How to Donate an Egg for Money
While almost all egg donation programs compensate donors, it's not necessarily a reliable way to generate income. Most donors get onvolved to help a particular recipient, or out of altruistic intentions. The screening process is rigorous and thorough, and the extraction procedure itself has risks and can be unpleasant.
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Instructions
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Apply. Egg donors are usually healthy women between 21 and 35 years old. In addition to basic identifying information about the potential donor, the application will require an extensive description of her medical history, including information about biological parents, grandparents and siblings, because inherited genetic diseases could affect the viability of a donated ovum.
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Undergo a medical exam. After the initial application, the information gathering continues with a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, an ultrasound of the uterus, ovaries, as well as a blood test to check hormone levels and for infectious disease. A psychological exam will also probably used to determine if any disorders that could be passed through the egg are present.
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Go through hormone therapy. If an applicant is cleared to donate eggs, preparation for the extraction procedure involves a hormone therapy regimen. First, hormones are administered to halt the menstrual cycle so it can be predicted and manipulated. Then, fertility drugs are administered, which stimulate the production of more eggs than normal. During this part of the process, the donor is carefully monitored with ultrasounds and blood tests.
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Undergo extraction. When large amounts of viable eggs are present in the ovaries, they are extracted by a needle inserted into the ovaries through the vagina. A small ultrasound is used to guide the needle and a light suction is used to aid extraction.
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Tips & Warnings
Most women have the potential to produce far more eggs than they could ever possibly need. Donating eggs is an increasingly popular and relatively safe way women can help others with reproductive challenges. Donors usually have the option of remaining anonymous.
A period of several days of reduced activity is usually recommend for post extraction recovery. Soreness and bleeding can result. Compensation for donors usually does not include transportation costs or missed time at work.
Resources
- Photo Credit Joel Mills
