Can You Be an Egg Donor More Than Once? What to Know About Repeat Donation

Donating eggs is a rewarding experience for many women who want to help other families make their dreams of having children a reality. If your first donation cycle was successful, clinics are usually glad to have you donate again. However, repeat donation may not be ideal for some donors, and there are limits to how many times someone can donate. Before deciding to donate your eggs again, it’s essential to reflect on your unique health history and consult with your clinic or agency to determine what is best for you.

How Many Times Can You Donate Eggs?

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) limits egg donation to a maximum of six times. While there's no evidence of long-term health effects associated with egg donation, there are short-term health concerns that can be linked to any medical procedure.

Additionally, controlling the amount of donations minimizes the likelihood of two individuals conceived with the same donor eggs meeting and potentially giving birth to a child without being aware of their biological connection. ASMR guidelines apply to both fresh and frozen egg donor cycles.

Factors to Consider for Repeat Egg Donation

When considering repeat egg donation, it's important to speak with a fertility expert to ensure your well-being and the success of future cycles. Some considerations include:

Health and Egg Donor Eligibility

If you've donated before, you're familiar with the process, which involves medical, psychological, and genetic screenings to ensure the donated eggs are healthy. You must continue to meet the eligibility requirements and pass the appropriate screenings each time you donate.

Time Between Donations

Clinics usually require a waiting period of two to three months between donation cycles to allow the body to recover.

Compensation

Repeat egg donors generally make more money than first-time donors. Some programs provide bonuses or higher base rates for repeat donors or those with specific desired traits.

Repeat Egg Donation and Fertility

It’s important to note that there is no evidence to suggest that egg donation, including repeat donation, affects future fertility. The egg donation process involves stimulating the ovaries to develop follicles that would otherwise be naturally discarded. Therefore, the retrieved eggs do not deplete the donor's future egg supply.

Learn More About Repeat Egg Donation

Egg donation is a personal journey, and helping a family in need is an enriching experience. If you’ve already completed a successful egg donation cycle and wish to donate again, Egg Donor America and Egg Bank America are available to answer your questions and guide you through the repeat donation process. Contact us today for more information.