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How do I apply?
The donor screening process begins with the completion
and return of the online medical and genetic questionnaire.
After we review the information, you may be contacted
to schedule an interview at which time we will review
your application together, discuss the screening process
and the program in its entirety, and answer any questions
you may have about the program.
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Why do I have to live near
in the Washington DC metro area in order to become a
donor?
You will be on the medications for approximately 10-12
days during which you will also be expected to visit
daily for morning monitoring that consists of blood
work and sonogram.
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Is the program confidential?
All donor information is completely confidential. Donor
files are coded to assure confidentiality of information
and access to the files is restricted. Your identity
will not be revealed to any recipient nor shall the
identity of any recipient be disclosed to you. Your
confidentiality is ensured.
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What do the medical tests
involve?
You will be required to have a physical and pelvic exam,
genetic screening including a chromosome karyotype and
DNA testing for Cystic Fibrosis and Fragile X, a separate
psychological screening including a psychological health
history and an evaluation of your comfort level with the
donor egg program, a renal (kidney) ultrasound, and infectious
disease testing. The genetic and infectious
disease testing is very extensive and implements the most
advanced technology available today. All appointments
will either be arranged for you or performed on site at
our facilities.
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How am I paid for donations?
Due to the dedication, time, and effort required by participation
in the donor egg program, you will be adequately compensated
for each cycle you complete. Donors are
compensated $6,000 on the day of the egg retrieval.
You may generally donate multiple times and compensation
can exceed $45,000.
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What are the risks involved?
As with any medical procedure, there
are risks involved. You will need to discuss the
potential risks with a clinician. The following risks
are ones that you should consider.
Unwanted pregnancy: Donors should always use protection
if having intercourse, and the best prevention is of
course - abstinence.
Infection: The risk of infection from egg retrieval
is less than 1/1000. To lower the risk of possible infection
even further, donors will be instructed to take an antibiotic
for several days following the retrieval.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS):
Mild symptoms of abdominal swelling are a common side
effect and last for 5-14 days after the HCG injection.
Occasionally excess fluid from the ovaries will leak out
into the abdominal cavity, causing an uncomfortable
bloated feeling. To remedy this, the excess fluid is
tapped off in a procedure performed very similarly to
the egg retrieval. IV fluids are given in replacement.
Approximately 1%-3% of women will experience significant
OHSS. In order to reduce this risk, donors are given
Lupron (a suppressive medication) following the
retrieval. This has significantly reduced the risk of
donors having OHSS.
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What are the side effects
of the medications?
Lupron: mild headache (20%), nausea, moodiness, hot
flashes
FSH: (PMS-like symptoms) bloating,
moodiness, cramping, aching
Hcg: breast tenderness, nausea
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Will this have any effect on my own fertility?
On average, at puberty, a woman will have
an ovarian reserve of 400,000 eggs. Of which, only 400
will ever mature and be released during her lifetime.
The remainder of the eggs will die and never be used.
During a controlled stimulation, some of those eggs that
would normally die will be recruited to mature instead.
Egg donation does not appear to increase the risk of
premature menopause.
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How long will it take for me to
be matched?
The time it takes a donor to be matched will depend
greatly on the recipient couples that are looking at
that moment. On average, it takes approximately
1 to 2 months.
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What are the legalities
of egg donation?
You assume no responsibility or liability for any child
conceived by your donations. Likewise, you will have no
rights to any child conceived by your donations.
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Why do people become donors?
For most donors it is a combination of the knowledge
that you are helping an infertile couple to have a family
and the financial compensation that we provide for your
time and effort. The
service you can provide as an egg donor is truly significant
and greatly appreciated. You can be assured that we will value your
commitment to our program and be responsive to your
needs.
We ask that you please consider becoming an anonymous
egg donor and help an infertile couple experience the
joy and fulfillment of parenthood. We are committed to the inception of healthy
babies and appreciate your consideration in making such
a vital contribution to the lives of infertile couples.
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