Exploring how to become an egg donor and “sell your eggs” usually starts with practical considerations — whether that’s tuition, savings, relocation, or life transitions.
Egg donation also offers the opportunity to help someone else build their family, which is why many donors describe the experience as both empowering and life-shaping.
This guide isn’t about convincing you. It’s about helping you understand what to expect emotionally and logistically, so you can decide whether egg donation is the right step for you.
Key Takeaways
- It’s a donation, not a sale: You’re compensated for time and commitment, not the eggs themselves.
- Straightforward process: Apply, get screened, take short-term medication, and donate safely under supervision.
- Safe and regulated: Follows FDA and ASRM guidelines with no long-term fertility risks.
- Fair rewards: Earn $8,000–$15,000+ per cycle, with all costs covered.
- Your choice: Donate up to six times, always with full support.
What “Selling Your Eggs” Really Means
Egg donation is a voluntary medical process in which your eggs are retrieved and used to help individuals or couples who cannot conceive on their own.
Your compensation reflects:
- Your time
- Your effort
- Your availability for appointments
- Your responsibility throughout the process
It is not a payment for the eggs themselves — it’s recognition of your participation and care.
Step 1: Check If You Meet Basic Eligibility
Egg donation is a way to help someone become a parent while also supporting your own goals.
Many donors begin with practical motivations like school, savings, travel, or stability — and also find meaning in knowing they helped create a family.
Medical guidelines ensure donation remains safe and positive for the donor.
Most donors:
- Are 19–31 years old
- Are non-smokers
- Maintain a BMI generally under ~28
- Have no major hereditary genetic conditions
- Can attend appointments over 6–10 weeks
- Are emotionally ready and comfortable with the process
These criteria reflect standard practice in assisted reproduction and comply with FDA donor eligibility guidelines. Lucina’s egg donor requirements mirror these same safety principles.
Step 2: Choose a Program That Truly Supports You
Your experience depends greatly on the clinic or egg bank you choose.
This decision shapes not only how safe and supported you feel, but also how transparent the process will be from start to finish.
A trusted program should offer:
- Clear, respectful communication
- Physician-led medical care with consistent monitoring
- Transparent compensation details
- Emotional and logistical support that never leaves you guessing
At Lucina Egg Bank, donors receive:
- A dedicated support specialist guiding you every step of the way
- Care from an experienced, physician-led medical team
- All travel costs covered to and from the San Diego clinic
- Complete privacy and confidential handling of personal information
The journey should feel respectful, safe, and empowering—and the right program makes that possible.
Step 3: Application & Medical Screening
Once you pre-qualify, the next step is a guided medical screening to confirm that egg donation is safe for you — and that your eggs have the best chance of helping intended parents build a family.
This stage is handled with care and transparency; nothing happens without your comfort and full understanding.
| Screening Step | Purpose |
| Medical & Family Health History | Confirms you meet all safety and eligibility standards |
| Bloodwork & Hormone Testing | Evaluates ovarian function and overall reproductive health |
| Ultrasound of Ovaries | Measures follicle count and egg reserve |
| Genetic Carrier Screening | Identifies any inherited conditions that could be passed on |
| Psychological & Emotional Check-In | Ensures you feel fully ready and supported |
Each part of this process is informative, respectful, and guided — never rushed.
Your donor care team walks you through every step, making sure you always feel informed and at ease.
For about 10–14 days, you’ll take small, carefully measured injections that encourage your ovaries to mature several eggs at once.
During this time, you’ll visit the clinic for quick ultrasounds and blood tests so your care team can make sure everything is progressing safely and comfortably.
You might notice:
- Mild bloating or a feeling of fullness
- Slight fatigue or temporary mood changes
- Extra sensitivity around your lower abdomen
Your medication plan is personalized to your body, and your medical team checks in frequently to adjust doses if needed.
Step 5: The Egg Retrieval Procedure & Recovery
The retrieval itself is a short, outpatient procedure performed under light sedation, so you’ll be relaxed and completely comfortable throughout.
It typically lasts about 20–30 minutes, with no incisions or stitches required.
Afterward, you’ll rest in a recovery suite until you feel ready to go home — usually within a couple of hours. Most donors travel home the same day.
Recovery
Your recovery and well-being always come first.
As mentioned above, most donors return to normal within 24–48 hours, and your coordinator will check in to ensure everything is going smoothly.
During the week following retrieval, you may notice:
- Mild cramping or bloating
- Temporary tenderness in the lower abdomen
- A need for extra rest or hydration
Your physician will recommend resting for at least 24 hours, and your donor coordinator will stay in touch to support your recovery.
You receive your compensation on-site before going home.
Step 6: Compensation – How Your Time Is Recognized
One of the most common questions new donors ask is how much do you get for donating eggs.
Becoming an egg donor is both generous and life-changing. At Lucina, your time, effort, and commitment are recognized in a way that’s transparent, meaningful, and always respectful.
Most donors receive $8,000 – $15,000 per completed cycle, while highly qualified or repeat donors may earn up to $50,000 per cycle.
Donors can complete up to six cycles, with total potential earnings reaching as much as $300,000.
Lucina’s egg donor compensation guide explains exactly how these tiers are structured, what determines each range, and how transparency remains central to every program.
| Category | Lucina Compensation Details | Notes |
| Standard Cycle | $8,000 – $15,000 | Typical first-time donor range |
| High-Demand / Repeat Donors | Up to $50,000 per cycle | Based on profile and program needs |
| Lifetime Limit | 6 cycles | In line with ASRM guidelines |
| Medical Costs | $0 | All tests, procedures & medications covered |
| Travel & Lodging | $0 | Fully arranged for San Diego visits |
Note that you can also refer a friend and earn an additional $1000 for each completed cycle.
Will Egg Donation Affect Future Fertility?
No. When performed under qualified medical supervision, egg donation has not been shown to affect a donor’s long-term fertility.
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) reports that there are no clearly documented long-term risks associated with oocyte donation, confirming that the procedure does not reduce future fertility potential.
During a natural menstrual cycle, your body matures multiple eggs but typically releases only one; the rest are naturally reabsorbed.
Fertility medication simply allows more of those eggs to mature at once — without depleting your overall egg reserve.
After donation, your body resumes its normal cycle.
Life After Donation
Many donors describe their experience as:
- Emotionally meaningful — knowing their choice helped create a family
- Empowering — discovering strength and compassion within themselves
- Confidence-building — feeling proud of doing something truly impactful
Some choose to donate again; others feel fulfilled after one cycle.
Both choices are equally respected. What matters is that you feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout the journey.
Egg donation often leaves donors with a renewed appreciation for what science and generosity can achieve together. For many, it becomes one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the egg donation process work?
The journey typically includes eligibility screening, choosing a program, hormone stimulation, a short retrieval procedure, and compensation. Each stage is guided by licensed fertility specialists.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Most donors are 19–31 years old, non-smokers, generally healthy, and able to attend several short appointments over a few weeks.
Is screening painful?
Screening involves standard bloodwork, ultrasound imaging, and genetic testing. Most donors find it simple and manageable, with only minor temporary discomfort.
What is the retrieval like, and how is the recovery?
The retrieval is performed under light sedation and lasts about 20–30 minutes.
Most donors rest for a day and feel back to normal within 24–48 hours.
How much do egg donors get paid?
Most Lucina donors earn $8,000–$15,000 per completed cycle, with some earning up to $50,000 per cycle and up to six total cycles.
Are there long-term risks?
When monitored by medical professionals, research shows no known long-term effects on future fertility. Guidance from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine confirms this finding.
Can I donate more than once?
Yes. Donors may safely complete up to six donation cycles, depending on medical suitability and personal preference, in line with ASRM recommendations.
Final Thoughts & How Lucina Supports You
Egg donation is a regulated medical process that deserves transparency, care, and respect.
At Lucina Egg Bank, your safety, comfort, and privacy are supported every step of the way by experienced physicians and coordinators who understand the responsibility of your decision.
To explore what the journey looks like from start to finish, read our Complete Guide to Egg Donation — a straightforward, step-by-step overview of everything you can expect.
When you’re ready, we’d be happy to support you as you apply to become an egg donor and take the next step toward helping someone build their family.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- What “Selling Your Eggs” Really Means
- Step 1: Check If You Meet Basic Eligibility
- Step 2: Choose a Program That Truly Supports You
- Step 3: Application & Medical Screening
- Step 5: The Egg Retrieval Procedure & Recovery
- Step 6: Compensation – How Your Time Is Recognized
- Will Egg Donation Affect Future Fertility?
- Life After Donation
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts & How Lucina Supports You
