The egg sharing programme can be suitable for women with blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis or polycystic ovaries. It is also suitable for couples where there is a sperm factor problem. Based on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) guidelines and the Lister Fertility Clinic’s guidelines, egg sharers should:
- be aged between 18 to 35
- have an FSH hormone level below 10 IU/l
- have a normal AMH hormone level
- have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 30
- not have any genetic or transmissible diseases
- not have personal or family history of inheritable disorders.
If a woman has had more than 3 unsuccessful attempts at egg sharing or IVF at another clinic, they may not be accepted into our programme.
The egg sharing programme is open to eligible women of all races and the Lister Fertility Clinic does not discriminate against single women or same sex couples.
Before an egg sharer joins the programme, one of our fertility consultants will meet with the patient and her partner, if she has one, to assess the woman’s ovarian reserve, discuss the treatment and take blood samples for screening tests. The patient will also meet with our counsellor and one of our nurses from the egg sharing team.
We also require that the egg sharer’s GP write a letter to the Lister Fertility Clinic detailing all relevant medical history. The GP will be required to advise our clinic if there is any reason why the individual would be considered inappropriate as an egg sharer.
Things to consider
Women considering egg sharing should be aware that egg recipients will be provided with non- identifying information such as height and ethnicity. However, at no point will your name be revealed.
Since 2005, children born as a result of ovum donation have the right to access identifiable information about their donor once they reach 18 years of age. If they contact the HFEA, they will be told:
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the donor’s name
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the donor’s date of birth
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the donor's place of birth
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the donor’s address at the time of treatment.
The Lister Fertility Clinic does not currently hold information about how often children seek out their donors as the first generation of children born under this law will not turn 18 years old until 2023.
Eggs sharers have no legal rights to children born as a result of their donated eggs.
