Egg Donation - Requirements for Recipient and Her Partner

Both parties must be tested for infectious diseases as required by our Program Policy and California Health and Safety regulations. For the Male partner blood tests are required every two years and the Female partner is tested every five years.

The following steps should be completed prior to beginning your recipient cycle:

1. High-risk pregnancy consultation:  The purpose of this consultation is to review your obstetrical risks in carrying a pregnancy. Every recipient over the age of 40 should have this assessment. This may be scheduled with your own obstetrician or with a high-risk specialist.
    
2. Fertility evaluation:  The fertility evaluation is performed by a Reproductive Endocrinologist. It will evaluate the capacity of your uterus to support a pregnancy, as well as that of your partner to fertilize the donated eggs. Some patients will be using donor sperm samples and will not require the male evaluation. The fertility evaluation usually consists of:

• History and physical examination.
• Hysterosalpingogram or Hysteroscopy, or Sonohysterogram as needed.
• Ultrasound and uterine cavity measurement and
• Semen analysis

3. Primary care physician evaluation:  A consultation with you primary care specialist to screen for hypertension, heart disease and general medical risks is recommended. Routine health screening assessments, such as a mammogram and Pap smear, should be performed with your primary care physician and the results should be faxed to us. In addition the female partner is required to have a pap smear within one year of the treatment cycle. Cholesterol screening and mammogram is required for patients over the age of forty and an EKG if over forty-five.
    
4. Psychological Consultation:  A counseling session is required for every oocyte recipient. Counseling can be valuable in preparing you for the emotional issues that sometimes arise during treatment, pregnancy and through out the child’s life. We have a counselor on-site who can assist you with this requirement.
    
5. Legal Consultation:  A legal consultation for advice on the current legal status of oocyte donation is required for every recipient. In this consultation you are encouraged to discuss the protections and responsibilities that you and the donor have under California law. If using a known Donor a legal agreement is required prior to the initiation of any treatment.