Q. How long will it take?
A. After completing the application, you will be screened by our staff to see if we feel that you are a good candidate. Once you have passed our agency screening, you are added to our password protected database. Once you are chosen, the process is quite short, approximately 6-8 weeks from selection to the retrieval procedure. Obviously, before you begin the process you must be selected by an infertile couple. This can take from a few days to several months. We will notify you when a couple is interested.

Q. What characteristics are Intended Parents looking for?
A. It is very hard for a woman to learn that they can not have a child naturally on their own. Because of this, most of our parents want to find a donor who closely resembles them physically, academically, religiously, etc. Each parent has their own unique set of characteristics that they are looking for. We have parents of different ethnic backgrounds, different religious backgrounds, and with diverse personalities.

Q. Is egg donation painful?
A. This is a hard question to answer as it depends on each individual. Donors do not usually complain of pain. The donor will have to give blood for the initial screening and during the stimulation phase which some donors dislike. During the stimulation phase, the donor will be taking medications which may make her have symptoms similar to PMS. She may have mild headaches, irritability, and some bloating. For more information of the medications click on the link that states medication. In preparation for the retrieval, the donor will be given an IV in her hand. For the retrieval itself the donor will be sedated and will feel no pain. After the retrieval, the donor may be groggy and experience some mild cramping.

Q. What are the risks?
A. As with any medical procedure, there are always risks and possible side effects. Side effects that donors may or may not experience from the medications include: headaches, mood swings, bloating, nausea, and/or temporary stinging where the injection was administered. Donors can expect to feel particularly bloated during the immediate period before and after the retrieval, since the hormone medications will cause their ovaries to swell and produce many eggs. Donors may also experience temporary weight gain until their next menstrual cycle, as a result of this bloating. If the donor over-stimulates she may run the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, which is quite rare (occurs in less than 1-3% of donors). Severe cases of this syndrome may result in damage to the donor's ovaries. In less severe cases, donors may experience severe bloating and strong cramping. If you show symptoms consistent with hyperstimulation, your physician may reduce your medication dosage or terminate the egg donation cycle. To combat this, we have you monitored regularly so that your doctor can make any changes to your medication to try and avoid this. With regard to the retrieval procedure, donors are exposed to the same risks as they would be if they were undergoing any other routine surgical procedure. Donors will be instructed to rest the day of the retrieval, but most donors return to their normal daily activities the day following their retrieval.

Q. What are the long term risks of egg donation?
A. Since egg donation is a relatively new procedure, all of the risks may or may not have been determined at this time, however empirical studies have not demonstrated any definitive link between egg donation and infertility, cancer, or any other long-term health problems. Since egg donation is a relatively new procedure, however, we hope to learn more about the long term effects in the future.

Q. What insurance coverage is offered?
A. If you donate thru our agency, you will be covered by AIG blanket accident insurance that will cover you in the event of a problem as a result of the egg donation. The insurance offers coverage of up to $250,000 of incurred medical expenses if the donor experiences medical problems as a result of the egg donation. AIG Life Insurance Co. will also offer a $100,000 accidental death benefit. The Intended Parents will pay for this insurance for you. You can receive a detailed explanation of this insurance if you request it.

Q. Will my future fertility be affected?
A. No. The medication that is given to you during this procedure has not been shown to alter your chances of becoming pregnant in the future, unless infection occurs which is extremely rare. You will likely be given an antibiotic to avoid any problem like this. You will be very fertile immediately following the procedure until your next period so you will want to be cautious. The doctors that we work with do everything they can to assure that you are safe, comfortable, and healthy during and after the procedure.

Q. Will I meet the parents or the baby?
A. This depends on your personal preference. Most donors prefer an anonymous donation where their identity is kept anonymous and they have no contact with the Intended Parents, however this is your choice. You are asked if you would prefer an open or anonymous donation. You can choose to meet the Intended Parents, have a phone conversation, have an email relationship, or have no relationship at all. You can also choose to have future contact with the Intended Parents or you can choose to be completely anonymous. This is up to you. Of course, the Intended Parents you are matched with must agree to your request. If you are open to either option, you can let us know this as well. The egg donation arrangement is a extremely confidential arrangement. All information regarding all parties is kept confidential.

Q. When are appointments and how do they affect my schedule?
A. Most appointments are scheduled for early in the morning to try and avoid disrupting your work or school schedule. If you are working with a couple from out of town, you may be asked to travel for approx. 7-10 days. All travel will be paid for by the Intended Parents and this will be discussed with you prior to you committing to the donation. It is extremely important that you make all appointments in a timely manner so please do not do this if you are not able to commit to going to your appointments. Most visits take less than 1 hour.

Q. How does compensation work?
A. We allow donors to set their own compensation request. Be aware that if your compensation request is unreasonable, it may take a long time to get you matched. You will receive no compensation until you pass screening and begin medications. When you start injectible medication, you will be given $1000. The remaining compensation will be given to you after your egg donation retrieval. As long as you have the retrieval, you are paid regardless of the success of the procedure.