Egg, Sperm and Embryo Donation Q & A

Am I Eligible to be an Egg Donor?

As an egg donor, you’re helping grant the wish of other women who need help becoming pregnant. If you’re an eligible egg donor, you receive compensation for your participation.

In order to qualify as an approved egg donor, there are certain basic requirements you need to meet. Women of all different races, cultural backgrounds, and ages are welcome for consideration as a candidate.

Part of the eligibility process requires that you:

• Are between the ages of 19-32
• Must be in good overall health
• Have a body mass index (BMI) under 30
• Have regular menstrual cycles
• Undergo an emotional and psychological evaluation
• Pass a communicable and infectious disease screenings

If you’re interested in learning more about the egg donor program, you can complete an application at Columbia Fertility Associates.

What Can I Expect During Egg Retrieval?

The process of collecting eggs from a donor involves two parts. Initially, you receive hormonal medications to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs during one menstrual cycle.

In the second phase, your Columbia Fertility Associates doctor uses a surgical procedure known as a transvaginal ultrasound aspiration. During this surgery, your doctor guides a needle into each ovary to remove mature eggs.

Following your procedure, you remain in recovery for several hours before you’re able to go home, and you may need to take an antibiotic to prevent infection.

What Tests are Necessary for Sperm Donation?

If you’re interested in receiving compensation for donating your sperm, you must first apply at Columbia Fertility Associates.

To determine your eligibility as a sperm donor, your sperm must undergo testing that determines the quality and health of your sperm. Testing is noninvasive and you simply submit a sperm sample as part of the application process.

What is a Donor Embryo?

If you’ve tried in vitro fertilization (IVF) using your and your partner’s own egg and sperm without success, there is still hope. Embryo donation may be an option for couples who want to conceive a full-term, healthy baby.

Potential donors include those who undergo IVF treatments and have remaining embryos that are kept frozen for use at some point in the future. If your family is now complete and you still have frozen embryos, you can choose to donate them to another couple that is unable to conceive.

To learn more about the egg, sperm, and embryo donation at Columbia Fertility Associates, call the nearest office to schedule an appointment.