Donor Conception
Egg donors heads up: your 15(ish) most-Googled questions, answered
Jessie Day, Senior Editor | 6 Jan 2025
Egg donation is an incredible way to help individuals and couples build families, but it comes with a host of questions and considerations for potential donors.
If you’re curious about how often you can donate, what the process entails, or if there are long-term implications, bookmark this feature for the latest US guidelines, frequently asked questions, and everything you need to know about egg donation.
How many times can you donate eggs in your life?
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), donors are generally limited to six donation cycles over their lifetime. This recommendation is in place to minimize health risks and to ensure the genetic diversity of donor-conceived children.
Each donation cycle involves hormone stimulation and egg retrieval, which can be taxing on the body. Clinics and agencies typically keep to this limit, but the exact number may vary slightly depending on the program.
How often can you donate eggs?
Egg donation cycles require a recovery period between each retrieval. ASRM guidelines suggest that donors wait at least two to three months between cycles. This allows your body to return to its natural rhythm and ensures optimal health for future donations.
Most donors complete no more than two to three cycles per year to avoid overexposure to fertility medications.
How many eggs do you donate at a time?
The number of eggs retrieved during a single donation cycle varies from person to person but generally ranges from 10 to 20 mature eggs.
The exact count depends on how your ovaries respond to the hormone stimulation medications. While this may sound like a lot, your body naturally recruits multiple eggs each cycle – most of these wouldn’t otherwise mature or be released.
Your big FAQs
1. How many eggs can you donate at once?
In a single retrieval, all mature eggs that develop during your stimulation cycle are collected.
While the average is around 10 to 20 eggs, your specific number will depend on factors such as your age, ovarian reserve (the total number of eggs in your ovaries), and response to medications.
Rest assured, only the eggs from that cycle are retrieved – your future egg supply remains unaffected.
2. Can you still have kids after donating eggs?
Yes, but every situation is unique.
If there are no complications, egg donation is unlikely to impact your ability to have children in the future. The eggs retrieved during donation are part of the ‘group’ your body naturally recruits each month, meaning they would not have been used otherwise.
Research in this area however is still pretty limited, so ensure you’re equipped with the facts by your healthcare provider.
3. What about birth control – can you get pregnant after donating eggs?
Yes. However, if having a baby isn’t in your plan, it’s important to use contraception immediately after the egg retrieval procedure, as the hormones used during the cycle can increase your fertility temporarily.
4. Does donating eggs hurt?
The egg retrieval process is typically performed under sedation, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Some donors experience mild cramping, bloating, or spotting in the days following retrieval, but these symptoms usually resolve quickly.
The hormonal stimulation phase may cause temporary side effects such as headaches, mood swings, or abdominal discomfort.
5. How long does it take to donate eggs?
From the initial consultation to egg retrieval, the process typically takes four to six weeks. This includes:
- screening: comprehensive medical, psychological, and genetic evaluations.
- hormone stimulation: around 10-14 days of daily hormone injections to stimulate egg production.
- egg retrieval: a quick outpatient procedure to collect the eggs.
Eligibility and disqualifiers – who can donate eggs?
To become an egg donor, you typically need to meet these criteria:
- age 21-34 (though some programs accept donors up to age 35)
- non-smoker and in good overall health
- regular menstrual cycles
- BMI within a healthy range
Egg donation disqualifiers
Certain health and lifestyle factors may disqualify you from donating eggs, including:
- chronic medical conditions (e.g diabetes, untreated thyroid disorders)
- infectious diseases such as HIV or active hepatitis
- certain genetic disorders or a significant family history of genetic diseases
- history of substance abuse
We get lots of questions from the community asking more specific questions – here are a few quick-fire answers. Got another question? We love hearing from you – just drop us a DM.
Can you donate eggs if you have herpes?
Yes, depending on your clinic and provider.
In many cases, having herpes doesn’t automatically disqualify you, provided the infection is well-managed and you’re not experiencing an active outbreak during the donation cycle.
Can you donate eggs if you have PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can complicate the donation process due to an increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), but it’s not always a disqualifier. Speak with your clinic about whether you’re a suitable candidate.
Can you donate eggs on birth control?
Yes, depending on timings. In fact, many donors are on birth control before starting their donation cycle. Clinics will guide you on when to stop taking it before beginning the hormone stimulation phase, and when to start up again.
Can you donate eggs if your tubes are tied (tubal ligation)?
Yes. The egg retrieval process bypasses the fallopian tubes entirely, so tubal ligation has no impact on your ability to donate.
Can you donate eggs with an IUD?
In most cases, yes. However, hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) may need to be removed before starting the donation process, while non-hormonal IUDs (like copper) usually don’t interfere.
Compensation and costs – how much do you get for donating eggs?
Compensation varies by clinic and region but typically ranges from $7,000 to $15,000 per donation cycle. Repeat donors or those with specific sought-after characteristics (both genotype and phenotype) may earn higher amounts.
Do you get paid for embryo donation?
No. Embryo donation is typically a separate process from egg donation and is usually not compensated in the same way.
Egg donor insurance options
Most reputable programs provide insurance coverage for any medical complications related to the donation process. Be sure to ask your clinic about what’s included.
Pros and cons of egg donation (hint, there’s no definitive answer)
Egg donation is a deeply personal decision, with unique rewards and challenges for each donor. Understanding the pros and cons can help you weigh whether this journey is the right fit for you – here’s a quick overview to help guide your thinking.
(Potential!) pros:
- opportunity to help others create a family
- financial compensation
- comprehensive health screening
(Potential!) cons:
- time commitment and frequent clinic visits
- physical discomfort during/after the process
- emotional and psychological considerations
For your reading list
For more insights and personal stories about egg donation, check out these super-helpful resources and insights from our brilliant partners:
Final (big) questions
If I donate eggs, is that child biologically mine?
Any child born from your donated eggs will share your genetic material. However, as an egg donor, you relinquish all parental rights and responsibilities.
What are the risks or side effects of egg donation?
Physically speaking, the risks are generally low but can include:
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): A condition caused by an excessive response to fertility medications, which can lead to bloating, nausea, and in rare cases, more severe complications
- Short-term side effects from hormone injections, such as headaches or mood swings
While these risks are uncommon, it’s important to discuss any concerns with a qualified fertility specialist to fully understand the potential impact and ensure you feel confident in your decision.
Keen to find out more? We release new insight and information specifically focused on donor conception every week – check out what’s new and relevant and find a safe space for your questions on Instagram.
