Many intended parents enter their third-party fertility journey unsure of what to expect or how to navigate the process. And often, parents find that searching for an egg donor brings up questions and emotions that they never knew they had. At Tulip, we’re here to make it as easy as possible, so we’re sharing our top tips to find your perfect egg donor.
Know what you’re looking for
As you begin your search, it’s crucial that you know what you want in an egg donor. Many parents start out with a vague idea of “someone like me,” but it is helpful to sit down and consider what that really means. How important is heritage, ethnic background or religion? Are you looking for a donor with a similar educational background to you, someone who shares your love of sports or animals?
Once you have a clear idea of the qualities that are important to you, you can use Tulip’s search functions to find potential donors. Knowing what you are looking for will help you narrow down your search – but make sure you also see the big picture. Some parents get wrapped up in the minutiae, so remember that each egg donor is an individual person whose fertility health and availability matter above all. Once you’ve found several donors who fit your criteria, think holistically about who best fits your family.
Understanding the process
We started Tulip to make finding an egg donor easier than ever before, but that is just one part of the process! Before you select a donor, you will want to choose a fertility clinic in your area that can facilitate your treatments. You will also need to work with a fertility lawyer who can help you create contracts for yourself and your egg donor. After selecting a donor, you will work with her agency to finalize your agreement and get ready to begin the donation process. This is when it’s key to have your clinic and attorney ready to go!
Each family’s fertility needs are different, but doing your homework beforehand will make the road ahead much smoother. For more information about the egg donation process, check out our education and resources.
Hit the ground running
Once you’ve made your list and assembled your fertility team, it’s decision time. There are more women donating their eggs than ever before, but there are also more parents looking for donors. There is no guarantee that a candidate will still be available in one month (or one year!). So when you find an egg donor who is a great fit, you want to be able to commit to the agency and so you can get started on your egg donor cycle right away.
While many parents ensure they are physically and financially prepared, remember that being emotionally prepared is half the battle. The egg donation process can bring up a lot of emotions, so be kind to yourself and seek out professional support when needed. If you’re looking for a fertility clinic, mental health support, a reproductive attorney or any other fertility professional- let your Tulip coach know and she can make some suggestions.
