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Does egg donation affect my fertility?

Available evidence does not suggest that egg donation reduces ovarian reserve, but long-term donor research is limited. No one can promise that donation will have no effect on your future fertility or that you will be able to become pregnant later. Your own reproductive plans deserve a careful conversation with a fertility specialist.

What does ovarian reserve mean?

Ovarian reserve refers to the quantity of eggs remaining in the ovaries. Tests such as anti-Müllerian hormone, or AMH, and an antral follicle count can help clinicians estimate how the ovaries may respond to stimulation. These tests do not measure every aspect of fertility, and a reassuring result does not guarantee a future pregnancy.

It helps to ask two separate questions: what do my results tell you about a possible donation cycle, and what can they tell me about my own plans for having children? Your clinician can explain both the usefulness and the limits of the tests.

Why is the answer qualified?

Small studies and ovarian-reserve measurements cannot settle every long-term question. Future pregnancy is a different outcome from a laboratory test result. Age and other reproductive factors also matter. An individual assessment is more useful than a blanket assurance based on an average or on another donor’s experience.

Donation also involves short-term medical risks. Read our egg donation health risks guide and discuss your history, previous retrievals and recovery experiences with the treating clinic before considering another cycle.

Is egg freezing still considered experimental?

No. ASRM removed the experimental designation from oocyte cryopreservation in 2012. Egg freezing for your own future use is a separate decision from donating eggs to someone else, and it does not guarantee a future baby. A fertility specialist can discuss its benefits, limitations and suitability for your circumstances.

What should I ask before deciding?

  • What does my personal and family history mean for donation?
  • What can my screening results tell me, and what can’t they predict?
  • How should my own family-building plans factor into this decision?
  • Does my prior donation or fertility-treatment history change your recommendations?
  • Who should I contact if my recovery or menstrual cycle concerns me?

You deserve space to ask questions without feeling rushed. My Donor Connection can explain agency coordination and help you identify next steps; your fertility specialist is the person to discuss medical eligibility and your future reproductive health with.

Explore our egg donor information or contact My Donor Connection to start a conversation.

This article provides general education and does not replace individualized medical advice.

Sources & further reading

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How do I know if being a surrogate is right for me?

Writing your Dear Surrogate Letter

Deciding whether to become a surrogate is a personal decision that requires careful consideration! Many Surrogates say that once they started to seriously consider being a surrogate for another family, they couldn’t get the thought out of their head. It was a calling- one they felt they had to answer.

We’d love to provide you with additional information on what it means to be a Surrogate, so that you can make an informed decision if Surrogacy is right for you.  

Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:

  1. Your own health: You should be in good health, have a BMI within the recommended range, and have had at least one successful uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery.
  2. The process: You should be aware of the surrogacy process, including the medications, procedures, and potential risks and benefits.
  3. Emotional and psychological considerations: Being a surrogate can be emotionally and psychologically demanding. It’s important to consider how you might feel about the process and the potential emotional impact on you and your family.
  4. Legal and ethical considerations: You should be aware of the legal and ethical considerations of surrogacy, including your rights and responsibilities as a surrogate.
  5. Your motivation: It’s important to consider why you want to become a surrogate. Some surrogates may be motivated by a desire to help others, while others may be motivated by financial compensation. Oftentimes it is a combination of both – you are compensated for your involvement in this incredible journey!
  6. Your support system: It’s important to have a strong support system in place, including a supportive partner, friends, and family members.
  7. The intended parents: It’s important to have good communication and relationship with the intended parents. We will do our best to match you with Intended Parents that share the same expectations on what this looks like during (and after!) the pregnancy.

It’s also important to talk with your partner, friends, and family members before making a decision. It’s also important to keep in mind that you should never feel pressured to be a surrogate!

BECOME A SURROGATE
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What to look for in a Gestational Surrogate

It can be overwhelming to try to figure out what to look for in a Gestational Surrogate. Here are some key factors you’ll want to consider to ensure a smooth and positive experience. Here are some essentials to remember with a warm and caring touch!

Health and Medical History

First and foremost, your surrogate should be healthy, with no medical conditions that could complicate the pregnancy. Complete medical records from her previous deliveries and pregnancies will help demonstrate she’s a good candidate.

Age and Pregnancy Experience

We look for surrogates between the ages of 21 and 40. This age range helps keep the risks of complications lower. Also, your surrogate should have had no more than five prior deliveries, and no more than 2 of those were c-sections. She should be done having children of her own.

Emotional and Mental Stability

Emotional stability is crucial. Your surrogate should be mentally stable, with no history of severe mental health issues. She should be comfortable with the surrogacy process and excited to help you on this journey.

Relationship Status

While considering your surrogate’s relationship status, remember it doesn’t directly correlate to a stable home environment. What matters most is that she has a supportive network around her.

Financial Stability

Your surrogate should be financially stable and not currently receiving government assistance. This ensures she is undertaking surrogacy for the right reasons and not out of financial necessity.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Ensure your surrogate knows all the legal and ethical considerations involved. She should be willing to follow all necessary procedures and agreements.

Location

Please consider the logistics of your surrogate’s location when choosing. You’ll need to travel to where she is for the birth.

Relationship with Intended Parents

You’ll want a surrogate who is comfortable with you and willing to have an open and ongoing relationship throughout the pregnancy. Good communication and a positive relationship are essential.

Ultimately, the most important thing is finding a gestational surrogate you feel comfortable with and trust. We’re here to help guide you through this journey with care and support every step of the way!

 

Want to learn more about Surrogacy? Check out our Blog for helpful information about your surrogacy search!

Ready to get started? Register today to gain access to our Surrogate Database, where you can expect to begin seeing profiles in as little as 2-3 weeks.