What are the basic requirements to become an egg donor at AFCC?
To be considered for AFCC’s egg donor program, candidates must meet the following qualifications:
- Between ages 21-30
- BMI below 30
- No history of drug use
- Non-smoker
- No genetic disorders
- In good reproductive health
- Not using Depo-Provera for birth control (Nexplanon implants and IUDs are okay)
- No recent STI diagnosis
- Able to commit to the process and keep appointments
What does the application process involve?
- Donor Prescreen: Begin your journey by filling out our brief donor application, which takes just a few minutes. If you are reviewed and pre-approved, you’ll receive the full questionnaire.
- Interview & Medical Screening: After completing the questionnaire, you’ll be scheduled for a telephone interview. Approved candidates move on to comprehensive screenings, which include physical exams, infectious disease tests, genetic assessments, bloodwork, and a transvaginal ultrasound to evaluate ovarian reserve.
What is involved in the procedure process?
- Ovarian Stimulation: After passing the screening, and an intended parent selects you as their donor, you’ll begin a stimulation cycle with self-administered fertility injections to encourage multiple egg releases. You’ll visit AFCC regularly for monitoring during this period.
- Egg Retrieval: Once your eggs are ready, we’ll schedule your egg retrieval under IV sedation. Using an ultrasound-guided needle, we gently aspirate the eggs, a process that takes about 30 minutes.
What is the approximate time commitment required?
- Prescreening: 2-3 weeks
- Detailed Screening: 4-6 weeks
- Stimulation: Approximately 2 weeks
- Egg Retrieval: 20-30 minutes
- Recovery: Approximately 1-2 days
Are there risks involved with egg donation?
There are minimal risks with egg donation. Current studies on the long-term risks of breast and ovarian cancer in women undergoing IVF have been reassuring. There may, however, be a higher risk of borderline ovarian tumors in women who have undergone infertility treatments. It is currently unclear if that increase is related to repeated exposure to gonadotropins or to the cause of infertility itself.
There is also around a 1% risk of major complications, including excessive bleeding, infection, injury to adjacent organs and anesthesia related complications.
Can I get pregnant during the donation process?
Yes, pregnancy is possible, so it’s essential to avoid sexual activity from the start of hormone treatment until 2-3 weeks after post-retrieval recovery.
Will egg donation impact my daily life?
Aside from required appointments and recommended two days off (one for retrieval, one for recovery), egg donation minimally impacts daily routines. We advise the following:
- Avoid sexual activity while taking stimulation medications and for 2-3 weeks after retrieval.
- Avoid high-impact activities like running, jumping, twisting, or heavy lifting. Walking is acceptable.
- Most donors return to normal activities without issues. Due to ovarian expansion during treatment, we ask donors to limit intense physical activities to avoid complications like ovarian torsion.
Will donating eggs affect my future fertility?
No, egg donation doesn’t impact future fertility. Every cycle, only one egg matures and ovulates, with others naturally degenerating. The retrieval process uses those additional eggs that wouldn’t have matured otherwise.
Who covers the costs of the egg donation process?
AFCC covers all evaluation visits, lab tests, medications, monitoring, and the egg retrieval procedure for approved donors.
Who will receive my donated eggs?
Typically, AFCC recipients are patients struggling with infertility or those who are postmenopausal or above an age where using their own eggs isn’t viable. Some recipients may be same-sex male couples in need of a donor.
Will I remain anonymous?
Yes. At AFCC, all donors are given pseudonyms to protect their identity.
Will I receive compensation?
Yes, we offer compensation starting at $10,000 for each completed cycle. Please note, this income is subject to tax exemptions.
Why choose AFCC’s egg donation program?
Becoming an egg donor at Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago is a unique opportunity to support individuals and families in achieving their family-building dreams. You’ll receive significant compensation and compassionate care from our skilled team throughout the process. AFCC values the contribution of each donor and provides the highest standard of care and support.
For more information on the egg donation process, application, or compensation, contact us at
847-662-1818
