Tough economic times are causing people to put the term "selling personal assets" in a whole new light.

MSNBC reported this week that a growing number of Americans are trying to keep afloat financially by selling body products like blood plasma, their hair, and sperm or eggs.

"It's people who suddenly see it as a viable way to make a chunk of change all at one time," Mary Fusillo, director of a reproductive services clinic in Texas, told the network. Fusillo added that women inquiring about donating eggs had climbed to about 20 a day from two in recent weeks.

The report cited figures showing that people can receive up to $50 for blood plasma, $200 for a "shiny ponytail" and up to $7,000 for a fertile egg.

However, would-be donors are also cautioned that they are just as likely to end up being disappointed, since in most cases they must meet various screening criteria to actually sell any body products.

Meanwhile, those who would prefer to meet their day-to-day cash needs through other methods can always take advantage of other options like cash advance loans.

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