I'm joined by Dr. Diane Tober, medical anthropologist, researcher, and author of Eggsonomics, a book that exposes the hidden realities of the global egg donation industry. Her NSF-funded research includes nearly 900 survey participants and close to 300 interviews with donors across the U.S., Spain, and beyond.

We talk about the real risks donors face, the ethical complexities of how donors are selected and compensated, and what a more transparent fertility industry could look like for donors, intended parents, and doctors alike.

Read the full show notes on my website.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why egg donors often don't feel like "real patients" and how clinics can do better
• The truth about OHSS complication rates and why the statistic that "less than 1%" of those going through egg retrieval may be misleading
• How donor compensation in the U.S. varies by education, ancestry, and school prestige
• Key differences between egg donation in the U.S. vs. Spain
• What donors need to know about donating eggs, and how to self-advocate
• How private equity is changing patient care at fertility clinics
• Why 90% of donors in Dr. Tober's study actually want a national donor registry

Resources:

• Eggonomics by Dr. Diane Tober available on Amazon
• Romancing the Sperm by Dr. Diane Tober (on Amazon)
• Dr. Aimee's Freeze & Share Program - freezeandshare.com
• ASRM: asrm.org
• SART: sart.org

IVF Class: Do you have questions about IVF? Click here to join me for The IVF Class. The next live class call is on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 4pm PST, where I'll explain IVF and Egg Freezing, and there will be time to ask your questions live on Zoom. Other ways to reach me: Visit my YouTube channel for more fertility tips! Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates. Join Egg Whisperer School. Request a Consultation with me. Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh is one of America's most well-known fertility doctors. Her success rate at baby-making gives future parents hope when all hope is lost. She pioneered the TUSHY Method and BALLS Method to decrease your time to pregnancy. Find a wealth of fertility resources at www.draimee.org.