Difficult economic times begs the WSJ to see whether the egg donor business is booming.

It seems attractive on the surface, as the rate for being a surrogate is $25,000, and egg donors receive $3,000 to $8,000.

Many women however, shy away after reading about what’s required.

Only a select few are accepted to even be on the registry, with diseases like prior STDs, diabetes, cancer and depression being disqualifying factors.

Hormone injections are needed, and blood tests and ultrasound done every few days. The procedure of harvesting the egg itself must be done under general anesthesia.

Lifestyle changes, like prohibiting drinking, smoking, or sex, also dissuades potential donors.

That being said, the recession is not affecting donor egg demand, as “the disease of infertility does not follow the Dow Jones average.”