Ensuring Quality, Safety & High Success Rates
At the Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine (VCRM), we serve hopeful parents from diverse backgrounds across the Washington, DC metro area and around the world.
Intended parents turn to donor eggs for a variety of clinical and personal reasons. Some are gay couples or single fathers building their families with gestational surrogates. Others are women experiencing diminished ovarian reserve, advanced maternal age, genetic disorders, or prior unsuccessful IVF cycles. Regardless of the circumstance, donors who meet our qualifications play an irreplaceable, life-changing role in turning a couple’s dream of parenthood into reality.
Core Egg Donor Requirements
To qualify as an egg donor at VCRM, prospective candidates must meet the following medical and personal criteria:
Age Between 21 and 31 Years
Women are born with all the eggs they will ever produce. In the 21–31 age range, egg quality, mitochondrial health, and chromosomal normality are at their biological peak, maximizing fertilization rates and embryonic viability.
Healthy BMI Between 21 and 27
The egg donation process involves precise hormone medications, monitoring ultrasounds, and a brief retrieval. A BMI in the healthy range minimizes anesthesia risks, prevents hyperstimulation, and supports optimal ovarian responsiveness.
Excellent Physical & Genetic Health
Donors must be non-smokers, drug-free, and maintain regular menstrual cycles. Comprehensive multi-generation family medical history reviews and expanded carrier genetic screenings ensure inheritable conditions are ruled out.
Mental & Emotional Wellness
Donors participate in a supportive psychological evaluation with a licensed reproductive psychologist to ensure complete understanding of the process, emotional comfort, informed consent, and personal empowerment.
Commitment to Temporary Restrictions
During the stimulation cycle, donors must abstain from sexual intercourse to prevent unintended pregnancy, and refrain from high-impact strenuous exercise for several weeks to allow the ovaries to recover comfortably.
Fewer Than Six Lifetime Donations
In accordance with American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) safety guidelines, donors may complete up to six donation cycles in their lifetime. This safeguard protects long-term donor reproductive wellness.
The Egg Donation Journey at VCRM
What to expect when you apply to become an egg donor with Dr. Sharara and our clinical team.
Confidential Online Application
Submit your basic health history, personal interests, educational background, and family background through our secure online donor portal.
Comprehensive Medical & Genetic Pre-Screening
Complimentary ovarian reserve testing (AMH, antral follicle count), infectious disease screening, genetic carrier panels, and a psychological consultation at our Reston clinic.
Matching & Cycle Preparation
Once matched with intended parents (or joining our frozen egg bank), you will start a tailored stimulation medication regimen for approximately 10 to 12 days with close ultrasound monitoring.
Ultrasound-Guided Egg Retrieval
A quick, 15-to-20-minute outpatient procedure performed under gentle intravenous sedation. No incisions or hospital stay required; most donors rest for the day and resume light activities the next morning.
Generous Donor Compensation & Follow-Up
Donors receive prompt financial compensation recognizing their time and dedication, along with dedicated post-retrieval medical check-ins to ensure a full, smooth recovery.