Egg donation is generally accepted by women who are between the ages of 21 and 31.  This is considered the time in life when eggs are the most healthy and viable. There are a number of other considerations that are taken into consideration, as well. While age is a major factor, there are a number of lifestyle considerations that may be required.  A healthy lifestyle is very important.  It is important that there is no recent history of certain diseases. Regular menstruation and healthy body weight (one that is below 29 BMI) are very important.  Being a nonsmoker, not using drugs, or consuming excessive amounts of alcohol are also considered when becoming a donor.

Being an egg donor is a very selfless act that helps make a family possible for people who struggle to become pregnant. Since donating eggs is a very serious matter, women who want to donate their eggs undergo a series of medical tests. These tests can be very expensive and elaborate but are free to women who donate their eggs. The tests will look for genetic mutations, infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis, various STDs, and HIV.
 
Women who choose to be part of the egg donor program will also find out how fertile they are.  This can help in the decisions about having a family in the future. It can also be a time when they consider if it is right to freeze their eggs for a future time when they feel ready to have a family.
 
There are also financial benefits. There is generally compensation for time and travel and the dedication required to complete egg donation.

Donating eggs is a very regulated type of activity.  It is often considered to be similar to organ donation by the FDA.  When you wish to donate eggs, you will be asked to go through physical and psychological screening. Your family history will also be examined to check for any genetic disorders that may be present. There is also a large time requirement for numerous doctors visits. A donor will have to be able to give themselves regular fertility injections. Sometimes, there may even be education requirements.  Many places want someone who has completed a university degree or is close to completion. 
 
The time to donate eggs from screening to donation takes about three months. The actual egg retrieval process only takes about 20-30 minutes, but since this is done under sedation, the donor will be expected to remain at the clinic for a few hours. The whole procedure will take about half a day.

The generally accepted number of donations is six. This number has been established by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Some places may require at least a three-month period between donations. The main reason for this is to have eggs at their healthiest as it increases the chance for the intended couple to conceive.
 
The American Society of Reproductive Medicine does not see evidence that egg donation has long-term effects. The reasoning behind limiting donations is to protect from potential health risks. Donors are often limited to one recipient family per cycle. Doing this limits the possibility that donor-conceived children might accidentally meet up.
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