About Egg Donation
Some women may not be able to conceive a child using their own oocytes (eggs). The reasons vary, but may include:
- premature menopause (premature ovarian failure)
- poor egg quality
- absence of the ovaries from birth
- previous chemotherapy
- previous ovarian surgery
- genetic issues
For these women, egg donation is a treatment option that may allow them to achieve and carry a healthy pregnancy. At RBA, our program can involve either a known egg donor (friend, family member, etc.) or an anonymous egg donor. In our anonymous egg donation program, the egg donor does not meet the recipient couple, no pictures are exchanged, and the donor will not know whether a pregnancy has resulted for the recipient. Reproductive Biology Associates established the first anonymous egg donation program in Georgia in 1992 and today the program is one of the largest in the Southeast.
Who Can Become an Egg Donor?- RBA is looking for healthy women of all ethnic origins between 21 and 30 years of age.*Note: If you have the sickle cell trait or are a carrier for Cystic Fibrosis, you will not be eligible for our program.
- The donor must be willing to complete a thorough screening process, which includes screening for general and reproductive health, genetic history and psychological stability.
- Donors must meet our height/weight criteria (see chart below) to assure that the medications work optimally, be available for multiple morning appointments for screening and monitoring, and must have someone who can provide transportation and care for them on the day of the egg retrieval process.
The Egg Donation Process- Each month during a woman's normal menstrual cycle, one mature follicle on the ovaries produces one mature egg and several immature follicles are lost.
- During egg donation, the donor will be using injectable fertility medications that will stimulate the development of more than one egg. While the donor is on these medications, she will be monitored very closely with transvaginal ultrasounds and blood tests until the eggs are mature.
- Mature eggs are then retrieved from the follicles in a procedure called an "egg retrieval", and the eggs can then be donated to the recipient.
- The egg retrieval is done vaginally and there is no incision. The donor receives intravenous sedation through her arm during the retrieval and the procedure lasts about fifteen minutes. The donor spends a short amount of time in recovery and is then discharged home to rest for the afternoon. Most donors return to work/school the next day.
Compensation
Reproductive Biology Associates acknowledges the time commitment involved in an egg donation cycle and upon completion of a cycle through egg retrieval, RBA offers the donor $6,000. Many donors find the experience very rewarding and complete multiple cycles. Donors can pursue a maximum of six cycles.
If you live or attend school in the Atlanta area and would like to give the gift of life, please contact the egg donation program at RBA at 404-843-0579 or toll free at 888-722-4483; email egg.donor@rba-online.com or apply online at www.rba-online.com.
Egg Donor Testimonials
Being an egg donor with Reproductive Biology Associates was a great experience. The RBA staff takes great care of each individual and is available for any and all questions or concerns along the way. They take care of their patients! I feel as if I was adopted into a family. Once the process was complete, I knew I had fulfilled my small part in helping a couple make their dreams come true. It's a great feeling!
-Previous donor after first donation cycle
I am glad to know that I have helped someone else out- and helped myself at the same time. Going through the egg donation program has opened my eyes to appreciating what I have. I used to take for granted the fact that I am young and healthy. Now I am thankful that I am! Being healthy brought me the opportunity to help others in a way that many young women could help, but few follow through. Not only did I help, but the compensation was great. Also, RBA's referral program provides extra compensation for referring friends.
RBA has a class-act staff that is very professional, caring and happy. Not once did I ever feel uncomfortable with the donation process. I am not going to lie- it wasn't the easiest thing I have ever done, but the crampish-ish type of pain was easy compared to the emotional pain of a woman that might not be able to conceive with my or your help.
Once this donation cycle is finished, I will have donated for the sixth time. The compensation that I have received has helped with many things- school, small debt, a vehicle, etc. Not only do I feel good about the very small sacrifice I've made to help others, but I've been treated wonderfully and compensated well.
-Previous donor after fifth donation cycle
Becoming an egg donor changed my life. I was honored to be a part of something so special. It was my chance to help give someone their miracle. Reproductive Biology Associates was wonderful and treated me like a guest of honor throughout the entire process. I will always treasure the memory of my experience as an egg donor.
-Previous donor after first donation cycle
