Intended parents look for honesty and health history more than perfection

Many people thinking about egg donation wonder whether they are "good enough." Do you need a certain degree, a certain look or a certain background? No. Intended parents are building very different families, and they look for very different things.

This guide explains what parents tend to notice in a donor profile, and what stays private when you apply with Poppy.

There is no single ideal donor

A couple hoping their child will share their heritage looks for something different from a single dad who cares most about health history. One family reads every word of a donor's answers. Another is drawn in by a photo of her laughing with her sister.

Being yourself, clearly and honestly, is what helps the right family find you.

A complete, honest health history matters most

For almost every family, health comes first. Parents and their clinic want a clear picture of your health and your family's: your parents, siblings and grandparents.

• Fill in what you know, and say what you do not. "I don't know" is far better than a guess.
• If you were adopted, say so. It is not a reason to stop.
• A condition in your family does not automatically rule you out. A clinic genetic counselor reviews it and decides.

Honesty here protects you, the family and the child.

Many parents look for a shared background

Your ethnic background, in your own words, and the languages you speak often matter to parents. Many hope to share heritage or culture with their child, or a language spoken at home. Others care less about it.

You do not need to fit a particular category. Describe your background the way you would to a friend.

Physical traits matter to some parents

Height, coloring and general resemblance matter to some families and not at all to others. Your photos do this work, so make them natural:

• A clear face photo in good light.
• A full-length photo.
• A few of you living your life.
• Childhood photos, if you have them. Many parents like to see them.

Skip heavy filters. Parents want to see you.

Who you are comes through in your own words

Profiles include your interests, the three words friends would use to describe you, what you do and why you want to donate. Parents read these closely. Some hope to tell their child a little about the person who helped them exist.

A few honest sentences are enough. You do not need to sound impressive. You need to sound like you.

Education is one fact among many

Your highest level of education and field of study appear on your profile. Some parents pay attention to it, and many do not. It is one line among many, and it says nothing about whether you will be a good donor.

Reliability counts

Parents and clinics value a donor who responds to messages, keeps appointments and follows the medication calendar. Your profile also says when you could start, whether you are open to more than one cycle and whether you have donated before. First-time donors match too.

Your openness to contact is part of the fit

You choose how open you are to future contact with a child born from your donation. Options range from anonymous only, to letters or photo updates, to contact once the child turns 18, to a known donation where you and the parents know each other. There is no right answer. Parents look for an arrangement that fits their family, just as you do.

Consumer DNA testing means no one can promise complete anonymity forever. We will talk this through with you honestly before you choose.

Your intro video is short and unscripted

After you are approved, we ask for a short video, about a minute filmed on your phone. Say hello, what you do and why you are doing this. No script. A video helps parents get a sense of who you are in a way photos cannot.

Parents see a curated profile, never your contact details

Your Poppy profile uses a donor number, such as "Donor 1042," instead of your name. Our coordinator drafts it with you from your answers, and you review it before anyone else sees it.

• Parents can see a short headline, a few facts such as your age, background, education and interests, and, with full access to our catalog, your photos and intro video.
• Parents never see your name, address, phone number or email on your profile.
• Your detailed health answers are not part of the profile parents browse. Our team reviews them, and they are shared with the clinic and professionals involved in your match, as you authorize.
• Your photos and video are never on the public site.

Your information is stored securely and handled as our Privacy Policy describes.

Not being chosen right away is not a judgment

Some donors are chosen quickly. Others wait longer. It depends on what the families looking at that moment hope for. A longer wait says nothing about your worth.

The first step takes a few minutes

If you are 21 to 31, in good health and a non-smoker, you can start with our pre-screen. It takes a few minutes, and a real person on our team will follow up with you. To see what screening involves, read Egg donor screening is a series of short steps you can see coming.

This article is general information. It is not medical or legal advice.