Frequently Asked Questions

BHED egg donors are healthy women, ages 21-29, with no major genetic/hereditary illnesses, who are committed to giving the gift of hope to a family that is struggling with infertility.

Because choosing an egg donor is an extremely personal decision, the time period for a donor to be matched with the right family varies. It can happen as quickly as the same day. It may take a month or more. This is a very emotional process for the recipients and they are always looking at donor profiles for their perfect donor.

Most donations are anonymous. However some recipients and donors find an “open donation” very fulfilling as well. The decision to make a donation open requires both the donor and recipient's wholehearted agreement.

The calendar for donation cycles depends on your availability and the timing of your menstrual cycle, as well as the recipient's availability and menstrual cycle. For these reasons, a cycle may range from a few weeks to two months or more.

At the very end of the donation cycle, the egg donor will have daily monitoring. When the follicles have reached the desired maturity, the doctor will schedule the retrieval procedure. This is a half hour procedure that requires a light anesthetic to be sure the donor doesn't move. The doctor uses an ultrasound-guided needle, inserted through the vagina, to collect the eggs from both ovaries.

After the procedure, the donor will be unable to drive for up to 24 hours, due to the anesthesia. Most donors rest for 24 hours after the retrieval, and most go back to their normal schedule the following day. Other donors experience more painful menstrual-like symptoms (cramps/bloating/headaches) that can last up to a week. In very rare cases donors may have a severe reaction to fertility drugs that will require additional medical treatment or hospitalization.

All medical expenses related to the donation cycle are paid by the recipient.

Egg Donors are compensated emotionally and financially for the gift of hope they give to families struggling with infertility. The sense of peace a family receives from the donation is shared with their donor. At Beverly Hills Egg Donation, donors receive $6,500 for their first donation. That fee is paid for the time and inconvenience of the donation. For donors who have donated more than one time, the fee will increase by a standard amount. Special fees may be offered to donors who meet extraordinary standards.

BHED follows American Society of Reproductive Medicine's (ASRM) guideline of a maximum of 6 donations per individual donor. This is to limit the number of genetically related children that may meet as adults, and to protect the health of the donor as well.

The physicians we work with tell us that there are no proven long term risks from Egg Donation per se; however, you should discuss any concerns you have with your physician and/or nurse.

It's up to you. Should you decide to accept a match with a recipient whose doctor is out of your local area, you will be required to travel. Your monitoring will be done at a doctor's office near you. You will need to be in the city of the retrieval for several days prior to the donation and for a short time following the retrieval. Each match, and each doctor, has their own requirements, and you will be informed of the time frame applicable to your match once you meet the doctor.

When you travel for your donation, Beverly Hills Egg Donation will make your travel arrangements. You will be allowed to bring one travel companion with you to help you relax after the retrieval. If you would like to bring your other family members or friends with you, it will be at your own expense.

It depends on the expenses. Travel-related expenses (beyond 75 miles) will be reimbursed, and your Cycle Coordinator will explain those details to you. Please follow her instructions carefully, keeping receipts, etc.