FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for South Africa-Based Egg Donors

Welcome to Eggspecting, Inc., a full-service reproduction tourism company dedicated to bringing together intended parents, IVF specialists, egg donors, and surrogates from all over the world.

Become a parent through Surrogacy & Egg Donation. Our Top-quality egg donation, ensures the highest success rates for intended parents. Embark on your parenthood journey with Eggspecting, Inc. Our focus is on cross-border egg donation, surrogacy and we are proud to have worked with clients from 35+ countries and clinics in 15 countries and counting.

Established in the USA in 2006, we have since expanded our agency to include sending American egg donors abroad to cycle for our international clients and clinics, starting in 2011. In 2014, we further expanded our reach into South Africa, and now coordinate global egg donor cycles all over the world. With our unparalleled expertise and experience in coordinating cross-border egg donor cycles, Eggspecting, Inc. is unmatched in the USA market. We are committed to providing our clients with exceptional services and top-notch cycle management to ensure a positive and stress-free surrogacy experience.

Thank you for considering Eggspecting, Inc. for your reproductive tourism needs. We look forward to serving you and helping you make your dreams of parenthood a reality.

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1.What is an Egg Donor?

An Egg Donor is a compassionate and generous woman who chooses to help others fulfil their dreams of parenthood through egg donation. By donating a few of her eggs, an Egg Donor provides hope and a chance at starting or growing a family for couples or single parents who are unable to conceive naturally. Once the eggs are retrieved, they are fertilized with the Intended Parents’ sperm to create embryos, which are then transferred into the recipient mother’s or surrogate’s uterus. At Eggspecting, we understand that becoming an Egg Donor is a significant decision. We are here to support and guide you throughout the process. If you have any questions, please reach out to us—we’re happy to help!

2. Why do women choose to donate eggs?

At Eggspecting, Inc, we recognize that while financial compensation is one of the motivating factors for women to become Egg Donors, it should not be the sole reason. We believe in working with compassionate women who understand the emotional and financial investment that Intended Parents make in the egg donation process. Empathy and kindness are key ingredients to success, and we are proud to work with Donors who embody these qualities.

Aside from the emotional reward of helping a fellow human being achieve their dreams of having a baby, becoming an Egg Donor also comes with some practical benefits. You can earn extra income while still going to school or work, and there are opportunities for all-expenses-paid trips for yourself and a companion if you are willing to travel out of state or internationally.

3. Why choose Eggspecting?

Eggspecting is a leading agency specializing in international egg donation for South Africa-based Donors. Our team consists of experienced professionals, including former Egg Donors, who understand the process inside and out. We offer top-tier cycle management, competitive compensation, and ✔ Comprehensive Genetic screening ✔ Infectious disease testing ✔ Ovarian ultrasound ✔ Full overall health, including drug panel and nicotine ✔ Psychological evaluation All medical expenses related to your donation are covered by the Intended Parents, and you will receive invaluable insights into your reproductive health at no cost to you. Once you have received clearance from the Intended Parents chosen fertility clinic and doctor, and you have completed all the necessary screening, you will move on to the legal phase.

4. How do I get started as an Egg Donor?

The process is simple:

✔ Review the basic donor requirements to ensure you qualify.
✔ Register on our website and complete the donor application.
✔ Read through our process guidelines to understand each step.
✔ Our team will guide you through every stage and answer any questions you may have.

5. What does the screening process involve? Will I have to pay for it?

At Eggspecting, Inc., we use first world global standards for all our Egg Donor screening, regardless of the country of residence. The screening process ensures your safety and determines your suitability for a donation cycle. You will need to complete some doctor’s appointments and lab visits before you can begin treatment:

✔ Fertility and hormone testing.
✔ Comprehensive Genetic screening
✔ Infectious disease testing
✔Ovarian ultrasound
✔ Full overall health, including drug panel and nicotine
✔ Psychological evaluation

All medical expenses related to your donation are covered by the Intended Parents, and you will receive invaluable insights into your reproductive health at no cost to you. Once you have received clearance from the Intended Parents chosen fertility clinic and doctor, and you have completed all the necessary screening, you will move on to the legal phase.

6. Can I donate more than once?

Yes! You can donate up to six times, with a required 12-week break between donations to allow your body to recover. Egg donation does not deplete your ovarian reserve or impact your future fertility. Following clear instructions from your cycle coordinators and doctors can ensure that the process remains safe. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, there is no reason to believe that egg donation causes long-term negative health effects.

7. Is egg donation painful? Are there any side effects?

Egg donation should not cause significant pain, and the worst discomfort you may experience is similar to period cramps. As with any medical procedure, there may be some side effects, but they differ for each individual. Some Egg Donors report little to no discomfort during the donation cycle, while others may have various symptoms that typically go away after the egg retrieval. Side effects may include:

✔ Mild bloating and pressure
✔ Headaches or fatigue
✔ Breast tenderness or mood changes
Your ovarian reserve (the total number of eggs you have) will not be depleted faster by donating. After your donation cycle, your body returns to its normal rhythm.

8. Will I need to take birth control pills?

Yes, Donors are required to take birth control pills for a few months before the start of the stimulation medications. This helps calm your ovaries, regulate your cycle, and synchronize it with the intended timeline of the donation process. However, specific medication protocols vary by clinic, and your coordinator will provide you with personalized instructions. You are not required to stay on birth control pills unless you are in-cycle.

9. Will egg donation affect my future fertility?

One of the most common concerns for women considering egg donation is whether it will affect their future fertility or deplete their ovarian reserve. The good news is that it does not. There is no proven evidence that donating your eggs will affect your future ability to have your own child(ren). The egg donation screening process, hormone treatment, and retrieval procedure do not have any long-term impact on your future fertility.

The female body is truly amazing! We are born with millions of eggs, and each month, a group of eggs begin the maturation process. Every menstrual cycle, your body naturally develops multiple eggs, but only one is typically released, and the rest are reabsorbed. The hormone medications used in an egg donation cycle simply stimulate your body to mature more of these eggs instead of letting them go to waste.
Importantly, we are not taking more eggs than your body naturally produces in a monthly cycle, we are working with your own natural fertility, not changing it, this is why the number of eggs retrieved differs from Donor to Donor and retrieval to retrieval. Research and decades of successful egg donation cycles have shown no long-term effects on a Donor’s ability to conceive later in life.

Your ovarian reserve (the total number of eggs you have) will not be depleted faster by donating. After your donation cycle, your body returns to its normal rhythm.

10. What are the possible risks of egg donation?

Egg donation is a medical procedure that, like any other medical procedure, carries some risks. While most Egg Donors have no problems, it is important to be aware of the possible risks involved in the process. At Eggspecting, we take great care to ensure that you are fully informed and comfortable with the process before you begin.

✔ Temporary bloating and discomfort from hormone medication
✔ Mild cramping or fatigue after retrieval
✔ A rare condition called Ovarian The most significant risk of egg donation is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), which is a rare side effect that usually occurs after the egg retrieval procedure. OHSS can cause enlarged ovaries and fluid build-up in the abdominal cavity, resulting in bloating, abdominal pain, and nausea. However, the risk of developing OHSS can be significantly lowered with careful screening, monitoring, and dosing of medication. Eggspecting provides Donor Complications insurance on every cycle that covers our Egg Donors for up to 3 months post-retrieval in both the retrieval country and their home country.

Eggspecting ensures thorough medical oversight to minimize risks. It is important to be fully informed before deciding to donate your eggs. At Eggspecting, we are committed to providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak with us.

11. Can I donate if I recently had a baby or am still breastfeeding?

If you have recently had a baby or are still breastfeeding, it is not possible to donate your eggs right away. In order to be an Egg Donor, you must have a regular menstrual cycle for at least three months after giving birth or stopping breastfeeding before becoming eligible to donate. The hormone medications used in egg donation can pass through breast milk, making it unsafe for your child.

12. Can I still be an egg donor if my tubes are tied?

Certainly! If you’ve had a tubal ligation (commonly referred to as having your tubes tied), you can still donate eggs. The procedure doesn’t involve the fallopian tubes at all; instead, the focus is on directly accessing and retrieving eggs from the ovaries. Although a tubal ligation renders you unable to conceive naturally, it doesn’t impact the normal function of your ovaries. Therefore, you can still produce eggs and potentially help someone else start or grow their family through egg donation.

13. Can you give me more information on the different types of acceptable contraceptives for a qualified egg donor?

We accept a variety of methods, including birth control pills, NuvaRing, hormonal patches, and non-hormonal IUDs. However, there are a few exceptions: ✔ Depo-Provera: If you have been using the Depo-Provera shot, you must refrain from any shots for at least six months prior to applying. We cannot accept egg donors who are currently on the Depo-Provera shot. ✔ Hormonal Implants (Norplant, Implanon, Nexplanon): If you currently have a hormonal implant, you must be willing to remove it before being accepted into our egg donation program. If matched, removal must be done at your own expense. ✔ Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): Non-hormonal IUDs (e.g., the copper IUD) are acceptable as they do not interfere with hormone levels. Hormonal IUDs, such as Mirena, may require removal if they suppress menstruation entirely. If you have a hormonal IUD but still experience a monthly period, some IVF clinics may allow you to keep it. However, many require removal, and this would be at your own expense. If you have further questions about contraceptive eligibility, please reach out to us.

14. Can I donate if I have a hormonal IUD?

While some clinics may accept donors with hormonal IUDs, we cannot guarantee that all clinics will. If matched, you may need to remove your hormonal IUD before beginning medical screening. This involves scheduling a removal appointment with your OB-GYN and waiting for your menstrual cycle to return. Keeping a hormonal IUD may reduce your chances of being selected. Non-hormonal IUDs (such as Paragard) do not need to be removed.

15.Can I remove my hormonal IUD to donate?

Yes, but removal does not guarantee selection for a cycle. Additionally, the cost of removal is not covered by Intended Parents or our program and may not be covered by your insurance plan. If you are considering having your hormonal IUD removed before being selected, we recommend speaking with a representative at Eggspecting, Inc to ensure that you meet the preliminary eligibility requirements. It’s also important to discuss the decision with your OB-GYN or healthcare professional to ensure that it’s the right decision for you. Ultimately, the decision to remove your hormonal IUD is yours to make, but it’s important to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits before proceeding.

16. Do I receive compensation for donating my eggs?

Yes, Egg Donors receive financial compensation for their time, commitment, inconvenience, and risks involved in the egg donation process. However, while financial compensation is an important factor, it is not the only reason women choose to become Egg Donors. The satisfaction of helping others achieve their dream of parenthood is also a motivating factor. For more detailed information please visit the compensation tab.

17. Why is egg donor compensation different globally?

At Eggspecting, Inc., we believe in fairness and transparency when it comes to Egg Donor compensation. To ensure equity amongst Donors worldwide, the base compensation amounts are determined by the Donor’s country of residence, local currency, etc. We use USD for all compensation-based rates.

If all global Egg Donors were paid the same compensation, it would result in a large inequity in the actual rate once converted to local currency for the Donor’s home country. For example, $5,000 USD for an American Donor may be equivalent to 1-2 months’ worth of salary in America but 3-6 months’ worth of salary for a foreign Donor once the USD is converted into their local currency.

Compensation amounts are also influenced by factors such as the Donor’s past donation history, education level, and certain unique physical characteristics or rare ethnicities. These are just a few of the reasons that determine Donor compensation. At Eggspecting, Inc., we strive to provide reasonable compensation to our Donors for their time, commitment, inconvenience, and risks involved in egg donation. Eggspecting is well known globally for caring for and compensating our Donors well.

18. Do I give myself injections?

Yes. All donors must self-administer subcutaneous injections of fertility medications to stimulate egg maturation, for +/- 11-14 days. Our team will provide demonstrations and support. The final trigger shot, typically given 36 hours before retrieval, may be subcutaneous or intramuscular. While it may seem intimidating, most donors find the injections manageable after their first experience.

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19. How much time does the process take?

✔ Application & Profile Setup: A few hours ✔ Matching: A few days to a few months ✔ Screening & Cycle Prep: 6-12 weeks ✔ Retrieval Travel (if applicable):

In-state: No travel required
Out-of-state: 6-10 days of travel
International: 15-19 consecutive days of travel All travel costs are covered by intended parents, and many donors enjoy the travel aspect as an added benefit.

20. Are there any restrictions during the donation process?

Yes. Starting from around a month before your egg retrieval, it is necessary for you to refrain from certain activities to ensure the safety of the cycle and your own health.

✔ Refrain from sexual intercourse to prevent infection or unintended pregnancy (as fertility is heightened during treatment, you risk multiple pregnancy).

✔ Avoid high-impact physical activities – Starting from the time of starting stimulation medications to about 2 weeks post-retrieval (e.g., running, jumping, intense workouts) to prevent ovarian torsion and/or Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).

✔ Abstain from alcohol and certain medications that may interfere with treatment. While these restrictions may seem inconvenient, they are temporary and help ensure a successful donation.

21. Can I donate if I am fully vaccinated for COVID-19?

Yes, you can still be an Egg Donor if you are vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccination is not a clinical requirement for Egg Donors, however, if you have recently received any COVID-19 vaccinations or boosters, you will need to wait at least 60 days before starting the donation screening process. This waiting period ensures that the vaccination has enough time to work its way through your body and poses no potential risks to yourself or the cycle.

22. Do I have legal responsibilities for children born from my donation?

No. Legal agreements signed before your cycle ensure that you have no parental rights or responsibilities over any resulting children. Once eggs are retrieved and fertilized, they legally belong to the Intended Parents.

23. What is BMI, and why does it matter?

Body Mass Index (BMI) measures body weight relative to height. The global standard for Egg Donors requires a BMI between 18 and 28. This range ensures Donor safety, as hormone stimulation can increase health risks for those outside this range. You can calculate your BMI using online tools. Calculate your BMI

24. Can I donate eggs if I have had depression?

While depression is a common mental health issue, good mental health is an important requirement for becoming an Egg Donor. Prospective Egg Donors are required to undergo a thorough screening process, including a psychological assessment with a qualified mental health professional. This assessment evaluates your mental stability and psychosocial health, including your family’s mental health history.

During the assessment, you will be asked about stressors in your life, any difficult or traumatic experiences, your interpersonal relationships, sexual history, psychiatric and personality disorders, and any instances of substance abuse. All of these factors can affect your coping skills and motivation to donate.

Some mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, are genetic, so there is a risk of passing them on through your eggs. Additionally, antidepressant medication can affect both your fertility and the impact of fertility drugs. If you are currently taking antidepressant medication, this would disqualify you from donating your eggs.

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, please reach out to us. We’re here to help you navigate the egg donation process and determine if you’re a good candidate for egg donation.

25. Can I donate eggs if I have PCOS?

It’s possible, but your eligibility would have to be determined by a physician. In general, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) may disqualify you from becoming an Egg Donor. PCOS is a common hormonal disorder affecting one in five women, and it is also a leading cause of infertility. While some women with PCOS may be able to conceive naturally, others may have difficulty producing eggs. In severe cases, ovulation can be impacted as well. It’s important to consult with your gynaecologist before applying to be an Egg Donor. The good news is that recent studies have shown that egg donations from women with PCOS had no significant difference in the number of eggs retrieved compared to those without PCOS. Additionally, fertilization and implantation rates for the recipient were not affected. In fact, women with PCOS require less gonadotropin, a hormone used in fertility treatments, than egg donors without PCOS. If you have PCOS and are interested in becoming an Egg Donor, it’s worth discussing with a physician to determine your eligibility.

26. Can you donate eggs if you have had an STD?

During the Egg Donor screening process, you will be tested for all sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV-I and HIV-II, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhoea. If you test positive for any of these STDs, you will not be eligible to become an Egg Donor. However, if you had Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea more than a year ago and have since been treated, you may still qualify to become an Egg Donor.

We understand that you may have questions or concerns about the egg donation process. If there is anything we haven’t covered in this FAQ, please feel free to contact us for more information. We are here to help you make an informed decision about egg donation.

27. Can you donate eggs if you have herpes or HPV?

Yes, it is possible to donate eggs if you have herpes or HPV. However, if you are currently experiencing an outbreak, you will be disqualified from becoming an Egg Donor until the outbreak has cleared up. It’s important to note that herpes and HPV are not transmitted through egg donation, so clinics usually accept Donors who have these conditions. If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help.

28. What about my privacy?

The decision to become an Egg Donor is a very personal one, and we understand that you may have concerns about privacy. Rest assured that your safety and privacy are our top priorities. We take great care to protect your identity, personal information, and medical records throughout the egg donation process. There are different types of donation cycles available, including anonymous, semi-open/known, and open/known cycles. You will have the opportunity to choose the type of cycle that you feel most comfortable with, and all of the details will be explained to you both verbally and in your legal agreements. We understand that egg donation can be a sensitive topic, and we are committed to providing you with the support and information you need to make informed decisions about your participation in the program. If you have any questions or concerns about privacy, please don’t hesitate to speak with us.

29. What is a Directed Donation?

Directed Donation – In this situation, the Intended Parent(s) have someone willing to be their Egg Donor. This setup would require them to have had a prior connection; it could be a sibling, family member, or friend.

30. What is an Open-Known Donation?

Open-Known Donation – Outlines a scenario where Intended Parent(s) and their selected Egg Donor have the option to meet. All parties have comfortably and mutually decided prior to contract formation that Donor and Intended Parent(s) will exchange contact details and last names, thus removing the anonymous nature of the cycle and allowing for future contact amongst parties without the aid of Eggspecting. This type of cycle is desirable by Intended Parent(s) who want to give any child(ren) resulting from the donation the option of contacting the Egg Donor in the far future. This in no way means the Egg Donor will be required to be a part of the child(ren)’s life. Intended Parent(s) and their selected Egg Donor will meet via means of a video call or in-person meeting or a combination of these. The initial meeting will be facilitated by Eggspecting, and a representative from the Agency will be present. The extent of communication following this initial connection can vary. Certain relationships might continue to develop, while others will maintain the opportunity for communication solely in case of medical necessity or if the resultant Child expresses a desire to learn more.

31. What is a Semi-Known Donation?

Semi-Known Donation – Illustrates a setup where Intended Parent(s) and their selected Egg Donor meet via means of a video call or in-person meeting or a combination of these. The meeting will be facilitated by Eggspecting, and a representative from the Agency will be present. Identities and contact details of Intended Parent(s) and Egg Donor are not disclosed to each other; only first names will be exchanged. Intended Parent(s) and Egg Donor do not communicate directly with each other beyond the initial meeting; this setup allows them to get to know each other while maintaining privacy. Often, Intended Parents will want to zoom with potential Donor candidates before final selection of the actual Egg Donor or have a short in-person meeting during the Donor retrieval trip.

32. What is an Anonymous Donation?

Anonymous Donation – In this situation, the identities & contact information of both Intended Parent(s) and their selected Egg Donor remain confidential and undisclosed to each other. Throughout the cycle, they are referred to as the “Intended Mother,” the “Intended Father,” the “Intended Parent(s),” and the Donor by “ID / First Name only”.

33. Do I have to travel alone, or can I bring a companion?

Currently, all our donation cycles are individual, which means you can bring a companion of your choice. We cover their round-trip airfare, shared hotel accommodation (including breakfast), and any required visa. Your companion is there to support you and must accompany you to your retrieval procedure. Group cycles may resume in the future.

34. Will I need to take time off work or studies for the donation process?

Yes, donation trips typically last 15 to 19 days. If you’re employed full-time, you may need to apply for leave. Unpaid leave is one of the reasons Donors are compensated. We do our best to work around your schedule and will always ask about your availability and blackout dates before matching you. Most lab tests can be done after hours or on a Saturday, and ultrasound screenings may require a few hours off during the day. For students, we aim to align cycles with school breaks whenever possible. You’ll always have plenty of notice to prepare.

35. Will I receive updates on the outcome of my donation?

Should your cycle be a full open-known cycle, you will more than likely be able to get updates, if not through us, through the Intended Parents. For semi-open/anonymous, while we understand your curiosity and care, we respect the privacy of Intended Parents, so detailed outcomes aren’t always shared. However, if the Intended Parents are open to it, we’ll gladly pass along general updates, like whether embryos were created or if a pregnancy occurred. We always honor both parties’ privacy and preferences.

36. Are you currently taking any GLP-1 medications (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Semaglutide)?

If you are currently using any GLP-1 medications — such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, or Semaglutide — you will not be eligible to begin the egg donation screening process at this time. For safety and accuracy of your screening results, you must have completely stopped using these medications at least 3 months prior to starting any medical screening or testing. This is due to the potential impact of GLP-1 medications on hormone levels, menstrual cycles, and overall reproductive health

37. Become an Eggspecting, Inc. Ambassador – Refer and Be Rewarded!

The Eggspecting Inc. Referrals & Rewards Program was created to recognize and reward our incredible Egg Donors who share their positive experiences and encourage others to join our community. By becoming an Eggspecting, Inc. Ambassador, you can help us find more amazing individuals like you – compassionate women who are passionate about changing lives through egg donation. When you refer someone who meets our Egg Donor criteria and is successfully added to our database, you’ll receive a generous financial reward every time they donate – up to six times per Donor! Referral rewards range from $100–$500 per cycle, so you could potentially earn up to $3,000 for every Donor you refer to Eggspecting. It’s easy to refer: ✔ Your referral can contact us directly and mention your name, or ✔ You can send us their details, and we’ll happily reach out to them. Sharing your story and experience as an Egg Donor is one of the most powerful ways to inspire others to make a difference. As an Ambassador, you’ll play a meaningful role in spreading the love and helping others begin their own donation journey. Want to get involved? Reach out to us for more info – and let’s spread smiles by spreading the word!