Egg Donor Screening

Egg donors must go through a comprehensive screening process that evaluates their current and past physical health. Psychological health, personal characteristics, and fertility potential will all be reviewed during egg donation screening at our San Antonio, TX, practice. Our fertility experts at Fertility Center of San Antonio have over three decades of experience assisting donors and intended parents through egg donation. We perform a rigorous screening process to ensure the health of all those involved.

Requirements for Becoming an Egg Donor

From the stream of egg donor applicants we receive, we interview potential candidates and only select the best for inclusion in our donor database. Our egg donor profiles include a diverse range of healthy young women in their 20s. Our requirements include:

• Good overall health
• Normal ranges for height and weight
• Some verifiable post-high school education

Smokers and illegal drug users are barred. Each profile contains a photograph and basic information, including the donor’s ethnicity and a physical description. After a donor application is reviewed and selected, the extensive donor testing process begins.

Fertility and Medical Screening

After a donor has been selected, they will have a health screening performed and undergo a medical exam and a review of their medical history. A pelvic ultrasound will also be performed be performed to assess the ovaries. Blood testing may also be performed for:

• Drug and Nicotine Screening
• Complete Blood Count
• Thyroid Function and Blood Type
• Screening for Infectious Diseases

In many cases, genetic testing is also performed. These tests help to rule out many genetically-transmitted health conditions, like sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis (CF), thalassemia, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and fragile X syndrome. Universal genetic testing may be performed, or specific conditions can be targeted in the screening process.

Psychological Evaluation

Before donating an egg, the potential donor will also meet with a psychologist. At this time, the benefits and risks of egg donation will be discussed. The donor will be screened to determine if they are psychologically able to understand the egg donation process and the long-term consequences. This process will also help ensure they will fulfill their obligations to the recipient.

The Importance of Donor Screening

The purpose of this thorough screening process is to help our staff identify donors that will give egg recipients the best chance for a healthy baby. The donor’s overall general health will be assessed, as well as specific lifestyle problems, such as the potential use of recreational and prescription drugs.

We are committed to ensuring your entire experience in donating eggs, or receiving donating eggs, is as streamlined and stress-free as possible.

By the end of the screening process, donors have demonstrated sound mental health and a healthy physical and psychological history. They also understand that they must be fully prepared to undergo the entire egg donation process without regrets or other emotional concerns.

Learn More about Egg Donors

Our team at Fertility Center of San Antonio is here to answer your questions about becoming or selecting a egg donor. We are committed to ensuring your entire experience in donating eggs, or receiving donated eggs, is as streamlined and stress-free as possible. You can speak to us by calling (210) 692-0577, or contacting us online.