Thinking about donating your eggs? It’s a big decision, and it’s completely normal to have questions or feel unsure at the start. Every year, generous individuals choose to give someone else the opportunity to become a parent. It’s not a decision to take lightly, but it’s one that begins with understanding what’s involved.
You might be weighing things up, or perhaps it’s an idea that’s been quietly on your mind for a while. However you’ve come to it, we’re here to help you explore your options. This guide walks you through the entire egg donation process—from the first conversation to the recovery stage after your donation.
We’ve also included insights from our donation team and reflections from people who’ve donated themselves. They understand what it feels like to be at the start of this journey and their experiences might help you decide what’s right for you.
Why become an egg donor?
For lots of people, donated eggs are their only shot at having children. By donating, you’re giving them a chance they might not otherwise have. That’s a massive gift—and one that often means just as much to the donor as it does to the person on the receiving end.
As one of our previous donors said: “I just kept thinking, if I were in their shoes, I’d hope someone would do the same for me.” That simple empathy motivates so many people to donate. It’s not about being selfless—it’s about being human.
Read more about why Claire donated her eggs here
And while your motivation might be to help others, there are benefits for you too. As part of the donation process, you’ll receive a free, in-depth fertility assessment, including:
- An ultrasound scan
- An Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) blood test
- Genetic and infection screening
You’ll also receive £985 in compensation for your time and commitment, in line with guidance from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA).
What does egg donation involve?
Step 1: Getting in touch
It starts with a simple enquiry—either online or over the phone. Our donor team will send you a short health questionnaire to understand more about your lifestyle, medical background, and family history.
To be eligible, you’ll need to be:
- Aged 18 to 35 (up to 35 years and 6 months)
- In good health, with no known hereditary conditions
- A non-smoker with a BMI under 35
Step 2: First phone appointment
You’ll speak with one of our experienced donation nurses. They’ll explain the process in detail and answer any questions you may have—nothing’s off-limits. If you feel happy to proceed, we’ll arrange your fertility assessment at your local Care Fertility clinic.
Step 3: In-clinic assessment
At this visit, we’ll:
- Check your height, weight, and blood pressure
- Do a blood test to check your AMH levels
- Perform an internal ultrasound to count your ovarian follicles
It’s also a good chance to meet the people who’ll support you throughout your journey. Our teams genuinely care—many of us have been through fertility treatment ourselves, so we get it.
Step 4: Second phone appointment
Once we’ve reviewed your test results, we’ll be back in touch. If everything looks good, we’ll guide you through the next stage, which includes:
- Completing your donor information form
- Talking through the legal and emotional implications of donation
- Signing your initial consent forms
You can book a free session with one of our counsellors at any point, even if you’re still deciding. Many of our donors say it helped them think things through with a clear head.
Step 5: Health screening
This stage includes more detailed testing to make sure you’re suitable to donate. You’ll have:
- Further blood and urine tests (including full blood count, genetic screening, and STI checks)
Step 6: A final health review by our team
Once your screening results are in, we’ll book your nurse planning appointment. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- How and when to take your hormone injections
- When to come in for monitoring scans (usually 2 or 3)
- When and how to take your “trigger shot” ahead of egg collection
Our team will be on hand via your companion app if you ever need a refresher.
Step 7: Egg collection day
Egg collection is a quick procedure that takes around 15–20 minutes. It’s carried out under sedation or a local anaesthetic, so you’ll be relaxed and comfortable.
After the procedure, you’ll rest for an hour or so in our recovery suite, then head home. Most people feel well enough to get back to light activity the next day.
We’ll call you later to let you know how many eggs were collected. It’s a proud moment for many of our donors.
Read more about egg collection here
Step 8: Recovery and follow-up
Recovery is usually smooth and straightforward. We recommend:
- Resting for at least 24 hours
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding alcohol and intense exercise for a few days
- Using a heat pad or paracetamol if you feel crampy
A few weeks later, we’ll check in to see how you’re feeling and confirm that your compensation has been processed. You’ll also have the chance to book another counselling session if you’d like.
What happens to your eggs?
After collection, your eggs are carefully stored and matched with someone in need of donor eggs. A single donation can support up to 10 families, depending on the number and quality of eggs retrieved.
The eggs can be stored for up to 55 years. You decide how long they’re kept, and you have the option to find out whether any of your eggs resulted in a birth. If you’d like, you can also learn the year and sex of the child.
Things to consider
This isn’t just a medical process—it’s emotional, too. One important thing to understand is that since 2005, all egg donors in the UK are identifiable. That means any child born from your donation can request your name and last known address when they turn 18.
You won’t be financially or legally responsible for any child born from your donation. The people who receive your eggs are the legal parents. You won’t be named on any birth certificates, and you won’t have any rights or responsibilities.
Some donors feel curious about the children their donation might help. Others prefer not to think too much about it. Either way is fine. What matters is that you feel well-informed and comfortable with your decision.
Read more about things to consider when donating your eggs
How it might feel
Some donors are curious about the children their eggs might help create. Others are more private. Either way is OK. What matters is understanding what you’re signing up for and making a decision that feels right for you.
Many of our donors tell us the experience was more meaningful than they ever expected. Some even choose to donate more than once. But this is your journey—take the time you need.
We're ready when you are
There’s no right or wrong time to explore egg donation. If it’s something you’ve been thinking about, we’re here to help you make an informed choice.
Call us on 0808 1782 860 or start your journey online
We’ll support you every step of the way.
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