Requirements for egg donors; who can donate?

Egg donation is one of the important fertility treatment techniques. In this method, a healthy egg is retrieved from another woman’s ovaries and given to couples who cannot have children for any reason. People dealing with fertility issues usually ask, what conditions should an egg donor have? What are the laws about egg donation in Iran? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of this method? In the following paragraphs, we have answered all these questions in detail. 

5 Steps of Egg Donation

To understand egg donation better, you should know how it is done.

1. Donor’s Primary Check-up

In the first step, the donor should take different tests, including ultrasound, blood tests (CBC and hormonal), and medical examinations. Also, her medical history is evaluated by a gynecologist.

2. Ovulation Induction

If the test results are satisfactory and the donor is qualified for donation, she must take ovulation induction medications for 10 to 14 days to help her ovaries produce more egg follicles.

3. Ultrasound and Other Tests

After injecting the hormones, the doctor performs an ultrasound to check whether the egg follicles (small sacs holding the eggs) have fully grown or not. Other tests are also done to make sure that the eggs are healthy and ready to be retrieved.

4. Egg Retrieval

The egg retrieval procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is done under general anesthesia. It means the donors don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the operation. The sedatives used in this procedure are mild, so they usually don’t face serious side effects afterward. However, they might feel a little tired and bloated or have some mild pain under their stomach for a few days.



5. Recovery

The good news is that the recovery period after egg donation is very short and almost easy. Most donors are discharged on the same day and can return to their normal daily life the day after the procedure. Of course, they should avoid strenuous activities, like lifting heavy objects, for a few days after the procedure.

Egg Donor General Requirements

Donors must meet general requirements to be eligible for donating eggs. These factors are important for both the donor’s health and the success of the fertility treatment.

Depending on the country or even the clinic, the specific requirements for egg donation may vary. However, in general, the donor must be medically, physically, and mentally healthy and have the following conditions:

• Be between 20 and 30 years old. Some fertility centers also accept women up to 35 years old.
• Have regular menstrual cycles.
• Shouldn’t smoke tobacco, drink alcohol, or use drugs.
• Shouldn’t have any genetic or infectious diseases, such as HIV or hepatitis.
• Have a BMI between 18 and 25 (at a normal range).
• Shouldn’t take special medications or have any chronic disease.
• Have good mental health.

Note: In some clinics, a written consent letter from the husband is required.



Egg Donation Laws in Different Cities of Iran

Egg donation is a modern and unconventional fertility treatment; therefore, it still has critics in some cities of Iran. The rules for egg donation depend on each city’s culture and traditions. For example:

• Yazd is one of the leading cities in infertility treatment, but married women are not allowed to donate eggs there.
• In some clinics in Mashhad and Isfahan, only single women can donate eggs.
• In Tehran, only married women can donate eggs under certain conditions and a doctor’s supervision. Also, in some centers, the husband’s official consent is required, while in others it is not necessary.

Psycho-Emotional Side of Egg Donation

In most fertility centers, the egg donors should be mentally evaluated before being finally approved as egg donors. This is because egg donation is a serious decision that can affect different aspects of the donor’s life. Plus, the hormonal medications used in this procedure can cause mood swings, anxiety, and depression.

 How Many Eggs Are Donated in the First Donation?

Usually, about 10 to 20 mature eggs are taken from the donor’s ovaries during the first donation. However, the exact number of eggs retrieved depends on:

• How the donor’s body responds to the hormonal medications
• Donor’s BMI
• Her ovarian reserve (number of eggs the ovaries can produce)



How Many Times Can a Woman Donate Eggs?

Egg donation is a serious medical procedure, so it should be done according to health guidelines. Many gynecologists believe that each woman can only donate eggs 4 to 6 times in her lifetime. The reason for this limit is to protect the donor’s physical and mental health.

In each egg donation, the donor needs to take ovulation induction medications and undergo an egg retrieval procedure. After every donation, she should give her body a four-month rest to fully recover. If she undergoes the procedure more than six times, it can have negative effects on her ovarian reserve and hormones.

How Much Does Egg Donation Cost in Iran?

In Iran, the egg donor must have full consent and volunteer for the procedure. Also, the procedure should be done according to religion (Shari’a) and state laws. Although most donors are paid a little for their time and medications, others choose to undergo the operation just for altruistic reasons.

The amount donors receive varies in different fertility centers and depends on several factors. For example, if the quality of the eggs is high, the amount they receive may be higher.

Note: egg donation as a business is illegal in Iran. In other words, the egg receivers can only pay the donor to express gratitude for her time and effort.

Advantages of Egg Donation

Knowing the procedure and its complications, many women wonder why they should donate their eggs. Is there any positive side that they don’t know about?

The answer is yes. The most important advantage of egg donation is that you make a couple’s dream of having a child come true. It gives you a deep sense of satisfaction, brings meaning to your life, and increases your self-esteem.

In addition to its psychological benefits, you’ll receive free medical checkups and medications that help you assess your reproductive health and resolve its issues. Also, according to some fertility center rules, the donor receives an amount of money as compensation. Although this amount is not much, it can be helpful for many.



Where to Start?

All being said, if you’d like to donate eggs in Iran, you should make a contract with a fertility center. Each center has its own rules and requirements, so it’s important to know them before signing the papers. For more details about the best fertility clinics in Iran, contact Raadina Co. We have a professional team who can answer your medical and travel questions and help you donate or receive eggs.

Wrap Up

Egg donation is a modern fertility treatment method practiced in many parts of the world. In this procedure, women who meet the requirements volunteer to donate their eggs at a fertility clinic. The infertile couple then uses the egg to have a healthy baby and grow their family.

Donating eggs is an act of kindness; therefore, it releases dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins (AKA happy hormones) in the brain. In addition to feeling good about themselves, egg donors receive free medical checkups and a financial reward for their time and effort. However, like any medical procedure, egg donation has some side effects that can’t be ignored, such as mild discomfort, bleeding, and short-term pain.

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FAQs

1. How long do I need to rest after donating eggs?

Egg donation recovery time is quite short and easy. Most women can return to work and their normal routine a couple of days after the procedure. But some women need more time to rest and recover.

2. How many times can I donate eggs throughout my life?

This highly depends on your physical health; however, it is recommended to donate eggs up to six times. Note that there should be at least 16 weeks between each donation.

3. Is there an age limit for egg donors?

Most fertility clinics accept donors between 20 and 30 years old. However, some clinics also admit women up to the age of 35.

4. How much money do egg donors receive?

Egg donation is mostly done for altruistic reasons, but donors receive a small amount as compensation. The exact payment amount varies from one clinic to another.