The psychological examination insures that the donor is well adjusted and without psychological disorders. All donors must have two ovaries, possess good ovarian function, be less than 33 years of age, and have no evidence of drug use. They must also have no history of sexually transmitted diseases or prior hepatitis. Drug screens, sexually transmitted disease cultures, and HIV tests are performed on all donors. All donors are apprised of the potential side effects of their treatment and informed that we will not disclose their identity to egg recipients nor will we advise them whether a pregnancy was established.
Donors sign an informed consent outlining the risks and the anonymity of the agreement.
If married, the donor's spouse is also required to give consent. Though the donation is anonymous, many characteristics of the donor will be disclosed. We feel this is important for two reasons. First, it enables the recipient to make an informed choice about the appropriateness of the proposed egg donor. Second, if conception occurs, it will serve as a record of the genetic background of the child that may be important in the future.