Becoming An Egg Donor: Why Your BMI And Health Matters To Us

The women who choose to become egg donors come to us from all walks of life to help others realise their dream of starting a family. We’re honoured to support them on their journey to becoming egg donors.

As part of your egg donation journey, you need to be a non-smoker, aged between 18-and 35, and be able to provide your full family medical history and BMI.

We're often asked about BMI and its role in egg donation. In this blog, we've highlighted the importance of having a healthy BMI, why is it set to a specific range to become an egg donor, and how our team at Manchester Donors is here to support you.

What is BMI?

The body mass index (BMI) is a way of measuring if you’re a healthy weight based on your height and mass. It divides your weight in kilograms, by your height in metres squared, to give a height-to-weight ratio. The NHS provides helpful information about BMI ranges and what’s a recommended healthy weight based on the BMI calculator.

A BMI score isn’t a complete reflection of your overall health. However, it is a good guide that can help you make sure your BMI is at a healthy level and to be eligible to become an egg donor.

Why is my BMI important for egg donation?

Egg donation is governed by the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA), which is the independent regulator of fertility clinics in the UK. Their guidance highlights that some clinics may set certain eligibility criteria to become an egg donor. And at Manchester Donors, we ask that all donors have a BMI within the 19–35 range.

This is because if you’re over or under the BMI range, you may not respond well to the ovarian stimulation needed to be an egg donor and in very rare cases you may be at risk of complications such as Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome.

We won’t compromise on your health and wellbeing, your safety is paramount to us. Our fertility experts set these measures and have carried out these procedures for over three decades, so we can reassure you that you are in the very best expert medical hands.

We’re dedicated to giving our patients the very best chance of having a baby while maintaining the health and wellbeing of our donors. That’s why we have set criteria in place.

Can I change my BMI?

Absolutely, and we’re here to support you in that process. The best way to alter your BMI is to try and make a few positive lifestyle changes that fit within your daily life.

We recommend introducing light exercise into your current routine, such as a daily walk or cycle, and reducing the unhealthy snacks you may eat, especially those high in sugar, salt and fat. The key is to make sustainable changes that you can keep up with through the entire donation process and after.

Why choose Manchester Donors?

We’ve been caring for donors for over 35 years, and each and every one of them means the absolute world to us. These women make a difference every day, and give others the chance to fulfil their dreams of becoming parents.

We understand how significant deciding to donate can be, and we’ll do everything we can to assist and support you. You’ll receive ongoing care from our specialist donation team and support from our friendly and helpful counsellors, who’ll discuss what an egg donation means for you and answer all of your questions.

Find out more about how our expert team will support you here. Or, if you’d like to become an egg donor, fill in our online form, and a member of our team will be in touch at a time that suits you. Our dedicated donor experts are always happy to walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have.