Egg Donation Requirements
Many people struggle with infertility. The causes of infertility are unique for each individual. In regards to female infertility, many issues are related to the quality or production of eggs. At Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine, egg donation offers hope to women who have struggled to have a child.
Our fertility specialists facilitate egg donation and work closely with our donors to ensure they have a comfortable and pleasant experience. Women in Omaha, NE, and surrounding areas who are interested in becoming egg donors can read on to learn about egg donation requirements.
Age
Age is one of the greatest factors that affects female fertility, so we must take age into account when choosing suitable egg donors. Women who are interested in egg donation should be within the peak window of female fertility. While this may vary slightly for each individual, we limit our egg donor selection to women who are between the ages of 21 and 30.
Weight
Weight is also something that we must take into consideration when accepting egg donors. There is significant research that indicates obesity may affect egg quality. BMI can also affect the way the body responds to fertility medication. Unfortunately, this means we are unable to accept egg donors who are classified as obese, based on their body mass index, or BMI. Women with a BMI between 18.5 and 29.9 are suitable donors, provided they meet all other requirements.
Knowledge of Medical History
There are a number of genetic conditions that may be passed on to a child. When selecting an egg donor, our Omaha patients have a right to know if any medical conditions run in the donor’s family. Egg donors at our practice need to have clear knowledge of their own medical history, as well as that of their family members. Potential egg donors also need to be willing to share medical history information openly and honestly during the screening process.
Regular Menstrual Cycle
A regular menstrual cycle is a sign of a healthy reproductive system, while irregular periods are commonly a sign of fertility issues. Women considering egg donation at our Omaha practice should have a consistently regular menstrual cycle, without the use of hormonal contraception.
Non-smoker, No History of Substance Abuse
Fertility and overall physical health are vital considerations for egg donation. Cigarettes, tobacco products, and recreational drugs can all damage the reproductive system and diminish egg quality. It is important that egg donors are non-smokers without a history of recreational drug use or substance abuse.
Mentally Well
Egg donors should not only be physically healthy, but mentally fit as well. Egg donation provides a great gift to people struggling with infertility, but it is a deeply personal experience. Egg donors should fully understand the process and feel confident that they will be happy with the decision they have made once the process is over.
Contact Us
If you are considering egg donation, the fertility doctors at Heartland Center for Reproductive Medicine would love to meet with you to discuss the process in further detail. Contact us at your earliest convenience to receive more information or call us at (402) 717-4200.
