How common is egg donation as a therapy for infertility?
Increasingly. In 2003 (the most recent year for which statistics are available), it accounted for 12 percent of all ART cycles, according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

What is the average wait time for an egg donor?
The length primarily depends on the characteristics the intended parents are seeking. A donor may be available immediately or there may be a short wait.

Are egg donors pre-screened?
At ARR, yes –extensively. Our donors have all spent at least 90 minutes of intense interview time with us, and have also undergone hours of independent psychological testing. When we bring a candidate to an intended parent, they are completely ready to be matched and move into the medical portion of the program.

How much information is available on donor candidates?
We ask the candidates to bring pictures to our interview from birth to adulthood. If a candidate has any children, we also ask to include their photos. In addition to physical characteristics, we share their interests, hobbies, education, family history and other personal observations from our extensive interview process.

How long is the entire process for egg donors?
The process can vary in length, but generally takes between two to four months. This includes the interviewing process, many phases of testing, medication cycles, retrieval and recovery.

Are there state or national regulations involved with egg donation?
Not currently; however, we do require a legal consultation for each donor accepted into our program. The lawyer reviews ARR contracts with the donor as well as the consent form for the individual fertility center being used. The donor’s attorney also works with counsel for the intended parents to establish a direct agreement between the two parties. It’s critical to ensure unnecessary surprises.

What is the medical regimen an egg donor has to follow?
Donors initially undergo a physical exam, which includes blood testing for basic health and infectious diseases. A baseline ultrasound is also completed. Once the donor has been matched with intended parents, she begins the ovarian stimulation process, which generally takes three to four weeks.

Can egg donors donate more than once?
Yes, per the ASRM guidelines, women may donate up to six times if egg and embryo quality permit.

What is the compensation for an egg donor?
ARR’s egg donors receive $7,000.