To become an Egg-Sharer, HFEA guidelines state that, except in exceptional circumstances, you should be under 35 years of age, be a non-smoker for at least three months and have an FSH (blood hormone level) of less than 8. You should also be free of transmissible diseases and inheritable disorders, and should not suffer from severe endometriosis or have demonstrated previous hyper-stimulation. Egg-Sharers are required to undergo initial screening tests.

There are many women who have no hope of pregnancy without donated eggs. Their loss of ovarian function could be due to a genetic cause or to treatment for cancer. Premature menopause can be devastating, and it can occur as early as the teenage years. In other cases, women may carry an inheritable genetic disorder that they do not want to pass on to their children. Whatever the circumstances, your gift of becoming an Egg-Sharer can restore hope.

Not all patients are eligible to enter the programme. Each case is assessed on an individual basis by the consultant. In some circumstances, cases may be referred to the Ethics Committee for review.

Certain initial screening tests are required prior to acceptance and these will be discussed at your initial meeting. Generally these include HIV, hepatitis B & C (repeated six monthly) and blood group. Patients accepted on the programme are also required to discuss their own and their family’s medical history. We will need permission to contact your GP.