5 Tips for Choosing Your Egg Donation Specialist

Advances in fertility medicine offer more treatments than ever for reaching your dream of parenthood. Egg donation provides a possible solution for a variety of issues, from age-related infertility to same-sex couples without egg access.

Egg donation is one of our many specialty services at the Fertility Center of Orlando in Longwood, Florida. Our team’s mission, led by fertility specialist Dr. Milton McNichol, is to provide compassionate, patient-focused care with all the technological advances available.

If you’re considering egg donation — whether as an intended parent or a donor — you know that choosing the right specialist is a huge decision. Here are five key tips for selecting the best egg donation specialist for your journey.

1. Check credentials and experience

Look for a physician who’s board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Experience is also key — how long have they worked with egg donors and intended parents?

Ask about other specialists who work with the doctor, including embryologists. A team with a strong track record in egg donation can offer you greater confidence and peace of mind.

2. Consider communication and support

Egg donation is a complex and sometimes emotional process. Consider how the clinic’s staff treats you during initial consultations and screenings. Are they attentive, compassionate, and responsive? Expect clear communication and detailed answers to your questions. 

Names are typically withheld unless you’re a friend or family member donating eggs. However, information should otherwise flow freely regarding a donor’s/recipient's health screenings, psychological well-being, and what happens before, during, and after the egg retrieval process.

3. Understand the screening and matching process

If you’re an intended parent, ensure the clinic has a rigorous screening process for donors. If you’re a donor, ensure processes are in place to match your gift with appropriate recipients.

Donors should, for instance, expect a detailed physical exam and assessment of their family and personal medical history. Other steps for donors include lab tests, psychological counseling, drug testing, and genetic screening.

Egg recipients undergo the same rigorous testing and typically have a history with the clinic that may include previous fertility services.

4. Expect honesty

As part of our patient-centered focus at the Fertility Center of Orlando, egg donors can expect a detailed description of the donor procedure. For instance, the process can take 4-6 weeks.

Steps in the preparation process include daily hormone injections for about two weeks to stimulate maximum egg production before retrieval. You also undergo ultrasounds and labs to evaluate the ovarian response to medications.

Medication before egg retrieval helps you relax and prevents discomfort during the in-office procedure. Most individuals report mild cramping or pressure during and shortly after egg retrieval, but it’s typically well-tolerated.

Timing is often essential in egg donation. Thus, we discuss these steps in detail before you sign up as a donor to ensure you can accommodate a flexible schedule.

5. Read reviews and ask for recommendations

Hearing from others who’ve gone through the process can be incredibly helpful. Check online reviews, testimonials, and even fertility forums.

If you know someone who’s worked with a fertility specialist, ask about their experience. Word-of-mouth recommendations often provide insights that online research alone can’t.

Ready to discuss egg donation? Schedule a consultation at the Fertility Center of Orlando today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.