Working With An Egg Donor

If you are reading this article, then your doctor has probably recommended that you work with an egg donor. Here are some things to consider as you begin your search.

First off, you will need to give yourself some time to let this news sink in. You will not be able to look at this situation until you are fully committed to the concept that an egg donor is THE option that will bring you the baby you desire. Once you are pregnant, this pain will all be a distant memory. The joy in knowing that your precious little one is on the way will fill your heart with a happiness that only a child can bring. Once you are ready, here are some things to consider.

  • Do I want a donor that is as similar to me as possible, or am I okay with someone that looks like a blend of both of us?
  • What about height? How important is this to me? Also, what height range am I okay with?
  • Education? Most couples want a donor that is either in college or has graduated. How important is this to me? Can I see their grades or ACT/SAT scores?
  • How long am I willing to wait for the right donor? Your favorite donor may be someone else’s too. Therefore, you may have to wait a few months for the donor you love.
  • Am I okay with paying for travel expenses for my donor? Your favorite donor may live in another city or state. If so, you will be responsible for her travel expenses to your clinic. This can cost an additional $3000-$5000 depending on where you live. This is certainly something to think about. It adds costs. However, when you are deciding on the right donor for your family, it is often worth the extra expense.
  • What about an egg bank? Getting eggs from a bank is often a less expensive route. However, you typically only get 6 eggs. Therefore, if you are doing PGS (Preimplantation genetic screening) or want possible siblings from the same donor, this is not recommended.