Absolutely not! EDCD works with people from all over the world. If you are chosen by one of our recipient couples, you'll need to come to a major city in Texas, Oklahoma or Arkansas. (This would most likely be Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, Tulsa, St. Louis, Kansas City, Oklahoma City or Little Rock.) Travel expenses, including those of a traveling companion for your retrieval, are paid for by the couple that chooses you. The first time would be for one day for the initial medical and psychological exams, the second time would be also for one day for the second medical evaluation required by the FDA, and the third time would be for 4-5 days for egg retrieval. It's that easy!
2. How much will I be paid?
As compensation for your time and trouble, you will be paid $5,000-$7,000, (depending on the number of times you have donated with EDCD) per egg donation immediately following the retrieval, provided you go through egg retrieval. This fee is paid, regardless of the number or quality of eggs retrieved.
Payment will be made immediately after egg retrieval. A check will be mailed to your address. You should receive it within one week of retrieval.
4. How long will all of this take?
It depends on how long it takes for a recipient couple to choose your profile. That could be anywhere from 1 day to several months. Once you start the medication, it takes about 2 1/2-3 weeks.
5. Will I have a scar?
Egg retrieval is usually done from below, through the vagina.
6. Will it hurt?
Usually, egg retrieval is done while you're asleep or under heavy sedation. You can expect some soreness on the day of retrieval and the day after. By the third day, you should be able to resume your regular activities.
7. This is a private, personal matter. How can I be sure no one else will know that I did this?
EDCD takes the issue of protection of privacy seriously. Your name, address and phone number, as well as the recipient couple's are confidential!
Different women will have different side effects. Many feel extra moody or sensitive, like what is experienced in pregnancy or PMS. Some may have breast tenderness or hot flashes. Others may be bloated for a couple of weeks: from the week just before retrieval until the week after. A few report no side effects at all.
9. How can I be sure the parents won't give me back this baby some day?
The laws of the state of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas are very clear on this point. With egg donation, the recipient couple is the parent(s) of the child born to them, not the egg or sperm donor(s). Also, EDCD operates anonymously. The recipient couple will not have access to information to locate you. You as well, will not have access to information to locate your recipient couple.
10. How do I get started?
Make sure that you carefully read the "Requirements for Donors" web page. IF YOU MEET ALL OF THE REQUIREMENTS, click on the "I Want an Application" web page and follow the directions. It's so easy!
