Egg donation is one of the noblest and generous gifts a woman can give. When a woman decides to donate her eggs, it shows she is compassionate and generous. Her donation allows a couple the possibility of having a family.
With that being said, there are some precautions that we must take to ensure the best possible outcome. At Elevate Egg Donors and Surrogates, we do all we can to protect the health of the donor and the eggs. And because we adhere to the highest industry standards, we do extensive testing on all our donors.
But don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the process. Here’s everything you need to know about the egg donor screening process.
First Things First
There are some important steps a donor must take before she can donate her eggs. These steps include:
Applying with our agency
Being accepted as a donor
Creating a profile to be featured on our website
Being matched with intended parents
After those steps have been completed, the donor will need to go through a screening process. The screening process gives medical clearance and ensures the donor is healthy enough to donate her eggs.
Egg Donor Screening Process
The egg donor screening process includes a few different evaluations. Each evaluation will provide important medical information.
Medical Screening
A complete medical exam will be done to make sure the donor is healthy. This includes testing for blood type, infectious diseases, drug use, and any other general health issues. We will also screen for any sexually transmitted infections at this time.
Donors will also be required to give information regarding their family, including any history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or cancer in their immediate family.
A donor’s family history won’t determine whether or not someone can donate; it’s just important to be aware of since these ailments can run in the family.
Fertility Screening
A donor’s ovaries will need to be examined for the ability to produce eggs. This is done through a pelvic exam. Don’t worry; it’s not painful — it just may be uncomfortable, like your last pap smear.
Sometimes a vaginal sonogram will need to be done to determine the ovarian function and reserve.
Genetic Screening
Genetic screening is used to raise awareness of any possible hereditary diseases. If both the egg and the sperm are both carriers, it can increase the chances of the baby being born with congenital disorders.
Again, genetic screening will not determine whether a woman can or can’t donate. We just try to provide as much information as possible to all parties involved.
Psychological Screening
All donors will speak with a psychologist to make sure she fully understands the benefits and the risks of donating eggs. The decision to donate eggs should not be taken lightly and must be done with the right intentions and motivations.
How to Prepare for Your Egg Donor Screening
Relax and take a deep breath. Your egg donor screening should not be stressful. So, here are some tips to help you feel more prepared:
Drink lots of water. It’s better to be well hydrated — especially for your blood draws.
Make sure you know when and where your appointment is.
Avoid nicotine, alcohol, and drugs for several days before your screening.
Have a list of places you have recently traveled for any Zika related questions.
Come with a list of questions. The doctors and nurses are there to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have.
Be honest. You must be upfront and honest about your health and your family medical history
It may be a long day. Bring a book, some snacks, and a water bottle.
At the end of your egg donor screening process, you will come away with complete medical knowledge of your genetic makeup and overall health. It’s a fascinating and empowering process. The more you know about your body, the better you can take care of it.
We'll Take Care of You
Regardless of whether you are a first time donor or a 3rd time donor, we’re here to make sure your egg donor screening process is as smooth as possible. We care about all our donors and do all we can to take care of them.
If you’re interested in becoming an egg donor, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We’re here for you.
