Whether you are contemplating working with Donor Concierge's surrogate search service  or you’ve already partnered with us to begin your search, it’s important that we ensure our service really is the best fit for you and we properly manage expectations. We want you to have a great experience working with us and ultimately match with a quality candidate in a much faster time than if you worked directly with an agency. There are stories of Donor Concierge matching intended parents with gestational carriers in as little as a week or even a day. Are those stories true? Yes! It happens. Sometimes it takes 2 to 3 months, but even that is a fraction of the time an agency will quote you. Could it happen as quickly for you? Read on to find out! What Our Surrogate Search Service Can Do for You Let’s start with how a surrogate search with Donor Concierge can benefit you. Find a qualified candidate . She has been pre-approved by our internal medical team, meets ASRM guidelines , and has been reviewed to meet your clinic’s gestational carrier requirements. Provide an expedited path . We source surrogates from dozens of agencies rather than leaving you to rely on the candidate pool of one agency. Ensure your surrogate resides in and gives birth in a surrogacy-friendly state . We match you with a candidate based on your specific circumstances and legal considerations. Partner with a trusted surrogacy agency . We vet all our agency partners to ensure that they thoroughly screen their GCs, uphold the highest ethical standards, and efficiently coordinate the journey and support you from match through your baby’s birth. A Few Caveats for a Speedy Surrogate Search And now for a few limitations you should be aware of. Custom Requirements Will Increase Search Time Donor Concierge isn't an opportunity to “custom order” a GC while still expecting the record match time that other Donor Concierge clients have enjoyed. Generally speaking, the longer your wish list, the longer it will take our team of case managers to match you. Think of this as a balancing act of speed versus your criteria. Even one requirement can drastically reduce the candidate pool. Want a CA surrogate? You will eliminate 80% or more of candidates. Need her to be COVID vaccinated ? The pool just shrunk by another 50%. With every additional criterion, you can see how quickly your options will be reduced, and the match time will increase. Imagine how that time continues to go up if you have a long list of preferences! Rejecting Qualified Surrogates Will Impede Your Search Donor Concierge also doesn't take a quantity approach that allows you to pass on numerous qualified candidates. We are always your best chance of finding what you’re looking for in a surrogate, simply because we have access to so many more candidates than any individual agency. Having said that, we can’t control the candidates we see, and we will always be limited by the women who choose to become surrogates. Rest assured, we will do our part to match you with a qualified candidate as quickly as possible, but this only works if you do your part, which is to move forward with a match when a suitable candidate is presented to you. It is not uncommon for intended parents to get in their own way of matching, rejecting surrogates who will go on to have healthy babies for other hopeful parents. Looking for Perfection Can Be a Barrier Our many years of experience have taught us that there is no such thing as a perfect surrogate; after all, no person is perfect. However, there is one thing that’s inherently wonderful about all surrogates, which is that they’ve already done the one thing you need them to do—carry and deliver a healthy baby! Because of this, it’s never our recommendation to reinvent the wheel. For example, some intended parents want to revamp the gestational carrier’s diet or lifestyle. This could dramatically impact her body but not necessarily in a way that’s beneficial to her or your baby. Again, whatever she previously did to have a healthy baby or babies has worked. Trust that she’ll do what’s best to care for herself and your child during pregnancy. Trust That Donor Concierge Has Your Best Interests at Heart Speaking of trust, we presume that you selected your fertility clinic because you like them and trust them. So, trust that they have your back when it comes to your surrogate. At Donor Concierge, we present surrogate candidates with your clinic’s criteria in view, but we see many intended parents impose stricter medical criteria on their GC than their clinic does. It is your clinic’s role to determine whether a surrogate is medically suitable to carry your child. If you have any questions or concerns about your particular GC preferences and how they may impact your search with us, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at (415) 663-6097 . We understand that trusting another human to carry your child requires a tremendous leap of faith. Donor Concierge exists to support you and advocate for you in this endeavor. It takes a village (as they say), which includes our case managers, agency partners, surrogates, attorneys, fertility clinics, and you, our valued intended parents. We ask that you place your trust in us and our nearly 20 years of experience and expertise in surrogate matching. We will help you bring your baby home faster; you just have to let us. If you haven't yet decided on a surrogacy search service, we invite you schedule a one-on-one conversation with us. It's simple with our online form .

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the details of a surrogacy journey. Our job at Donor Concierge is to streamline the process for you and add calm and clarity where possible. Our surrogate search service is well positioned to find you the best surrogate and to do so by empowering you with the right information along the way.  One of the top (and most important questions) our case managers field from intended parents revolves around surrogacy cost.   While the surrogacy cost framework is layered and unique to each family’s circumstances, our answers include many of the same moving parts. Here’s what you need to know about surrogacy costs you may find in your journey.  Surrogate Search Service Cost Parents who choose to work with Donor Concierge are investing in a surrogate search service  instead of working one on one with surrogacy agencies. They often tell us that they choose to invest with us because our model allows us to simultaneously lead an exhaustive search of more than 80+ surrogacy agencies. Our expert case managers understand how to take an intended parent's wishlist for the perfect surrogate and turn it into a shortlist of viable surrogates, all within 0 to 3 months.   Learn more about these surrogate search program options and costs . A Surrogate’s Compensation  A surrogate search is the first cost investment parents make into their surrogacy journey. Once they meet their perfect match, each family works with their new surrogacy agency to establish everything from a surrogate’s compensation to insurance packages. While the legal agreement between the intended parents and the surrogate will help outline a surrogate’s payment structure, the intended parents must add all funds to a frozen escrow account to set the agreement into motion. A surrogate’s compensation can range from $45,000 to $80,000, depending on location and experience.  Insurance Cost  It is not guaranteed that a surrogate will have insurance before meeting with the intended parents. Since insurance is explored on a case-by-case basis, it is not a given that the intended parents will incur the cost. For intended parents who are responsible for surrogate health and life insurance , the cost can range from $5,000 to $30,000.  Medical Expenses  Some families who choose a surrogate already have a donor egg and sperm they intend to use, while others are searching for a surrogate and donor eggs and sperm simultaneously. Each family’s unique circumstances and needs account for various emotional, financial, and time expenses. On average, intended parents may have to fund an IVF cycle and medications for a surrogate. This expense can start at $7,000 and vary based on location, medications, and procedures.  Additional Expenses  While surrogacy is well known to involve many medical touchpoints, it is also full of legal and relationship-based milestones. Intended parents will invest time and energy into building the relationship they envision with the surrogate of their choice. They will also have a village of experts—from doctors to lawyers—ready to ensure that the intended parents and the surrogate’s experiences are as seamless as possible. These additional fees can start at $15,000.  Connecting You With the Perfect Surrogate Match While looking at the line items of a surrogacy journey may feel overwhelming, it’s important to know exactly what you’re agreeing to when you fold a surrogate into your life. Our job at Donor Concierge is to help you find the perfect surrogate within your budget who will often exceed your expectations. We know that this investment is one our clients save for and hope for endlessly. We work diligently to ensure that we get it right as soon as possible so that you can move into the rest of your surrogacy journey with ease.  If you’re considering surrogacy to build your family, take time to review these important questions every intended parent should  ask before beginning the search for a surrogate. When you’re ready to move forward, our team is here to help. Request a private consultation  today and take the first step toward building your family through surrogacy.

Your surrogate search has probably led you down many rabbit holes. You’re learning new terminology and about new resources every chance you get. At this point in your research, you're likely wondering whether there is a big difference between a surrogate agency and a surrogate search service  like Donor Concierge.    The short answer is: Yes, there’s a very big difference between a surrogate agency and a surrogate search service. One of the biggest differences is rooted in the kind of experience you can have—one shifts most of the research and legwork to you, while the other takes on the job of making your surrogate search as manageable as possible.  Differences Between a Surrogate Search Service & an Agency Here’s what you need to know about how a surrogate search service stands out next to a surrogate agency. 1.    Your Support Team  First and foremost, your surrogate search doesn’t need to be a lonely one. You don’t have to manage all of the search-related logistics while navigating the emotional ins and outs of choosing who will carry the newest member of your family.   A surrogate search service, like Donor Concierge, ensures you have a dedicated and experienced case worker  just for you. They are the ones who will take on the responsibility of finding the right match for you. While your case manager will work with surrogacy agencies to find you the right match, the benefit of a dedicated case manager means you have a middle person to navigate all the logistics.    2.    Surrogate Options  Through a surrogate search service, you’re guaranteed a more personalized surrogate search. Your case manager prioritizes your specific surrogate criteria, which means any potential surrogate options you sift through will be ones that closely match your dream list.   ·         A surrogate agency is also usually limited to showing you surrogates that are on their own agency’s list.   ·         A surrogate search service casts the net far and wide for you. A Donor Concierge case manager starts your search by looking through their highly vetted list of 80+ surrogacy agencies, and that alone increases your chance of finding your right match!    You can learn about the questions you should ask   as you and your Donor Concierge case worker search for the right surrogate in our related blog post. 3.    Match Times Talking about a perfect match—Donor Concierge’s proven model as a surrogate search service has a match time of 0 to 3 months. This is a fraction of the time it could take for a family to find a surrogate match with a one-by-one surrogate agency approach. And because your surrogate search service case manager is working personally with you and your family, we can help you find a match that closely aligns with what you’re looking for in a surrogate.  4.    Your Experience  Finding a surrogate isn’t a decision you make lightly. You probably had thoughtful conversations with loved ones about why this path is right for you. You deserve an experience that helps you feel supported along the way. Because most surrogate agencies are smaller, there is less opportunity to ensure you feel seen, heard, and understood at every step of your surrogacy process. A surrogate search service like Donor Concierge guarantees that your experience is one you will cherish and be proud of every step of the way.   Regardless of your path forward, the surrogacy process will come with its ups and downs. But remember, it doesn’t have to be harder than it already is. A surrogate search service is an opportunity to choose a more personalized, experienced, and supportive path. If you'd like to talk with us about easing your surrogate search, get in touch with us  using our online form or call us at (415) 663-6097 .

To honor World Embryology Day , we talked with Erica Paganetti, Senior Embryologist and Embryology Lab Manager for Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut. Erica shares what a Day in the Life of an Embryologist is all about and why she chose this important line of work. Help us celebrate the scientists who bring life into the world. Why did you become an embryologist? I have been an embryologist since June 19, 2006. As with most embryologists, it was a happy accident. Following graduation with my BS, I was looking for a laboratory position while I worked on applying to medical school. I thought the job sounded cool and rewarding, especially with the knowledge that my aunt had struggled with fertility issues in the past. Fortunately for me, I was extremely lucky to be hired as a junior embryologist by my first laboratory director. She must have seen something special in me and I thank her every day for giving me such an amazing opportunity. I fell in love with the job and never looked back. Where did you study and for how many years? I originally studied biology and chemistry at Springfield College in MA. Funny enough, I originally went to school for physical therapy. But I decided to make a change junior year with the intention of attending medical school. In between graduation with my BS in Biology and applying to medical school, I was lucky enough to get my first embryology position. Since becoming an embryologist, I have obtained my MS in Reproductive Clinical Science from Eastern Virginia Medical School, and I am now working toward my PhD at the same institution. As far as embryology skills are concerned, you can only learn to become an embryologist through on-the-job training. It takes many years of observation, training, and practice to develop into a fully trained embryologist. Even after 14 years, I am still learning new tips and tricks to perfect my own skills. What does a typical day look like for you? Our day starts out by checking all equipment for appropriate performance: incubators, microscopes, refrigerators, freezers, etc. Once everything has been checked, calibrated, and determine safe for use, we are able to begin embryo assessments. In the morning, we evaluate embryos for fertilization, cleavage, eligibility for transfer and/or cryopreservation, etc. Following embryo grading, additional morning procedures begin such as vaginal oocyte retrieval (VOR), semen preparation, embryo thawing, biopsy, embryo cryopreservation, and oocyte assessment. As we approach the afternoon, we prepare for embryo transfers and insemination procedures. The oocytes we collected during VOR in the morning, now need to be fertilized. This can occur through conventional insemination, where we add a small amount of sperm to drops containing oocytes which allows for interaction between the gametes and hopefully fertilization. The other method is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where we inject one sperm into one egg individually with the same hope of fertilization. Embryo transfers are also taking place simultaneously, in which we place the embryo(s) back into the uterus for implantation. Sprinkled into this afternoon workload is additional biopsy and cryopreservation of embryos, oocyte cryopreservation, and culture dish preparation for patients coming up the following day. I know it sounds like a lot to accomplish in one day. But we have a wonderful team of embryologists each day that shares these responsibilities, with specific assignments to keep the workflow moving efficiently. After many years of doing this, it becomes second nature. I am sure many of my colleagues would say the same thing, but I can feel when it is time for something to happen. Our work consumes us because we all know it is beyond important. We double-check, triple-check, and quadruple-check everything throughout the day, and then do a final check once everything is done. What is your favorite part of your job? Over the past 14 years I have come to love every aspect of our job. I truly enjoy the benchwork, with my absolute favorite procedures being cryopreservation and embryo transfer. But as I have progressed in my career, and had a family of my own, this has evolved into a more emotional answer. I have had the amazing opportunity to help my very own friends build their families. This means I am now able to meet these amazing little babies and watch them grow up before my very eyes. I cannot describe how wonderful this is, and for this reason, I am truly honored to be an embryologist. All jobs are important, but mine feels truly special. What are some of the biggest changes to the world of IVF in your career? The world of IVF is one of the fastest paced areas in medicine. Changes are constant, with more and more technical advances being incorporated into treatment every year. But I must say the evolution of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has significantly impacted our jobs as embryologists. When I was a brand-new embryologist in 2006, we only performed biopsy on about 1-2 patients per month. It was all hands-on deck. Every embryologist came in at 4:00-5:00am to prepare and assist in this special procedure. Now ~70% of our patients utilize this technology during their cycles, and the process has become very routine. Cryopreservation has also changed immensely, making a huge impact for our patients. Slow freezing was used in the past and often took hours to complete per patient, with reasonable survival rates and clinical outcomes. The addition of vitrification has reduced the time to ~15-30min per patient (depending on the number of embryos) and provided excellent survival rates with the potential for better clinical outcomes in a frozen embryo transfer cycle. How do you reassure patients that their eggs, sperm, or embryos are safely stored? ( safety of the lab ).Every IVF laboratory has very strict equipment monitoring protocols. We spend hours each day measuring our equipment to confirm that each device is safe for use. In addition to physical monitoring by staff, alarm systems are used to continuously monitor equipment 24hrs per day, 7 days per week. These alarm systems call, text, and e-mail staff members if any piece of equipment is out of range: cryo tanks, incubators, refrigerators/freezers, etc. When this happens, staff immediately performs a physical check to determine if there is an issue. Any equipment of concern is removed from use until service is performed to fix the problem.

One of our clients' more common requests is their desire to find an Ivy League egg donor . Our first question is, ‘Why is this important to you.’   The answers usually vary but share one common thread: Many of our intended parents are highly accomplished, driven people with advanced degrees from impressive universities, including Harvard, Oxford, Stanford, and MIT. We fully understand that it’s human instinct to hope to find an egg donor who reminds you of yourself, your background, and your ambitions.   This deep-seated desire is one of the reasons we ask intended parents to create a list of donor characteristics that matter to them. If education is at the top of your list, this is understandable and a quality our case managers know how to build searches around, as long as intended parents are on the same page.    Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re starting a donor search with an Ivy League donor in mind.  Ivy League donors are hard to find. We are experts in finding the best candidates for our clients, but we caution that finding an Ivy League donor isn't always easy .   Our case managers often note that the pool of potential donors expands when intended parents become open to finding a ‘smart donor’ or someone who matches their level of education or schooling, no matter the school they attended.  Be honest about all your expectations.  The more honest you are about your short list, the better! There is no such thing as being too blunt in saying, “I want a smart donor” or “We want someone who matches an Ivy League donor.” This context can help your case manager better understand what you’re looking for in a donor and what you’re hoping for in a future child.    We have found that egg donation is time-consuming, and many individuals pursuing advanced degrees at an Ivy League school may not have the bandwidth to donate eggs. However, this does not mean that we cannot get as close as possible to what you are looking for.  Remain open to a new, shared 'true north.'  Being honest with your case manager can help you find your way toward an exciting and realistic new goal. At Donor Concierge, when intended parents come to us with specific criteria, we listen, but we also interpret. Most parents simply want an egg donor whose looks and background fit well into their family. Through our extensive search, we can help you find your ideal donor.    Knowing that, regardless of its complexity, you want an Ivy League donor helps us set a new, shared expectation with your case manager. It comes with its own amendments to your donor process . For instance, the necessary tailored approach will require a deeper commitment of time and resources.   In addition, egg donors set their own compensation, and it’s not unusual for women with an Ivy League degree to request upward of $15,000 or substantially more for their donor egg cycle. Women with impressive academic achievements tend to do extensive research on the egg donation process and what other young women similar to themselves have received. On top of the compensation, many Ivy League-educated young women are interested in an additional benefit such as egg freezing for themselves or a donation to a charity.   Trust Donor Concierge to find the right egg donor for you. Each donor search involves a give and take, but it’s our job to make that process as seamless as possible. Searching for an Ivy League donor involves added layers and investments, but we are willing to push forward or forge a new path together, depending on what makes the most sense for you and your growing family.   If you're ready to take that next step to finding your ideal egg donor, contact us online  or call us at (415) 663-6097 .

Over the last few decades, many factors have made it easier to understand your rights as a parent if you’re an LGBTQIA+ individual or in an LGBTQIA+ relationship. For instance, thanks to the 2015 Supreme Court decision that legalized gay marriage, parental rights also became less murky. With the advent and rise of social media and community platforms, there is more access to information and personal stories from individuals or families who have already walked the path to parenthood that you envision for yourself.    At Donor Concierge, we have served countless LGBTQIA individuals and couples committed to growing their families. They come to us with a good understanding of what their family planning journey may look like, and it’s then our job to fill the gap and explain the nuances. Our expert teams know the ins and outs of egg donation costs, how to find an egg donor as a gay couple , and which states allow surrogacy.    Below is what you need to know if you want to find an egg donor as a gay couple and start your family planning journey.  Finding LGBTQIA community for egg donation During your egg donor search as an LGBTQIA+ couple, you’ll find support and guidance in many different ways. While you’re learning more below about how Donor Concierge’s expert team can guide you, there’s also a lot of community insight you can find online. On Instagram alone, a community of LGBTQIA+ parents is excitedly sharing their parenting journey. For instance, Burton and Dustin Buffaloe ( @BBBuffaloe  on Instagram) are two dads sharing an inside look at how they parent their twins to their over 186k followers. These personal stories can help you learn more about how they got to where they are and offer inspiration for what is possible for you, too!    In our Donor Concierge community, you’ll also find individuals and families excited to share how their experience finding an egg donor led to their babies. You can ask your Donor Concierge case manager to connect you with any past clients who are willing to share their stories.  The egg donor search process Once you’ve booked your consultation session with our expert Donor Concierge team, you’ll be matched with a case manager ready to create a customized plan that meets your family-building needs. You’ll outline your preferred egg donor traits (everything from hair color to educational attributes) so that your case manager knows exactly what to look for during your customized egg donor search. They’ll then curate a short list of potential egg donors that meet your criteria by using all the resources at their disposal, including their extensive network of egg donor agencies and connections from the decades of doing this work for all the families who came before you. Remember, your process of finding an egg donor does not have to be a stressful path that you travel alone. Our team is here to guide you and make it as easy as possible.  Things to consider during your egg donor search In working with Donor Concierge as a gay couple or an LGBTQIA+ individual, you are trusting in experts with decades of experience navigating the legal ins and outs of egg donation (and surrogacy) across the U.S. State Parental Rights While gay marriage is the law of the land, parentage rights vary from state to state and become particularly nuanced when surrogacy and other assisted reproductive technologies come into play. On our website, you’ll find breakdowns of how states like California  and Texas  handle egg donation. Your Donor Concierge case manager will also walk you through your preferred state’s approach during your intake session.   Mental, Social & Financial Health As you start your egg donor search, other things to consider include your mental health, financial health , support system, and available time commitment. While each journey is unique, we have noticed through our hundreds of clients that starting an egg donor search, pregnancy, or surrogacy journey can take a toll on everything from a person’s mental health to their finances. Auditing your starting point will ensure that you are prepared for the road ahead and will know when to ask your case manager for help (and what kind of support you may be looking for).  Egg Donation Cost Each egg donor search is different, so at Donor Concierge, we’ve created four ways to work together to meet your ultimate goal. Our team can support your egg donor journey either through a: 1-month program 6-month program Custom Donor Search  experience Private client journey Each program varies in cost, but on average, a Donor Concierge family can spend anywhere from $22,000 to $65,000 on their search for the ideal egg donor to meet their customized egg donation criteria. You can learn more about our full list of program offerings and cost information on our Egg Donor Search Services  page.    While you’ll learn a lot about the egg donor search journey (and yourself) as you decide to grow your family, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you don’t have to be an expert in all this right now. Your Donor Concierge team is here to lead you through and answer all questions you may still have about egg donation costs or finding an egg donor as a gay couple. You are far from alone. We are here every step of the way! Reach out to us online  or call us at (415) 663-6097 .

You’ve reached the point in your family-building journey where you’re excited to hit the ground running. You want to find the perfect egg donor for you, and you may believe that starts with finding an egg donor  who lives within a 5- to 15-mile radius of your home.    We meet many intended parents who believe that the closer the egg donor lives, the better. Thankfully, the country is your oyster, and location doesn’t have to limit who you choose as your egg donor.    Instead, you get to focus on your preferred egg donor criteria—from your preferred religion to your preferred education level—and let us worry about the rest. Still wondering why location doesn’t matter? Here’s a quick breakdown of the egg donor search  and why your egg donor does not need to live near you.  Do I need to find an egg donor near me?  For those who live in larger cities, Googling “egg donation near me” may lead to a lot of results, but the same may not be true for those who live in smaller cities or towns. Thankfully, egg donation  can occur in a few different ways to maximize the number of intended parents who can benefit from egg donation.    Donated eggs come in two different forms—fresh and frozen. The two types get their names from the manner in which they are stored or processed.   ·         Frozen eggs are donor eggs that have been frozen, stored, and later shipped to your fertility clinic. They allow extra flexibility because you do not have to time an egg retrieval with implantation. ·         Fresh donor eggs, on the other hand, are donated at your clinic at the time they will be used to create an embryo for implantation. This type of egg donation requires a bit more logistical legwork but is still doable if this is what you’re looking for.   No matter which path you choose for your donor egg—whether fresh or frozen—you won’t have to worry about finding an egg donor near you because your egg donor can travel to your fertility clinic or your frozen egg will be shipped. When helping you narrow down the best egg donor option for you, our goal is to make this journey as peaceful and frictionless as possible.  What should I focus on during my egg donor search?  Since location is not a barrier to finding the best egg donor for your growing family, you can focus on other aspects of your egg donor journey instead.    During your egg donor search, a Donor Concierge case manager will meet with you to discuss what you’re looking for in an egg donor. They will use those traits to pull together a customized plan that reflects your family’s wants and needs. Before your meeting, you may sit down and ask yourself key questions about who you hope your egg donor may be.   When you start answering those questions, don’t shy away from being as specific as possible. Your donor search criteria  can include traits like a donor’s: Religion Ethnicity Location Education level Physical attributes Egg donation history Your preferences help set the stage for a donor search journey that is right for you.    And since proximity is not an issue, Donor Concierge can cast your net as wide as possible to present you with a list of vetted donors that will bring a smile to your face!    Getting started You have already started to pave your path to growing your family with bricks only you can lay down. Your donor search does not have to be any different. You get to decide what matters most to you in your donor egg search without limiting yourself to what is available to you in nearby towns or cities. If you're ready for Donor Concierge to help you find the perfect egg donor for your family, contact us  using our online form; we can't wait to help you build your family.

If you are curious about how much an egg donor costs , you’re in the right place. Starting your search for an egg donor and coordinating your finances can be a daunting process, but know that you have more egg donor options than ever. Donor Concierge has helped thousands of hopeful parents build their families. We want to make sure that every hopeful parent starts the egg donation process feeling confident and prepared for this family-building path and its cost. Read on for the information you need to know to begin your egg donation journey. Find an Egg Donor As you begin your search to find an egg donor, our advice is to make sure you are prepared and know your priorities. Don’t be afraid to act fast. Many hopeful parents are trying to find an egg donor, so egg donor candidates that you like might be chosen by someone else if you wait too long. Knowing your priorities and feeling confident will help you find your egg donor and move forward quickly. Donor Concierge searches more than 250 egg donor and surrogacy agencies to give you the best possible options to build your family. If you are struggling to find the best egg donor candidate for your family, we can help. Our team searches thousands of egg donors so you can find your top egg donor candidate. Egg Donor Cost The overall cost of egg donation can range from about $22,000 for a small cohort of donor eggs from in-house egg donor programs to over $40,000 for private egg donation through an egg donor agency. Egg donation is typically more expensive than a “traditional” IVF journey because more parties are involved in the process. The total donor egg cost includes associated expenses like: Agency fees Insurance costs Fertility lawyer costs Egg donor compensation Any travel fees Other various egg bank expenses Why does the total cost of egg donation vary so widely? Many variables are at play in your egg donation journey, including the type of donor eggs you choose, your fertility clinic, and your insurance options—all influence the total financial impact. If you are wondering about egg donor costs and how to afford egg donation, read on! How To Afford the Cost of Egg Donation One of the biggest challenges for hopeful parents considering egg donation is financing the egg donor journey . As we mentioned above, the total cost of egg donation varies based on a number of factors. You might save money on the egg donor journey by: Choosing an egg donor with lower compensation Choosing an egg donor from a fertility clinic’s egg donor program Choosing a local egg donor Applying for fertility grants Our expert team at Donor Concierge can walk you through some of the financial considerations of egg donation. Even before your free consultation with our team, be sure to check out financing options and fertility grants that can ease the total cost of egg donation. Between fertility grants, financing options, and different egg donor costs, there are ways you can save on your egg donation journey. And when you work with Donor Concierge, we can help ensure your fertility journey is as efficient as possible so you don’t lose money or time. Preparing for Your Fertility Journey As mentioned earlier, the key to a successful egg donor search is to feel prepared and confident. We highly recommend that you do your research, assemble your fertility team, and speak to a specialized fertility therapist or fertility support practitioner. Seeking out as much information as you can will help you understand the egg donation process and know what to look for when you find your egg donor. If you want to speak with other parents who have been through the egg donation process, there are many supportive communities online and in person for sharing experiences and advice. The Donor Concierge team can also refer you to past clients who are open to sharing about their egg donation journey. Over the last few years, we have seen more and more people open up about their experiences with donor conception. There are many DEIVF (donor egg in vitro fertilization) parents sharing their experiences, donor-conceived people advocating for changes in the field, and public figures sharing about the egg donation process. Taking That First Step Is Simple If you are considering egg donation, our team is here to help. Interested in building your family with Donor Concierge? Contact us to schedule your free consultation today .

Egg donor profiles usually contain a full health history of the egg donor and her immediate family. ADHD, whether medicated or not, is something we may see on a donor profile, and it may raise questions for intended parents during their egg donor search. “ That’s something we talk about with our intended parents before we start a search,” says Krystal Lemcke, Director of Private Client Services . “ Some people don’t mind, but others are rightly nervous and want to know more about the condition. We might ask the agency about it, whether the donor has had a formal diagnosis or takes medication. Some people see it as an asset in that people with ADHD may be hyper-focused and ambitious. ” Is ADHD a Genetic Condition That Can Be Inherited? Will an egg donor's ADHD be passed on to the baby? We asked some of our Donor Concierge  genetic experts to find out. Emily Mounts and Gena Shepherd, of ORM Fertility : ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is characterized by impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. Individuals with ADHD may have difficulty following instructions and focusing on a task. Other symptoms include impatience, and talking excessively.( 1 ) ADHD can cause behavioral difficulties that can affect relationships and harm performance at school and, later, work. ADHD often occurs with other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, learning disorders, and oppositional defiant disorder.( 2 ) Some children grow out of ADHD symptoms; however, in over 30% of cases, symptoms persist into adulthood.( 3 ) ADHD is typically treated with a combination of behavior therapy and medication. With treatment, many people with ADHD can be successful in school and lead productive lives. There are many successful individuals with ADHD, and some people report that their ADHD helped them in certain ways, such as by increasing creativity and multitasking.( 4 ) Genetic testing cannot accurately predict whether someone will develop ADHD, as there is no one “ADHD gene.” ADHD is a multifactorial condition, which means that it is caused by a combination of multiple genetic and environmental risk factors. Studies have shown that relatives of someone with ADHD have an increased risk to have ADHD.( 1 , 5 ) The severity of ADHD symptoms can vary significantly, even between members of the same family. The risk for relatives of someone with ADHD is likely increased regardless of the severity of symptoms for the affected individual. Studies have found that the chance that a first-degree relative (child, sibling) of someone with ADHD will have this condition is 15-60%.(5) Relatives also have an increased chance to develop genetically related conditions such as personality disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and learning disabilities.( 1 ) It is estimated that 2-10% of the general population has ADHD.( 5 ) Even if there is no family history of ADHD, a child may still be diagnosed with this condition. Amy Vance, of Bay Area Genetic Counseling : ADHD/ADD is a relatively common condition in children (5-10%) and adults (3-5%). ADHD is a complex trait from a genetic perspective. Most researchers have suggested that ADHD is polygenic meaning it is caused by a large number of genes, each of relatively small effect, rather than a single gene. There may be environmental influences which interact with these genes, such as prenatal exposure to alcohol, as well as gene-environment interaction leading to ADHD. Twin studies provide evidence of heritability. The concordance (heritability) in identical twins is reported as 82% compared with 38% in fraternal twins. The higher number of identical twins affected indicates the genetic component. The fact that identical twins were not 100% concordant signifies that the condition is not purely genetic. For polygenic conditions, the risk to close relatives is often increased above the population risk, but the risk to more distant relatives is not. The recurrence risk for first-degree relatives of affected individuals is 20-65%. Males have a higher risk. Continuation of illness into adulthood has been found to be associated with increased risks to relatives. Finding the Right Egg Donor for You Our goal at Donor Concierge, is to help you make the right decision for your family. Sometimes, these are tough calls; that’s why our searches include connecting you with the fertility experts who can help. If you’d like to know more about finding an egg donor read our related blog post and then contact us to get started. References: Faraone, S.V., Larsson, H. Genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Mol Psychiatry 24, 562–575, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-018-0070- 0 Mayo Clinic. Created June 2019. Accessed June 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889 . Margaret H. Sibley, James M. Swanson, L. Eugene Arnold, Lily T. Hechtman, Elizabeth B. Owens, Annamarie Stehli, Howard Abikoff, Stephen P. Hinshaw, Brooke S. G. Molina, John T. Mitchell, Peter S. Jensen, Andrea L. Howard, Kimberley D. Lakes, William E. Pelham. Defining ADHD symptom persistence in adulthood: optimizing sensitivity and specificity. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2016; DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12620 Jennifer Lea Reynolds. 2017. ‘Good Habits of Successful People With ADHD’. US News. Accessed June 2020. Schachar R. Genetics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Recent Updates and Future Prospects. Curr Dev Disord Rep 1, 41–49, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-013-0004-0

Any couple considering using an egg donor as an option for growing their family has to make a leap in their understanding of family building. It’s not uncommon for one partner to be more ready for this transition than the other. While the focus of adjusting to the egg donation process is often focused on the woman, men have their own struggles when considering this path. Men Want to Support Their Wives I often say that no one grows up saying, “I can’t wait to pick my egg donor.” It is as true as for men as it is for women. Men fall in love with their mate and picture a child that is theirs together. It can be a difficult emotional transition for the husband or male partner even if he will be genetically related to their child. I reached out to some of my friends in the mental health community who work with couples grappling with fertility issues to see what their experience has been with the future dads. Dr. Piave Pitisci Lake of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina: “The things I have noticed is that they are very supportive of their wives and they seem to understand their wives’ grief without being critical of it. They all want to do what is right for their wives and help them feel better. They don't like to see them hurting. They do not seem to be as concerned about the lack of their wife's genetic connection in how the child will belong to them and are able to say that because she is carrying the child it will be hers. They also seem to agree with their wives that they would rather maintain some genetic connection and control over the in-utero environment through egg donation rather than adoption.” How Do Future Dads Adjust to the Egg Donation Process? Although most of the men we work with are quite supportive, some do have reservations. One of the clinics I work with has mentioned that some of the husbands/fathers are hesitant to review donor profiles and may overly focus on the cost of an egg donor cycle. There can be many reasons for this, and if you interviewed 20 of these men, you would probably uncover 20 different issues at the core of their reserve. So let’s look at a few common issues that may arise. Grief : Men need time to mourn the child they had imagined they would have with the woman they love. This is a normal part of coming to a place of acceptance for both husband and wife. It is a necessary step toward becoming comfortable with what may still seem like a new and unusual way to create one’s family. Guilt : Men may feel that choosing an egg donor is the wife’s decision since they will be genetically related to the child being created. The dad may even feel guilty that he can be biologically related to their future child while his wife can’t share in that connection. He may feel guilty because it may feel like he is having a baby with another woman. Hands-off: If the father is the type of man who likes to leave certain decisions to his wife, whether it where they will go on vacation or who will be the egg donor, he may simply feel confident in his wife’s judgment and not want to be involved in the details. Often the wife has already done significant homework before she starts looking at egg donor profiles. Orwellian: The process of reviewing profiles of young women who will provide eggs to create their family may feel Orwellian. Donor databases can look like dating sites, and that can feel odd. Although choosing an egg donor is not choosing a new mate, it may feel like a competition between the intended mother and the donor. Transference : Men may experience transference and feel guilt if they find the donor attractive. It is a normal reaction, just as women sometimes have transference with their doctor. We all have thoughts or temporary crushes that can arise; it’s acting on those thoughts that would be a problem. Both the man and his partner may be feeling sensitive and vulnerable during this emotionally charged time in their relationship. Analytic: Some men may be used to taking an analytical approach to solving problems. He may not realize how important it is to his partner that he take an active role in choosing the egg donor. Or, through his analysis, he may have strong feelings about who should be their donor by who ‘measures up’ to his assessment of the pros and cons. Control: Both men and women want to feel that they have some control when they are creating their family via egg donation. I often hear, “If it can’t be my wife, I want to find the best possible donor to give my children the best chance in life”. When one falls in love, we rarely take the time to look at our partner’s genetics. Nonetheless, when we have the chance to have a say we want someone who is as perfect as possible. Embracing Your Options Most of us haven’t grown up thinking about egg donation as part of our future. I’ve written this with input from several mental health professionals who specialize in assisting infertile couples to come to terms with family-building struggles. My fertility industry colleague Elaine Gordon, Ph.D. sums it up very well when she says, “The child will be the teacher of the parent.” When it comes down to it, your child will be who they are; we are not in control. Be gracious with yourself and your mate as you make the often-slow evolution to embracing egg donation as a miraculous family-building choice. *Other thought contributors to this blog are: Carrie Eichberg, Psy.D. , Macy Schoenthaler, M.Arts of RSC Bay Area If you're ready to explore the egg donation process to build your family, Donor Concierge is here to help. Contact us today  to learn more about your options.

What is epigenetics? How does it all work? How much influence does a gestational carrier have on the embryo they are carrying? How do epigenetics work in egg donation? When one is creating their family via third-party fertility, these questions often come up. Epigenetics gives some insight into how to answer these questions, though the answers are not simple, and there is much that we still don’t know. According to the NIH , “epigenetics is very much like a switch on the outside of the genetic circuits and genome that influences the behaviors of a gene.” The woman who is carrying the embryo, be that the intended mother who has used an egg donor or a gestational carrier who is also not genetically related to the embryo, can influence the development of the child. How she eats and cares for herself throughout the pregnancy is important and may influence the child's future health. Epigenetics continues long beyond in-utero throughout our lifespan; our health will be influenced by how we eat, manage stress, and exercise, and more. If you are creating your family via egg donation, you may be struggling with the fact that you can’t contribute genetically to your child. However, you will be able to contribute significantly to your child’s development “Thanks to the role of epigenetics, your nurturing womb can help your baby lead their healthiest life, well into adulthood,” says Jaime Shamonki , MD is the Chief Medical Officer at Generate Life Sciences, who is also a physician with unique expertise in regenerative medicine, reproductive medicine, genetics, and clinical laboratory management. “It turns out molecules known as MicroRNAs that are secreted in the mother’s womb act as a communication system between the mother (or surrogate) and the growing fetus… this is really the beginning of every influence that a mother (or surrogate) can have, including the onset of diseases.” Dr. Carlos Simon , a researcher who started his career at Stanford University in 1996, has presented more information about the effects of epigenetics. I share his findings below. “Think of the MicroRNAs as little spaceships that shuttle information through the endometrial milk from a mother’s genes to the developing embryo and regulate the expression of its genes. “This epigenetic effect begins to happen at the moment of conception,” says. Dr. Simon. “If you take out the micro RNA, this regulation disappears.” But it’s about more than how your baby will look. Dr. Simon says that this is really the beginning of every influence that a mother (or surrogate) can have, including the onset of diseases. For example, if a mother has Type 2 Diabetes at the moment of conception, it can directly affect her growing fetus. “The condition of the mothers at the time of pregnancy makes a huge difference, says Dr. Simon. “There are many things a mother can change regardless of whether her baby comes from her own eggs or not, and by the same token a surrogate can modify her lifestyle for the baby.” Over the years, I have worked with thousands of future parents and often heard back from them telling me how much their children share certain qualities with them. In some cases they seemed to have the mother's eyes and in many cases, they have the same mannerisms as the parents. There is really no guarantee that any child, regardless of how they are conceived, will look like his or her parents. But I love this note I received from a former client years ago: “Almost 2 years ago, I contacted you to help us locate a donor. I was hesitant to even consider using a donor and, of course, very sad that in our fertility journey, we were at this junction. Over the course of 8 years, we had experienced 14 IUI’s, 8 IVF egg retrievals and transfers, and 4 miscarriages. You helped us locate a donor and now we are the glowing parents of an amazing 8-month-old daughter. I wanted to share with you something I’ve learned from our “Topsy Turvey” tomato plant hanger and our daughter. When our miracle baby was born, it was amazing how much she looked like me. In fact, my mother drug out my baby book and compared pictures of how much we looked alike. She even had the same birthmark on the back of her head and mole on her rear end that I have. We love garden fresh tomatoes. Sadly, our Topsy Turvey tomatoes tasted terrible compared to my mother-in-law's tomatoes. What I learned is that it really doesn’t matter where the tomato seed came from. The secret ingredient was the soil that grew the tomatoes. I can with 200% certainty tell anyone hesitant about using a donor that once your baby is born, that baby is ALL yours. We are so grateful for our miracle baby and I regularly say prayers and offer thanks to our egg donor. I may never meet our donor, but I will forever be eternally grateful for her gift to us. She gave us the seed to grow our daughter, and allowed my soil to grow her. She’s our daughter in every way. Thanks so much for helping us find the 'special seed' we needed.” Often, epigenetics is a source of confusion for parents beginning the egg donation, sperm donation, or surrogacy process. It is one of many considerations, and a piece that can often feel overwhelming as you make your decision to pursue third-party fertility. Having knowledge about these concepts is just one part of what will help you to feel prepared. We strongly recommend working with a specialized fertility therapist who can help walk you through the fears, concerns, or trauma that you may have after a fertility battle. My suggestion to all intended parents who may be struggling with the decision to pursue a donor egg cycle and/or surrogacy - your fears are valid, and talking through them is the first step. But there is light on the other side. Interested in building your family with Donor Concierge? Schedule your free consultation today .

Exciting news: we've partnered with Carrot Fertility ! We're working together to bridge gaps in fertility access by bringing third-party fertility coverage to more hopeful parents. If fertility benefits feel out of reach, Carrot Fertility is here to help. To kick things off, they're sharing their expert advice to help YOU advocate for fertility coverage. Read on! If you’ve had to take out a loan or ask family for support funding your egg donor search or gestational carrier (commonly known as surrogacy) journey, you’re not alone. Donor-assisted reproduction is expensive and rarely covered by insurance. To help close the gap, some employers offer fertility and family-forming benefits. These benefits provide financial and logistical support for fertility care and other family-building services. Want to get your employer on board? Asking for fertility benefits can be daunting but with a bit of preparation about how they work — and how they can benefit your company — you can make a strong case for yourself and your colleagues. Step 1: Know that your HR team wants to hear from you If you’re feeling nervous, it’s helpful to remember that many benefits programs get off the ground because of employee demand. Especially in a competitive job market, HR teams want to create employee benefits packages that meet the needs of their existing employees and make the company more attractive to job seekers. In other words, assuming your HR team is committed to creating the best benefits package they can, they want to hear from you. Step 2: Gather your evidence Data is important to HR teams. They might ask questions like, how many people would use a potential new benefit? How much will it cost? How does it impact their bottom line? While you don’t need to go into your meeting with a PowerPoint deck and spreadsheet prepared, having a few numbers in your back pocket can help support your request. Here are some powerful stats to consider sharing: Infertility is common. One in eight couples are affected by infertility in the United States. Medical infertility isn’t the only reason people seek out fertility and family-forming care and services. 63% of LGBTQ+ couples and individuals plan to use donor-assisted reproduction such as donor-assisted reproduction and gestational carrier (GC) services to grow their families. Offering fertility benefits can help improve employee recruitment and retention . 88% of respondents in Carrot’s Fertility at Work survey would change jobs for fertility benefits — and 77% would stay at a company longer if they had access to fertility benefits. Just 24% of companies offer fertility benefits and even fewer include coverage beyond in vitro fertilization (IVF). Offering an inclusive fertility benefit that covers donor-assisted reproduction and adoption can help your employer stand out even more. Many employees don’t feel comfortable discussing fertility and family forming at work. If you’re the only person approaching HR about this topic, that doesn’t mean you’re the only one going through it. Nearly a third of respondents wouldn’t feel comfortable asking for fertility benefits at work. Besides data, personal stories are powerful, too, but it’s understandable if you don’t feel comfortable getting into the details of your own. Instead, you can share examples of parenthood journeys a fertility benefit can support. For example, Carrot Fertility shared a series of personal stories for National Infertility Awareness Week that highlight some of the ways fertility benefits impact employees. Step 3: Get specific about the support you want — but let your HR team know there are flexible options Though fertility benefits are growing in popularity, your HR team may not necessarily be familiar with them. They may also associate fertility benefits with egg freezing or IVF support, leaving out services like sperm freezing, donor-assisted reproduction, and GC services. When discussing fertility benefits with your company, share that to be truly inclusive of all paths to parenthood, their fertility benefit should include support for IVF, IUI, donor-assisted reproduction, GC services, and adoption. Your HR team may also be under the impression that fertility benefits are too expensive, especially if your company is on the smaller side. While some large companies do make a significant investment in fertility benefits, solutions like Carrot Fertility also offer flexible options that can expand as a company grows. Step 4: Consider finding allies. There’s power in numbers, so if you can, consider enlisting other employees when you make your request. If your company has employee resource groups (ERGs), they can be a great liaison between employees and HR teams. ERGs are employee-led groups of individuals with a shared identity or experience. Some common ERGs include: Culture, race, and ethnicity People with disabilities Women Religion or faith Gender identity Sexual orientation Parenting If your company doesn’t have ERGs, another option is to join forces with a co-worker who agrees that fertility and family-forming benefits are important — even if they’re personally not going through a family-forming journey. Surveys show that when companies offer fertility benefits, just knowing they’re available boosts morale even for those who aren’t planning to grow their families. Finding an egg donor or GC takes time, money, and patience. Employers can help by providing fertility benefits that are inclusive of all paths to parenthood. It can be intimidating to start the conversation, but advocating for fertility benefits at your company could mean that both you and your colleagues can access the family-forming care and services you need. About Carrot Fertility: Carrot Fertility is the leading global fertility benefits provider for employers and health plans, built to support people through their entire family-forming fertility journey. If your employer offers Carrot Fertility, you have access to discounts with Donor Concierge/Tulip. Want to request Carrot at your company? Fill out our request form and we’ll be happy to reach out to your HR team on your behalf.