Egg Donor Requirements:
Do You Qualify?

The EggCelle Donor Program accepts candidates between the ages of 21 and 31. This range is grounded in reproductive science: egg quality and quantity are generally at their strongest during the early-to-mid twenties, with a gradual decline beginning after 30.

Donors within this age range tend to respond well to the medications used during the donation cycle, which supports better outcomes for intended parents. The ASRM recommends that egg donors fall between 21 and 34, with additional considerations for donors over 34. EggCelle's range reflects a focus on both donor safety and recipient outcomes.

Egg donors need to be in good overall health. During screening, EggCelle conducts medical evaluations to check that candidates are free from chronic conditions, active infections, and health concerns that could affect the egg retrieval procedure or the well-being of a donor-conceived child.

The physical health screening typically includes:

• A comprehensive medical exam
• Blood work to evaluate hormone levels and screen for infectious diseases
• A pelvic ultrasound to assess ovarian health and follicle count

These evaluations follow FDA testing guidelines, which require screening at an approved laboratory within 30 days before (or up to 7 days after) egg retrieval.

EggCelle requires candidates to have a BMI between 18.5 and 29.9. This range matters because BMI can influence how your body responds to the fertility medications used during the donation cycle.

A BMI in the healthy range supports balanced hormone levels and a positive ovarian response to stimulation — both important for producing viable eggs. Being significantly underweight may disrupt hormonal balance, while a higher BMI may be associated with increased risk during the retrieval process.

Consistent monthly periods are a strong sign of a healthy reproductive system. Regular cycles suggest predictable ovulation, which is important for timing the egg retrieval process. Irregular cycles may signal hormonal imbalances that could affect donation outcomes.

Candidates must be free from current and past sexually transmitted infections. STIs can pose risks during retrieval and to the intended parents or resulting child. Comprehensive STI testing — including screenings for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia — is a required part of the screening process, in line with FDA guidelines.

Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or a history of fertility-related challenges may affect eligibility. These conditions can reduce the likelihood of a positive donation cycle and may increase the risk of complications, including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

EggCelle requires all donors to have been free from tobacco, recreational drugs, and alcohol for a minimum of six months before applying. Substance use has a direct impact on egg quality:

• Smoking and nicotine products (including vaping) can accelerate egg aging and affect the genetic material inside eggs.
• Recreational drug use can interfere with hormonal balance and the medications used during the stimulation cycle.
• Alcohol consumption in the weeks surrounding donation can reduce egg viability.

Maintaining a substance-free lifestyle supports both your health and the effectiveness of the medications used during your cycle.

Egg donation is both a physical and emotional experience. All EggCelle donors undergo a psychological evaluation conducted by a licensed mental health professional — a step strongly recommended by the ASRM for anyone considering egg donation.

This evaluation looks at several areas: your understanding of the egg donation process, your emotional readiness, your motivations for donating, and your ability to manage the hormonal changes that may come with the fertility medications. The injectable hormones used during stimulation (typically 10–14 days of follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH) can cause mild mood shifts, and the evaluation helps confirm you're well-prepared.

Candidates with a history of significant mental health conditions — including severe depression, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorders — may not qualify, as these conditions can affect informed decision-making and may be heightened by hormonal treatment.

Candidates must provide a detailed family medical history going back three generations. This information helps identify potential hereditary conditions — such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, Huntington's disease, or hereditary cancers — that could be passed to a donor-conceived child.

In addition to the family history review, EggCelle conducts genetic testing as part of screening. This may include carrier screening panels that test for dozens of inherited conditions. The ASRM recommends that all egg donors undergo a thorough genetic evaluation, and many programs now include consultations with a certified genetic counselor to review results.

Egg donation requires a meaningful time investment. From screening to retrieval, the process typically spans two to four months and involves multiple medical appointments, daily medication administration, and careful schedule adherence.

During the active stimulation phase, you can expect approximately 5–8 monitoring visits over two to three weeks. These appointments are necessary to track your body's response to the medications and determine the right timing for egg retrieval. Missing appointments or medication doses can affect the cycle.

EggCelle donors agree to follow all program guidelines, including attending scheduled appointments on time, administering prescribed medications as directed, and abstaining from sexual activity during specified periods of the cycle (to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy, since the medications stimulate the development of multiple eggs).