 5 of medications. You will also be required to do another physical examination and redo your infectious diseases testing.
Step 8. Egg Production
You will be given fertility medications over the course of 8-12 days to stimulate the production of multiple eggs. The progress will be monitored frequently with vaginal ultrasounds and blood work in the office to ensure the eggs are developing appropriately. While you are going through the egg stimulation process, your recipient is given hormones to stimulate her uterine lining.
Step 9. Egg Recovery
Once you are ready for egg recovery as determined by a SRM physician, you are given another medication exactly 35 hours prior to the egg retrieval. This medication will bring the eggs to final maturity. The sonographic egg recovery (SER) involves the use of an ultrasound guided needle to gently remove the eggs from your ovaries. It is a simple, painless procedure with the use of light sedation medication and takes about 20 minutes to complete. You will be completely "out" and not remember a thing. The aspirated eggs are then donated to your anonymous recipient.After the procedure, someone will need to drive you home where you should rest for the remainder of the day. You can expect to resume normal activities the following day. Your period should arrive approximately two weeks after egg recovery.
Step 10. Compensation and Follow-up Appointment
Your decision to become an egg donor is a generous contribution and you will be compensated for your time and commitment by the recipient. The total compensation for a completed cycle is $3500.00 and $4,000 each additional cycle, which is paid at the follow-up visit approximately two weeks after the egg recovery procedure. You will not be responsible for any medical costs related to the screening process or egg donation cycle.
