Egg Donation Eligibility Requirements and Limits
Quick Answer
Egg donors must typically be 21-32 years old (some agencies accept 19-35), maintain a healthy BMI (typically 18-29), have regular menstrual cycles, and pass medical, genetic, and psychological screening. Industry guidelines recommend a maximum of six egg donation cycles per donor. The process requires hormone injections and surgical retrieval, making health and commitment requirements more intensive than other donation types.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Age Requirements
Most egg donation agencies accept donors aged 21-32, though some extend to 19-35. The lower limit exists because donors must provide legal consent for a medical procedure and understand long-term implications. The upper limit reflects declining egg quality and quantity with age, as well as increased health risks from ovarian stimulation in older donors.
BMI Requirements
Agencies typically require BMI between 18-29 or 19-30. This range reflects both medical and practical considerations. Higher BMI increases risks during egg retrieval and may affect response to fertility medications. Very low BMI can indicate health issues affecting fertility. Some agencies are stricter, requiring BMI under 27 or 28.
Reproductive Health
Donors must have regular menstrual cycles, indicating normal ovarian function. History of reproductive health issues, irregular periods, or hormonal disorders may disqualify candidates. Prior pregnancy is often viewed favorably as it demonstrates fertility, though it is not required.
Non-Smoker Status
Most agencies require donors to be non-smokers, including no nicotine, marijuana, or vaping products. Smoking affects egg quality and retrieval outcomes. Some agencies require nicotine testing and will reject donors who test positive.
Donation Limits and Restrictions
Lifetime Cycle Limits
ASRM guidelines recommend a maximum of six egg donation cycles per donor. This limit protects donor health by limiting exposure to ovarian stimulation medications and repeated retrieval procedures. Some agencies enforce stricter limits of four or five cycles. Agencies track donation history across the industry.
Recovery Time Between Cycles
Donors must wait at least one complete menstrual cycle between egg donation cycles, typically 2-3 months minimum. Many agencies require longer gaps of 3-6 months between cycles to ensure complete physical recovery. This limits practical annual donation frequency to 2-4 cycles maximum.
Exclusivity During Cycles
During an active donation cycle, donors must avoid unprotected intercourse due to increased pregnancy risk from multiple mature eggs. Birth control method restrictions apply during stimulation. These requirements create personal life constraints during the 4-6 week cycle period.
| Requirement | Typical Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 21-32 years | Some allow 19-35 |
| BMI | 18-29 | Strict agencies: under 27 |
| Lifetime cycles | 6 maximum | ASRM guideline |
| Gap between cycles | 2-6 months | Minimum one full cycle |
| Smoking status | Non-smoker | Includes vaping, marijuana |
Screening and Disqualification Factors
Genetic Testing
Comprehensive genetic carrier screening tests for conditions like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and hundreds of other hereditary conditions. Being a carrier does not necessarily disqualify you—recipients may be tested to ensure compatibility—but some conditions result in automatic exclusion.
Psychological Evaluation
All donors undergo psychological screening to assess motivations, understanding of the process, and mental health stability. Evaluators explore feelings about potential genetic offspring and possible future contact. Current or recent mental health treatment may require additional evaluation.
Medical Disqualifications
- History of ovarian cysts or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in some cases
- Sexually transmitted infections (current)
- Blood clotting disorders
- Autoimmune conditions
- Cancer history
- Endometriosis (severity-dependent)
- Family history of inheritable conditions
Common Mistakes About Egg Donation Eligibility
Applying Before Meeting Basic Requirements
Applicants outside the age or BMI range waste time completing extensive applications. Verify you meet basic criteria before investing in the application process. Requirements are firm for most agencies.
Underestimating Time and Medical Commitment
Egg donation requires daily self-administered hormone injections for 10-14 days, multiple clinic visits for monitoring, and a surgical retrieval procedure. This is a significant medical undertaking, not a simple donation. Ensure you can commit before applying.
Incomplete Family Medical History
Agencies require detailed health information about biological parents, grandparents, and siblings. Incomplete or unknown family history complicates applications. Gather this information before applying—adopted individuals may face challenges without biological family access.
Expecting Quick Matching
After approval, donors wait to be selected by intended parents. Matching can take weeks to months depending on your characteristics and recipient preferences. There is no guarantee of quick or frequent matches.
Next Steps Based on Your Donation Estimate
- Track visits: Log dates, bonuses, and payouts.
- Prepare properly: Hydration and nutrition reduce deferrals.
- Understand payouts: Fees and timing affect take-home pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I donate eggs if I have tattoos or piercings?
Recent tattoos or piercings may require a waiting period (typically 6-12 months) depending on the agency and whether the tattoo was done at a licensed facility. Existing healed tattoos and piercings generally do not affect eligibility.
Does birth control use affect eligibility?
Current birth control use does not disqualify you. You will need to discontinue hormonal birth control before beginning a donation cycle. IUDs may need removal before the cycle. Discuss your current contraception with the agency.
What if I have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety?
Mental health history requires evaluation on a case-by-case basis. Well-managed conditions with stable treatment may not disqualify you. Recent hospitalizations, current instability, or certain medications may result in deferral or rejection.
Can I donate eggs if I already have children?
Having children is often viewed positively as it demonstrates fertility. Prior pregnancy is not required but may make you more attractive to some intended parents. Your existing children do not affect eligibility.
Is there a height or weight minimum?
Most agencies focus on BMI rather than absolute height or weight. However, being significantly outside normal ranges may trigger additional evaluation. Some intended parents have height preferences that affect matching but not eligibility.
Calculate Your Potential Earnings
If you meet eligibility requirements, estimate your egg donation compensation.
Use Egg Donation Calculator