We emphasize that these estimates are based on an average cycle. Your cycle could be longer and therefore more expensive. Also, if your physician determines that intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is needed, an additional charge of $1,250.00 is incurred when we complete this extra therapy.

Medications^* (e.g. Follistim, Pergonal, Humegon, Fertinex and Lupron) are charged separately by your pharmacist when your prescription is filled. Thus, this estimated cost may vary by your pharmacist or treatment requirements.

Oocyte donation is a treatment available for couples who cannot become pregnant during standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) using the wife’s eggs.  Examples include:

• patients with ovarian failure (early menopause),
• repeated IVF failures,
• potentially transmissible maternal genetic disorders, or
• advanced maternal age

Egg donors in this program are anonymous, will be compensated for their inconvenience, and voluntarily agree to participate. There is no contact between the donor and the recipient. The identities of each party are held in strictest confidence. All potential donors undergo a thorough screen consisting of:

• a medical and genetic history,
• a physical examination,
• psychological screening, and
• testing for sexually transmitted diseases including HIV
• Additionally, egg donors will be subject to random screening for illicit drug use

• height,
• weight,
• eye color,
• hair color,
• education,
• occupation,
• blood type, and
• Rh factor
• Anonymous donors will be > 21 and < 34 years of age when donating

Preparation for egg donation requires treatment with medications designed to stimulate the development of as many eggs as possible within the ovaries. This widely used treatment protocol is identical to that used for patients undergoing IVF. This treatment can be divided into the following steps:

Ovarian Suppression The initial step of the stimulation process involves administration of a medication, called Lupron that produces a temporary menopausal state. This medication is typically started on day 21 of your menstrual cycle and continued for approximately two weeks prior to stimulation. We use this medication in an attempt to prevent a premature release of eggs from the ovary and to synchronize egg development. Many patients experience symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes while taking this medication.

Ovarian Stimulation  Following ovarian suppression with Lupron, stimulation with gonadotropins (Fertinex) is begun. This medication is given in the form of a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection to stimulate the development of eggs within the ovary. Most patients are able to administer these injections themselves. During the stimulation phase (typically 10 to 12 days), the egg donor will come to our office for ultrasound monitoring of follicular (egg) development and blood testing for estrogen levels. When the follicles have achieved maturity, an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is given to trigger the final phase of maturation.

Egg Retrieval  The final phase of egg donation involves the extraction of eggs from the ovary. In this office-based procedure, the egg donor is given sedation with intravenous medications to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Using vaginal ultrasound, a needle is directed through the vaginal wall into the ovary and the eggs are removed. The eggs are taken to the IVF laboratory where they are examined and fertilized with the recipient's husband's sperm. Most egg donors are able to return to work the day after the procedure. It is essential to take precautions to avoid pregnancy during the remainder of the cycle. A follow-up visit will be scheduled approximately one to two weeks after the egg retrieval.

Egg Donor Expectations: We recognize that your decision to participate in our program as an egg donor requires a great deal of work and inconvenience on your part. Accordingly, egg donors are reimbursed for their special efforts and inconvenience according to the following schedule. These reimbursements are subject to taxation and will be reported to the IRS as miscellaneous income on form 1099-M.

Schedule for reimbursements:

It is essential that you understand that failure to abide by the treatment protocol and maintain compliance with medications and the treatment schedule may result in cancellation of the treatment protocol. You must also recognize that it is important not to engage in any high-risk behavior which might result in an increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases.

If you have any questions after reading this information or need help completing your questionnaire, please do not hesitate to call. We look forward to talking more with you about this exciting treatment in the near future.