DONORS FAQ
DONORS FAQ
Our donors FAQ is here to guide you through every step of the donation journey. We understand that deciding to become an egg donor, sperm donor, or surrogate is a deeply personal and meaningful choice. Giving the gift of helping others build their families is both rewarding and transformative, and it’s natural to have questions throughout the process. Our FAQ page provides clear, honest answers about each program—covering everything from eligibility and medical steps to legal protections and emotional support. Whether you’re just exploring or ready to begin your journey, this guide will help you feel informed, confident, and supported every step of the way.
EGG DONORS
Egg donation is a meaningful way to help others build their family. As a donor, you provide your eggs to be fertilized through IVF and then transferred to the intended parent or their surrogate. Your generous gift gives others the chance to experience the joy of parenthood and create a family filled with love and hope.
For more information on the egg donation process, check out our Become an Egg Donor page!
Donor must be between the ages of 19-29, have a BMI of 18-29, of good health physically/mentally/psychologically, regular menstrual cycles, non-smoker (including marijuana) and non-drug user, and AMH level of at least 2.0. Other factors such as donor/family medical history, genetics, and lifestyle will be considered in the application process.
The egg donation process from initial screening to the egg retrieval can take several weeks to a few months depending on your menstrual cycle and medical timeline. The medications however are only taken 10-14 days!
No. Each month your body naturally discards multiple eggs during your cycle. Egg donation simply retrieves those eggs that would otherwise be lost, and research confirms that it does not impact future fertility.
Yes, generally, but like all medical procedures there are risks involved such as bleeding, infection, or reactions to medications.
According to ASRM guidelines, females can donate their eggs up to 6 times in their lifetime.
Yes, we are an international egg donor agency. We accept donors from around the globe!
We review antidepressant use on a case-by-case basis while reviewing your medical records.
Yes you can, however, some birth control methods (ex. Depo shot, implants) may need to be removed prior to starting the egg donation process. IUDS and birth control pills are typically fine.
AMH level testing, genetic screening, infectious disease screening, ultrasound, & a psychological evaluation.
As an egg donor, you will have to self-inject hormone medications (typically Lupron, FSH, FSH & LH, Cetrotide, etc) for about 10-14 days to stimulate your ovaries to mature multiple eggs within a single cycle. Our medical team provides thorough guidance to ensure you feel comfortable and confident with each step.
In some cases, birth control pills may be prescribed prior to stimulation to help regulate your menstrual cycle and align it with the clinic’s medical timeline, ensuring optimal synchronization before beginning hormone injections.
Clinics perform this procedure under light sedation, so the donor does not feel pain. Mild cramping or bloating may be experienced afterward, but recovery is typically quick.
Once your eggs are retrieved, all of them are then fertilized with sperm in the lab to create embryos that are then transferred to the intended parent mother or a surrogate.
If just donating without an intended parent match, eggs are frozen after retrieval as ‘frozen cohorts’ to await a match with intended parents!
Absolutely! Whether you choose to stay anonymous, limited contact, or completely open with your donation, its completely up to you!
No. All parental rights belong solely to the intended parents. Legal agreements ensure an egg donor’s role is limited to donation.
After you pass your initial screening, your profile will be added into our donor database where intended parents can review your profile. If they decide to go with you, Luxe will coordinate the process and finalize agreements.
We cover all expenses; you won't pay anything out of pocket.
Check out our Egg Donor Compensation page for more details!
To get started, apply online through our Egg Donor Application. Our team will review your application, if approved, you will go forward with the initial screening and matched with intended parents. If donating frozen cohorts, no matching with intended parents will take place prior to egg retrieval.
SPERM DONORS
Sperm donation is a meaningful way to help individuals and couples achieve their dream of parenthood. As a donor, you provide a semen sample that is carefully screened and used to fertilize an egg through IVF or insemination. Your generous contribution gives others the chance to grow their family and experience the joy of raising a child.
For more information on the sperm donation process, check out our Become a Sperm Donor page!
Donor must be between the ages of 19-40, have a BMI of 18-29, minimum height of 5’10, be of good health physically/mentally/psychologically, healthy semen analysis, and be a non-smoker (including marijuana) and non-drug user. Other factors such as donor/family medical history, genetics, and lifestyle will be considered in the application process.
The sperm donation process from initial screening to the sperm collection typically takes a few weeks depending on the evaluation and labs.
According to ASRM guidelines, there is no specific number of times males can donate their sperm. However, we limit the number of families your sperm can go to, and we recommend donating once a week.
No. Each day your body naturally produces millions of new sperm.
Yes, donating sperm is a simple and non-invasive procedure. Donors provide samples through a natural method of collection, meaning no surgery or anesthesia is ever required.
Definitely! It can be a positive sign of infertility if you’ve had children.
Yes, we are an international sperm donor agency. We accept donors from around the globe!
We review antidepressant use on a case-by-case basis while reviewing your medical records.
Yes, you will need to refrain from ejaculation for a few days prior to providing your sample as to achieve an optimal sperm count.
Genetic screening, infectious disease screening, semen analysis, psychological evaluation, and a full medical history review.
You will also undergo 6-month quarantine bloodwork (after collection) before your samples can be released as to check for any infectious diseases, such as HIV, that do not show up positive until 6 months later.
No medications are given to sperm donors. We just require you to be within the healthy parameters!
No, donating sperm is a simple and non-invasive procedure. Donors provide samples through a natural method of collection, meaning no surgery or anesthesia is ever required.
Once your sperm is collected, it is cryopreserved.
The FDA requires that sperm donors get bloodwork again at the 6-month mark to test for any infectious diseases, such as HIV, as it does not show up present in bloodwork until 6 months later.
After you pass your initial screening, your profile will be added to our donor database where intended parents can review your profile. If they decide to go with you, Luxe will coordinate the process and finalize agreements. However, we will not release your sperm vials to a family until you have been cleared after the 6-month quarantine bloodwork.
Absolutely! Whether you choose to stay anonymous, with limited contact, or completely open with your donation, it’s completely up to you!
No. All parental rights belong solely to the intended parents. Legal agreements ensure a sperm donor’s role is limited to donation.
We cover all expenses; you won't pay anything out of pocket.
Check out our Sperm Donor Compensation page for more details!
To get started, apply online through our Sperm Donor Application. Our team will review your application, if approved, you will go forward with the initial screening and donation process.
SURROGATES
Surrogacy is a compassionate way to help intended parents build their family. At Luxe, we only offer gestational surrogacy, meaning the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby — the embryo is created using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm. Through your generosity, you carry and nurture a baby for someone who cannot do so on their own, giving them the incredible gift of parenthood.
For more information on the surrogacy process, check out our Become a Surrogate page!
Donor must be between the ages of 21-40, non-smoker (including marijuana) and non-drug user, no history of alcoholism or other addiction, have a BMI of 32 or below, have given birth at least once, have a history of healthy pregnancies and deliveries, have had no more than 3 C-sections, have reliable transportation, financially independent, and be a permanent resident in the US.
Personal/lifestyle screening, medical history of pregnancies and deliveries, background checks, home assessment, and medical screening!
From the initial screening, medical screening, embryo transfer, and pregnancy, the process can typically take a little over a year.
No, most surrogate’s deliver at their local hospital where the intended parents travel to. However, there may be a time when you need to travel to the intended parent’s clinic for the embryo transfer—this is something that is discussed and planned beforehand!
No, we require all of our surrogates to have given birth at least once.
Fertility clinic guidelines allow surrogates to begin a new journey approximately three months after a vaginal birth or six months following a C-section. This ensures your body has fully recovered and is ready for another healthy pregnancy.
Yes, you can still apply if you are breastfeeding. If you meet all the requirements, we will work with you on how to move forward as to make sure you meet your current breastfeeding goals prior to surrogacy.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept individuals who have experienced postpartum depression after any of their deliveries in which they were prescribed antidepressants.
We review antidepressant use on a case-by-case basis while reviewing your medical records.
Certain STIs can prevent you from becoming a surrogate. Infections like HIV or Hepatitis, which could be transmitted to the baby, are disqualifying. However, other conditions such as genital warts or herpes may not automatically exclude you. Each case is evaluated individually to ensure the safety of both the surrogate and the child.
Yes. We work with a diverse range of intended parents, including married couples, single parents, same-sex couples, and individuals from both domestic and international backgrounds. Some are growing their families, while others are welcoming a child for the very first time. Through our matching questionnaire, we carefully narrow down potential intended parents based on your preferences and comfort level, ensuring that you are matched with families who align with your expectations and values.
Yes! Typically, a video call is set up for everyone to get to know each other. Once everyone agrees to the match, you will be able to meet in person.
Every patient is different, and every clinic is different, but typically clinics will require self-injection hormone medications.
After the surrogate passes the initial screening process and becomes medically cleared, they will start hormone medications (self-injections, pills, etc.) to prepare for the embryo transfer. This process is monitored routinely.
When the time is right, you will return to the intended parents’ clinic for the embryo transfer. This procedure is gentle, swift, and comparable to a routine OBGYN visit. The embryo—or embryos—are carefully placed within your uterus with the intention of successful implantation.
Roughly a week following the embryo transfer, you’ll visit a local clinic for bloodwork to confirm pregnancy. Another week later, your pregnancy will be confirmed with an ultrasound. Medications generally continue until week 10 or 11, at which point you’ll transition seamlessly into the trusted care of your personal OBGYN or midwife.
Typically, 1-2 embryos.
Yes, you can pick your own OB/GYN for prenatal care and delivery if it is a qualified clinic. However, for the IVF treatment, you will need to go to the intended parent’s clinic.
While IVF has made incredible progress, it doesn’t always go as planned. On rare occasions, a transfer may not result in a pregnancy. If this happens, know that you and the intended parents will be fully supported as you prepare for the next attempt. Most surrogates begin a new medication cycle for another transfer within about two months, moving forward with care, guidance, and confidence.
Every family approaches these decisions differently, and we deeply respect those differences. Some intended parents may choose to continue a pregnancy even in the face of a serious medical diagnosis. If this is important to you, our team will talk through your preferences and do our best to match you with parents whose outlook aligns with your own.
Absolutely not! Many surrogates prefer transferring a single embryo at a time, and your choices will be fully discussed during your one-on-one consultation. You’ll record your final preferences in the Matching Questionnaire after applying, ensuring we match you with intended parents who share your perspective. For surrogates open to carrying twins, additional compensation is provided in recognition of the added commitment.
During the surrogacy process, carriers are generally asked to refrain from sexual intercourse for about two weeks before and two weeks after the embryo transfer. Your IVF clinic will provide personalized instructions based on your specific treatment plan.
Every surrogacy journey is unique, and so is the bond between surrogates and intended parents. During the matching process, we carefully review communication preferences and relationship expectations. Many intended parents hope for a supportive, ongoing connection throughout the pregnancy—attending key appointments when possible and being present for the birth. After delivery, it’s common for surrogates and parents to maintain a warm and meaningful relationship long into the future, at a level that feels comfortable for everyone.
No. All parental rights belong solely to the intended parents. Legal agreements ensure a surrogate’s role is limited to surrogacy.
We recommend waiting at least three months after a vaginal delivery or six months after a C-section before reapplying. This allows you time to focus on your postpartum recovery and your family. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and we support your choice.
The timing of your embryo transfer depends on the policies of the IVF clinic you are matched with. Generally, most clinics permit a transfer 9 to 12 months after a vaginal delivery or 12 months following a C-section.
Compensation for surrogates varies depending on several factors, such as whether you’re a first-time or experienced surrogate, your location, your insurance coverage, and the specific preferences of the intended parents you’re matched with. Beyond your base compensation, additional allowances are often included for things like maternity clothing, travel, and medical appointments. On average, compensation packages range widely, but every surrogate receives meaningful financial recognition for the incredible gift she provides.
At Luxe, we want you to feel valued—not only for your time and dedication, but for the life-changing role you play in helping another family grow. We’ll discuss your preferences and ensure that your compensation plan reflects both your needs and the extraordinary generosity you’re sharing.
Check out our Surrogacy Compensation page for more details!
To get started, apply online through our Surrogate Application. Our team will review your application, if approved, you will go forward with the initial screening and matched with intended parents.
EGG DONORS
Egg donation is a meaningful way to help others build their family. As a donor, you provide your eggs to be fertilized through IVF and then transferred to the intended parent or their surrogate. Your generous gift gives others the chance to experience the joy of parenthood and create a family filled with love and hope.
For more information on the egg donation process, check out our Become an Egg Donor page!
Donor must be between the ages of 19-29, have a BMI of 18-29, of good health physically/mentally/psychologically, regular menstrual cycles, non-smoker (including marijuana) and non-drug user, and AMH level of at least 2.0. Other factors such as donor/family medical history, genetics, and lifestyle will be considered in the application process.
The egg donation process from initial screening to the egg retrieval can take several weeks to a few months depending on your menstrual cycle and medical timeline. The medications however are only taken 10-14 days!
No. Each month your body naturally discards multiple eggs during your cycle. Egg donation simply retrieves those eggs that would otherwise be lost, and research confirms that it does not impact future fertility.
Yes, generally, but like all medical procedures there are risks involved such as bleeding, infection, or reactions to medications.
According to ASRM guidelines, females can donate their eggs up to 6 times in their lifetime.
Yes, we are an international egg donor agency. We accept donors from around the globe!
We review antidepressant use on a case-by-case basis while reviewing your medical records.
Yes you can, however, some birth control methods (ex. Depo shot, implants) may need to be removed prior to starting the egg donation process. IUDS and birth control pills are typically fine.
AMH level testing, genetic screening, infectious disease screening, ultrasound, & a psychological evaluation.
As an egg donor, you will have to self-inject hormone medications (typically Lupron, FSH, FSH & LH, Cetrotide, etc) for about 10-14 days to stimulate your ovaries to mature multiple eggs within a single cycle. Our medical team provides thorough guidance to ensure you feel comfortable and confident with each step.
In some cases, birth control pills may be prescribed prior to stimulation to help regulate your menstrual cycle and align it with the clinic’s medical timeline, ensuring optimal synchronization before beginning hormone injections.
Clinics perform this procedure under light sedation, so the donor does not feel pain. Mild cramping or bloating may be experienced afterward, but recovery is typically quick.
Once your eggs are retrieved, all of them are then fertilized with sperm in the lab to create embryos that are then transferred to the intended parent mother or a surrogate.
If just donating without an intended parent match, eggs are frozen after retrieval as ‘frozen cohorts’ to await a match with intended parents!
Absolutely! Whether you choose to stay anonymous, limited contact, or completely open with your donation, its completely up to you!
No. All parental rights belong solely to the intended parents. Legal agreements ensure an egg donor’s role is limited to donation.
After you pass your initial screening, your profile will be added into our donor database where intended parents can review your profile. If they decide to go with you, Luxe will coordinate the process and finalize agreements.
We cover all expenses; you won't pay anything out of pocket.
Check out our Egg Donor Compensation page for more details!
To get started, apply online through our Egg Donor Application. Our team will review your application, if approved, you will go forward with the initial screening and matched with intended parents. If donating frozen cohorts, no matching with intended parents will take place prior to egg retrieval.
SPERM DONORS
Sperm donation is a meaningful way to help individuals and couples achieve their dream of parenthood. As a donor, you provide a semen sample that is carefully screened and used to fertilize an egg through IVF or insemination. Your generous contribution gives others the chance to grow their family and experience the joy of raising a child.
For more information on the sperm donation process, check out our Become a Sperm Donor page!
Donor must be between the ages of 19-40, have a BMI of 18-29, minimum height of 5’10, be of good health physically/mentally/psychologically, healthy semen analysis, and be a non-smoker (including marijuana) and non-drug user. Other factors such as donor/family medical history, genetics, and lifestyle will be considered in the application process.
The sperm donation process from initial screening to the sperm collection typically takes a few weeks depending on the evaluation and labs.
According to ASRM guidelines, there is no specific number of times males can donate their sperm. However, we limit the number of families your sperm can go to, and we recommend donating once a week.
No. Each day your body naturally produces millions of new sperm.
Yes, donating sperm is a simple and non-invasive procedure. Donors provide samples through a natural method of collection, meaning no surgery or anesthesia is ever required.
Definitely! It can be a positive sign of infertility if you’ve had children.
Yes, we are an international sperm donor agency. We accept donors from around the globe!
We review antidepressant use on a case-by-case basis while reviewing your medical records.
Yes, you will need to refrain from ejaculation for a few days prior to providing your sample as to achieve an optimal sperm count.
Genetic screening, infectious disease screening, semen analysis, psychological evaluation, and a full medical history review.
You will also undergo 6-month quarantine bloodwork (after collection) before your samples can be released as to check for any infectious diseases, such as HIV, that do not show up positive until 6 months later.
No medications are given to sperm donors. We just require you to be within the healthy parameters!
No, donating sperm is a simple and non-invasive procedure. Donors provide samples through a natural method of collection, meaning no surgery or anesthesia is ever required.
Once your sperm is collected, it is cryopreserved.
The FDA requires that sperm donors get bloodwork again at the 6-month mark to test for any infectious diseases, such as HIV, as it does not show up present in bloodwork until 6 months later.
After you pass your initial screening, your profile will be added to our donor database where intended parents can review your profile. If they decide to go with you, Luxe will coordinate the process and finalize agreements. However, we will not release your sperm vials to a family until you have been cleared after the 6-month quarantine bloodwork.
Absolutely! Whether you choose to stay anonymous, with limited contact, or completely open with your donation, it’s completely up to you!
No. All parental rights belong solely to the intended parents. Legal agreements ensure a sperm donor’s role is limited to donation.
We cover all expenses; you won't pay anything out of pocket.
Check out our Sperm Donor Compensation page for more details!
To get started, apply online through our Sperm Donor Application. Our team will review your application, if approved, you will go forward with the initial screening and donation process.
SURROGATES
Surrogacy is a compassionate way to help intended parents build their family. At Luxe, we only offer gestational surrogacy, meaning the surrogate has no genetic connection to the baby — the embryo is created using the intended parents’ or donors’ egg and sperm. Through your generosity, you carry and nurture a baby for someone who cannot do so on their own, giving them the incredible gift of parenthood.
For more information on the surrogacy process, check out our Become a Surrogate page!
Donor must be between the ages of 21-40, non-smoker (including marijuana) and non-drug user, no history of alcoholism or other addiction, have a BMI of 32 or below, have given birth at least once, have a history of healthy pregnancies and deliveries, have had no more than 3 C-sections, have reliable transportation, financially independent, and be a permanent resident in the US.
Personal/lifestyle screening, medical history of pregnancies and deliveries, background checks, home assessment, and medical screening!
From the initial screening, medical screening, embryo transfer, and pregnancy, the process can typically take a little over a year.
No, most surrogate’s deliver at their local hospital where the intended parents travel to. However, there may be a time when you need to travel to the intended parent’s clinic for the embryo transfer—this is something that is discussed and planned beforehand!
No, we require all of our surrogates to have given birth at least once.
Fertility clinic guidelines allow surrogates to begin a new journey approximately three months after a vaginal birth or six months following a C-section. This ensures your body has fully recovered and is ready for another healthy pregnancy.
Yes, you can still apply if you are breastfeeding. If you meet all the requirements, we will work with you on how to move forward as to make sure you meet your current breastfeeding goals prior to surrogacy.
Unfortunately, we cannot accept individuals who have experienced postpartum depression after any of their deliveries in which they were prescribed antidepressants.
We review antidepressant use on a case-by-case basis while reviewing your medical records.
Certain STIs can prevent you from becoming a surrogate. Infections like HIV or Hepatitis, which could be transmitted to the baby, are disqualifying. However, other conditions such as genital warts or herpes may not automatically exclude you. Each case is evaluated individually to ensure the safety of both the surrogate and the child.
Yes. We work with a diverse range of intended parents, including married couples, single parents, same-sex couples, and individuals from both domestic and international backgrounds. Some are growing their families, while others are welcoming a child for the very first time. Through our matching questionnaire, we carefully narrow down potential intended parents based on your preferences and comfort level, ensuring that you are matched with families who align with your expectations and values.
Yes! Typically, a video call is set up for everyone to get to know each other. Once everyone agrees to the match, you will be able to meet in person.
Every patient is different, and every clinic is different, but typically clinics will require self-injection hormone medications.
After the surrogate passes the initial screening process and becomes medically cleared, they will start hormone medications (self-injections, pills, etc.) to prepare for the embryo transfer. This process is monitored routinely.
When the time is right, you will return to the intended parents’ clinic for the embryo transfer. This procedure is gentle, swift, and comparable to a routine OBGYN visit. The embryo—or embryos—are carefully placed within your uterus with the intention of successful implantation.
Roughly a week following the embryo transfer, you’ll visit a local clinic for bloodwork to confirm pregnancy. Another week later, your pregnancy will be confirmed with an ultrasound. Medications generally continue until week 10 or 11, at which point you’ll transition seamlessly into the trusted care of your personal OBGYN or midwife.
Typically, 1-2 embryos.
Yes, you can pick your own OB/GYN for prenatal care and delivery if it is a qualified clinic. However, for the IVF treatment, you will need to go to the intended parent’s clinic.
While IVF has made incredible progress, it doesn’t always go as planned. On rare occasions, a transfer may not result in a pregnancy. If this happens, know that you and the intended parents will be fully supported as you prepare for the next attempt. Most surrogates begin a new medication cycle for another transfer within about two months, moving forward with care, guidance, and confidence.
Every family approaches these decisions differently, and we deeply respect those differences. Some intended parents may choose to continue a pregnancy even in the face of a serious medical diagnosis. If this is important to you, our team will talk through your preferences and do our best to match you with parents whose outlook aligns with your own.
Absolutely not! Many surrogates prefer transferring a single embryo at a time, and your choices will be fully discussed during your one-on-one consultation. You’ll record your final preferences in the Matching Questionnaire after applying, ensuring we match you with intended parents who share your perspective. For surrogates open to carrying twins, additional compensation is provided in recognition of the added commitment.
During the surrogacy process, carriers are generally asked to refrain from sexual intercourse for about two weeks before and two weeks after the embryo transfer. Your IVF clinic will provide personalized instructions based on your specific treatment plan.
Every surrogacy journey is unique, and so is the bond between surrogates and intended parents. During the matching process, we carefully review communication preferences and relationship expectations. Many intended parents hope for a supportive, ongoing connection throughout the pregnancy—attending key appointments when possible and being present for the birth. After delivery, it’s common for surrogates and parents to maintain a warm and meaningful relationship long into the future, at a level that feels comfortable for everyone.
No. All parental rights belong solely to the intended parents. Legal agreements ensure a surrogate’s role is limited to surrogacy.
We recommend waiting at least three months after a vaginal delivery or six months after a C-section before reapplying. This allows you time to focus on your postpartum recovery and your family. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and we support your choice.
The timing of your embryo transfer depends on the policies of the IVF clinic you are matched with. Generally, most clinics permit a transfer 9 to 12 months after a vaginal delivery or 12 months following a C-section.
Compensation for surrogates varies depending on several factors, such as whether you’re a first-time or experienced surrogate, your location, your insurance coverage, and the specific preferences of the intended parents you’re matched with. Beyond your base compensation, additional allowances are often included for things like maternity clothing, travel, and medical appointments. On average, compensation packages range widely, but every surrogate receives meaningful financial recognition for the incredible gift she provides.
At Luxe, we want you to feel valued—not only for your time and dedication, but for the life-changing role you play in helping another family grow. We’ll discuss your preferences and ensure that your compensation plan reflects both your needs and the extraordinary generosity you’re sharing.
Check out our Surrogacy Compensation page for more details!
To get started, apply online through our Surrogate Application. Our team will review your application, if approved, you will go forward with the initial screening and matched with intended parents.