Egg Donation Recipients

Egg donor options at Columbia University Fertility Center include standard egg donation cycles (eggs retrieved from an anonymous donor are transferred to the recipient or carrier (add)) and known egg donation cycles (using a donor known to the recipient). Our center also offers frozen egg cycles and works with various egg donor agencies.

Columbia University Fertility Center offers one of the largest and most successful egg donation programs in the country owing to our exceptionally high standards for donor screening and matching to recipients. We have a large and diverse pool of qualified egg donors, which allows many of our patients to find a perfect match expeditiously.

Recipient Screening and Preliminary Testing

The patient who will receive the donor egg in order to become pregnant is referred to as the “recipient.” Before treatment begins, the recipient may undergo* preliminary testing to determine if egg donation is the right choice for them. This assessment phase includes blood tests, hormonal screening, infectious disease and genetic testing, cervical cultures for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and a pap smear. In addition, imaging studies will assess the physical integrity and structure of the uterus; a mammogram and echocardiogram may also be required.

The partner or sperm donor will also be screened through semen analysis, blood testing, and infectious disease and genetic screening.

Intended parents must also undergo psychosocial counseling before a donor can be selected. 

Recipient Profile Form

To help the donor team select a suitable egg donor from Columbia Fertility’s donor registry, recipients will be asked to complete a Recipient Profile Form. This form allows recipients to list their physical characteristics, personal histories, and brief personality descriptions. The form also includes a “wish list,” which allows recipients to list donor characteristics that they require and/or desire. Recipients may also select donors from outside agencies or preferred frozen egg banks.

Donor Selection and Matching Process

Donors who are healthy young individuals in the New York area are recruited through various avenues such as advertisements and word of mouth and are screened in a comprehensive, multi-step process that includes examination of medical, genetic, ancestral, social, educational and reproductive histories. Recruited donors also consult with a physician and undergo a psychosocial evaluation. Donors do not “sell” their eggs; they are individuals who are donating their eggs anonymously and receive compensation for the time, risk and effort invested in donating.

Donors are selected from Columbia Fertility’s donor registry in accordance with a recipient’s profile criteria and are approved by the donor committee. Accepted donors undergo testing as required by the New York State Department of Health and the FDA. These tests include blood screening for infectious diseases, blood type, genetic screening, and cervical cultures. Approved potential donors are presented to intended parents during a scheduled call or consultation and the Donor Team provides an anonymous, in-depth description of the donor, including physical attributes, family and health history, education, and personality. After the presentation, the recipient has three business days to accept or decline the proposed donor.

How the Cycle Works

The egg donation cycle uses oocytes (eggs) provided by a donor for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and transfer of embryos to the recipient or carrier. Egg donors undergo controlled ovarian stimulation using hormonal medications. The donor’s response to stimulation is monitored carefully using ultrasound examinations and blood tests. At the appropriate time, the eggs are retrieved from the donor and combined with the sperm source in a laboratory setting to develop embryos.