This is a voluntary, anonymous and selfless act. Young and healthy women who want to become egg donors undergo an ovarian stimulation treatment in order to provide their oocytes to women in need, who do not have the possiblity to use their own, enabling them to have the child they long for.

Egg donation was authorised by Spanish Law in 1988 (Law 35/1988 from Novembre 22nd) which addresses egg donation through a formal, free and confidential contract between the donor and the accredited centre.

Requirements for egg donors

All donors need to meet certain requirements in order to donate eggs:

  • Age: between 18 and 30 years old.
  • Physically and mentally healthy.
  • Genetic history in accordance with current legislation.
  • Normal reproductive system.
  • Complete gyneacological examination.
  • Complete psychological examination.
  • Not being a carrier of sexually transmitted diseases.

Ovocytes donation

With normal examination and tests results, treatment can start on the second or third day of the donor’s period. It lasts between 8 and 12 days during which the donor will be coming to the clinic to check on her hormonal stimulation and the ovarian response.

Oocyte extraction is undertaken in an operating theatre and under anaesthetic. This whole process requires the donor to stay at the clinic for 2 or 3 hours.

Risks for the egg donor are minimal, the procedure is usually well tolerated and in some very rare cases, it can involve a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation, which is an exaggerated response to the treatment. Each treatment is personalised and the regular monitoring of the patient minimises any risks.

In accordance to the Assisted Reproduction Law in force in this country, the maximum number of children that can be born from the same donor cannot exceed six.

Furthermore, any egg donation is anonymous and voluntary, which entails the non-disclosure of the donor and receptor’s identities. However, some information can be shared to monitorise the pregnancy, such as the donor’s blood type or age.

There is a financial compensation, for any inconveniences, such as travel expenses and the treatment eggs donors need to undergo.