Become an Egg Donor

How Can You Become an Egg Donor?

See state list below for more information and links to an application form.

What is Egg Donation?


What is the Egg Donation process?

The fertility egg donation process involves retrieving eggs from a woman who has normally functioning ovaries. Following egg retrieval, the eggs are fertilized in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) lab using sperm from the receiving couple’s partner. Following IVF, the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus of the woman who wishes to carry the baby. If a pregnancy is established, the receiving woman becomes the gestational mother carrying the developing baby through the full term of the pregnancy and childbirth – with all the joys of experience that this affords.

With egg donation as an infertility treatment, hundreds of couples have become parents with assistance. A couple may choose to know the identity of the woman donating the eggs, and vice versa, or the parties may choose anonymity.

What is the screening process for Egg Donor Candidates?

By your interest and commitment, as well as meeting a series of strict medical and psychological standards, you may qualify and participate in an egg donation program. Basic program qualifications typically include the following:

  • women between the ages of 21-32 (age range varies from practice to practice)
  • height and weight within normal range
  • no smoking or drug use
  • previous delivery preferred

Preliminary screening steps include filling out a detailed medical history form, which covers information about your general health, surgeries, gynecological history and family medical history. Potential donors are also required to have an initial interview with the donor egg nurse coordinator and a comprehensive gynecological exam.

Why become an Egg Donor?

The primary benefit to women who donate eggs is knowing that they have helped another woman achieve pregnancy.

Some women are motivated by the fact that Egg Donors may be paid for their time and effort.

What should you expect when you become an Egg Donor?

The donor may miss several days of work for medical exams, consultations and the egg retrieval. A donor should be prepared and willing to do that.

If you are interested in an egg donation clinic that is outside your area you should be willing to travel to that practice, many times at your own expense.

What are the different types of Egg Donors?

Anonymous Donors - Many women opt to undergo the egg donation process as anonymous donors. They donate eggs to an infertile woman or couple whose identity also remains anonymous. Anonymous donors are matched as closely as possible to the criteria specified by the prospective recipient.

Known Donors – In many cases, the egg donor is a sister, friend, or relative of the recipient. Some recipients recruit donors on their own.

How do you become an Egg Donor?

Patients visiting the ARC Website will be able to select the practice at which they want to donate their eggs. When the patient makes the selection then a referral will be sent out to the practice regarding the patient’s interest in participating in their egg donation program.

Click on a state from the list below to find a practice
working with egg donors near you.