Becoming an Egg Donor With Physician’s Surrogacy

It wasn’t that long ago when I heard about egg donation for the first time. My friend introduced me to the process and showed me how I could change someone’s life by helping them start their own family.

Egg Donation Process

I was quickly motivated to become an egg donor, but I had questions about the process. What happens before and after? Are there any harmful side effects? I did my research before making the decision to donate my eggs and would like to take this opportunity to share the information I learned.

What are egg donor requirements?

To become an egg donor, you should be between 19 – 29 years of age. You should have a healthy lifestyle, be a non-smoker, and be well-educated (college or graduate).  It is also important that your BMI is less than 28.

How to become an egg donor?

Becoming an egg donor is relatively easy. Once you verify that you meet all the requirements to become an egg donor, all you have to do is contact an agency and fill out their application. Once your application is approved, you will be contacted by a coordinator who will walk you through the whole process. A profile with your general information will be shared with Intended Parents, those looking for an egg donor.  If there’s a match you will be contacted by your agency to set up your medical screening appointments.

Become an Egg Donor

What medical tests are required to qualify as an egg donor?

After you have been accepted into an egg donation program and matched with an intended parent, you will go through a series of screenings. It usually consists of a medical screening, psychological evaluation and background check. There are a variety of tests that are required and may include blood work and detailed reports concerning family medical history. During your psychological screening you’ll discuss the benefits and risks of egg donation to ensure that you are mentally ready to make the commitment. Generally, the length of the screening process can vary, but it’s typically completed in one or two appointments.

What should I expect during the egg retrieval process?

Once you have successfully completed and passed all your screenings, your egg donation cycle will begin. You will be given medications to stimulate the production of multiple eggs in the ovaries. You will need to self-administer these medications several times a day for approximately two weeks. After two weeks you will go into the clinic for the egg retrieval. The process takes about 20 minutes. You will be placed under light sedation while the eggs are retrieved through a transvaginal ultrasound. After the appointment, you will be required to rest for a few hours. A couple side effects of the procedure include bloating, cramping, and a bit of discomfort.

Will I be compensated for donating my eggs?

You will be compensated for your time, effort, and the inconveniences that are related to the entire process. Your compensation package is discussed during the screening process. You are doing something that means a lot and can change someone’s life forever, so don't need to be shy when discussing compensation with your agency.

I went through Physician’s Surrogacy in San Diego, California for my egg donation and had a very positive experience. If you are thinking about donating your eggs or have any questions on the process, you can contact them at www.physicianssurrogacy.com or (858) 847-5939.

5 Questions to Consider Before Becoming a Surrogate

Ever thought of becoming a surrogate? If yes, there are 5 questions you need to ask yourself before making your decision.

Whether you love being pregnant or not, becoming a surrogate is physically and emotionally demanding. You will need to do some heavy thinking before deciding if surrogacy is a path you can take. Here are five important questions to ask yourself before becoming a surrogate.

What is my motivation?

One of the key parts of becoming a surrogate is the right motivation. While you may receive payments throughout your surrogacy journey, the money is just a bonus and should not be the main motivator. As experienced surrogates will tell you, no amount of money is worth the emotional, legal and medical work you are going to undergo as a surrogate. Your greatest reward will be the beautiful smile on the faces of the Intended Parents (IPs) after you have helped them achieve their dream. Think about the reasons this rewarding journey calls to you: sharing the love of parenthood with other people, the sweet joy of pregnancy…. does this ultimate gift even have a price?

How will this affect my family?

You are going to need the full support of your partner (if you have one) during this journey. Think about how the pregnancy would affect your own children and the care and attention you give them. You also need to consider how you will inform them about the path you are about to take if they are of age.

What effect will this have on my daily life?

Being pregnant with a surrogate child can affect your family and work schedule just like a normal pregnancy can. However, you also need to factor in IVF treatments, meetings with IPs and lawyers, and screening appointments into the picture. Think of length about how you will handle your daily responsibilities as you juggle between appointments and the type of support you will have if need to be on bed rest.  

Is my own family complete?

It is known that surrogates are required to have given birth to their own child, but why does your family need to be complete? Don’t let a history of uncomplicated pregnancies fool you. Pregnancy and delivery are naturally very risky processes. You may not be able to carry another pregnancy due to complications from a previous pregnancy. Therefore, you need to be sure your own family is complete before embarking on a family building journey for someone else.

Where can I get support?

Do you have any supportive friends willing to hear about your journey? Are there any surrogate support groups in your area? Do you mind seeking professional assistance if the need arises? Before you begin this journey, you will want to know where your support will come from. It is in your best interest to have something set up in the event of pregnancy complications. 

Luckily with Physician’s Surrogacy, you will have a direct surrogate support person to help yours throughout your journey. In addition, you will be able to have a surrogate support family from the agency. You can share stories, learn about each other, and most of all, support each other.

Surrogacy, as a selfless act of love, requires a lot of reflection and thought. This journey holds joy and challenges for you, your family and those you are trying to help. You will want to be honest with yourself when deciding if the path is right for you now.

If you’re interested in becoming a surrogate, apply today with Physician's Surrogacy, the only physician-managed surrogacy program in the world.