Step 1: Selecting an Egg Donor

Egg donor selection is often an emotionally laden decision, since it affects the recipients, donor, and, potentially, the child.  While donor screening assures that a potential donor is physically and psychologically able to donate viable eggs, a couple must make the final choice.  The following guidelines may provide a framework for choosing a donor and help make the decision more manageable.

Anonymous vs. Designated Donors

The first consideration is whether a couple wants an anonymous donor or a designated donor who they already know.  Since neither anonymous nor designated donors have a legal link to a child born as a result of egg donation, the choice is more a matter of personal preference of the recipient.  Each has its advantages and disadvantages:

Anonymous Donors

In anonymous donation, the only information typically exchanged is the donor's medical, genetic, psychological, educational, and professional profile.  Her identity may be kept confidential, although she may allow the child or couple to contact her in the future for additional information.  Many couples prefer this degree of privacy and feel that it helps make their adjustment to pregnancy and parenthood less complicated. 

Designated Donors

Some couples prefer designated donation by a woman they already know.  Couples who choose designated donors sometimes choose a close family member so that the child is more closely linked to them genetically.  One of the main advantages of designated donation is the open exchange of information.  In addition, many couples appreciate the feeling of candidness designated donation provides.

Donor Characteristics

A couple must also consider characteristics of a donor they find appealing.  Primary considerations are ethnicity, race, IQ, physical appearance, and predisposition to certain mental or physical conditions.  These are personal preferences entirely up to the couple.

Locate an Infertility Specialist near You

Couples considering egg donation need the support of a talented infertility specialist.  DocShop can help you locate a specialist in your area who can answer your questions and help guide your decision-making process.