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"Iā€™m so lucky I found Weill Cornell Medicine. I came here and they made me feel so at ease. I really talked it through with the staff and researched and learned everything I could about it. And when I decided to donate, I knew it was the right choice for me."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the compensation?

Egg donors are compensated $12,000 for their time and effort and receive a free medical screening.

What is the time commitment for donation?

Once the screening process and testing is complete (usually 4 ā€“ 6 weeks), your egg donation cycle can be completed in about four weeks. During the first two weeks, you will need to make daily early morning visits to Weill Cornell Medicine for blood tests and ultrasounds. These visits usually last less than 20 minutes and are scheduled between 7:00 and 8:30 AM. At a certain time (usually 7 to 12 days after you start injections), your eggs will be ready to be retrieved. On the day of the retrieval, you must cancel your usual activities ā€” work, school and social activities ā€” so that you can have the procedure and then rest and recover afterwards. After the egg retrieval, you will not need to take medications or come in daily, but you may still feel bloated or uncomfortable for up to 2 more weeks.

What type of screening is needed?

You will be asked to complete a personal and medical history questionnaire. Once your questionnaire has been approved we will call you to arrange a day and time for your screening appointments. The screening consists of a discussion and physical examination with a physician, a consultation with our psychologist and genetic counselor, and laboratory tests.

What side effects can I expect and what risks are involved?

The daily blood sampling and hormone injections are usually well tolerated. However, some women can experience local discomfort, redness, or minor bruising at the injection site. The hormone medications can cause side effects including breast tenderness, fluid retention, a bloated feeling, moodiness, and tenderness in the ovaries. These can take up to two weeks after the retrieval to subside.

There are risks to the procedure that are rare and include hyperstimulation syndrome, ovarian torsion (twisting), infection, and bleeding. These risks will be discussed in detail during the initial consultation with the physician.

Our psychological counseling professionals are available at any time during and after the cycle to offer emotional support.

Who are the recipients of the eggs? Will I meet them?

The recipients are people who have struggled with infertility for many years. There are several reasons why a woman would need donated eggs. These reasons may include: premature ovarian failure, loss of ovarian function due to cancer or due to the treatment for cancer, or the production of poor quality eggs.

Weill Cornell Medicine's egg donation program is completely anonymous. Information about the donor is shared with the recipients in a non-identifying manner. The recipients do not know who the donor is, nor does the donor know who the recipients are.

How many times can I donate?

According to the most recent guidelines published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) women can donate up to 6 times.

Weill Cornell Medicine Egg Donor Program The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine
1305 York Avenue, 6th floor
New York, NY 10021 Phone: (646) 962-3447