EGG AND SPERM DONATIONS

The goal of Egg and Sperm Donation is to help an individual or a couple conceive a baby.

DISCLAIMER: The “typical” donors below do not represent the only individuals who are able to be a donor.

Egg Donors

• Age: 18 – 32
• Physically healthy
• BMI of 19-29
• Non-smoker
• Regular, monthly menstrual periods
• No use of contraceptive implants or Depo-Provera injections as a form of birth control
• Have both ovaries
• Able to administer self-injections

Sperm Donors

• Age: Most donors must be between the ages of 18 and 39.

Egg Donation

• The first step is to complete an application that include a detailed questionnaire about your medical, family, and personal history. When you submit the donor application, along with photographs of yourself for your profile, the application will be reviewed by the AFMC Team. If approved, the egg donor will be matched with an appropriate prospective parent.
• The second step comes when an Egg Donor has been matched with an appropriate prospective parent. The egg donor will undergo a screening process prior to starting the egg donation cycle which may include the following:
  • Fertility Screening
  • Medical Screening
  • Genetic Screening
  • Psychological Screening
  • Drug Screening
• The third step of AFMC’s Egg Donation Process is the final approval by AFMC to begin the Egg Donation Cycle. The Egg Donation Cycle takes approximately 6 weeks to complete. During this time, health insurance coverage is provided to the egg donor for any unforeseen complications related to the treatment cycle. Every procedure has risks and although the Egg Donation process is extremely low risk, the health and safety of AFMC egg donors is a priority. As an egg donor, the prospective parents are responsible for all egg donor costs and expenses incurred as a result of an egg donation cycle. This includes:
  • Medical Expenses
  • Egg Donor Insurance
  • Egg Donor Compensation
  • Attorney Fees
  • Travel Expenses
    • Airfare for the Egg Donor and a traveling companion, hotel accommodation (one room), ground transportation, and up to $100 per diem.

Sperm Donation

• The first step to AFMC’s Sperm Donation Process will include the donor undergoing a screening process which may include the following:
  • Medical Screening
  • Genetic Screening
  • Psychological Screening
  • Drug Screening
  • Semen Screening
• The second step of AFMC’s Sperm Donation Process is the final approval by AFMC to begin donating sperm.

Egg Donation

• To begin the egg donation cycle, the egg donor will be put on birth control pills to synchronize both the donor’s and female recipient’s menstruation cycles.
• After the third week of her cycle, the egg donor will have a vaginal sonogram and then begin daily self-injections of Lupron hormones for approximately 7 – 14 days. In addition, a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) will be self-injected for approximately 8 – 10 days to grow the egg follicles. AFMC’s egg donors are monitored daily via vaginal sonograms and blood tests during the FSH injections to measure the follicle growth and to ensure a healthy and appropriate range.
• Once the follicles have matured enough for retrieval, a subcutaneous injection is given of a hormone called hCG (the ‘trigger shot’) to prepare the egg donor’s ovaries for egg release.
• 36 hours after the HCG hormone injection, the egg donor will be given a light IV sedation for the egg retrieval procedure to ensure comfort during the 30 minute or less procedure. Under ultrasound guidance, the physician will pass a needle through the vaginal wall and aspirate the follicle fluid which contains the eggs.

Sperm Donation

• The sperm donor will arrive to the American Fertility California Corp on a chosen day to donate sperm. The sperm donor will be provided a specimen cup and a private room for ejaculation.

DISCLAIMER: Everyone experiences a different reaction to the procedure. This is a general after care for the majority of donors.

Egg Donation

• The egg donor will rest for an hour or two at the clinic after retrieval so AFMC is able to monitor the egg donor while the effects of anesthesia are wearing off. Once the anesthesia has worn off, a friend or family member is able to drive the donor home.
• It is highly recommended the trusted individual stays with the egg donor for the rest of the day, in the unlikely event that complications arise.
• The donor can return to their normal routine one day after retrieval, except for physically strenuous activity or exercise.
• A post-retrieval sonogram with the monitoring clinic will be scheduled 7 – 10 days following the egg retrieval procedure. Compensation will be mailed after physician clearance is given.

Sperm Donation

• There is no after care needed for Sperm Donation.