Before you decide to become an egg donor, at your first appointment, the egg donation process will be explained to you in detail. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. We will provide you with an application, if you have not filled one out already. You can take the application home, and return it to us when you have made your decision.

ANONYMITY

Our egg donation program is anonymous, meaning you will not be given any identifying information about the recipients, nor will the recipients receive identifying information about you. Also, you will not meet each other.

KNOWN DONOR

It is also possible for you to donate to someone you know, such as a sibling or a friend. In that case, we simply assist you in coordinating the necessary tests, appointments, legal contract, and medical visits.

THE 5 STEPS OF EGG DONATION

The process of egg donation can generally be divided into five steps:

Step (1) APPLICATION: If you are interested in becoming an egg donor, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire of health history and health habits, an application, and provide photos of yourself. Since we are an anonymous program, pictures from early or late childhood, or professional portraits are preferred.

Step (2) SCREENS: Preliminary drug and infectious disease screening - Blood tests and urine tests for infectious diseases are required by the FDA. You will first go through preliminary tests, and once the results qualify, you will do the second set of screens. These tests typically include tests for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and recreational drugs.

Step (3) MATCHING, PSYCH & LEGAL: Upon acceptance to the program, you will be added to our pool of donors. Once you have been chosen and matched with a couple, you will meet with a licensed psychologist. She is there to make sure you are psychologically prepared for the process, and to provide advise and support. After the psychologist has determined that you are suitable egg donor, you will sign a contract, which explains your rights and responsibilities, as well as the recipient's rights and responsibilities to protect both parties. Typically the contract spells out the financial agreement.

Step (4) MEDICAL PROCESS: As soon as the contract is signed, you will be ready to begin. You will first learn how to give yourself subcutaneous injections with a small needle shorter than 1/2 inches. Most donors have expressed that the shots are relatively easy and "much less painful" than they had imagined. The shots are typically administered at an area where there is a thick layer of fat. You will be given a calendar with medication laid out for you so you can coordinate it with your schedule. We have four locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, making it easiest for you. During the last 8 to 10 days of your cycle, you will need ultrasound and blood work to be closely monitored. Usually you may need 2-3 appointments during that short period of time. Egg donation will not impair your fertility in the future, since the retrieved eggs are the ones your body will naturally dispose of that month. Also, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine has stated that it is safe for an egg donor to donate 6 times in their lifetime.

Step (5) RETRIEVAL: Once your follicles are ready, you will undergo egg retrieval. Egg retrieval takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and it will be done by a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist doctor, and with IV sedation by an Anesthesiologist doctor, in the physician's office. You will need a trusted person such as a friend or family member to take you home after the procedure. Compensation will be given in the form of cash or money order on the day of the retrieval. As long as you have followed the doctor's instructions for egg donation, you will be entitled to the compensation for your time spent and effort to donate your eggs.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

NO EXPENSES/FEES FOR DONORS OR SURROGATES: You will not be financially responsible for any appointments or exams. Typically, there is no additional compensation for travel expenses, child care, or any related expenses incurred during the egg donation or surrogacy process. The compensation is inclusive of all expenses and compensation, unless otherwise agreed. Surrogacy compensation is very different from egg donation. Please refer to surrogacy section for details.

SUPPORTIVE TEAM: Our coordinator has been in this field for more than 15 years. She will be available to provide support and guidance at every step, throughout the entire process.

PRIVACY AND DISCLOSURE: We generally do not provide egg donors with the outcomes of their egg donation cycle. Our donors have to consent to being notified of any medical information about themselves that is discovered during the donation process. For example, if one of your infectious disease screening test results comes back positive, we reserve the right to inform you.

All medical procedures carry risks and side effects. We highly recommend all our donors and surrogates obtain as much information from independent sources as possible, and to consult their own physicians to ask any questions to their satisfaction before commiting to donate. For more details on egg donation and surrogacy, please consult www.asrm.org or refer to literature available at our office.