HOW TO CHOOSE AN EGG DONOR & OTHER EGG DONATION FAQS FOR INTENDED PARENTS
For a variety of reasons, you may need the assistance of an egg donor to help you or your surrogate conceive. We're dedicated to helping you through this process one decision at a time.
From giving you tips on how to choose an egg donor to explaining important processes, events, and terminology, this post gives you quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about egg donation.
HOW DO I SELECT AN EGG DONOR?
You can sign up with an surrogacy and egg donation agency or fertility clinic that will usually have an online database where you can browse donor profiles.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I SELECT AN EGG DONOR?
The agency will call the donor to confirm her availability and ask her if she has any blackout dates during which she cannot attend in-person appointments. The agency will then send you the necessary paperwork and funding request to confirm the match.
WHAT IS OUTSIDE MONITORING?
When an egg donor does not live in the area where your IVF doctor is located, she will need outside monitoring. Outside monitoring usually consists of ultrasounds and lab work, which the donor can have done near her home instead of traveling to your IVF clinic for every appointment.
IS THE EGG DONOR OPEN TO MEETING THE INTENDED PARENT?
In most egg donor programs, the donor is considered unknown. If you are interested in meeting a donor, you should contact the agency, and they will talk with the donor to discuss the possibility of facilitating a meeting. We can also refer you and your egg donor to the Donor Sibling Registry (DSR), in the event you or your child and donor would like future contact without revealing personal contact details.
IF I AM INTERESTED IN A PREVIOUS DONOR, WILL HER PREVIOUS CYCLE RESULTS BE DISCLOSED?
Most agencies will disclose information regarding a previous egg donor’s cycle and can provide your IVF clinic with her previous donation records.
ARE EGG DONORS WILLING TO TRAVEL?
Some donors are willing to travel but not all. Most agencies ask this of egg donors during their application process. You will be able to see the answer to this question within the donor's profile. If the donor you select needs to travel to your clinic, the agency will call her to confirm the future travel arrangements upon selection.
If you're considering using an egg donor, we hope these questions further your understanding of the process. Remember that we're here to answer your egg donation questions as you move through the egg donation and surrogacy process.
If you haven't yet started your surrogacy journey, reach out to Growing Generations online or apply today. We'd be honored to help you grow your family.