Can I Still Be an Egg Donor If I’m On Birth Control?

If you’re considering becoming an egg donor, you probably have a lot of questions – and one of the most common is this: “Can I donate if I’m on birth control?”

The short answer is: yes, in many cases, you can. But as with most things in fertility medicine, the full answer depends on the type of birth control you’re using and how your body responds to it. During the donation process, doctors use hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Certain birth control methods can affect how your body responds to these medications, so your doctor will review your specific case.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about egg donation and birth control: what’s allowed, what needs to be paused, and how Elevate Baby helps you prepare for the process with confidence.

Does Being on Birth Control Disqualify Me From Becoming an Egg Donor?

Not necessarily. Most types of birth control won’t disqualify you from becoming an egg donor, especially during the early screening and application phases.

That said, some methods may affect your hormone levels or the ability to stimulate your ovaries during the donation cycle. That’s why your Elevate case manager and medical team will evaluate your current method and advise you on the next steps.

Here’s a general breakdown:

Birth Control Method	Eligible to Apply?	May Need to Stop Before Cycle?
Birth control pills	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (before stimulation)
Hormonal IUD (e.g., Mirena, Kyleena)	✅ Yes	⚠️ Sometimes
Non-hormonal IUD (e.g., Paragard)	✅ Yes	❌ No
Implant (e.g., Nexplanon)	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (may need removal)
Depo-Provera shot	⚠️ Sometimes	✅ Yes (requires time to clear)
Birth control patch or ring	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (before stimulation)

Which Types of Birth Control Are Compatible With Egg Donation?

The most compatible methods are those that are easy to pause or don’t suppress ovulation long-term. This includes:

• Non-hormonal IUDs
• Combination birth control pills
• Birth control patches and rings

Long-acting hormonal methods, such as implants or the Depo shot, are more complex. These can suppress ovulation for months—even after discontinuation—which may delay your ability to cycle.

If you’re currently using one of these, don’t worry. Elevate will work with you to create a realistic timeline that works for your body and lifestyle. You don’t need to remove or stop anything to apply.

Learn more about egg donor requirements and how Elevate screens candidates with care.

Will I Need to Stop My Birth Control Before the Donation Process Begins?

Yes, if you’re matched and move forward with a donation cycle, most clinics will ask you to temporarily stop hormonal birth control so they can safely stimulate your ovaries.

Here’s how the typical transition works:

1. You apply and are accepted while still using birth control.
2. You’re matched with intended parents and begin the medical screening process.
3. You pause or remove birth control (if needed) before starting medications.
4. You begin ovarian stimulation and complete the egg retrieval.

In many cases, the pause is temporary, and you can resume your preferred contraception after your cycle concludes.

Does Birth Control Affect My Egg Quality or Hormone Levels?

This is a great question, and an important one.

Generally, birth control does not harm egg quality or reduce your long-term fertility. It works by preventing ovulation, not by depleting your egg supply.

That said, certain hormonal contraceptives can affect how your body’s hormone levels appear during testing, especially anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, which measure ovarian reserve. Your fertility doctor will take this into account and may schedule your blood work during a specific time in your cycle, or after a short pause from hormonal birth control.

Elevate partners with top IVF clinics that are experienced in reading these labs, even when birth control is in the mix.

How Can I Prepare If I’m on Birth Control and Want to Donate Eggs?

If you’re thinking about becoming an egg donor and you’re currently using birth control, here’s what we recommend:

• Apply anyway – Your current contraception will not disqualify you.
• Be honest about your method – Your case manager and clinic team will tailor the timeline to your needs.
• Don’t stop anything without guidance – Especially if you’re using a long-acting method like an implant or Depo shot.
• Plan ahead – Some methods require more time before you’re ready to donate, so starting early gives you flexibility.

At Elevate, our goal is to make your journey smooth, supported, and fully aligned with your lifestyle. Whether you’re in school, building your career, or just starting to explore this path, we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way.

Final Thoughts: Birth Control Doesn’t Have to Hold You Back

Being on birth control is extremely common, and it shouldn’t stop you from helping a family grow. In fact, most of our donors are on some form of contraception when they apply.

With expert guidance, a supportive agency, and a realistic timeline, you can absolutely move forward with egg donation on your terms.

Ready to explore what’s next? Start your application today or contact our team with any questions you may have. We’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.