- What are the general requirements of an egg donor?
All egg donors must be healthy physically, mentally, reproductively, and between ages 21-32.
- Why would a woman require my eggs?
There are a number of reasons a woman needs an egg donor. Often a woman does not have viable eggs for such reasonmargins as age, premature ovarian failure, genetics, or other medical problems.
- Can I donate eggs if I am taking birth control pills?
You can donate if you are taking birth control pills. If you are taking Depo-Provera or Norplant however this would have to be stopped several months prior to anticipated donation.
- Can I donate eggs if my tubes are tied or if I have an IUD?
Yes. These types of birth control prevent pregnancy in the woman who uses them; however, if she has viable eggs, they can be stimulated and retrieved.
- What is the compensation for donating my eggs?
You will be reimbursed $5000.00 for your time, effort, inconvenience, and high level of commitment required for an egg donation. You will receive a 1099 tax form at the end of the year for the compensation you receive. Cleveland Conception Connection, Inc., does not withhold taxes.
- Who will pay my medical expenses?
All of your medical expenses will be paid by the recipient of your eggs.
- If I donate, can I run out of eggs?
No. Each month when a woman ovulates she releases one egg. In the process, multiple eggs are absorbed and dissolved. The hormone stimulation process utilizes the other eggs that you would normally lose each month. Your egg donation does not affect your number of cycles or when you will normally enter menopause.
- Will I meet the recipient couple?
No. You may have general non-identifying information about the recipient, but will not meet them. All information is anonymous and identities are not disclosed.
- Will any children from my donation be able to find me?
While we cannot promise the laws won't change, at this point we can tell you the identity of the egg donor is kept anonymous.
- Does this cost me anything?
The intended recipients pay for all costs of the screening and procedures associated with the egg donation process. The recipient couple will pay $100 for transportation if you are traveling from outside the Cleveland / Akron area. You are responsible for expenses that exceed $100.
- What medications will I take?
Cleveland Conception Connection, Inc. does not prescribe any medications and is not involved in any medical aspects of the egg donation process. All the information regarding medication, procedures, side effects and risk factors will be reviewed with you by the infertility specialists if you are matched as a donor. In general, the medications administered are hormones which stimulate egg production, and are given as shots.
- What things may prevent me from being a donor?
Many factors are taken into consideration when accepting a donor. Of utmost importance is that the donor is healthy, has no significant family medical or psychiatric history, she is pursuing or has completed college or further education. She must not smoke or use marijuana or other drugs and drink only on occasion. She must be highly motivated and be reliable. The donor must be available to be monitored while she is taking hormones, and this involves being seen by the physicians in the mornings every 2 to 3 days over 10 days, for ultrasounds and blood drawing. The donor must be comfortable getting shots, and must have transportation to and from the retrieval.
- How many times can a woman be an egg donor?
Cleveland Conception Connection, Inc. limits the number of times to donate to three times.