Seven Steps to Becoming an Egg Helpers Donor

Egg Helpers wants you to feel safe and informed about your decision to become and egg donor. We've created this step-by-step guide to walk you through the entire process from start to finish.

Step 1: Submitting a Medical History Profile

Start by reviewing the information provided on our "Information on Becoming an Egg Donor". This document has been designed to inform you about the process and help you decide if egg donation is right for you. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Egg Helpers wants you to feel fully prepared before making your decision and we will do our best to answer all your questions.

Step 2: Application Approval by Egg Helpers

Once we receive your intake form, Egg Helpers will review your profile and call you to discuss your medical history and the process involved. We will ask for further details, answer any questions, and provide you with details about the egg donor program.

Step 3: Application Approval by a Clinic
Your medical history must be approved by one of the clinics we work with. It may take up to one week for a profile approval. If the doctor that is reviewing your profile has any questions, we will pass them along to you for further clarification.

Step 4: Screening, Blood Work and Counseling Appointments

Once your profile has been approved by the clinic, your donor coordinator will contact you to schedule a screening appointment at the fertility clinic where an ultrasound and blood testing will be performed. The blood test will screen for genetic abnormalities, STDs and infectious diseases, along with drug and nicotine testing. Afterwards you will speak with a fertility counselor who will provide you with guidance to ensure you feel comfortable moving forward with your decision. These appointments are completed in a single visit and may take up to an entire day depending on your appointment times.

Step 5: Intended Parent Selection

Your profile will become visible to potential parents after you have been medically cleared, which can take up to six weeks. Once you've been selected, Egg Helpers will share with you more information about the Intended Parents and you can decide if you want to move forward with them or not. If you are happy with the selection, Egg Helpers will connect you to the fertility clinic where you will receive your medication and where the eventual retrieval will take place.

Step 6: Cycling with Medication and Monitoring

Starting on day two of your monthly cycle, you'll be required to give yourself daily injections that will stimulate your egg development. These needles are typically very small and go into the skin of the thigh or abdomen. Throughout the administration of the medication, you will be closely monitored to ensure you are responding well. This typically consists of six to eight early morning appointments that are about 15 minutes long, and involve blood work and vaginal ultrasounds.

Step 7: Retrieval Day

On the day of your egg retrieval, you will undergo a 20-30 minute procurement procedure that doesn't require an incision. You'll be given a sedative, and after the eggs have been retrieved, you'll spend about 30 to 45 minutes resting in the recovery room. After resting, you'll go home knowing you have provided a deserving couple with the family they so desire. We always recommend that someone accompany you as it's likely you will feel unwell afterwards. In rare cases, a follow up may be scheduled. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine guidelines donors are able to donate up to six times, however some doctors recommend stopping after five.