Overcoming Egg Donation Disqualifications: How to Improve Your Chances of Becoming an Egg Donor

Egg donation disqualifications can be discouraging, especially when you’re eager to help others create a family. Fortunately, you can overcome many disqualifications with time, lifestyle changes, and better health habits. Understanding why disqualifications happen and how to improve your eligibility can help you take steps toward becoming an egg donor.

Common Reasons for Egg Donation Disqualification

There are several factors that can lead to disqualifications for donating eggs​, some of which cannot be easily overcome. However, many factors can be improved with effort and time. Understanding these factors and how they impact eligibility can help you understand which areas may require attention and improvement. Here are the most frequent reasons why someone may be disqualified:

• Age: Most egg donation programs accept donors between the ages of 19 and 31. Egg quality generally declines after age 31 as your natural fertility reduces as you age. While you may still be able to conceive naturally after this age, your eggs must be of the highest quality for egg donation. Your eggs will need to go through medical procedures, such as freezing, fertilization, and transfer, to help the intended parents. That’s why there is an age limit for egg donors. 
• Medical History: Certain genetic conditions, chronic diseases, or past surgeries can impact eligibility. Conditions like diabetes, certain cancers, and hereditary diseases may disqualify a candidate.
• Reproductive Health Issues: Since donated eggs are intended for reproductive purposes, they must be high quality. Factors like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or low ovarian reserve can affect egg quality and count, which may lead to disqualification.
• Body Mass Index (BMI): To donate eggs, your BMI must be within a healthy range according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines. A high or low BMI can impact hormone levels, affecting egg quality and the safety of the procedure. That is why many egg banks require a BMI between 18 and 28.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive drinking, and substance use can affect egg quality and overall health, leading to disqualification.
• Mental Health: Severe anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions may be considered if they affect physical health or if medications interfere with egg quality.

Improving Your Health to Qualify as an Egg Donor

Focusing on your physical health is a great first step if you want to become an egg donor. A healthy lifestyle can improve the quality of your eggs, increasing your chances of qualifying. 

Here are some tips:

• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats can positively impact reproductive health. Aim for a mix of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support overall health.
• Regular Exercise: Maintaining an active lifestyle, with at least 30 minutes of exercise most days, can improve BMI, circulation, and general well-being.
• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports the body in producing healthy cells, including eggs. It is usually recommended to drink 2 liters per day, but you can always check with your doctor.  You may need even more water if you are active or live in a hot climate.
• Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, as good sleep is essential for overall health and hormone regulation.

Addressing Medical Conditions That Can Affect Eligibility

Some medical conditions can impact eligibility, but managing them effectively may increase your chances. Here are some common issues and ways to address them:

• Mild Anxiety and Depression: While some mental health conditions can lead to disqualification, managing mild anxiety or depression with lifestyle changes or counseling may improve a candidate’s eligibility. Note that some medications may still pose limitations.
• Excess Weight: A BMI over the acceptable range can often be improved with dietary changes and regular exercise. Weight management support from a healthcare provider may help achieve a qualifying BMI.
• Psychological Factors: Emotional readiness and stability are also important for egg donation. Psychological evaluations are often part of the screening process, as egg banks must ensure that candidates are fully prepared for the demands and commitments of egg donation. Developing stress-management techniques, building a support system, and seeking professional guidance can help candidates approach the process with a positive and prepared mindset.

Lifestyle Changes That Can Improve Your Eligibility

Lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference when it comes to qualifying as an egg donor. Here are some changes that may help:

• Quit Smoking: Smoking is one of the leading causes of disqualification. However, if you’ve smoked in the past, your egg quality can improve your egg quality over time as your body can begin to restore its health.
• Limit Alcohol: While occasional drinking may not disqualify you, heavy or regular alcohol consumption can impact the quality of your eggs and your general health.
• Substance Use: Recreational drug use often leads to disqualification. If you’re serious about egg donation, avoiding all non-prescribed substances is a must.
• Avoid Excessive Caffeine: Reducing caffeine can benefit your overall fertility, so cutting back may help improve your chances of qualifying as an egg donor.

What to Do If You’ve Been Disqualified from Egg Donation

If you’ve faced egg donation disqualifications, it’s natural to feel disappointed. However, there are steps you can take if you’re still interested in becoming a donor.

• Focus on Health: If health or lifestyle factors caused your disqualification, take some time to improve in those areas. Remember, even small lifestyle changes, like adding regular exercise, getting more sleep, or changing your diet, can have a positive impact and may help you meet the requirements next time.
• Seek Medical Advice: For medical disqualifications, it’s helpful to consult with a healthcare provider or fertility specialist to discuss possible treatments or lifestyle adjustments that could improve your chances of qualifying in the future. 
• Check Social Media and Connect with Other Donors: If you’ve been disqualified, it can be helpful to look for support from others who have gone through the egg donation process. Social media platforms and online forums are valuable resources where you can find stories, advice, and experiences shared by other egg donors. This can help you gain a better understanding of the process, its challenges, and how other donors have successfully experienced the journey.

Reapplying After an Egg Donation Disqualification

After working on any areas that led to your egg donation disqualification, you might consider reapplying. To prepare for your reapplication, take time to review the egg bank’s requirements and assess any areas where you can improve. It’s also helpful to keep documentation of any changes you’ve made, such as medical records or weight loss achievements. The waiting period to reapply often depends on why you were disqualified. For medical reasons, some egg banks may ask that you wait a certain period, giving you time to make any necessary health improvements. However, if your disqualification was based on non-medical criteria or happened early in the application process, you may be able to reapply sooner. It’s always best to check with your egg bank about specific waiting times and requirements.

FAQs 

Does anxiety disqualify you from egg donation?

Mild anxiety typically doesn’t lead to disqualification, but severe cases or those requiring strong medications might. Check with the egg bank for specific policies.

What disqualifies you from donating eggs?

Common disqualifications include age, BMI, certain medical conditions, smoking, and substance use. Always check with your chosen egg bank for their specific criteria.

Can I donate eggs if I have ADHD?

ADHD itself isn’t usually a disqualification, but some medications may be. Consult the egg bank to see if your treatment affects eligibility.

Can you donate eggs if you take testosterone?

Taking testosterone typically disqualifies you from egg donation, as it can interfere with egg quality and hormone levels.

Can I donate eggs if I am on antidepressants?

Certain antidepressants may disqualify you, but it depends on the type, dosage, and how they affect your overall health. Check with the egg bank to be sure.

Can I donate eggs with HPV?

Most egg banks don’t disqualify for HPV alone. However, the type and severity may be considered, so consult the egg bank.

Can I donate eggs with an IUD?

Yes, having an IUD typically doesn’t affect eligibility, as it doesn’t interfere with egg quality or health.

Understanding why disqualifications happen and the steps you can take to improve your eligibility can help you meet the requirements. You can improve your chances by making lifestyle adjustments, managing health conditions, and working closely with an egg bank. Whether you’re reapplying or exploring options for the first time, taking these steps can help you on your journey to becoming an egg donor.