Egg donation is a treatment that may be an option for women who lack ovaries, who have diminished ovarian function, or who have either a genetic disease or a family history of genetic disease. During the process of egg donation the eggs from the ovaries of a woman with normally functioning ovaries are retrieved. These donated eggs are then fertilized in a laboratory setting (in vitro fertilization) with sperm from the egg recipient's partner. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the uterus of the woman desiring a baby. If pregnancy is established, the egg recipient becomes the gestational mother and experiences the joy of pregnancy and childbirth.

Bellingham IVF has a highly professional egg donation program that meets the highest standards and criteria set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.

Benefits to Egg Donors

The primary benefit to women who donate eggs is the altruistic aspect of helping another woman or couple achieve pregnancy. Along with the knowledge that you are providing an invaluable gift to someone, you are also compensated for your time and commitment to this confidential process.

About Donation

If you are a healthy women between ages of 21 and 31, you are a donor candidate. If you are interested in donating, you must undergo an evaluation to determine whether or not you meet all the physical and emotional requirements of donation. If you are accepted into the program and matched with a recipient couple, we begin additional education regarding necessary medications and procedures. This education process is done over a two-to-three week period (approximately four-to-five visits). Upon completion of the educational aspect, you will undergo an IVF procedure to collect the eggs. This collection process is done via vaginal ultrasound; you will be given anesthesia by a board certified anesthesiologist.

Egg donors often reflect on their experience as a very positive and rewarding experience, giving the "gift of life" to a deserving couple. Both the identities of the donor and the recipient will remain anonymous.