The recession has led a lot of us to think creatively about making an extra dollar here and there. Evidently, one idea is popping up in the minds of many: Becoming a sperm or egg donor. (It's not really a donation because you get paid). Clinics and referral services across the country have seen a significant increase in people wanting to sell their genetic material.

A few things to think about:

• Generally, you have to be 21-32 years old to donate eggs (guys can be 20-39 to donate sperm)
• There is a whole process to make sure you are mentally and physically fit
• Not everyone is accepted
• An egg donation can fetch $5,000 (or more in some places)
• Sperm donors get about $100 per "collection" but they can visit the clinic twice a week

This trend could be a boon for those who want to use in vitro fertilization (IVF), but would-be parents are postponing the expensive procedure in this down economy. Still, I doubt anyone qualified to become a donor will be turned away.

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