[Zoë T.]

Have you ever donated eggs through a fertility clinic? I know that it's a pretty lengthy process and there is much to consider about egg donation, but from what I've read, it pays a pretty penny! Is it worth it? Knowing that you're helping others start a family is a huge plus along with the financial incentive, but I want to know if the process is painstaking, or easy. Curious to hear other people's thoughts on this topic!

[Alison H.]

Honestly, I have no idea what the process is actually like from a first-person perspective. I remember considering it a LONG time ago when I was young (like early 20s), and before I had kids. I believe it DOES pay really well, but I think, too, that's because it's a big ask/process on the part of the donor (probably also the recipient too).

As I understand it, it starts with health screenings (medical, genetic, fertility, STIs) you have to "pass" and then depending on if the eggs are going to a specific person or not, possibly birth control so the donor's cycle is synced with the recipient's. This part probably doesn't happen if you're just donating eggs in general. At some point, there are self-injections that relate to stimulating follicles and maturing eggs for retrieval, and then the actual retrieval. But that's about the extent of my knowledge on the topic.

I imagine that part of the ask (and requirements) of donors, I would assume(??), is that they're not sexually active during that time or it's limited in some capacity. Not just the risk of unintended pregnancy, but STIs or other infections that could affect the ovaries. So part of the "fee" likely relates to that, too — you're taking all these steps and on top of that, you're not allowed to get laid either. Or at least, during certain parts of the process — like close to when eggs are going to be retrieved, I'd imagine.

I think it really is a wonderful thing to do, considering that you'd be helping others to start a family they might not otherwise be able to have. Myself, I was always of the mind that if I couldn't have kids of my own, I'd adopt — partly because there are so many kids who need good homes but also because the IVF process is just so long, difficult, and isn't always successful (not to mention it's crazy expensive). Although the same could probably be said for adoption, too.

If your body (and mind) can handle the process of egg donation, though, it could be a really wonderful gift to someone(s). And the financial incentive is definitely a plus.

[jns]

Years ago my wife and I inquired about IVF (in vitro fertilization) since she could not have children due to heavily scarred fallopian tubes (the doctor said that maybe it was due to untreated UTIs as a teenager). We were told by the doctors that the drugs used to induce multiple egg maturation increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Things may be different now or we could have been given the wrong information but that was the reason that my wife never went forward with IVF. Egg donation would have the same considerations about the drugs used. I would expect that a person donating eggs for cash would be at least partially compensated for the risks involved.

[Vanessa R.]

Zoë T. I actually went through the very early stages of trying to donate my eggs. I don't want children and at the time (this was years ago) figured that it made sense to give someone else the benefit of having children and not let my eggs go to waste. I fit the criteria they were looking for, filled out the application and went to the office for the in-person interview.

They were very nice and explained the process to me. But then they did the "psych" interview/analysis where they asked about my family history and health background, etc. I had to disclose every single thing, which makes sense considering the large amount of money they pay for the eggs, so I mentioned I had eczema and that my mom was a breast cancer survivor.

After she was done taking notes about everything I was saying, she essentially told me I wasn't a good fit because people don't pay that kind of money "to take the risk of having a child with a skin problem or possibly cancer" so they decided they didn't want my eggs after all.

It was pretty sh*tty to hear, truth be told. On the one hand, you can't lie because you can get in a lot of trouble for obvious reasons but at the same time, it made me realize they're looking for "perfect" and while I know that doesn't exist, to be told that my eggs were not up to their standards made me feel awful. That form of rejection stuck with me for the longest.

Make sure you do your family medical history thoroughly before applying and just be prepared in the event they deem your eggs "not worthy." But you might end up making the cut so I'm not trying to discourage you AT ALL, just be prepared just in case because I know that f*cked me up for a minute.

[Zoë T.]

Vanessa R. Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It sounds like even the screening process is lengthy (which does make sense like you mentioned) but to go through all of that and THEN to find out that you're not "the right fit" has got to be oddly disappointing. The whole concept of "selling eggs" actually freaks me out a little if I think too hard about it.

[Gena G.]

I looked into it thinking it was a one time procedure and then I saw that you have to go through weeks of hormone treatments and I immediately tapped out. Just going through the hormonal side effects of my IUD really sent me for a loop so I can't imagine what the shots would be like to donate your eggs. I also read that it can bring your chances of conceiving down and even though I'm not sure if I want kids that also had an effect on my decision to look further into it.

[Vanessa R.]

Zoë T. You're so welcome! Yeah, on the surface the idea of selling eggs sounds like something out of a sci-fi novel (and we all know those always end happily right? Lol). I think I read somewhere that there's even the concept of "designer babies," where the tech makes it possible now for would-be parents to select the eye color and gender of the baby, among other traits. If that isn't true, I'd bet a billion dollars someone out there is currently hard at work developing such a procedure.

Gena G. Oh, I know...they rejected me so fast they didn't even bother explaining the actual process beforehand so I learned about the daily injections after the fact. I'm not a fan of needles (even though I used to donate blood) so I honestly don't know if I could have handled that, even with the amount of money received at the end. I guess everything happened the way it was supposed to because had I been approved, I might have not finished the entire process because of the demands and toll it could take on my body, not to mention my mental health.

[Ronit Raj]

Egg donation can be financially and emotionally rewarding, knowing you're helping others start a family. While the process involves medical evaluations, hormone injections, and a retrieval procedure, many find it worthwhile. It's essential to research and consult with a fertility specialist before deciding.