Is it possible to have some of your eggs frozen for your own use as payment for egg donation?

April 8, 2008 11:51 AM

I am considering egg donation. Is it possible to have some of your eggs frozen for your own use as payment for the donation? Background, additional questions and concerns inside.

I am a 20-year-old female living in Indianapolis, IN. I feel that I would be a good candidate for egg donation. I am accomplished, intelligent (SAT 1520), attractive (Blue eyes, brown hair, 5’7”, 130lb), and have a clean bill of health.

I would appreciate answers to any of the following questions:
**Is it legal for a person my age to donate, or do I need to wait until I am 21?
**Is it possible to have you eggs frozen for personal use later in life as part of the same procedure?
**How would I find a recipient? Through an egg broker?
**What is a reasonable price to ask for? I don’t need the money, but certainly wouldn’t turn it down.
**Have you donated eggs before, and if so, would you recommend the procedure? Have you experienced negative side effects?

I have read a great deal concerning the medical procedure of egg donation, as well as the other AskMetafilter questions relating to egg donation and freezing, but none answered my specific questions.

I would appreciate answers to or comments on any of these questions. Thank you, hive mind!

posted by BusyBusyBusy to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

Normally, they pay you for eggs, because theres not much of a supply, and I hear the procedure sucks. I see ads on the subway/PATH train saying $7000 for your eggs. A few years ago it was only $5000. Make sure you get paid, yo.
posted by Mach5 at 12:45 PM on April 8, 2008

I am pretty sure (this was true a few years ago, and may have changed now) that, to be frozen, an egg must be fertilized. So it couldn't just be your own egg, you would have to find a sperm donor also. This article discusses IVF in general, and egg freezing/sperm freezing in particular.

I participated in egg donation, and feel that the donor's health is not always considered first (as opposed to the number of eggs, etc.) although that may differ from agency to agency.

I experienced painful bloating (both before, and after the procedure, lasting up to a month after procedure)

significant weight gain

depression

mood swings

irregular periods

and although I can't prove that it is connected, but feel it may be -- my first irregular Pap smear

If you really want to go through with egg donation, it is something to really think about. there is a real chance that it could permanently affect your future fertility. After my donation, the agency never even called me to check on how I was doing. Remember that they are "brokers", and although in most states you "aren't selling" you are being "compensated for your time and effort", they are in essence selling a part of you. Another thing that was brought to my attention later was the chance of you having children later and (a small risk, but one nevertheless) of your children, and the products of the egg donation (since they are predominantly anonymous) having a relationship/children together. It is a very minute risk, but there just the same.

Depending on what part of the country you are in $4500-$5000 is the going price for egg donation. If you are a genius or there is a couple looking for a specific match, the price can go higher.

Hope I helped a little.
posted by nikksioux at 12:52 PM on April 8, 2008 [1 favorite]

Google turns up that some places need you to be 21 and some don't. I'd ask around local egg donation clinics regarding both age and your second question.

Regarding your third and fourth questions, in everything I've read about egg donation, the facility/clinic decides what you're paid and finds you a recipient. There might be legal reasons involving you not knowing where your eggs end up.

I know you said you've researched plenty about the medical procedures involved, but this blog goes through what it's like as a patient. She also seems knowledgeable about egg donation in general. She might be a good resource for you, both through the archives of her blog and direct email.
posted by mismatched at 1:52 PM on April 8, 2008

They can now freeze eggs, not just embryos-- so you don't need to have them combined with sperm if you want to save them.

I'm guessing that this deal would be likely and possible-- and that eggs from someone your age would be highly desirable. But it is a medical procedure that has risks.

And even if you freeze eggs, you may not be able to get pregnant when you reach your 40's if that's what you want to do. IVF at that age gives you only a 15% chance of pregnancy per cycle. Each cycle costs roughly $10,000 minimum and is a literal pain in the ass with lots of shots. So, you might be disappointed with your frozen eggs if you count on them to keep you fertile later in life.

of course, by the time you reach that age, the technology may be a lot better.
posted by Maias at 5:28 PM on April 8, 2008

Previously...
Information for a first-time egg donor
What's the deal with selling eggs?
posted by youarenothere at 6:34 PM on April 8, 2008