BMI Requirements for Egg Donation: Why They Matter

One of the most crucial parts of egg donation is selecting candidates for egg donation. While this vetting process may seem limiting, it is vital to the success of the egg donation process. Typically egg donors are selected through a screening criteria. 

Typically the criteria used to select egg donors is age, Body Mass Index (BMI), medical history, reproductive history, location, personal background and even physical appearance. In this article, we shall be addressing the matter of BMI and why it matters medically to egg donation. 

Why Clinics Have BMI Cutoffs

To begin with, for adults, a healthy BMI ranges between 18.4 and 24.9. Less than 18 indicates that one is underweight, and more than 25 indicates one is overweight. A BMI of 30 or more is indicative of obesity. A person’s BMI under any circumstance is an indicator of their overall health and well-being. 

When it comes to egg donation, a healthy BMI is an indicator that a person is healthy enough to undergo the egg donation procedure with minimal risk of complications. As well, the eggs that are retrieved are also likely to be more healthy. As a result, clinics will typically limit potential egg donor candidates to a BMI that is less than 30. 

How BMI Affects Ovarian Stimulation

Ovarian stimulation develops multiple eggs to maturity for retrieval. Hormones and medications are used to achieve this. One of the side effects of ovarian stimulation is weight gain. Human cells all contain some amount of adipose tissue. Ovarian stimulation can cause an influx in the quantity of the adipose that covers the eggs. 

When a person has a BMI that is higher than 30, this could impact the success of ovarian stimulation negatively affecting how the eggs will develop. As well, subsequent egg retrieval can be challenging. This is all due to the fact that adipose tissue in and of itself produces hormones which, when combined with ovarian stimulation protocols can cause inflammation and swelling.

Can You Lose Weight to Qualify?

Yes. It is possible for one to lose weight in order to meet the BMI requirement. In fact when women who are overweight are faced with reproductive challenges, one of the recommendations is to get into a regular moderate exercise routine. Weight loss does improve the chances of a pregnancy occuring, and in the same vein could improve the outcomes for egg donation.

While the improved BMI is positive it is not a guarantee that one would qualify for egg donation. Other factors regarding a person’s health and medical history will also be taken into consideration even when weight loss brings the BMI to a healthy range. This is a conversation you can have with the medicare professional who will be assessing this aspect.

In Conclusion

A healthy BMI is vital for overall health and particularly in regards to egg donation. A healthy BMI serves to provide egg recipients with healthy eggs for their family building needs. The purpose of screening egg donor’s health is to ensure that egg donor agencies have a quality offering to their patients who are in need.

If you would like to know more about egg donation, or would like to know if you qualify as an egg donor, contact San Diego Fertility. Our professional fertility experts will guide you on the screening process and advise you on how you can participate in this noble family building endeavor. 

FAQ

Why is BMI important for egg donation?

A healthy BMI reduces medical risks and improves egg quality.

Can I donate if my BMI is slightly outside the range?

Each clinic has specific requirements, but maintaining a BMI within guidelines is crucial.