10 Things to Look For in An Egg Donor

Choosing the right person to be your egg donor is an enormous and exciting step in your donor egg IVF journey. Finding the right person involves understanding your goals and priorities, and then carefully reviewing donor profiles to find your best match. But what exactly should you look for as you sift through dozens of profiles? In this article, we will explore the key aspects to consider when selecting an egg donor. Let’s go!

What to look for in an egg donor

When considering what to look for in an egg donor, there are two main factors to keep in mind.

First, look for clues that the egg donor will have a successful egg retrieval. The good news is that the quantity and quality of eggs retrieved is fairly predictable with just a few data points: age, anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), and antral-follicle count (more on that below). 

Finding a pre-qualified donor who has passed initial screening can significantly impact your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy. At Cofertility, our clinical team reviews and meets with every egg donor candidate, looking at medical history, AMH, and more. Your fertility doctor will then review the egg donor’s information and clear her (or not) for a donor egg retrieval.  

Second, look for a donor who is a good fit for your family. At Cofertility, our program is unique. After meeting with hundreds of intended parents, egg donors, and donor-conceived people, we decided on an egg donation model that we think best serves everyone involved: egg sharing.

Here’s how it works: our unique model empowers women to take control of their own reproductive health while giving you the gift of a lifetime. Our donors aren’t doing it for cash – they keep half the eggs retrieved for their own future use, and donate half to your family.

We aim to be the best egg-sharing program, providing an experience that honors, respects, and uplifts everyone involved. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Human-centered. We didn’t like the status quo in egg donation. So we’re doing things differently, starting with our human-centered matching platform.
• Donor empowerment. Our model empowers donors to preserve their own fertility, while lifting you up on your own journey. It’s a win-win.
• Diversity: We’re proud of the fact that the donors on our platform are as diverse as the intended parents seeking to match with them. We work with intended parents to understand their own cultural values — including regional nuances — in hopes of finding them the perfect match.
• Baby guarantee. We truly want to help you bring your baby home, and we will re-match you for free until that happens.
• Lifetime support: Historically, other egg donation options have treated egg donor matching as a one-and-done experience. Beyond matching, beyond a pregnancy, beyond a birth…we believe in supporting the donor-conceived family for life. Our resources and education provide intended parents with the guidance they need to raise happy, healthy kids and celebrate their origin stories.
  

Okay so now that we know the two most important factors to keep in mind— that a donor is likely to have a successful egg retrieval and that she is a fit for your family — let’s dive into 10 things to look for in an egg donor.

1. AMH

What AMH levels are ideal for an egg donor?

AMH is a hormone that is a biomarker for ovarian reserve, which is highly correlated to egg retrieval success (specifically, the number of eggs retrieved). While there is no specific threshold for AMH levels in an egg donor, the higher the AMH, the more eggs you are likely to retrieve. At Cofertility, we require egg donors to have an AMH over 2 to qualify. 

Even though AMH is important, it should not be the sole criterion for selecting an egg donor. Other factors, such as age, medical history, and  overall health, also contribute to success rates.

2. Age

What age is best for an egg donor?

The age of the egg donor is a crucial factor in the success of a donor egg IVF cycle. As females age, egg quality and quantity both decrease, which can lead to lower rates of successful fertilization, implantation, and live births. In general, “younger” donors have a higher chance of producing high-quality eggs that are more likely to result in a successful pregnancy.

So what age do we mean when we say “younger” egg donor? While ASRM recommends egg donors be between the ages of 21 and 34, we think the best age is 25-34. Not only because donors tend to be more mature at this age, but also because research suggests better outcomes. 

One study found the chances of live birth among cycles using egg donors <25 years was 13% lower for those using donors age 25 to 29. And another older but large study of 3,889 fresh donor egg cycles found that the cycles utilizing donors 30 to 34 years had a higher incidence of live birth compared to cycles with donors under 30 years, as well as donors over 34. 

3. Disclosed or undisclosed

What sort of relationship should I look for with an egg donor?

At Cofertility, we have two types of disclosure options for intended parents and donors: disclosed or undisclosed. In a disclosed donation, you and the donor will exchange contact information and can communicate directly. In an undisclosed donation, you will not exchange contact information and only communicate via Cofertility. With an undisclosed donation, you could arrange to have the information available to your child down the road (this is sometimes called Open ID).

It’s important to separate your disclosure status from any potential relationship that you have with the donor. For example, you may have a disclosed donation, in which you share contact information but decide not to maintain any regular communication. 

Decide what type of disclosure and relationship status is right for your family, and look for a donor who is on the same page. 

Read more in Disclosed vs. Undisclosed Donation: What's the Difference?

4. Repeat vs. first-time egg donor

Is it better to find a first-time or repeat egg donor?

While most donors are first-time donors, you will find that some donors have come back to donate again (the max is six times). There are pros and cons to first time or repeat egg donors, but this usually is not a driving factor for intended parents.

With repeat donors, you have the advantage of knowing their outcomes in previous cycles. This gives you another data point for predicting if they will be successful. But keep in mind that every cycle is different, and also depends on the medication and clinic. The downside of working with a repeat donor is that there could already be children born using her donor eggs, giving your children more half-genetic siblings. 

On the other hand, the success of first-time donors is still highly predictable. You can also ask them if they intend to donate to multiple families. Consider your priorities, consult with your fertility doctor, and review the available options to make an informed decision.

One thing to keep in mind if you choose to work with Cofertility: because our donors get to keep half the eggs retrieved for their own future use, they tend to take the entire cycle very seriously. 

5. Medical history 

What should I be looking at in a donor’s medical history?

Thoroughly evaluating the medical history of an egg donor is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of the potential child. Look for comprehensive medical screenings that cover both the donor's personal medical history and that of their immediate family. This information helps identify potential genetic risks or hereditary conditions that could impact the offspring. 

Think about what health risks you’re willing to take. No family is void of all health problems. While we screen out major genetic health conditions, many donors have health histories including things like needing glasses, being on birth control, having had knee surgery, or suffering from allergies. 

At Cofertility, we follow stringent guidelines to ensure the health and safety of both donors and recipients.

6. Physical traits

What physical traits are important for an egg donor?

For many families, physical traits are the most significant consideration when selecting an egg donor. Searching our egg donor platform by physical characteristics, such as height, hair color, eye color, complexion, freckles, and even dimples, can help you find a donor with resemblance. 

Read more in Should I Pick an Egg Donor Who Looks Like Me?

Keep in mind that just because a donor has a trait does not guarantee the child will too. Even genetic relatives can look wildly different, just think of how many families you know (maybe even your own!) where genetic relatives look nothing alike.

That being said, if it’s important to you, you can increase the chances your child looks like you by looking at photos of the egg donor and assessing the self-reported traits. 

7. Shared interests and traits

Should I pick an egg donor who shares my interests?

Many intended parents seek an egg donor who shares similar hobbies, interests, or values. Some value things like athleticism or musical abilities, while for others sharing a religion is most important. Whatever it is you’re looking for, you will learn so much about each donor in their profile.

These similarities can help create a connection, providing a sense of shared experiences and background. We find that parents who find an egg donor with overlapping interests and traits get even more excited to move forward on their journey. 

8. Religion

Does it matter if my egg donor and I have the same religion?

The decision to prioritize or consider religious compatibility is a deeply personal one. For some individuals or couples, religious beliefs and practices hold significant importance in their lives, and they may wish to find an egg donor who aligns with their religious values. For others, religion may not play a central role, and they may be more open to donors of various religious backgrounds.

Regardless of whether you choose a donor who shares your religious background, open and honest communication with your child about their genetic origins and any religious or cultural differences is essential. It's important to create an environment where questions and discussions about faith, identity, and beliefs are welcomed and respected.

9. Education and achievements

Does the egg donor’s education level matter?

Educational background, intelligence, and achievements are factors that some intended parents weigh strongly when choosing an egg donor. 

The level of education or specific achievements can be important to some individuals or couples who wish to find a donor with similar intellectual or professional pursuits. At Cofertility, you can sort donor profiles by education level and learn more about what a donor studied and the type of school they attended. 

10. Race and ethnicity

Do I need to choose a donor of the same race and ethnicity?

Perhaps you are really drawn to a donor who is like you in so many ways… except her race or ethnicity. Should you still match with them? This route is absolutely possible but should be taken with thoughtful consideration. In the adoption world, conspicuous families are very common. But it does increase the chances of comments and questions from nosy people.

Selecting an egg donor of a different race or ethnicity also means that child may grow up with questions about (or disconnection with) their genetic roots that are different from yours. You’ll need to talk about race from day one, show your child the importance of diversity in society, and ensure that you socialize with people of different races and ethnicities (including theirs). Surround yourself with other multiracial families and find ways to expose your child to their genetic culture. 

To make this decision, reflect on your own cultural values, consider the potential impact on your family dynamics, and engage in discussions with your partner (and even a therapist!) to ensure you make a decision that aligns with your values and aspirations.

Take-aways

Choosing the right egg donor is a significant decision that can greatly impact the success of your donor egg IVF journey. By considering the key factors we shared in this article, you can make an informed choice and find an egg donor who aligns with your goals and values. 

Remember to prioritize the likelihood of a successful egg retrieval by assessing factors such as age, AMH levels, and medical history. Additionally, finding a donor who is a good fit for your family, both in terms of physical traits and shared interests, can create a stronger connection and enhance the overall experience.

Selecting an egg donor is a deeply personal process, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each individual or couple may have different priorities and considerations when making this decision. Whether it's evaluating the donor's education, considering religious compatibility, or contemplating the impact of race and ethnicity, take the time to reflect on your values and aspirations as a family.

Throughout the journey, open and honest communication with your fertility doctor, partner, and even a therapist can provide valuable guidance and support. Remember that every child is unique, regardless of genetic factors, and creating a nurturing environment where questions about identity, faith, and diversity are welcomed is crucial.

At Cofertility, we understand the importance of finding the right egg donor, and we're here to support you every step of the way. 

‍Cofertility is a human-first fertility ecosystem rewriting the egg freezing and egg donation experience. Our Family by Co platform serves as a more transparent, ethical egg donor matching platform. We are obsessed with improving the family-building journey — today or in the future — and are in an endless pursuit to make these experiences more positive. Create a free account today!