Free Download: Your Ultimate IVF Checklist
Deciding to pursue Egg Donor IVF in order to build your family is a big step. You have likely been through a lot of disappointments and heartbreak up to this point but ideally, this path will be the one that leads to the family you have been dreaming of.
The idea of choosing an egg donor to help you build your family can be intimidating, but deciding on some basic criteria and priorities will be helpful to find the right person for you. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing your egg donor.
Anonymous or Known Donor
You may have a close friend or family member you want to approach about donating eggs. If it’s a family member you share DNA with, it can be comforting to know you will share genetics with the child. Be sure to talk to your clinic about their donor guidelines such as age and medical history prior to making plans and understand that the donor will need to go through a series of tests to confirm they would be a suitable donor.
If using an egg bank or agency to find your donor, they will likely be anonymous but more recently agencies are now offering an opportunity for contact between the donor and intended parents. Be sure to communicate your wishes for contact with the donor before signing a contract to ensure everyone agrees on the terms.
Related Read: How To Talk To Your Children About Donor Conception
Physical Characteristics
Make a list of the physical characteristics that are most important to you when choosing your donor, such as their ethnicity, height, body type, hair color and eye color. Many intended parents prefer the donor to have similar characteristics as the parent(s) so there is a resemblance.
Many egg banks and agencies offer photos of the donor so you can see exactly what they look like and their most prominent features.
Education and Interests
If academic achievements, hobbies, and athletic abilities are important to you, you will want to look for a donor that has a background in those areas. Read the donor’s profile and questionnaire (if available) carefully and make notes of what details they seem to be passionate about. Don’t try to find someone whose interests are exactly the same as yours but instead look for a donor whose hobbies, values and favorite activities sound like someone you would want to spend time with.
Related Read: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Using An Egg Donor
Medical History
The donor has likely already been screened for issues that would make the ineligible to donate but if you have any concerns with the donor’s health history be sure to discuss any questions or needed clarification with the donor back or agency.
First Time Donor Vs. Experienced
Is choosing an experienced donor a priority for you? Some intended parents feel more comfortable choosing a donor who has shown she responds well to the medications and has experienced a successful cycle in the past. Often, proven donors have a higher fee and the success rate between proven and first-time donors is not statistically significant.
Related Read: Should I Consider An Egg Donor
Pursing donor egg IVF and all the decisions that go along with this route can be intimidating. If you are considering donor conception, let me guide you through each important decision and step.
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