Egg Donor FAQ

Egg (or oocyte) donation refers to the process of selecting and retrieving eggs from an egg donor. The egg donor agrees to anonymously donate their eggs to a person(s) called “egg recipient(s)”. To do this, the donor takes fertility medications to produce multiple eggs that are surgically retrieved for use in an IVF cycle. These eggs will be combined with sperm to create embryos that will be transferred into a uterus for family building.

• The majority of donors state that the primary benefit to them is the knowledge that they’ve helped someone have a baby.
• Often, donors have had personal experience with friends or family members who have struggled with infertility and have seen how devastating it can be — and they want to help. Or have friends or family members who do not have access to eggs in their family building relationship.
• Financial compensation (see below).

Healthy people with ovaries between the ages of 21 and 32 who have regular menstrual periods and don’t smoke are eligible for anonymous egg donor screening. Persons who smoke or have risks of infectious diseases and will not be eligible for egg donation.

No. There is no evidence that donating your eggs will impact your fertility if you are young, healthy, and have excellent ovarian reserve.

• The majority of donors find that they have no problems with the injectable medications.
• Some people experience mild discomfort when getting their blood drawn.
• Some egg donors experience bloating or discomfort as their follicles grow. While this is normal, we will closely monitor you for any signs of moderate to severe hyperstimulation, or “OHSS” (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), leading to abdominal distention, pain, or other medical concerns.
• The surgical egg retrieval is done under anesthesia with pain medication going through your IV. You may have some cramping similar to a menstrual period for 2-3 days after the procedure; part of your medication packet includes pain medication that you can take if you need it.

No. While there are some situations where donors and recipients either know each other or are related, our NRM egg donor bank is de-identified. Neither the donor nor the recipients know who the other party is in their process.

• The process of screening to be accepted into the anonymous egg donor pool can take about 2-3 months.
• Once your profile has been chosen by a recipient and your cycle has been scheduled, the actual IVF process takes about 3 weeks.

• As an NRM donor, you will earn $7,000 for each donation, and can donate up to 6 times.
• At any point after you’ve taken the injectable medications and before you go through the egg retrieval, if your cycle is canceled for any reason other than second thoughts on your part, you will be paid $500 for the time and effort you have already given. If you choose to cancel the cycle after you’ve started the injectable medications, you will not be compensated.

1. The first step is to submit your information below to our Donor Coordinator: NRM VT - Donor Questionnaire (eggdonorconnect.com)
2. If you pass the initial eligibility determination, we will schedule a medical provider appointment, ultrasound, blood draw lab testing, and mental health screening.
3. You will then undergo the Matching Process to match you to the recipient(s). Once you are matched, we will coordinate your cycle and prepare you for ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval!

• Our providers and staff have 20 years experience with donor egg IVF, and are skilled in matching donors and recipients and juggling the multiple aspects of third-party reproduction.
• NRM boasts a state-of-the-art office space and lab in Colchester, Vermont, with convenient access and free parking.
• NRM staff is caring, sensitive, and understands the delicate nature of an anonymous egg donor/recipient relationship. We are committed to ensuring your safety and privacy throughout your experience, from your initial contact through your egg retrieval.