Becoming an Egg Donor at IFI: What You Need to Know
At Indiana Fertility Institute (IFI), egg donors play a vital role in helping individuals and couples grow their families. If you’re considering becoming an egg donor, here’s a breakdown of what’s involved—from qualifications and application steps to compensation and care.
Who Can Become an Egg Donor at IFI?
To qualify for our egg donor program, candidates must meet the following criteria:
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Be between the ages of 21 and 30
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Have a BMI under 30
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Be a non-smoker with no history of drug use
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Be in good reproductive health and free from genetic disorders
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Not currently using Depo-Provera (Nexplanon and IUDs are acceptable)
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No recent diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
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Able to commit to the process and attend scheduled appointments
What Is the Application Process Like?
1. Initial Application
Start by completing this short online application, also known as our donor prescreen. If your submission meets initial criteria, you’ll be invited to fill out a more detailed questionnaire.
2. Interview & Medical Evaluation
Next comes a phone interview, followed by comprehensive screenings for selected candidates. These evaluations include a physical exam, blood tests, genetic screening, infectious disease testing, and a transvaginal ultrasound to check ovarian reserve.
What Happens During the Donation Process?
Ovarian Stimulation
Once you’ve passed screening and are matched with an intended parent, you’ll begin a cycle of hormone injections to stimulate egg production. Regular monitoring visits at IFI ensure the process is going smoothly.
Egg Retrieval
When your eggs have fully matured, we’ll schedule your retrieval. This quick, outpatient procedure lasts around 30 minutes and is done under IV sedation using ultrasound-guided aspiration.
What’s the Approximate Time Commitment?
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Prescreening: 2–3 weeks
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Detailed Screening: 4–6 weeks
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Stimulation Cycle: Around 2 weeks
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Egg Retrieval Procedure: ~30 minutes
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Recovery Time: Typically 1–2 days
Are There Any Risks?
Egg donation is generally safe, though like any medical procedure, it carries some risk. Rare complications (which occur in about 1% of cases) may include bleeding, infection, or reactions to anesthesia. Studies show no significant long-term risk to fertility or increased risk of ovarian or breast cancer.
Can I Get Pregnant While Donating?
Yes—fertility medications can increase your chances of becoming pregnant. It’s essential to avoid unprotected sex throughout the donation cycle and for a few weeks following the retrieval.
Will This Disrupt My Daily Life?
For most donors, daily life remains largely unaffected outside of scheduled appointments and minor activity restrictions. You’ll need to do the following :
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Avoid sexual activity during and shortly after treatment
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Refrain from high-impact exercises or heavy lifting
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Take 2 days off—one for the egg retrieval procedure and one for recovery
Will Egg Donation Affect My Future Fertility?
No. The eggs retrieved during a donation cycle are ones your body would naturally release or absorb. Your fertility potential remains intact.
Are There Any Costs for Me?
All medical expenses related to the donation process—screenings, labs, medications, and procedures—are covered by IFI.
Who Receives the Donated Eggs?
Egg recipients at IFI may include patients facing infertility, such as or those who can no longer use their own eggs due to age or medical factors, and same-sex male couples, who may require this form of third party reproduction to assist them on their family-building journeys.
Will My Identity Be Protected?
Yes. All donors at IFI remain anonymous. We assign pseudonyms and protect your privacy throughout the entire process.
Is Compensation Provided?
Yes—IFI offers compensation starting at $4,000 for each completed cycle. Please note that this compensation is considered taxable income.
Can I Donate Multiple Times?
Yes. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends all egg donors be limited to 6 treatment cycles per donor due to the “cumulative risk for the donor after undergoing more than six ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval procedures.” At Indiana Fertility Institute, we follow ASRM guidance and allow egg donors to donate up to six times.
Why Become an Egg Donor with IFI?
By joining the egg donor program at Indiana Fertility Institute, you’ll be helping others achieve their dreams of parenthood—while receiving expert care and generous compensation. Our team is here to support you every step of the way with compassion and professionalism.
For more information on egg donation, please visit our website. If you’re ready to take the next step, fill out our initial application here!