Could you give the Gift of Life?
There are 1000's of women in the UK who need egg donation treatment.
Some of these women are fortunate enough to have a relative or friend who can help them, but many couples do not and need the help and generosity of an egg donor.
Egg donors are unique and remarkable women. Their kindness and generosity allows many childless couples to achieve their ultimate dream of having a family.
Unfortunately there is a national shortage of egg donors.
If you are considering becoming an egg donor we have provided some information to help you understand what is involved in donating your eggs and why your gift is so precious.
Frequently asked question about egg donation
What information will the recipient be given about me?
All information given to the recipient will be non-identifying. We try to match donor and recipient physical characteristics as closely as possible.
Who can be a donor?
Ideally, egg donors should be between the ages of 21 and 35 years and have no history of inheritable conditions.
Will I have to pay for treatment?
No, all medical expenses will be covered by the hospital.
Expenses such as public transport/petrol, reasonable childcare and loss of earnings will be reimbursed.
What information will I be given about the recipient?
We can inform egg donors whether a live birth has resulted from their donation and, if so, the number of children born.
Will the donation be anonymous?
Yes, neither the donor or recipient will meet one another. However, information about the donor will be held at the central register with the HFEA. This means that at the age of 18 a person born as a result of sperm, egg or embryo donation will have access to identifying information about their donor should they wish to. This will not apply to donation treatment received before 1st April 2005.
What tests will be done before I am accepted?
All donors will be tested for HIV antibody, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, haemoglobin, blood grouping, chromosome studies and cystic fibrosis. Two HIV tests will be carried out, the first test will be on the day of the initial consultation, and the second will be 12 weeks later. With your consent we will write to your GP to obtain your past and present medical history.
How many visits will I have to make to the hospital?
Under normal circumstances, donors make three and occasionally four visits to the hospital. The first involves a consultation with the doctor, nurse, counsellor and ultrasonographer. This is an opportunity for you to find out more about egg donation. This appointment does not commit you in anyway to becoming an egg donor.
If you decide to become a donor your next visit will be once you have commenced your treatment cycle, where an ultra sound scan will be carried out to determine how you are responding to the fertility injections. Many of our donors live outside London, for these women we will often be able to organise some of your ultrasound scans at a local infertility clinic.
Will I have counselling?
You will be seen by a counsellor on your first visit to give you the opportunity to discuss the ethical, legal and social aspects of egg donation. This is to ensure that you are given and have understood sufficient information in order to make an informed decision. If you are in any doubt about any part of the procedure or ethical aspects involved, you can make use of our free counselling service which is available to all patients before, during and after treatment.
What will happen if I change my mind?
You are free to withdraw consent to the egg donation at any time until the embryos are used, without threat of financial penalty or fear of recrimination. If you are undergoing sterilisation or other related surgery, those procedures will still be performed on the terms already agreed.
How many times can I donate?
This will be a joint decision between you and your doctor (however, the law states that no more than 10 families should be born from any one donor).
Will being a donor affect my fertility?
Many of our donors have donated several times and have continued to have children of their own.
Would it be possible to talk with someone who has already donated?
Yes, at the Lister Hospital we have an active support line. Please ask the OD Senior Patient Administrator for further details.
What support is available?
If you have any questions before, during or after your donation, please feel free to call our staff in the unit, who will be glad to help. Our counsellor is available at any time during or after your treatment.
Where do I go from here?
If you would like more information or would like to become an egg donor please use our Contact Us page.
