Egg Donor FAQ's
	What are the side effects of donation? All donors undergo conventional IVF. This means you will be taking daily doses of fertility medications. Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is the most common side-effect and you will feel bloated and cramping. Sensitivity and tenderness on the injection site can be common during the first few times of treatment. Some reaction to the medicine is also possible. If I donate eggs, can I still get pregnant in the future? Yes. You can still get pregnant after donation. Only in extreme circumstances (like infections, untreated OHSS) where your chances can be diminished. Our doctors are fully qualified to do the procedures and you will be monitored very carefully during the cycle to avoid any complications. Will I lose all my eggs? How many will be retrieved? No. You will not lose your eggs (or your fertility). Your body produces follicles every menstrual cycle. We will retrieve mostly the mature follicles so you will still have some left after the retrieval. The follicles that are left inside your ovary will mature and you will ovulate them by your next period. How long does the whole process take after my application is received? If your qualifications/profile matches the ones we are looking for, we can start you immediately. We usually schedule interviews on Day 3 of your menstrual cycle. A complete cycle can be done in 4-6 weeks. Otherwise, we will put your profile on hold until we are able to start you. This can take up to several months. Can I donate if: I just gave birth? We can only consider you if it has been at least 6 months from your delivery date. You must not be breast feeding as well. I am on birth control pills? Yes. We have to have you stop it for a while and take it again pending the results of your hormone tests. You will completely stop taking it before you do injections. I have an IUD? Depo Provera or Norplant? Yes. However, you will have to remove it to start the cycle. We do not pay for removing or putting back the IUD. You have to discontinue use of Norplant or Depo Provera for several months before you can donate. I have my tubes tied? Yes. However, pending the results of your hormone levels, you may or may not qualify. I am a virgin? No. Egg donation involves intra-vaginal sonogram/ultrasound as well as the retrieval process. I have been diagnosed with any STDs? No. We prefer our donors to not have any history of STD's. (Even if you have been treated and not showing any symptoms now.) I just did a donor cycle with another clinic? Yes, but only if it has been at least 3 months from your last donation (this can also mean 3 menstrual cycles after your last donation). I was adopted? No. If you do not have access to your birth-parents' family medical health information, or there is no informed person to ask, you cannot become an egg donor. I am a smoker? No. You will be taking birth control pills and injections. Certain ingredients of these medications will pose a health risk if you smoke. If you were a previous smoker, you must have stopped for at least 6 months. How many times can I donate? You can donate up to 6 times as recommended by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. You must allow your body to rest for at least 4 months after your last retrieval before undergoing a new cycle. Can I have sexual intercourse while in the program? We prefer that you abstain from sexual intercourse while in the cycle. We will give you more instructions as you proceed with the program. You may be pregnant very easily and with multiples while taking the injections. This will automatically cancel your cycle. When can I resume sexual intercourse? It is recommended to resume safe sex after you have your menstrual cycle from the time of retrieval. Will I have restrictions? Yes. There will be days when you will be required to stop all strenuous activities, stretching, swimming, etc. before and after the retrieval. You are also not allowed to consume alcoholic beverages. How long is the recovery period? You may feel bloated and some cramping a few days before the retrieval. You may feel discomfort, bloating, and slight spotting after the procedure. This can last up to 7-10 days. Do I have to pay for anything? No. We will pay for everything not unless you violate your contract. However, this does not include your travel costs to the clinic if you come to monitor at New Hope Fertility Center. I am not from the tri-state area. Will you accept me? Whether or not we will accept you depends on your qualifications, where you are located, and the expenses we will incur to bring you to New York. In most cases such donors are only accepted if there are recipients that have already been identified Where will you perform my monitoring and the procedure? All procedures will be done at New Hope Fertility Center. However, we will send you to two different places in Manhattan for genetic counseling and psychological evaluation. Can I go somewhere closer to my place for monitoring? No. If you are from the tri-state area, you will have to come to New Hope. If you are from somewhere else other than the tri-state, we can send you to another doctor that we choose for your monitoring. Do I get covered for medical emergencies, etc? We buy donor insurance for you just in case anything happens When will I receive my compensation? We will give you your full compensation on the day of your egg retrieval after the procedure. No partial compensation will be given before your retrieval. If you do not pass the screening requirements, we will not compensate or reimburse your travel expenses. Will I receive information about my recipients? No. This is part of their confidentiality agreement. Conversely, the recipient will not get your personal information. They will only receive the profile you filled out without any personal details that reveal you identity. Will I know the number of eggs taken from me? No. We give you an idea how many you have while you are monitoring. However, we will not tell you the total number of eggs retrieved after the procedure. This prevents you from having to think about the possible outcome of your donation. Will I be responsible for anything after the donation? No. After your eggs have been retrieved, you will not be involved in any other procedure. As part of your contract, you will not be responsible for any children born out of your donation. Can I request copies of my medical records? Yes. You just have to fill out the medical records release form.