Egg donor blog

Hi Kate! Great website! You answered so many of my questions! I just heard about being an egg donor when I was brainstorming with friends about helping my sister raise the money for IVF as she was told her eggs are old. I told her I would gladly give her my eggs but she said they cannot afford the procedure. My friend had a cousin who sold her eggs as a way to pay for her own IVF. I started researching tonight, but quickly (and sadly!) learned that I may be too old? I am 34. I am very healthy and in great shape and seem to meet all the other requirements listed. I would love to help my sister and also love to help a same sex couple start a family as well. Do you know if anyone works with “older” donors and/or have any advice for me? I live in Oregon. Thanks so much!

Like so many other factors in the world of egg donation, age is yet another that is ‘regulated.’ More than a regulation, it’s a standard. I know, Kelly Preston is, like, 47 her kids’ll probably grow up to rule the world and cure the common cold. But that’s Hollywood, it’s not typical, and it’s not optimal for potential parents when looking for an egg donor. In egg donation, age works against you, as can latent genetic traits, hair color, country of origin or even SAT scores–the age range for most donors is 21-29. As such, most donation agencies have a similar cut-off date. My agency’s (BHED) age limit is 29 years old for first-time donors (though, if your tenure goes through your 32nd birthday, they’ll retain you–and your eggies–until then).  I’m not saying at all that there’s no agency or doctor who won’t take your eggs, but it’s not you or the relationship you have with your sister, it’s the standards set forth by the powers-that-be, and it may be out of your hands.