Egg donation offers hopeful parents a path to building their families, and for donors, it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact while also receiving generous compensation and benefits.
If you’re considering becoming an egg donor, you may be wondering about the screening process. Screening is one of the most important steps because it supports the safety and well-being of donors (and helps you learn about your own fertility!) while giving intended parents the best possible chance of success.
What is Egg Donor Screening?
Egg donor screening is a comprehensive health and background evaluation that takes place before donation. It includes medical, genetic, and psychological assessments to confirm that you’re healthy and emotionally prepared for the process.
The timing of screening depends on the type of cycle you choose:
One-on-One Cycle (Fresh Donation)
-
You’re first listed in the donor database.
-
Screening begins after you’re matched with an intended parent.
-
Your cycle is coordinated specifically for that family.
Egg Banking Cycle
-
Screening begins right away.
-
Eggs are retrieved and frozen for future use.
-
Intended parents select from already-screened, ready-to-go donors.
In both pathways, the goal of screening is the same: to protect your health and maximize the chance of a successful outcome for the intended parents.
Here’s a closer look at what’s involved in the Donor Nexus screening process.
Medical Evaluations: Protecting Your Physical Health
The first step in the egg donor screening process is a comprehensive medical evaluation. Medical screenings ensure you’re in excellent reproductive and overall health and that you are physically fit and ready to donate.
Where your evaluation happens depends on the egg donation program you’ve chosen:
- If you’re participating in a one-on-one cycle, your screening typically occurs at the intended parents’ fertility clinic during days 1, 2, or 3 of your menstrual cycle. If you do need to travel, we will coordinate any arrangements!
- If you're donating through our egg banking program, your evaluation will be arranged at a fertility clinic local to you. If you're in Southern California, you’ll likely be seen at HRC Fertility in Newport Beach, a trusted Donor Nexus partner.
During this appointment, you’ll complete:
- A transvaginal ultrasound to make sure your ovaries and uterus are healthy.
- Hormone and ovarian reserve testing (including AMH, FSH, and AFC) to evaluate ovarian reserve and determine that you have a sufficient number of healthy eggs.
- Infectious disease screening for conditions like HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhea, and other STIs.
- Drug screening (opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, and marijuana).
- Pap smear (if you haven’t had one in the last year) and blood type test.
- A full physical exam by a fertility specialist.
- Injection training, so you’ll feel confident when it’s time to begin medications.
- Medical questionnaire to help understand your family history.
We understand this may be your first time undergoing some of these tests and that medical screenings can be stressful. You will be examined by a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist and infertility subspecialist, and your fertility clinic team will keep you informed of all components of the process.
Many donors actually appreciate these medical screenings, as they equip you with a deep knowledge about your reproductive health that you may not otherwise have.
Genetic Screening and Consultation: Understanding Your Genetics
As part of the screening process, you’ll complete genetic screening and a genetic consultation.
1. Genetic Consultation
-
Meet with a genetic counselor by phone
-
Review your personal + family medical history
-
Identify any potential genetic concerns
2. Carrier Screening
-
Simple test to check for recessive genes
-
Carriers are often healthy but can still pass on conditions
-
If you’re a carrier, results are compared with the intended parent (or sperm donor) to ensure compatibility
-
Only if both carry the same gene would it be an issue
3. Results & Support
-
Your counselor will explain your results and answer questions
-
Most donors find this step empowering and insightful. It allows you to gain clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of your own genetics!
Psychological Evaluation: Helping You Feel Emotionally Prepared
Egg donation is a medical process and an emotional journey. We include a thorough psychological evaluation in your egg donor screening to help you feel fully prepared and supported as you move forward. The psychological screening can be done at your fertility clinic or virtually.
The evaluation includes:
- Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI): The PAI is a 300-question survey that offers insight into your personality traits. It helps intended parents get to know you and makes sure you’re prepared for the process ahead.
- An interview with a psychologist: Your one-on-one conversation with a licensed practitioner covers topics like your home life, support system, motivation for donating, and how you cope with stress. The conversation is not intended to be intimidating; it helps confirm that you are emotionally ready to donate and feel supported in your decision.
After the evaluation, a short report is submitted confirming that you’re emotionally ready to move forward!
Legal Consultation: Respecting Your Rights and Role
After completing your screenings, the final step before beginning the donation cycle is a legal consultation to help you understand, review, and sign your legal agreements. This step is about clarity, mutual understanding, and protecting everyone involved, especially you.
Donor Nexus provides all egg donors with a complimentary legal consultation with an experienced attorney. Their job is to help you fully understand every agreement aspect before signing.
The Egg Donor Legal Agreement outlines:
- Compensation: Includes details about payments, covered expenses, and reimbursement allotments.
- Type of Donation: Outlines the anonymity of your egg donation and what each option (nonidentified, open-ID, or identified) means regarding possible contact with the child or intended parents.
- Expectations During the Cycle: Discusses lifestyle requirements, medication adherence, and travel protocols (if applicable).
- Remaining Embryos: Covers your preferences regarding the intended parents’ decision about leftover embryos. Options include donating them to other intended parents or for medical research.
Legal agreements are intended to provide peace of mind and protect your rights. Your attorney and the Donor Nexus team are on your side and here to answer any legal questions you may have about the process. Contact us to learn more about the legal aspects of egg donation!
A Supportive and Personalized Experience
Throughout the screening process, you’ll never be left wondering what’s next. From the moment you apply, you’ll work with a dedicated case manager on the Donor Nexus team, who will be a guide, advocate, and point of contact throughout your journey.
At Donor Nexus, we provide:
- Education and resources about the egg donation process, medications, egg retrieval, and more.
- Support in scheduling, travel coordination, and communication.
- Consistent check-ins so you always feel heard, prepared, and appreciated.
Many of our donors describe their experience as empowering and meaningful, and we’re honored to support each and every one with care and respect.
Ready to Take the First Step?
The donor screening process may seem thorough, and it is. But every step is intended to protect your physical and emotional health, honor your generosity, and give intended parents the best possible chance of success.
If you’re considering becoming an egg donor, we’re here to answer your questions, walk you through the process, and offer support. Connect with our team to learn more about egg donation, or complete our application to get started!
