Can You Donate Eggs More Than Once?
In fact, a healthy woman can only donate eggs a limited number of times in her lifetime.
Although egg donation is a compassionate act that gives others the chance to start a family, it involves more than goodwill — it also carries legal, medical, and psychological considerations.
Before making this sensitive and significant decision, it’s essential to fully understand the eligibility requirements, donation process, compensation system, and potential risks to safeguard both your health and your rights.
How Many Times Can a Woman Donate Eggs? — Legal and Medical Regulations
The number of times a woman can donate eggs is regulated by both law and medical safety standards.
These guidelines exist to protect women’s health and ensure the ethical quality of reproductive medicine.
In Taiwan, there are specific restrictions governing egg donation, including limits on donation frequency, age, medical criteria, and health evaluations.
Legal Restrictions on Egg Donation in Taiwan:
Taiwan’s Assisted Reproduction Act sets clear rules to protect egg donors’ health and safety.
According to the law:
- A woman may donate eggs only once in her lifetime.
- Eggs from the same donor can be provided to no more than two recipient couples.
- As stated in Article 9 of the “Regulations Governing Licensing of Assisted Reproduction Institutions”, medical facilities must establish and maintain a comprehensive donor database, accurately recording each donor’s information and donation history.
The purpose of these regulations is to prevent the risk of consanguinity (close genetic relations) and protect the donor’s long-term health.
This limitation also aligns with the 2007 revision of the Ethical Guidelines for Assisted Reproductive Technologies, which emphasize that donor protection must always take priority.
Medically Recommended Limits on Egg Donation:
From a medical standpoint, professional organizations worldwide recommend limits based on women’s reproductive health and safety:
- The Taiwan Society for Reproductive Medicine recommends no more than six donations in a lifetime, with at least six months between each cycle.
- The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) also advises a maximum of six donations, primarily to minimize the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
- The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) recommends five to six donations at most, focusing on long-term ovarian health.
Clinical data from international studies suggest that exceeding the recommended limit may increase the risk of ovarian function impairment by 15–20%.
How to Donate Eggs Safely?
Age Requirements
Age is one of the most critical factors affecting egg quality:
- Taiwan regulations: Donors must be between 18 and 40 years old.
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM): Recommends 20–30 years old.
- Most European countries: Allow donors between 18 and 35 years old.
The decline in egg quality with age is mainly due to:
- Increased risk of chromosomal nondisjunction (abnormal chromosome separation)
- Decreased mitochondrial function
- Reduced DNA repair capacity in eggs
In general, the ideal donation age is between 20 and 34 years old.
After age 35, the risk of chromosomal abnormalities rises to around 25–30%, while donors under 20 may lack psychological maturity or the legal capacity for informed consent.
Height and Weight Requirements:
Egg donation agencies also set height and BMI standards to ensure the donor’s safety and health:
- Taiwan fertility centers: typically require a BMI of 18.5–27.5
- U.S. fertility clinics: usually accept BMI of 18.5–30
- Standard height range: generally 150–180 cm
Being underweight may affect ovulation quality, while being overweight can increase surgical and anesthesia risks.
BMI and its impact on egg donation:
| BMI Range | Impact & Risks |
|---|---|
| <18.5 | Risk of malnutrition; unstable hormone secretion |
| 18.5–24.9 | Optimal range; best egg quality |
| 25–29.9 | Acceptable, but may reduce ovarian response to medication |
| >30 | Higher anesthesia risk and more difficult egg retrieval |
Health Requirements:
Egg donors must meet strict health criteria to protect both the intended parents and future child:
- Comprehensive medical exam: including general physical, gynecological, and psychological evaluations
- Infectious disease screening: HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, etc.
- Genetic testing: karyotype analysis and screening for specific hereditary diseases
- Hormonal tests: such as FSH and AMH to assess ovarian reserve
- Drug testing: ensuring no history of substance abuse
According to the Taiwan Society for Reproductive Medicine, the required health screening includes at least 25 tests, which is even stricter than the ASRM’s 22-item guideline in the U.S.
These thorough checks help ensure both the safety and quality of the donated eggs.
Who Cannot Donate Eggs?
Certain health or lifestyle conditions disqualify women from donating eggs:
- Family history of serious genetic disorders: e.g., Huntington’s disease, cystic fibrosis
- Major existing illnesses: such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune diseases
- Mental health disorders: including depression or bipolar disorder
- Specific medication history: such as long-term steroid use or organ transplant medication
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits:
- Current smokers
- Frequent alcohol consumption
- History of drug abuse
- Irregular menstrual cycles: including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare, about 35–40% of egg donation applicants are disqualified due to one or more of these factors — a necessary precaution to ensure donor safety and maintain high medical standards.
Why limit the number of egg donations? What risks are being avoided?
The reasons for limiting egg donation frequency are grounded in multiple health and ethical considerations:
Why Should Egg Donation Frequency Be Limited? What Risks Are Being Prevented?
The limits on egg donation frequency are based on multiple medical, psychological, and ethical considerations designed to protect donors’ health and maintain the integrity of reproductive medicine.
Medical Risks
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS):
The risk of OHSS increases with repeated donation cycles — from 3–8% per cycle. - Premature Ovarian Decline:
Long-term studies suggest that frequent egg donation may raise the risk of premature ovarian function decline by about 20%. - Abdominal Bleeding:
The risk of internal or pelvic bleeding during egg retrieval is approximately 0.5–1.5%.
Psychological Health Considerations
Research shows that 15–25% of frequent donors experience emotional fluctuations such as anxiety, mood swings, or irritability, likely due to repeated hormone stimulation and the emotional nature of the process.
Ethical Concerns
- Risk of Genetic Overlap or Consanguinity:
If too many donations occur within the same region, there’s an increased risk of close genetic relations among offspring. - Compensation Abuse:
Excessive financial incentives may encourage women to overlook potential health risks, leading to ethical and exploitation concerns.
Long-Term Unknown Risks:
- The link between fertility drugs and ovarian cancer remains inconclusive, with ongoing debate in medical literature.
- A lack of large-scale, long-term follow-up studies makes it difficult to fully understand the possible effects of repeated stimulation and egg retrieval on long-term health.
Why These Rules Matter?
Given these combined risks, it’s clear why medical authorities and bioethics committees worldwide have established strict limits on the number of egg donation cycles allowed.
These regulations protect donors’ physical and psychological health, while also preventing potential social and ethical complications.
Does Multiple Egg Donations Affect Your Health?
A Taiwanese follow-up study of 250 egg donors found that those who donated three or more times showed a slight decline in ovarian function indicators, supporting the current legal limits on donation frequency.
Regulating donation frequency protects not only the donor’s health but also the overall quality and ethics of reproductive medicine.
Possible Side Effects or Long-Term Impacts of Repeated Egg Donation:
Multiple egg donations can cause both short-term side effects and potential long-term concerns. Understanding these helps donors make informed and safe decisions.
Short-Term Side Effects
- Hormonal Effects:
About 75–80% of donors experience bloating, abdominal discomfort, mild headaches, or mood changes from ovulation-stimulating medications. - Post-Procedure Reactions:
Around 30% of donors report mild pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, or fatigue after egg retrieval.
These symptoms usually subside within 1–2 weeks. - Mild OHSS:
Approximately 10–20% of donors may experience mild ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (swelling or fluid retention).
Potential Mid- to Long-Term Risks
- Some international studies have suggested a possible association between repeated egg donation and certain cancers, though no conclusive evidence has been established.
- Research indicates that women who undergo three or more consecutive donation cycles may have a 5–8% higher risk of early ovarian failure.
- The impact on future fertility remains controversial. The Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society recommends limiting donations to no more than six times.
Key Risk Factors for Frequent Donation
- Short intervals between donation cycles (less than 3 months)
- High egg yield per retrieval (more than 20 eggs)
- Family history of ovarian disorders, which may increase health risks
How long should you wait between egg donations to protect your health?
Maintaining proper intervals between egg donation cycles is crucial. Below are the medically recommended time frames, an explanation of how the body recovers, and practical care suggestions to help donors stay in optimal health.
Medically recommended safe interval:
Professional medical guidelines generally recommend waiting at least 3–6 months between egg donation cycles. This interval allows the ovaries and hormone levels to return to normal.
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM): at least 3 months between cycles to ensure full ovarian recovery
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE): recommends a 4–6 month interval
- Taiwan clinical practice: most fertility centers follow the 3–6 month guideline
Risks of donating too frequently
Ignoring proper recovery time and donating too often may lead to serious health risks:
-
Increased risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS):
- Mild OHSS occurs in 20–33% of donors
- Severe OHSS occurs in 1–2% and may require hospitalization
- Repeated, closely spaced donations can increase this risk by 1.5–2 times
-
Long-term hormonal imbalance:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Higher likelihood of early menopause
- Worsening symptoms of hormone-related disorders
-
Other hidden risks:
- Ovarian tissue damage: Studies suggest that frequent ovarian stimulation may raise the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
- Psychological impact: Hormonal fluctuations and physical discomfort can lead to emotional instability, anxiety, or depressive symptoms
Choosing to Donate Eggs Again in the U.S.: How Professional Agencies Ensure Safety
The United States has one of the most established egg donation systems in the world, with strict safety regulations and professional management that attract many international donors.
Learn how American egg donation agencies safeguard donors through comprehensive health monitoring, standardized medical procedures, and well-developed legal frameworks—helping women who plan to donate eggs a second or multiple times understand the professional protections and important considerations abroad.
What Should You Look for in a Licensed, Experienced Egg Donation Agency?
When choosing to donate eggs again in the U.S., safety is naturally the top concern for many women. A professional American egg donation agency should ensure comprehensive protection for donors—from medical procedures and legal compliance to post-operative care—through the following measures:
Strict Collaboration with U.S. Fertility Centers
Partnerships are established only with licensed and reputable IVF clinics in the U.S., ensuring every step of the process is supervised by an experienced medical team.
Comprehensive Health and Psychological Screening
All donors must undergo physical examinations, genetic history reviews, psychological evaluations, and chromosomal testing to confirm they are physically and mentally fit for egg donation in the U.S.
Donation Frequency Control
Following the recommendations of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), each woman may donate eggs no more than six times in her lifetime to minimize ovarian strain and health risks.
Full Pre- and Post-Procedure Care
From ovulation stimulation and egg retrieval surgery to post-procedure recovery, dedicated staff provide on-site support, translation, and medical assistance, ensuring peace of mind throughout the entire journey.
Legal and Informed Consent Protection
All procedures are accompanied by signed informed consent forms, with transparent explanations of risks and compensation policies to ensure that every donor’s rights and interests are fully respected.
Further reading: Egg donation in Taiwan vs. the US: How many times can you donate, and how much does it cost? For full information, see this article.
How Much Is the Egg Donation Compensation in the U.S.?
How Do Agencies Track Donation Frequency and Donor Health?
How Does the U.S. Egg Donation Compensation Compare to Taiwan’s?
Compared to Taiwan, where the maximum egg donation allowance is around NT$99,000, compensation in the United States typically ranges from USD 8,000 to USD 25,000, with some cases exceeding USD 30,000 for experienced or highly requested donors.
During the U.S. egg donation process, donors may initially cover costs such as airfare, accommodation, or visa fees, which are later reimbursed and deposited into their accounts. Therefore, it is highly recommended to work with a licensed, professional agency to confirm the contract terms and reimbursement process to protect both your legal rights and financial safety.
Comprehensive U.S. Egg Donation Protection Systems:
Centralized Data Tracking
American egg donation agencies maintain robust tracking systems to ensure long-term donor health and well-being.
- Many large organizations use professional databases to record each donor’s complete medical and donation history.
- Each donor is assigned a unique ID number, documenting all donation cycles.
- Cross-agency data sharing prevents donors from exceeding the recommended safe donation limits.
- Health records are stored for at least 10 years, ensuring continuous monitoring and traceability.
Regular Health Assessments
- A full physical exam and ultrasound evaluation are conducted before each donation cycle.
- Follow-up appointments take place about one week and one month after the procedure to assess recovery.
- Annual health surveys help track donors’ long-term physical and reproductive health.
Psychological Support System
- Professional counseling is available before, during, and after the donation process.
- Some agencies organize peer support groups specifically for egg donors.
- A 24-hour emergency hotline is provided to handle any post-procedure issues promptly.
Further reading: Six stages of egg donation in the US: How much is the maintenance fee? Do I need to pay the fees upfront for overseas egg donation?
[Global Egg Donor] Professional Egg Donation Agency
If you’re considering egg donation for the first time or for a second time, Egg Love is a trusted choice. Egg Love partners with numerous fertility centers in the United States, and the application process can be as quick as a week to confirm your suitability as an egg donor. Our professional agency allows you to help families realize their dreams of having a child in a safe and secure environment.
