Egg donation: How it works, who is it for, and compensation rates
Today, infertility is a serious medical and social issue affecting a significant portion of the global population. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 17.5% of couples struggle with infertility—roughly one in six people. Female infertility accounts for about 30% of all cases.
For women with a depleted ovarian reserve or absent ovaries, a donor egg is often the only way to experience the joy of motherhood. Consequently, about 10–15% of infertile couples planning a pregnancy turn to egg donation as their only chance for conception.
In this article, we will analyze in detail what egg donation is, who can become a donor, the stages involved in an egg donation program, and the risks associated with this procedure.
What is egg donation?
Egg donation, or oocyte donation, is a process in which a woman (the oocyte donor) voluntarily provides one or several of her eggs for use by another woman in an In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) program. This method is used when a woman cannot produce or use her own eggs due to age-related changes, premature ovarian failure, or hereditary diseases.
There are two types of egg donation:
Known (Individual) Donation: The donor provides her eggs to a specific couple with whom she enters into a contract. In this situation, the family interested in the child's birth covers all necessary expenses, including genetic testing fees.
Anonymous Donation: Donor oocytes are submitted to an egg bank, and the future parents do not know the identity of the donor. The costs for the donor's screening and the retrieval procedure are paid by either a private clinic or the state.
Who can become an oocyte donor?
To become an egg donor, a woman must meet strict requirements, which affect both the donor's health and the success of the program. An oocyte donor must be between the ages of 18 and 35, as eggs at this age possess the highest reproductive potential. It is also important that the donor has no bad habits and that her Body Mass Index (BMI) is within the normal range, as these factors can significantly impact egg quality.
Before becoming a donor, a woman undergoes a comprehensive medical examination, which includes:
Infectious disease screening (including STIs);
Blood tests to rule out hereditary and infectious diseases;
Pelvic ultrasound to assess the state of the reproductive system;
Consultations with a gynecologist, geneticist, and psychotherapist.
These measures ensure the donor's physical and mental health, as well as her readiness to participate in the program.
The requirements for egg donors in CIS countries are nearly identical but may differ in details. For example, while the age range is typically 18–35, in Kyrgyzstan, a woman must be at least 20 years old. In Belarus, there are specific requirements for non-anonymous donors: a woman who already has a child and is between the ages of 18 and 49 inclusive. Additionally, in Belarus, a history of serious or particularly grave crimes committed against another person is a contraindication for oocyte donation.
What stages does the egg donation procedure include?
The donation program includes several stages that require medical preparation and supervision of the donor throughout the process. Here are the main steps:
Medical Screening: A complete diagnostic assessment of the donor's health to rule out all contraindications.
Cycle Synchronization: In cases where fertilization and embryo transfer occur in a "fresh" cycle (without cryopreservation), the doctor must synchronize the menstrual cycles of the donor and the recipient using hormones. This prepares the future mother's endometrium for embryo implantation.
Hormonal Ovarian Stimulation: A fertility specialist prescribes hormonal medications to the donor to stimulate the ovaries. In a natural cycle, one egg matures; however, stimulation allows for the retrieval of multiple mature oocytes. This period involves regular ultrasounds and blood tests to monitor follicle development and adjust dosages. The duration typically does not exceed one month.
Transvaginal Oocyte Retrieval (Egg Retrieval): Once the follicles mature, the retrieval is performed. Under ultrasound guidance, the doctor uses a special needle to puncture the vaginal wall and aspirate the follicular fluid from each mature follicle. This is a safe procedure performed under brief anesthesia, lasting about 15–20 minutes. Afterward, the eggs are handed over to an embryologist.
The retrieved oocytes are then either used immediately for IVF or frozen for future reproductive programs.
Potential health risks and consequences for the donor
Although egg donation is a safe and controlled procedure, like any medical intervention, it carries certain risks. One of the most common complications is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which occurs in about 1.7% of women undergoing IVF. This syndrome results from an excessive response to hormonal stimulation, leading to enlarged ovaries, abdominal pain, nausea, and, in severe cases, blood clots or organ dysfunction.
The retrieval procedure may also cause short-term side effects related to the trauma of blood vessels or pelvic organs during the puncture, which may result in discomfort or minor bleeding. Endocrine disruptions from hormonal stimulation may temporarily affect the menstrual cycle and hormonal balance, though these effects are usually brief and do not impact future health.
To minimize risks, it is crucial to strictly follow all medical recommendations, including medication schedules and regular follow-up exams.
Does donation affect a woman's future fertility?
The short answer is no. In most cases, the procedure does not negatively affect the donor's ability to conceive. Research shows that every ovulation involves the growth of many follicles, only one of which matures naturally. Stimulation simply activates the growth of those follicles that would have otherwise perished in a natural cycle. Therefore, the future supply of eggs does not decrease.
How often can one become a donor?
Theoretically, a woman can be an egg donor an unlimited number of times. However, to reduce health risks, doctors recommend donating oocytes no more than 6–8 times in a lifetime, with a break of at least 2–3 months between cycles. Frequent repetitions can increase the risk of complications such as OHSS or endocrine disorders.
What financial compensation can a donor expect?
In addition to the moral satisfaction of helping others, egg donors receive financial compensation. The amount depends on the region, the clinic, the complexity of the procedures, and the specific terms set by the donor. Typically, payment is issued after the completion of the retrieval. In CIS countries, approximate compensation includes:
Russia: $1,000 (50,000 – 150,000 rubles);
Belarus: ~$750 (2,500 BYN);
Kazakhstan: $600 – $2,000 (300,000 – 1,000,000 tenge);
Georgia: Up to $2,000;
Armenia: $1,200 – $2,400;
Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan: $500 – $1,500.
Egg donation is an opportunity to help couples facing infertility find the happiness of parenthood. This process requires a serious and conscious approach, from choosing a clinic to assessing potential risks.
If you are considering becoming a donor or need help finding an egg donor, FetusPlus is ready to assist you. We offer comprehensive support in the search for donors, surrogate mothers, and intended parents, ensuring an individual approach. We only work with verified donors and are ready to accompany you on the path to realizing your dream of parenthood.
This material is for informational purposes only. When planning a pregnancy or choosing treatment methods, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider.