A.EggBank FAQ
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HOW ARE YOUR EGG DONORS TESTED AND SCREENED?
All egg donors undergo thorough physical exam and psychological evaluation prior to beingallowed to donate. They are tested for infectious, viral, genetic diseases (420 genes). At A.EggBank, our Egg Donors are tested at the FDA and CLIA-certified laboratories in the US such as Unilab, Innovative Health Diagnostics, Viromed, in addition to the tests conducted at ISO-certified Labs. Donors are also tested for reproductive system hormones, the presence of nicotine, drugs and alcohol in organism.
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WHAT INFORMATION ABOUT THE EGG DONORS IS AVAILABLE?
Each A.EggBank egg donor has an Extended Profile that includes comprehensive information about the donors physical attributes, educational background, family tree, hobbies, interests, and more. You will also get access to donor’s, adult and baby photos, photos of donor’s children, a handwritten greeting, a voice recording, emotional intelligence profile, A.EggBank staff impressions and other relevant details.
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WHAT DOES FDA-ELIGIBLE DONORS MEAN?
That means all donors have been thoroughly tested and screened according to FDA requirements and guidelines, all tests for virus and infectious diseases are performed in the United States at FDA-certified laboratories, using FDA-approved kits. All donors also undergo genetic screening for 420+ genes in accordance with the recommendations of American College of Medical Genetics and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. We provide frozen eggs from FDA-eligible donors only.
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I HAVE CHOSEN MY IDEAL DONOR AT A.EGGBANK, WHAT ARE MY NEXT STEPS?
1. You tell us the donor ID you have chosen.
2. We confirm the availability of oocytes.
3. We provide you with the draft Agreement for checking.
4. In parallel you connect us with your IVF clinic. Our experienced team will work together with your clinic staff - Medical Doctors /Coordinators and Embryologists in order to confirm all paperwork and get a confirmation from the clinic about readiness to accept oocytes.
5. Once the Agreement is signed and the approval from the clinic is received, an invoice will be issued to your attention.
6. As soon as the invoice is paid, we schedule the shipment of the purchased egg cohorts from our storage facility in San Diego, California to your IVF clinic. We shipp frozen donor eggs to any clinic across the United States for FREE (via FedEx/UPS)! You may choose any other courier company and in such a case all shipping expenses are covered by clients. Normally our facility needs around 5 business days to organize the shipment and prepare the oocytes and documents for transportation. -
DO YOU PROVIDE A GUARANTEE?
Success of the programs for our families is our top priority. We strive to make the program worry-free and are happy to provide our full guarantee. For each lot (cohort) of 8 frozen eggs (oocytes) provided we guarantee at least 1 embryo (blastocyst). For each lot (cohort) of 14 frozen eggs (oocytes), we guarantee at least 2 embryos (blastocysts). If this guarantee is not met, the total amount of oocytes purchased within the cohort will be replaced one time free of charge.
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DO YOU HAVE FROZEN EGGS FROM WOMEN OF AFRICAN/ASIAN/INDIAN DESCENT, AS I DON’T SEE SUCH DONORS ON YOUR WEBSITE?
All our donors are from Ukraine so we have only white European donors. We are discovering the possibilities to add the oocytes from women of African/Asian/Indian descent to our database.
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HOW ARE THE DONOR EGGS FROZEN?
Following the retrieval of eggs from the donor, they undergo assessment by an embryologist. Only the highest quality and mature eggs are chosen for cryopreservation.
Donor eggs at ADONIS Egg Bank are ‘frozen’ using the most advanced method currently available: vitrification. Vitrification technique prevents ice crystal formation which could potentially damage eggs. nThe vitrification process is carried out by one of the most experienced teams. We are using only certified top-quality kits and solutions. We always shere all the protocols with the IVF clinics, provide instructions and video links.
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HOW DO YOU SHIP THE EGGS TO MY DESIGNATED IVF CLINIC?
We shipp frozen donor eggs to any clinic across the United States for FREE (via FedEx/UPS)!
Clients may choose any other courier company and in such a case all shipping expenses are covered by clients. Normally our facility needs around 5 business days to organize the shipment and prepare the oocytes and documents for transportation.
Please notice, each or Client also receives Free 6 months of storage at A.EggBank for the selected number of frozen eggs (oocytes). That means you have up to 6 months from the time you secure the eggs to ship them to your clinic.!
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CAN I RESERVE/PUT ON HOLD THE EGGS OF THE DONOR OF MY CHOICE?
We can reserve the required number of frozen eggs (oocytes) from the Donor of your choice for a 5 day period at no cost. But we can’t provide a 100% guarantee that eggs from this donor would not be purchased by other Clients. If any other Client wants to buy the oocytes from the Donor of your choice, we will inform you immediately.
We also understand that you may need more time if, for example, you are waiting for the genetic test results of your partner or sperm donor. In this case you will need to pay the full cost of the cohort of oocytes but this would be absolutely risk-free for you as we provide each our Client with an option to seek a full refund of the cohort fees for frozen eggs (oocytes) from selected Donor for up to 60 days after payment if the sperm source is identified as a carrier for the same disease(s), as long as the cohort has not been shipped.
To qualify for this refund Client has to provide the results of genetic testing of the sperm donor.
After 60 days, Client can cancel the order of an unshipped cohort, and receive a forty percent (40%) refund.
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WHAT IF THE DONOR OF MY CHOICE IS THE CARRIER OF AUTOSOMAL RECESSIVE GENETIC MUTATION(S)?
First and foremost, it's essential to recognize that autosomal recessive genetic mutations are relatively common and can be found in a significant portion of the general population. Many of these mutations are harmless and do not result in any noticeable health conditions or complications. It's crucial not to jump to conclusions or assume the worst when such mutations are detected. Genetic testing offers us a valuable opportunity to gain insights into our genetic makeup, empowering us to make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions when necessary. While the discovery of a mutation can be initially alarming, it's important to remember that each case is unique and requires a comprehensive understanding of the specific mutation and its potential implications. It's worth noting that not all genetic mutations lead to the development of a genetic disorder. Some mutations are considered benign or have limited impact on an individual's health. In the case of autosomal recessive mutations, it is necessary for an individual to inherit the mutation from both parents to potentially be affected by the associated condition. If you and your partner do not carry the same mutation, the risk of passing it on to your child is significantly reduced. In light of this information, it's important not to let fear or anxiety overshadow the possibilities and potential of your genetic testing results. Focus on the knowledge gained and the opportunities for proactive decision-making it provides. Discuss the findings with your healthcare provider, who can help interpret the results and guide you through any necessary steps or precautions. But don't let emotions and premature conclusions overwhelm you and give up on your perfect donor. Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding genetic makeup can empower you to make informed choices about the health and well-being of your baby. Embrace the support and guidance available to you, and rest assured that you have the ability to navigate this journey with confidence.
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WHAT IF I HAVEN'T FOUND MY IDEAL DONOR AT A.EGGBANK WEBSITE?
If you still haven’t found your ideal donor among the available online, don’t despair! Fill out the Contact form, describe your preferences in detail our own Egg Donor Agency will find a donor specifically for you at NO additional cost!
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WHO QUALIFIES TO BE AN EGG DONOR?
Prospective egg donors are typically diverse, motivated women, aged 18-29, who are in good physical and mental health and already have at least one healthy child. First-time egg donors within this age range are highly desirable. Women with a proven history of successful egg donations at A.EggBank may continue to donate until the age of 29. Initial eligibility necessitates candidates to be alcohol, tobacco and drug-free, and test negative for specific infectious diseases.
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HOW DOES THE EGG DONATION PROCESS UNFOLD?
Before commencing the physical donation process, applicants undergo a thorough screening by a physician to ensure they meet the criteria for becoming a donor.
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IS THE PROCEDURE PAINFUL?
The retrieval of eggs is conducted under light anesthesia, with most women resuming their regular activities within 24 hours. Expected side effects include mild bleeding, bloating, abdominal discomfort or cramping, and occasional constipation.
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WILL MY EGG SUPPLY DIMINISH IF I CHOOSE TO DONATE?
No, donating eggs does not deplete your future egg reserve. Egg donation does not impact the overall quantity of eggs you possess. When you reach menopause later in life, you still retain eggs; however, their ability to mature diminishes. The eggs retrieved during the donation process are the same eggs that would have either ovulated or been naturally absorbed by your body. The donation process allows us to preserve some of these eggs that would otherwise be lost.
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DO EGG DONORS RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION?
Egg donors are compensated for the time and effort devoted to the egg donation process. Women like you, driven by altruism, ensure that an infertility diagnosis does not deter aspiring parents from realizing their dreams of having children. While financial compensation is part of the process, the emotional satisfaction of granting the gift of life holds significant value.
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HOW LONG DOES THE SCREENING AND QUALIFICATION PROCESS TYPICALLY TAKE?
The necessary screenings can be finalized within approximately 5-6 weeks, depending on your availability for physician appointments and individual schedule. For most qualifying donors, the initiation of the donation cycle usually occurs within 2-3 months after the submission of their initial application.
Following a retrieval, a recommended rest cycle of at least 2-3 months is advised before starting another donation cycle.
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ARE THERE LIMITATIONS ON THE NUMBER OF TIMES AN EGG DONOR CAN CONTRIBUTE?
Yes, A.EggBank egg donors may partake in a maximum of five egg donation cycles until they reach the age of 29.
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ARE DONORS HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CHILDREN BORN AS A RESULT OF THEIR DONATION?
Donors bear NO legal responsibility, nor do they possess any parental rights over children conceived from their donated eggs.
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FOR WHAT REASONS MAY I NOT BE ACCEPTED AS A DONOR?
A potential donor would NOT be eligible to donate
in case of any of the following:- Donor is over 30 years old;
- Donor has no children;
- Donor was rejected for medical reasons, including the presence of infectious, viral, chronic diseases, serious genetic diseases, hormonal imbalance, low ovarian reserve, etc.;
- Donor leads an unhealthy lifestyle - smokes, takes alcohol or drugs;
- Donor failed Risk Factors Questionnaire;
- Donor failed Psychological Evaluation;
- Donor has completed 5 or more egg donation cycles.