Donor Testing & Exams
The egg donor application process requires applicants to undergo a series of tests and examinations to ensure they meet the necessary health and eligibility criteria. These tests are usually non-invasive and take a short amount of time to complete, however, the entire testing process can take several weeks/months to complete.
The purpose of these tests is to ensure the safety and health of both the egg donor and any potential recipient, and to ensure the success of the egg donation process. It's important to note that these tests are a critical part of the egg donation process, and applicants should be prepared to invest the time and effort required to complete them.
Medical History
Review
Donor applicants must answer questions about their current health and medical history, including:
All current medications, full reproductive history, current and previous medical conditions and diagnoses, hereditary conditions, and the medical history of any immediate family members.
Psychological Evaluation
This may include an interview with a mental health professional to assess your emotional stability and suitability as an egg donor.
According to the FDA and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), egg donors are required to undergo a psychological evaluation as part of the egg donation process. The purpose of the evaluation is to assess the donor's emotional stability and suitability for the egg donation process. The psychological evaluation will include an interview with a mental health professional who will ask questions about the donor's personal and medical history, assess their motivation for donating eggs. The mental health professional may also evaluate the donor's ability to understand and cope with the physical and emotional demands of the egg donation process, as well as the potential impact of egg donation on their life.
Physical Examination
This exam may include a general health assessment, evaluation of the donor's reproductive system, and a pelvic exam.
According to the FDA and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), egg donors are required to undergo a comprehensive physical examination as part of the egg donation process. The purpose of the physical exam is to assess the donor's overall health and reproductive system, and to ensure that they are a suitable candidate for the egg donation process.
Ultrasound
This will provide important information about the potential donors follicle count and condition. It can also help identify any potential medical conditions, and provide valuable information about the donor's menstrual cycle.
An ultrasound allows providers to determine:
Follicle count - The number, size, and maturity of the follicles in the ovaries can be assessed through the ultrasound, which is important for determining the viability of the eggs and planning the egg retrieval process.
Endometrial thickness - The thickness of the endometrial lining (the tissue that lines the uterus) can be assessed, which is important in order to determine the timing of the egg retrieval process.
Ovarian cysts - The ultrasound can detect any cysts or growths in the ovaries, which may indicate medical conditions that may affect the donor's ability to donate eggs.
Uterine abnormalities: The ultrasound can detect any uterine abnormalities, such as fibroids or polyps, which may affect the donor's ability to donate eggs or the success of the egg donation process.
Hormonal Testing
This may include various blood tests to evaluate hormone levels, including: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), and prolactin.
Infectious Disease Testing
This may include testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as: HIV-1/HIV-2, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
Genetic Testing
This is used to assess the donor's genetic background and to identify any potential hereditary or genetic conditions that may be passed on to any future children resulting from the donated eggs.
Genetic testing can identify if the egg donor has any known hereditary or genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, that may be passed on to any future children.