As an egg donor you have the opportunity to change lives, and we want you to be fully informed of the process involved in this incredible journey. Egg donors have to attend a range of appointments at a Care Fertility clinic, in this guide we explain each step of egg donation and what it will mean for you.

Questionnaires and tests

We ask all of our donors to fill out a medical form and family history questionnaire. These forms are a legal requirement for all fertility clinics and help us to distinguish whether you are suitable for egg donation. They are relatively simple and easy to complete, and our donation teams are there to help with any questions you have.

After your consultation with one of our Donation Coordinators, you will undergo blood tests and a quick ultrasound scan so the team can assess your fertility health.

Appointments

Once you have decided to go ahead with your donation, you’ll need to visit the clinic between seven and ten times. We’ll do everything we can to ensure your appointments aren’t too disruptive to your day-to-day life.

After your first consultation and initial blood tests, you will normally then have an appointment with a Care counsellor. Here, you will be able to talk through the ethics of egg donation and any queries you may have, or emotions you may be feeling towards the donation process. Following this, you will have a consultation with a doctor who will answer any of your medical questions. You will then be scheduled in for three to five monitoring appointments, and one final appointment for egg collection.

Self-administered injections

Women who choose to donate their eggs are required to administer injections in order to stimulate their ovaries in preparation for egg collection. These injections stimulate egg production, ensuring the optimum number of eggs are matured and ready to be retrieved on collection day. The nurses will make sure you fully understand the process, and are comfortable to do this before leaving the clinic.

The injections are easy to administer, and can be done in the comfort of your own home. If you do feel you are unable to administer the injections yourself, it may be comforting to ask a partner, friend or family member to help you carry this out.

Anonymity

In 2005, the laws regarding egg and sperm donor anonymity changed to allow any child born from donated eggs or sperm access to identifiable data about their donor when they turn 18 years old.

However, it is important to understand that you will not be financially or legally liable for any children born from your donation. The recipients of your donated eggs are the legal parents of any child born as a result.

If you decide that you would like counselling, our Care Fertility counsellors are available to chat with you. They can advise you on things like the information that would be given to any children born from your donation and answer any questions you may have.

We’re here to give you all the facts, and support, you need to give another woman the chance to have a family of her own. So, if you have any further questions or concerns regarding egg donation at Care Fertility, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by clicking here or calling us on 0800 564 2270.