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Home >> Become a Surrogate /Donor >> FAQ >> FAQ for Egg Donors
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How do I become an egg donor with Circle Surrogacy?
Please review and read all the requirements listed in detail below. Fill an Interest Form or submit an application online with pictures, and all college transcripts (or grade reports).
How long does the whole process take?
Time lines vary. There is no guarantee that you will be chosen as an egg donor, but you could also be chosen within days. After you are matched, there can be a waiting period for the couple to also be matched with a carrier. Although the donation itself is only 3-4 weeks, the commitment to the process and couple is typically 3-4 months.
How many times can I donate with Circle Surrogacy?
Most of our clinics will only allow a donor to participate five times. However, we can only rematch you so long as the previous donation resulted in a pregnancy.
What kind of emotional issues are there with donating?
Most of the emotional experiences vary throughout the process. The decision to donate should be well thought out before proceeding with screening and matching. You are welcome to talk with the social workers that screen you about any specific concerns or questions. You may experience moodiness from the medications, however after the donation, most of our donors experience extreme pride and joy because they have given such an incredible gift.
I have more questions, who do I contact?
If have any other questions about egg donation email Jennifer at JWeltman2@yahoo.com. Additionally, you may email our staff at john@circlesurrogacy.com.
What are the requirements for being an egg donor for Circle Surrogacy?
-be between 20-29 years of age (up to 31 for experienced donors)
-BMI of no higher than 28-30 ( http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/ )
-no two same type cancers in family history (except leukemia and lung)
-no heart disease under age 55 in family history
-no use of illegal drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol abuse
-no long term use of antidepressants (must have ceased use for 6-12 months before applying and use must have been time limited)
-no psychiatric hospitalizations
-no current use of Depo Provera or IUD (must be removed immediately and must have two cycles before applying)
-minimum of high school degree. College is preferred.
-height of 5’3 or taller is typically preferred
-all races and ethnic make ups are welcomed
-must be comfortable with giving yourself daily injections
What are the age limits on being an egg donor? Why?
Egg donors in our program must be between 20-29 years of age. The Reproductive Endocrinologists and clinics that we work with set the standards.
I am adopted; can I still be a donor?
Yes, if you know your biological families health history. Unfortunately, if your adoption was closed you may not be able to provide us with all of the necessary medical information needed to be a donor.
If I don’t live in the United States, can I donate my eggs for Circle Surrogacy families?
No. We’re sorry but we only work with donors who reside in the United States.
Does your family have to be supportive of you as an egg donor?
Yes. We feel it is important to realize the very large impact this donation could have, not only on the lives of potential intended parents, but also on your life. With that in mind we often encourage known donations. The reason for this is so that the intended parents can meet you to see more of your personality than is given in the application. Medically, there are also things that are not present in your health history that may change years from now that you would want the couple you donate to to know about. Many of our couples are same sex couples and often prefer a known donor so that in the future it can help to relay honesty and dispel the mystery of the child's birth story. Finally, we want you to be aware that even if you prefer to have an anonymous donation, that technology is constantly improving and there is no guarantee that you would remain anonymous. We would hate to disrupt your life and potential cause a negative situation for you and the child in the future if the child were to seek you out. Given all of this, we also feel strongly about discussing your intentions to donate with your parents. We hope that it is realized that we do this for your sake as well as the sake of the child potentially brought into the world and do not with to cause any relational difficulties in your life down the road. That said, there are ways that our agency can stay in touch with you if you prefer an anonymous donation.
How many and what kind of pictures do you want me to submit?
Three pictures in all. One needs to be a recent close up of your face and one needs to be a recent full body shot. If you choose, childhood photos or photos of your children or family are also welcomed. Please try to limit to five pictures at maximum.
The application to be in your program is very long. Why do you need all this information?
Most of the information that is on our application is requested information for the IVF clinic for their screening. We also use the information for matching purposes with the intended parents and the information helps the couples and singles in our program learn about you.
Do I as a donor pick who I donate to or do you pick for me?
You do. After a couple or single in our program shows interest in working with you we send you their redacted profiles for review so that you can decide if they are a good fit for you.
What are the differences between anonymous, semi-anonymous, and known donation?
The matching for each process is the same and you are able to review a redacted profile for the intended parents, as they are able to view yours. In an anonymous donation you would not have open contact or communication with the couple or singe you agree to donate to. The contracts would use only first names and all information would be exchanged through our agency. We ask that you keep our agency informed of all changes in your health history and keep your contact information up to date. Semi-anonymous or identified donation is when you donate your eggs and limit the amount of information that is shared. For example you can decide you do not want to exchange information but may want to meet in person at our office. In a known donation we can set up communication between parties and you can carry on the relationship to your agreed upon level of comfort. For example you can meet and exchange information to be in touch in the future if necessary or can form a friendship and have consistent contact. Our social workers will discuss this further and answer any questions in your screening.
How do I know which kind of contact is best for me?
Once your application form is fully completed and you pass that portion of screening you will be in touch with one of our social workers for continued screening. They will help you decide which is best and what you are most comfortable with.
Does Circle Surrogacy do more known or anonymous donations?
We do more varying levels of known donations than anonymous.
I see on your website that you have a donor database. Do we have to have our information on the website?
No. You do not have to be listed in the database. But it gives our intended parents and many other families more opportunities to learn about you being their potential donor.
How do I decide what fee is right for me?
Our first time donors generally receive a fee of 5,000 whereas experienced and successful donors will receive a higher fee. It can also vary based on certain characteristics that are harder to find such as a professional degree, etc. The social worker that screens you will be happy to discuss suggested fees based on the norms of our agency.
Who is responsible for all the bills in regards to the donation?
The family that you donate to will be responsible for medical bills, travel bills and other expenses related to the donation.
Do I have to have medical insurance?
It’s recommended that all people have medical insurance but if you don’t you can still be a donor in our program. The intended parent you are matched with will purchase complications insurance for you.
Can you briefly tell me what the process is like?
Medications are given to suppress the menstrual cycle and ovarian stimulations medications are given to stimulate the production of eggs. Most of these medications are injections and are self-administered for 3-6 weeks (this can vary) until retrieval. The retrieval is done vaginally with a catheter under a mind IV sedation. The retrieval takes about 20 minutes with about an hours in the recovery room. Afterwards you may experience some mild cramping, bleeding, or bloated feelings.
What kinds of medications are used?
Medications are used to coordinate cycles, suppress ovulation, stimulate follicles, and to trigger release of eggs. Examples of these are Lupron, birth control pills, Pergonal, Metrodin, Fertinex, Humegon, or Gonal-F, Profasi (HCG). These may be used in different combinations depending on the clinic and doctor and some of the medications can be known by various names.
Are there any complications that I need to be aware of?
Most people experience little to no complications. You can experience minor discomfort after the procedure, or symptoms associated with your natural cycles, such as headaches, moodiness, or cramping. There have been a very small number of extreme cases of hyperstimulation. In vary rare cases (extremely limited) there have been cases of infertility and death. Although it has never happened in our program there is a need to disclose that there have been very rare and extremely limited cases of infertility or death.
Do you have any more information that I could research on my own about the medications, possible complications, and the process of donation?
Sure - feel free to visit the following websites:
www.rscbayarea.com (one of our best independent resources)
www.organon.com (drug company website)
www.seronousa.com (drug company website)
About Circle Surrogacy
Since 1995, Circle Surrogacy has helped bring to the world over 225 babies, with unmatched success rates of close to 100% in clients becoming parents through egg donor surrogacy. Its dedicated staff of professionals is made up of lawyers, social workers, parents through surrogacy, surrogates and past clients. Circle Surrogacy provides a choice of specialized clinics at locations throughout the country, a large selection of egg donors, swift matching with carefully screened surrogates, and a variety of flexible programs and financial options to suit its clients’ unique family choices.
John Weltman, owner, founder is a Yale graduate and a nationally recognized expert in the field of reproductive law, including surrogacy and gay parenting.
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