PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome does not necessarily exclude a woman from egg donation. This medical condition can lead to an increased chance of developing OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), which can cause abdominal pain and bloating.
Herpes and STDs
If the woman has been treated for an STD in the past, she is still eligible to become an egg Donor. However, if she is in an active herpes outbreak, the cyle will need to be delayed. Herpes and HPV are not transmittable through egg donation. However, other diseases like Hepatitis B and C, as well as syphilis, could make the potential Donor ineligible.
Depression
Those women who have been diagnosed with depression and who are taking prescribed antidepressants could be excluded from egg donation depending on the severity of the diagnosis and the medications she is currently taking. The process of egg donation includes hormone injections. These medications can cause complications with the existing psychological medications, so we want to ensure the Donor is stable and healthy before moving forward with the egg donation.
Smoking
Women who smoke are generally excluded from egg donations. Since smoking is a known cause of many health issues, both the Donor and the egg would be at risk for complications or serious health issues. If the Donor candidate is willing to stop smoking, she can be reassessed as a candidate after not smoking for a month.
Weight
Women who fall below the minimum weight requirements or whose weight is significantly higher than the standards are excluded from donating their eggs. Overweight women are more likely to have more fat or adipose tissue, which produces cytokines, a hormone that results in swelling and inflammation. This can affect the development of eggs and make retrieval difficult or impossible. The adipose tissue also produces other hormones that can negatively impact the production of estradiol and progesterone, which are both critical in egg development and even fertility. Ideally, Egg Donors should have a BMI of 28 or below, and definitely not more than 30.
Breastfeeding
A woman who is currently breastfeeding another child will be excluded until they are finished nursing. The additional hormones necessary to enhance the fertilization of eggs can be harmful to the nursing baby.
IUD
Women who use a slow-release hormonal intrauterine device may need to have it removed prior to the hormone treatments necessary to become an egg Donor begin. The fertility doctor will be able to do this for you prior to starting the medications. Women who use a non-hormonal IUD may become Donors immediately, assuming they pass all the other requirements. In fact, non-hormonal IUDs may remain in during the donation.
Tubes Tied
Tubal ligation does not affect the production of eggs, so those women may become Donors. The egg retrieval is conducted through the follicles, so the tubes are not required since the egg will not be released into the body.
Birth Control
The fertility doctor caring for you during the egg donation process will instruct you when to stop or start birth control during your cycle.
Age
The minimum age for egg donation is 19. This helps to ensure that the Donor can produce a number of healthy eggs and is mature enough to decide if this is the right choice for her.
Donating eggs is a great way to help start a family. The safety of the Donor is of equal importance, and we do everything possible to ensure that safety.
