Cryobank
Donor Database
Egg donation
Which factors disqualify an egg donor candidate what you need to know
Donating own eggs is a fulfilling and rewarding experience that becomes increasingly sought after by young women. The act of helping others build their families is also fairly remunerated by NGC.
However, not all potential egg donor candidates are fit to donate according to our clinic’s high medical standards.
DON'T KNOW HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR DONOR?
Becoming an egg donor and undergoing donor egg IVF as a patient are both very significant decisions. They must be safe, as well as promise success to both the donor and the intended parents.
When considering potential egg donors, age and AMH level play a key role. The younger the donor is the higher egg and embryo quality and better reproductive outcomes NGC’s specialists may expect. The age limit for donation at NGC is 18-32.
All donors pass AMH tests which helps determine their ovarian reserve. Low AMH is a sign that the chances of a successful donation program are not at their best (and, unfortunately, cannot be improved). Such candidates are never admitted as donors.
It goes without saying that egg donor candidate must be in a good overall health, both physically and psychologically. BMI (Body Mass Index) must be within a healthy range of 18.5- 24.9. It is well-known that obesity and underweight correlate with various hormonal imbalances. Such disproportions alter egg donor’s fertility and the success of the whole donation process. Smokers, vapers or illicit drug users are banned from becoming NGC’s egg donors. It has long been known that such habits pose a signification impact on the quality of oocytes and euploidy of patient’s embryos.
Noble intentions of wanting to help others have children must be supported by the absence of problems with one’s own health. All women who want to donate eggs pass an extensive medical vetting process at NGC. A significant percentage of candidates, unfortunately, face disqualification due to various important health factors.
Here are some common reasons why we must reject donation requests sometimes:
1. Failed health status check: Medical history assessment is where the donor selection process starts at NGC. Genetic disorders and chronic diseases (in the donor or her family) mean an elevated risk of passing on such conditions to offspring and can never be disregarded.
Donor’s karyotype test, performed at NGC’s in-house genetic lab, must be normal (46, XX). NGC also uses a special inherited disease screening test NextGen21. Fully designed by our specialists, the panel allows excluding the risks of hereditary diseases associated with recessive mutations that donor’s own genes may contain.
Common egg donor screening established at NGC also includes ECG, urine test, clinical blood count, blood biochemistry and coagulation screening. Donor’s general health must allow for a safe egg retrieval procedure and administering anesthesia.
At NGC, all egg donors undergo an extended somatic and mental health check-up and genetic counseling in accordance with government requirements prior receiving an approval.
2. Discovered infectious diseases: Donors undergo mandatory repeated screenings for infectious diseases (blood tests and PCRs) prior each program to ensure the safety of their egg usage. Individuals with conditions such as Hepatitis B, Syphilis and other transmissible diseases cannot donate as their biomaterial is contaminated.
3. Lifestyle factors: Certain detrimental lifestyle choices undisputedly disqualify a woman from becoming an egg donor. Excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, or smoking cannot be overlooked when it comes to fertility. Donors must lead a healthy lifestyle to ensure the best possible outcomes for the patients of NGC.
4. Age / AMH level disproportion: As mentioned earlier, age is a critical factor in egg donation. Donor’s age must be within the scope of 18-32. Every donor also passes a mandatory AMH test since its level is tightly linked to current potential of ovaries.
5. Reproductive history: Fertility issues in the past, such as endometriosis, cysts or miscarriages create concerns about a prospective donor’s reproductive health. NGC’s top team of fertility specialist has all diagnostic means and knowledge to not allow these warning signs fly under the radar.
When you donate your eggs, you engage in a selfless act of helping those who suffer from infertility. However, we at NGC have to make sure that everyone receives the benefits they are looking for, namely a safe egg donation process and high-grade embryos and a healthy pregnancy as a result of the conducted treatment. Donor’s own safety throughout the process cannot be underestimated. By being considerate and consistent in our donor selection process, NGC’s specialists have managed to build a reputation and make donation programs effective and appealing to couples from all across the world. Our ultimate goal is a healthy baby in your hands.