In this blog, we'll dive into the seven most common egg donation disqualifiers. Whether you're curious about your eligibility or simply want to understand the process better, this guide is a great place to start!

Egg Donation Disqualifiers: What You Need to Know

While it is unfortunate that some of these egg donation disqualifiers may be out of your control, these requirements are in place to keep you safe during the egg donation process and provide the best outcome for the intended parents and donor-conceived child(ren). It's important to be as honest and accurate as possible on your egg donor application and throughout your screening evaluations.

1. Age

First things first, egg donor age limits help ensure high-quality eggs for successful IVF cycles. At Donor Nexus, women aged 19-29 are typically accepted, with occasional exceptions for healthy women in their early thirties. Younger donors tend to produce better results due to higher egg quality, which declines with age. Most clinics do not accept donors over 34. 

2. Medical, Genetic, and Family History

To be an egg donor, you must be in good overall health and free from certain genetic and medical conditions that could affect the quality of your eggs or pose a risk to the recipient and/or the future offspring.

Here are a few examples of medical, genetic, and family history factors which can disqualify you from donating eggs:

• Genetic Disorders: A history of genetic disorders or inherited diseases can disqualify you from donating eggs, as this can affect the health of the potential child.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Certain infections can affect fertility and the quality of your eggs.
• Medication Use: In some cases, medications may be stopped during your cycle, but it's important to disclose this during the application and screening process to receive your personalized plan. 
• Serious Illnesses: A history of certain types of cancer or other serious illnesses can disqualify you. 

Remember, these eligibility requirements are necessary to ensure the safety and success of the procedure. 

3. Fertility

Of course, it's important for an egg donor to have good fertility levels! During your medical screening, you will undergo AMH level testing to determine your ovarian reserve (remaining egg supply). Low AMH levels can lead to disqualification.

4. Lifestyle Factors - Drinking, Smoking, Drug Use

Now, let's talk about what IS in your control! Lifestyle choices can also disqualify you from becoming an egg donor. Habits such as smoking, drug use, and excessive alcohol consumption negatively impact egg quality and increase the risk of complications. Studies have shown that smoking and excessive alcohol use can significantly reduce fertility and harm overall reproductive health.

5. Body Mass Index (BMI)

Next, it's important to have a healthy BMI as an egg donor and follow a healthy diet during your cycle. At Donor Nexus, donors must have a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9*. A BMI outside this range can indicate potential health risks that might compromise the donation process and egg quality. You can use the CDC's online BMI calculator for an estimate.

*Note: Donor Nexus uses BMI as a guide rather than an absolute measure, as we understand that women with a higher muscle mass (i.e., weightlifters and athletes) can have an elevated BMI.

BMI Calculator by the CDC