Wondering How to Select an Egg Donor? You’re in the Right Place

At the Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine, Robert Anderson MD and Don Royster MD specialize in advanced infertility treatment, including the use of donor eggs. Many women and men have questions about how to select an egg donor, and our fertility specialists are here to help.

Clinical expertise, compassionate care and a stellar egg donor program enable Dr. Anderson and Dr. Royster to turn our patients’ dreams of parenthood into a beautiful reality. We understand that it can be difficult to select an egg donor, and we are here to make the process as seamless as possible.

Should you consider donor eggs?

Many couples and individuals have a strong desire for a genetic link with their future children. Whenever possible, our Newport Beach fertility center doctors recommend fertility treatment options that make this connection possible. In some cases, however, they may recommend the use of donor eggs. Many situations may warrant considering egg donation.

• Female partner is older than 40
• Patients with low ovarian reserve
• Individuals who respond poorly to ovarian stimulation
• Women who have experienced recurrent miscarriage with no identifiable cause
• Gay couples

A brief review of the donor screening process

We pride ourselves on our exemplary reputation, and we want our patients to feel secure with using donor eggs, so we employ a thorough screening process for our egg donors. All potential donors must undergo rigorous testing, including bloodwork, infectious disease screening, a physical exam, a psychological evaluation and a personal interview. Typically, it takes four to six weeks to complete the entire process.

Tips for how to select an egg donor

Just as no two fingerprints are identical, no two people are exactly the same. While you may want to find an egg donor with traits and characteristics similar to yours, try to remember that any donor you choose is a unique individual. Our fertility experts offer several suggestions for how to select an egg donor.

• Decide whether you want a known or unknown donor. Even if you pick a friend or relative, the individual will need to complete the full screening process.
• Choose whether you want to use fresh or frozen eggs. Pros and cons exist in both cases.
• Think about the important characteristics, such as age, family history, eye color, hair color, intelligence and personality, to name a few. Make a list of your top priorities before you start to review potential egg donors.
• Focus on your long-term plans. Not having a biological link to your future child can feel disheartening. Remember, though, that welcoming a baby is the end goal and that when you deliver your baby, it won’t matter where the eggs came from! You will always be your baby’s mother.

Finding the right egg donor can seem overwhelming. The team at our Newport Beach fertility center can explain the process for using donor eggs and answer any questions you have about how to select an egg donor. Call our office for more information or to schedule an appointment.