How Egg Donation Works

A step-by-step guide to the entire egg donation process — from application to payment.

Total Timeline

3 – 6 Months

Application to payment — varies by agency, matching speed, and clinic scheduling

The Process, Step by Step

1

Application & Agency Matching Weeks 1–4

Submit your application through EggSurrogatePay.com. We forward it to 3–5 licensed agencies in your area within 48 hours. Agencies review your application and contact qualified candidates for an initial phone or video screening. This call is a two-way conversation — you can ask questions and learn about the agency's process, compensation structure, and donor base.

2

Medical & Psychological Screening Weeks 2–6

If accepted by an agency, you'll undergo comprehensive screening: physical exam, blood tests (hormone levels, STI panel, genetic carrier screening), pelvic ultrasound to assess ovarian reserve, and a psychological evaluation. All screening is paid for by the agency or intended parents — never by you. Results are reviewed by the fertility clinic.

3

Donor Profile & Matching Weeks 4–12

Once medically cleared, you're added to the agency's donor database. Intended parents (IPs) browse profiles and select donors based on their preferences. You may choose to have an open, semi-open, or anonymous donation arrangement. Matching timelines vary widely — some donors match quickly, others wait several months. High-demand donors (prior successful cycles, specific educational backgrounds) typically match faster.

4

Legal Contract Weeks 10–14

Once matched, a legal contract is drafted outlining compensation, medical protocols, contact arrangements, and both parties' rights and obligations. You are entitled to independent legal representation — paid for by the intended parents. Do not sign any contract without reviewing it with your own attorney. This protects both you and the IPs.

5

Stimulation Cycle Weeks 14–18 · ~10–14 days active

You'll self-administer hormone injections (FSH/LH) for 10–14 days to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. During this time, you'll attend 5–8 monitoring appointments (blood draws and ultrasounds, usually early morning) at the fertility clinic. The clinic adjusts your medication dosage based on your response. Possible side effects include bloating, mood changes, and mild discomfort. Serious complications (OHSS) are uncommon but monitored closely.

6

Egg Retrieval ~30 minutes, outpatient

Egg retrieval is an outpatient procedure done under light sedation. A physician uses a thin needle guided by ultrasound to retrieve mature eggs from your follicles through the vaginal wall — no incisions. You'll rest for 1–2 hours post-procedure and are typically able to return to normal activities within 1–3 days. Most donors describe mild cramping and bloating for a few days afterward.

7

Payment Within 1–2 weeks of retrieval

Compensation is typically disbursed within 1–2 weeks of the retrieval procedure. Payment structure varies by agency — some pay a lump sum at retrieval, others pay in installments (part at contract signing, remainder at retrieval). All agreed-upon amounts, including expense reimbursements, are outlined in your legal contract before the cycle begins.

About the Injections

The hormone injections used in egg donation are the same medications used by women undergoing IVF for themselves. They are well-studied, FDA-approved medications. The most common are:

Ready to Get Started?

See your compensation estimate, then apply in 5 minutes.

Ready to see if you qualify?

The application takes about 5 minutes. Most donors hear back from partner agencies within 48 hours.

Start Your Application → Calculate Your Pay First