There are many things to consider before choosing an egg donor, however it can be overwhelming to figure out what to assess, and where to start. This blog will provide a starting point for you – a checklist of things to consider, that should ensure you have all bases covered before you make a final decision. 

So, let’s get started. 

Medical history

It is important to review the egg donor’s medical history to ensure that she is healthy and free of any genetic disorders or diseases that could be passed on to the child.

Age

Next up, is the age of the egg donor! So, why does age matter?

The age of the egg donor is an important factor to consider because younger egg donors are generally considered to be more likely to produce healthy eggs, while older egg donors may be more likely to produce eggs with chromosomal abnormalities.

Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have. Therefore as the woman, and the eggs she holds, age the probability of them developing defects is heightened. This occurs during the division process, where small issues occur with the encased DNA. This change within the egg’s DNA affects the capacity for it to create a healthy baby.

These eggs, if attempts are made to fertilize it, will usually not be successful, as it is genetically abnormal, also referred to as aneuploid. In the rare cases it does, then it could develop genetic disorders or lead to miscarriage. 

Statistics show that whereas up to 90% of a 20-year-old’s eggs are genetically normal,only 20% of a 44 year old’s are thought to be so. 

With all this in mind, when you are deciding on who your egg donor will be, the age, combined with all the other important factors, should definitely be up there on the list. 

Ethnicity and race

Some couples may prefer an egg donor of a specific ethnicity or race, which can be an important factor to consider when choosing an egg donor.

Personality and interests

Some couples may prefer an egg donor with certain personality traits or interests, which can be an important factor to consider when choosing an egg donor.

Legal and financial considerations

And, finally there are the legal and financial aspects of egg donation that should be carefully considered before making a decision. 

This includes the cost of the egg donation process and any legal agreements that need to be made between the egg donor and the intended parents.