Elite Fertility

Donate My Eggs

What made me donate my eggs?

pretty-blonde-smiling-at-camera-000064163005_xxxlargeI had recently learned that some family friends were having difficulty conceiving, so I felt a strong pull to donate my eggs. Being an egg donor was never on my bucket list. Now, it’s one of the life experiences that I hold most dear.
After talking to Elite Fertility Solutions, I was ready to move forward.

When I talked to the coordinator, I learned that my healthy eggs would be retrieved and fertilized in a laboratory (in vitro fertilization), which would create viable embryos. Then, a doctor would transfer an embryo to the uterus of the intended mother or surrogate in hopes of producing a successful pregnancy.

The coordinator further explained that women and couples use egg donors for many reasons, including a lack of ovaries, diminished ovarian function, menopause, chemotherapy treatments and certain genetic conditions. I had no idea how many factors could prevent a woman from having one of the most natural and powerful experiences.

After learning that, I knew I wanted to help someone have a family. The financial compensation, though generous, was never a large deciding factor. I felt on a deep level that this would be a meaningful and profound experience.

During my time with Elite Fertility Solutions, the team I interacted with was supportive, intelligent and compassionate

It was clear they were experts in their field and wonderful people. The process itself was surprisingly easy. I filled out paperwork where I gave information about my physical health, personality, goals, family medical history and even my spiritual beliefs. Next, I had an interview with the coordinator so that she could get to know me, explain the process in detail and answer all my questions. After my screening, my profile and photographs were available for viewing on the website. I felt reassured that my profile wouldn’t contain any identifying information.

The next step in the screening process was a complete physical and psychological evaluation to confirm that I was physically and emotionally capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of being an egg donor.

Once I was selected, which for me was immediately, I had bloodwork to check for infectious and genetic diseases. I then had a phone consultation with a reproductive lawyer who reviewed the contract with me. As an egg donor, I would provide my eggs, but I would have no legal ties to the child. However, there was the option to make my information available if the child would one day want to know who I was.

I felt safe and cared for during my egg donation cycle

Before starting the medical process, I was instructed to call the fertility clinic on the first day of my period. I came in on the third day of my period to have an ultrasound and bloodwork. I also got instructions on how to give myself the shots that would encourage my eggs to grow. It was surprisingly easy.

Throughout the cycle, I went in for monitoring appointments every couple of days for bloodwork and an ultrasound. They were specifically looking at the follicles on my ovaries, which are the sacs that contain the eggs. The appointments were always in the morning in case they needed to change my medication dose.

After the cycle was close to completion, I received a final injection, which would complete the maturation of my eggs. 35 hours later, I arrived at the surgery center ready for the retrieval. I was put under a light anesthesia and I woke up feeling a little groggy. Then I went home to rest for the remainder of the day. The recovery process was very quick for me, and I was back to normal after a few days.

The things I loved most about the process

About a week after the retrieval, I returned for my follow-up appointment to ensure everything was returning to normal. I also received my compensation check and a beautiful note and gift from the intended parents. The note is something I keep to this day, and I hope with all my heart that the pregnancy was successful.

What I really appreciated about the process was its humanity. I think it can be easy for people to become overwhelmed or nervous, but that doesn’t happen here. I always knew I was in good hands and felt comfortable to come to them with any questions or concerns. The administrative staff was friendly and warm, and the medical team was equally compassionate and supportive.

I will hold this experience close to my heart for the rest of my life, and I can’t express enough how much it meant to me to donate my eggs. I can only hope that there are now two more parents out there with a child of their own.

Become an Egg Donor  Testimonials