If you're considering becoming an egg donor but currently use birth control, you may be wondering whether your contraception could affect your eligibility. The good news? Being on birth control does not automatically disqualify you from becoming an egg donor.
Many women who apply to donate eggs use hormonal contraception, including birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, and other methods. However, the type of birth control you use can influence your screening results and how your fertility clinic prepares you for a donation cycle.
At Signature Donors, we understand that navigating egg donor requirements can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure whether your current medications or lifestyle choices affect your eligibility.
Let's break down what you should know about birth control and egg donation.
Can You Be an Egg Donor if You Take Birth Control Pills?
Yes! Women who take oral contraceptive pills may still qualify to become egg donors.
In fact, birth control pills are sometimes incorporated into fertility treatment protocols to help coordinate the timing of ovarian stimulation.
However, hormonal contraception can temporarily influence certain ovarian reserve measurements, including anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels.
AMH is a hormone commonly measured during egg donor screening to help assess ovarian reserve and anticipate how the ovaries may respond to fertility medications.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), AMH levels may be lower in women using hormonal contraception, meaning results should be interpreted with caution.
Because of this, your fertility specialist may recommend additional testing or a period without hormonal contraception before making a final assessment.
Do not stop taking your birth control without first speaking with your healthcare provider. Your screening team can help you understand whether any adjustments are necessary.
Can You Donate Eggs With an IUD?
Whether you can donate eggs while using an intrauterine device (IUD) depends on the type of IUD and your fertility clinic's requirements.
Hormonal IUDs
Hormonal IUDs, such as Mirena and Kyleena, release progestin to prevent pregnancy.
Many women continue to ovulate while using hormonal IUDs, and having one does not automatically prevent participation in egg donation.
Depending on the clinic's protocol, you may be able to complete screening or proceed with a donation cycle while your hormonal IUD remains in place.
Your fertility physician will determine whether removal or other adjustments are necessary.
Copper IUDs
Nonhormonal copper IUDs, such as Paragard, prevent pregnancy without releasing hormones.
Because they do not contain hormones, they do not cause the same hormonal suppression associated with certain other contraceptives.
However, your fertility clinic will still review your medical history and determine whether your IUD can remain in place throughout treatment.
For additional information about contraceptive methods, visit the CDC's Contraception Guidance.
What About Nexplanon, Depo-Provera, or Other Birth Control Methods?
Other contraceptive methods may require additional consideration.
Nexplanon (the contraceptive implant): Because the implant releases progestin and suppresses ovulation in most users, the fertility clinic may require additional evaluation or removal before treatment.
Depo-Provera (the birth control shot): This injectable contraceptive can suppress ovulation for an extended period. Return to ovulation may be delayed after the last injection, which can affect the timing of egg donation screening and treatment.
The contraceptive patch or vaginal ring: These methods use hormones similar to combination birth control pills and may influence ovarian reserve testing or require adjustments before stimulation.
The CDC's U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use provides medical guidance about contraceptive methods and their use.
Every fertility clinic has its own medical protocols, so eligibility and timing are determined individually.
Does Birth Control Affect Your Egg Count?
This is one of the most common questions prospective egg donors ask.
Hormonal birth control does not necessarily mean you have fewer eggs available.
However, certain contraceptives can temporarily suppress ovarian activity, which may influence the results of ovarian reserve testing.
According to ASRM's guidance on ovarian reserve testing, AMH and antral follicle count (AFC) are useful indicators of how the ovaries may respond to stimulation, but they are not reliable standalone predictors of a woman's ability to conceive naturally.
At Signature Donors, we conduct AMH testing as part of our upfront donor prescreening process. After matching, the intended parents' fertility clinic performs additional medical screening, which typically includes an ultrasound to assess AFC.
If you're currently using hormonal contraception, our team will take that information into consideration when reviewing your results and determining whether additional evaluation may be appropriate.
It's also important to understand that AMH is not a direct measurement of egg quality or a guarantee of fertility. It is one piece of information used to assess ovarian reserve and expected response to stimulation.
Will You Need to Stop Birth Control Before Donating Eggs?
Not necessarily.
Whether you need to discontinue contraception depends on several factors, including:
- The type of birth control you're using
- How long you've been using it
- Your ovarian reserve test results
- Your fertility clinic's stimulation protocol
- Your overall medical history
Some donors may be asked to temporarily stop hormonal contraception before additional testing or treatment. Others may be able to proceed without changing their existing method.
Your fertility physician will provide individualized instructions.
It's particularly important to avoid making changes independently because egg donation medications stimulate the development of multiple follicles, and pregnancy is possible if unprotected intercourse occurs during certain stages of treatment.
Your clinic will explain the precautions you need to follow throughout your cycle.
How Does Signature Donors Screen Egg Donors?
One of the things that makes Signature Donors unique is our commitment to completing important preliminary screening before a donor becomes available for matching.
Our prescreening process includes:
- AMH testing: To assess ovarian reserve and help anticipate response to ovarian stimulation.
- Genetic carrier screening: To identify carrier status for certain inherited conditions.
- Genetic counseling: To help donors understand their screening results.
- Psychological evaluation: To assess emotional readiness and understanding of the donation process.
- Background screening: To support a thorough and transparent matching process.
These screening practices are informed by established professional guidance, including ASRM's Guidance Regarding Gamete and Embryo Donation, which discusses recommended medical, genetic, and psychological evaluation of egg donors.
Once a donor is matched with intended parents, she undergoes additional medical screening and receives final clearance from their fertility clinic.
By completing preliminary screening upfront, we aim to make the matching process more informed and efficient for everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to be an egg donor while taking birth control?
Yes. You can apply while using birth control. Your contraceptive method will be reviewed as part of your medical history, and any necessary adjustments will be discussed during screening.
Will birth control make my AMH level lower?
Certain hormonal contraceptives may temporarily lower measured AMH levels. Your medical team will interpret your results in the context of your contraceptive use and may recommend additional testing.
Do I need to remove my IUD to donate eggs?
Not always. Some fertility clinics allow donors to proceed with an IUD in place, depending on the device and treatment protocol.
Can I get pregnant during an egg donation cycle?
Yes. Ovarian stimulation can result in the development of multiple follicles, and pregnancy is possible if unprotected intercourse occurs. Fertility clinics provide specific instructions about abstinence or contraception during treatment.
Should I stop my birth control before applying?
No. You should not discontinue prescribed contraception solely to apply for egg donation. Our team can review your current method and help determine the appropriate next steps.
Interested in Becoming an Egg Donor?
If you've been considering egg donation but weren't sure whether your birth control makes you ineligible, don't let that question stop you from exploring your options.
At Signature Donors, first-time egg donors receive $10,000 in compensation, with opportunities for increased compensation for experienced donors.
Our team is committed to providing clear information, thoughtful guidance, and personalized support throughout the process.
Whether you're taking birth control pills, have an IUD, or use another contraceptive method, we're happy to help you understand how it may affect your eligibility.
Medical Sources & References
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM): Testing and Interpreting Measures of Ovarian Reserve (2020). Clinical guidance addressing AMH, AFC, and the effects of hormonal contraception on ovarian reserve measurements.
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM): Gamete and Embryo Donation Guidance (2024). Professional recommendations for egg donor medical screening, genetic evaluation, and psychological assessment.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use. Evidence-based clinical guidance on contraceptive methods and their management.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. Eligibility for egg donation and any changes to contraception should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.
Signature Donors is a full-service egg donation agency based in New York City and Stamford, Connecticut, supporting egg donors and intended parents across the United States.
Ready to Learn More?
If you're considering egg donation and want to understand what the process looks like in more detail, our team is happy to answer your questions.
