Q: Tell me a little about those individuals’s that seek egg donors?
A: There is no set characteristic of individual’s seeking egg donor’s. They can be of any age or ethnic group. In general, they have been diagnosed with either ovarian failure (premature menopause), have lost ovaries for medical reasons or have a family history of a genetic disease. These women have typically gone through great lengths to try and conceive. They have grieved the loss of having their own genetic child but greatly desire the experience to conceive and carry to birth their child. These women have endured a great deal to come to this path. As you will experience, they are so thankful for the gift you provide them.

Q: Will being an egg donor today, effect my fertility in the future?
A: At this time, there is no evidence that these treatments will have any long-term effects on your future fertility. We would recommend that you discuss this with your personal OBGYN or with the Fertility Clinic selected by your intended parents.

Q:Are there any risk’s in being an egg donor?
A:The primary risk is a condition called Ovarian Hyperstilumlation Syndrome. This occurs in 1-5 percent of cycles (some reports state 1-3%). This is characterized by a patient experiencing rather sudden ovarian enlargement and abdominal fluid retention. Careful monitoring is done by your Fertility Clinic to avoid this possibility. Also, as with any procedure, a risk of infection exists, most likely you will be treated with antibiotics to avoid this.

Q:What are the benefits to me in being an egg donor?
A:There are two benefits to being an egg donor. The greatest benefit is knowing that you have helped a couple have the family they have dreamed about. Many women that seek egg donation have spent years struggling to start their families. It has caused them much sadness and heartache. The second benefit is that you are compensated for the generous gift you have provided.

Q: How much time is involved in being an egg donor?
A: The actual cycle will last 2-3 months. The last 2 weeks you will be required to visit the Fertility clinic frequently for monitoring. We would suggest you speak with the Fertility clinic regarding their expectations.

Q: Do I have to meet the intended parents?
A: No, you are not required to meet the intended parents but we find it helpful for all involved. Both the intended parents and the egg donor tend to find comfort in knowing each other. More often then not, there is connection made be it in common interests, family background, schooling, hobbies, personality etc. This commonality helps reinforce the choice being made. All meetings will be facilitated by WCFED and will last for a set period of time.

Q: Will I have any legal responsibility to the child born to the intended parents?
A: No, you will have no legal responsibility to the child born to the intended parents. Furthermore, this will be detailed in the contract between you and the intended parents.

Q: How do I go about selecting a donor?
A: Each couple will have different criteria for their intended donor. We recommend that each couple sit down and determine what is most important characteristics you want in you future child i.e. education, ethnic background, physical characteristics, intelligence, talents, athletic ability etc. Once this is defined, it will help both of you and WCFED focus on finding that donor that meets your criteria.

Q:What are the benefits of meeting the donor?
A: We find that when the intended parents meet the donor both parties tend to find comfort in meeting each other. More often then not, there is a connection made, by all parties, be it in common interests, family background, schooling, hobbies, personality etc. This commonality helps reinforce the choice being made.

Q: Who should I tell of my family or friends?
A: For anyone going through fertility treatment, it is extremely important to have a strong support group around you. In the case of egg donation, you really need a strong support group as so much of the process is not in your control. With that being said, you also need to be cautious as to whom you tell, as there are some people that may have a negative response to what you are trying to do. This is something that each couple should discuss in great depth.

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