Yes, with the level of understanding and comfort of knowing that this is an invasive procedure performed vaginally.

You will need at least 3 normal postpartum menstrual cycles. You may not breast-feed during an egg donation cycle.

Yes, this will not affect your eligibility.

Yes. We do not need your tubes to retrieve the ovum from your ovaries.

Unfortunately not, as we are unable to track your periods, which is required for a successful cycle.

Absolutely. Please note that once you have completed your donation, you have relinquished the eggs to the discretion of the Intended Parents. Although AEM will do our best to match you to likeminded individuals, they are now considered to be the property of the Intended Parents, and we cannot guarantee outcomes thereafter.

This varies from clinic to clinic, most often oral contraceptive pills are the best source of birth control for an egg donation. Hormonal IUDs, implants , and injectable birth control will generally need to be removed/ceased prior to moving forward with an egg donation.

We adhere to ASRM guidelines and allow up to 6 donations total. You may choose to donate past the recommended 6 if the fertility doctor deems it safe to do so and/or for a designated sibling project request.

If you are chosen for back-to-back donations, you will be expected to have a minimum of 2-3 periods before beginning your next egg donation. During this time, we may complete the legal proceedings for the subsequent donation and then prepare for your next retrieval.

In accordance with the Oocyte Donation Agreement that you sign, you will be asked to stipulate that all children born, as well as any frozen eggs/embryos resulting from the egg donation process, will legally belong to the intended parents. Egg donors have no legal responsibility whatsoever for the future welfare or support of any children made from the donated eggs.

No, we will provide a supplemental insurance during your donation that will cover complications as a direct result of the egg donation. Your policy will go into effect at the start of injectable medications and through 180 days post-retrieval. Please remember; this insurance is good for complications related to your egg donation only and cannot be used as private healthcare.

The majority of egg donations are anonymous.. It is important to note that with social media and the technology available today we cannot guarantee your anonymity, however, all reasonable measures are taken to protect your anonymity during and after your donation. You also have the choice to match within an “open” donation if all parties agree. One of the benefits of matching through an agency is the ability to make this decision. This is an individual choice based on your comfort level and that of the intended parents.

Based on the understanding of a women’s egg pool, even a repeat donor should not be affected by infertility. When a female is born, she is born with all the eggs she will have in a lifetime (1-2 million on average). Degeneration of her eggs occurs naturally as she grows older and is left with approximately 500,000 by puberty – only about 400 of these eggs are ovulated in her lifetime.. The inability to conceive later in life indicates a direct link between a woman’s age, environmental factors, and genetics.

Once you are instructed to begin your injectable medications, there will be a “critical window” and you will be instructed to abstain from sexual intercourse with your partner.

Compensation generally begins at $8,000 and increases based on previous donor experience and cost of living in your area. While An Eggceptional Match will guide you on industry standards, the compensation requested is dictated solely by the egg donor. Compensation is offered in exchange for the time, inconvenience and level of commitment expected of you as an egg donor.

An Eggceptional Match is a full service, boutique style agency that custom matches you. The length of time may vary: a match may be successful within a few weeks, or it may take months. It is possible that a match does not occur. A custom and thoughtful match depends on many factors, including personalities, location, clinical approval, fees, insurance coverage and compatible moral/ethical beliefs. Although we realize that you are eager to get started on your journey, we strive to ensure the best possible match based on the wishes and needs of all parties.

Absolutely. We take matching intended parents and egg donors very seriously. Your profile will guide us on the most important attributes for the couples you may be interested in working with.

A textbook cycle from matching to retrieval is approximately 3-4 months.

Yes. AEM matches Intended parents to egg donors and gestational carriers throughout the United States and internationally.

Yes. Please review the DO’S AND DON’TS DURING YOUR DONOR CYCLE on our egg donor page! 

If you are out-of-state from the Intended Parent’s fertility clinic, you are expected to travel overnight for initial consultation and medical/psychological screening. After you have been instructed to start your injectable medications, most clinics require an additional 7-10 day stay to complete the donation and to ensure your safety, return to the clinic for a follow-up before you travel home. There are exceptions that may vary from clinic to clinic. You will need to bring a companion for the retrieval trip. Airfare, hotel, ground transportation and daily stipends are all covered by your intended parents and will be sent prior to your departure.

Medications for fertility treatment and egg donation are used throughout the United States and the world. The widespread use in the US is the result of rigorous testing for effectiveness and safety by the scientific community and the FDA. In addition, with thousands of cases of egg donations performed annually in the United States and the guidelines set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine for six donations per egg donor, the safety record is excellent. As with any medicine, adverse side effects may occur. You should inquire about all the risks and potential side effects of medications and medical procedures during the screening consultation with a physician. We also encourage you to talk to your gynecologist about your desire to be an egg donor, to help you feel more comfortable and confident about your decision.

There are several different protocols based on age, hormone levels, etc., of which will be determined by the fertility clinic physician. Most donors will be placed on a birth control pill that helps to suppress ovulation, prevent ovarian cysts, and is used as a tool to synchronize your period. Next, Lupron will be one of the most common drugs to be introduced. . This will assist in keeping the ovaries “quiet” to further prevent ovulation and follicular growth until you are ready to introduce the stimulation medication. Your stimulation medication, FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) or similar, will then be initiated to assist in growing mature eggs in your follicles (fluid filled sacs in each ovary). Your trigger shot is the final injection. Most protocols will use HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), Lupron or a combination of each. This injection will give the final maturation to the follicles prior to retrieving the eggs.

Yes. The shots are done at home. You can do them yourself, or have a friend or family member help you. The clinical team will teach you how to mix and administer your medication.

This may vary from person to person. Overall, the procedure is not described as painful but rather “uncomfortable” post-retrieval. This may occur due to additional bloating and mild cramping. Some donors don’t feel any effects at all. We recommend you take 48-72 hours post retrieval to rest, increase fluids and proteins, and stay off your feet as much as possible. The more you do this, the sooner you are back to your normal routine. Since you are under IV sedation (twilight anesthesia), you will not feel anything during the procedure itself. Please follow your post-retrieval clinical guidelines for quickest recovery.

You will receive post-op instructions from the fertility clinic you are working with to guide you on your road to recovery. In addition, it is recommended that you refrain from any strenuous activity, twisting or intercourse until after your post-retrieval period, as you are still very fertile. Your body and menstrual cycle should be back to normal after this period.

The cycle will be paid from start to finish by the Intended Parents with whom you are matched. This will include all fees associated with medical procedures, medications, additional insurance, and travel. You may have some minimal out-of-pocket costs over the course of the cycle, which will be reimbursed or paid ahead of time, if possible. Please be advised of AEM’s policy to submit 1099 tax forms regarding any income you earned from your donation (excluding reimbursements).

We do supply an after-hours number, however, for true medical emergencies you would be advised to call your fertility doctor or 911 for an urgent medical need.