subject: Learn the Pros and Cons of Becoming an Egg Donor [print this page] While egg donation can be an amazing and rewarding process for many women, it can also be a nightmare if you are not physically and, most importantly, emotionally prepared for the experience. If you are considering becoming an egg donor, it's important to make sure that you learn as much as you can about the process prior to committing yourself to such a unique experience. Ideally you will want to consult with a fertility doctor who can explain the entire process in detail, or even a former egg donor who can share their firsthand experience with you so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not you want to move forward.
Egg Donation Process
In order to become an egg donor, the first step is finding out whether or not you meet the strict requirements. While the guidelines may seem unreasonable to some women, they are designed by the FDA as well as the medical clinics to maximize the success rate of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process while minimizing complications both during and after the pregnancy.
The guidelines for egg donors include:
Must be between the ages of 21 and 34
Must lead a healthy lifestyle
Must pass a drug screening for alcohol, nicotine and other drugs
Must not currently suffer from any infectious diseases or genetic mutations
Must not have a family history of serious conditions, diseases or genetic disorders
Must pass a psychological evaluation
In addition to meeting these strict guidelines, potential egg donors must also be screened to ensure that they are physically capable of producing enough eggs for a successful IVF cycle.
Pros and Cons of Egg Donation
Becoming an egg donor is without a doubt a very unique and rewarding experience. Nothing can compare to the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped a couple realize their dreams of becoming pregnant when all other treatment options have failed. Egg donors can also expect to receive significant monetary compensation for their help. The amounts vary but most donors receive anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000.
Becoming an egg donor is not without risks, however. The biggest challenge that donors face is simply the emotional toll of not only the extensive testing, but also the realization that they will become the biological mother of a child they may never meet. Some women go through the process only to find that they are unable to cope with this reality, so it's crucial that you explore the process as much as possible prior to committing to becoming an egg donor.
