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The UCSF Ovum Donor Program was one of the first programs of its kind in the Bay Area, when it was founded in 1991. The program's objective is to provide women — whose ovaries do not contain eggs or contain eggs that are unlikely to result in healthy, successful embryos — an opportunity to become pregnant. An increasing number of women choose ovum donation when other infertility therapies, including in vitro fertilization, are unsuccessful or when hormonal tests indicate poor reproductive potential.

The ovum donor takes medication to stimulate her ovaries to produce several eggs. The eggs are then removed from her ovaries through the vagina. The eggs are fertilized in the laboratory with the sperm from the recipient's partner. Two or three days later, the fertilized eggs are placed through the recipient's vagina into her uterus, which has been prepared with medication to receive embryos.

Often there are emotional, psychological and sometimes legal issues to be resolved before ovum donation is pursued. We work with professional counselors who are experienced in helping couples make this decision.

After deciding to pursue egg donation, the next major decision is choosing an egg donor. A couple may choose to have either an anonymous donor, usually 21 to 33 years of age, or someone they know. Sisters and close friends often are excellent egg donors. Donors also can be identified through an outside ovum donor recruitment agency.

For more information or a consultation, please contact:
UCSF Ovum Donor Program (415) 353-7475

At your first appointment, the procedure will be discussed in detail. After reviewing your medical history, our doctors can determine if an egg donation is a viable option.

If you're interesting in becoming an ovum donor, please contact us at (415) 353-3049.

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