Becoming an egg donor.
Egg donation can make a meaningful difference for individuals and families working to build a family. If you're considering becoming a donor, here are the questions we hear most — and how to take the first step.
What's involved in becoming an egg donor? Egg donation helps individuals and families build a family. At RMA of Michigan, donors are generally between 21 and 31, complete an online application and screening (often about three appointments), and are compensated through a tiered program. Donors pay nothing — the recipient covers all costs of the cycle.
Helping others build a family
Egg donation can make a meaningful difference for individuals and couples working to build a family. If you're considering becoming a donor, this page answers the questions we hear most often.
The process starts with a short online application. If you're a good candidate, you'll have a conversation with one of our nurse coordinators, who walks you through every step and answers your questions.
Donors are compensated for their time and effort, and the recipient covers all costs of the cycle. Below, we cover eligibility, screening, the retrieval process, and more — and you can learn about becoming a donor and compensation in more detail.
How egg donation works, step by step
From your first application to the donation cycle, here's what the journey looks like. Your exact timing depends on scheduling.
Apply Online
Complete a two-part online application so we can see whether you're a good candidate to donate.
Meet a Coordinator
If you meet the prerequisites, you'll meet with a nurse coordinator who explains the process and answers your questions.
Screening
Complete screening — often about three appointments — including bloodwork, a psychological evaluation, and a family medical history review.
Donor Profile
Once approved, an online profile is created so intended parents can learn about you and your background.
Donation Cycle
When matched, you take stimulation medications for about two weeks, then the eggs are retrieved under IV sedation.
What it costs you, and how you're compensated
As a donor, you won't pay anything toward the cycle — the recipient covers all costs. You're also compensated for your time, effort, and the demands of the process.
See compensation details- Donors pay nothing toward the cycle.
- Recipients cover all costs associated with the cycle.
- Tiered compensation, discussed during screening.
- Compensation reflects your time, effort, and commitment.
Egg donation questions, answered
What are the age requirements to become an egg donor?
Egg donors are generally between the ages of 21 and 31 to qualify for the RMA of Michigan egg donor program.
What are the first steps to becoming a donor?
You start with a two-part online application, which helps us identify whether you're a good candidate. If you meet the prerequisites, we'll schedule a visit with one of our nurse coordinators to walk through the process and answer your questions.
How long is screening, and how many appointments?
Screening can vary depending on scheduling, but our goal is to complete it in about three appointments.
What medical tests are required?
Qualifying involves a few tests, including bloodwork, a psychological evaluation, and a detailed review of your family medical history.
Do I have to pay for anything?
No. The recipient is responsible for all costs associated with the cycle.
Are egg donors compensated?
Yes. Donors are compensated for their time, effort, and the demands of the process through a tiered compensation program, which is discussed during screening. You can learn more on our compensation page.
What happens once I'm approved?
Once your medical testing is complete and you're approved, an online profile is created. This allows intended parents to learn about different donors' traits and background as they consider a match.
What is the egg retrieval process like?
The cycle begins with medications that stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These are injections you give yourself (up to three times a day) for about two weeks; most donors find them manageable. The eggs are later retrieved under IV sedation, guided by transvaginal ultrasound, during an appointment at our Michigan office.
Will donating affect my future fertility?
Current evidence indicates that donating eggs does not affect your own future ability to conceive. Your care team will discuss this with you in more detail during screening so you can make an informed decision.
Why do people choose to become egg donors?
Many donors see egg donation as a way to help others reach their goal of becoming parents. Our team works to create a supportive, comfortable environment for donors and intended parents throughout the process.