Dedicated egg sharing, egg donor, and sperm donor programmes at The Bridge Centre

Egg Donor Programmes

You may be about to become a very special person and you are halfway there just by reading this page.

We do not always know what motivates women to donate their eggs but we do know what altruistic donation can achieve and its importance to others.

Today there are thousands of women who, for many different reasons, need donor eggs in order to conceive.

The truth is that most of these women will never get the opportunity - due solely to the shortage of donors.

We are working to provide recipients with a matched donor and, when you think of the immense impact that successful treatment can have on the lives of an infertile couple, you will understand why, as a potential donor, you are so important and so very special.

Please come forward - the following sections tell you how to go about it and, first, we answer some of the most common questions we are usually asked: -

1. Q) Who can become an egg donor?

A) Egg donors are healthy and aged between 21-35. It is important that your periods are normal as this indicates that your hormone levels will be within a normal range. Your Body Mass Index (BMI) level must not exceed 32. You should not have any personal history of viral sexually transmitted infection. There must be no personal or family history of inheritable disorders.

2. Q) Does it hurt?

A) Individuals have different responses to the overall experience, however, donation is definitely considered to be a minor invasive procedure. We can assure that you will have a supportive team who will help you with the medical and emotional aspects of donation.

3. Q) Is my own fertility affected?

A) Highly unlikely and your welfare always comes first. As part of the initial assessment, which is done at the first consultation, your consultant will explain, in detail, all treatment implications of egg donation.

4. Q) If I have to take time off from work or incur other expenses, will these be reimbursed?

A) Yes It is important to mention that it is illegal to pay for donated eggs in the UK. However, we make the most generous provision possible within current UK regulations to ensure that every conceivable expense you might incur in connection with your treatment is reimbursed. We will be able to pay any reasonable expenses caused by the procedure, such as medication, travelling expenses, accommodation, reasonable childcare and loss of earnings. The maximum loss allowance is £50.00 per day.

5. Q) What information will I be given about the recipients?

A) None All donations are anonymous in the interests of all concerned. We do not advise you of the outcome of your donation.

6. What information will the recipient be given about me?

A) All information will be non-identifying. We try to match each donor and recipient as closely as possible. The criteria include ethnic background, physical characteristics, education and occupation. No information beyond this is ever released and it is illegal to do so.

7. Q) How does a donor really feel?

A) We can't answer that but one of our donors has given us a moving account of how she felt. Click here to read "A Donor's Story".