Becoming an egg donor is a highly rewarding decision for many women. It’s even more rewarding for the individuals and couples who get to experience the joy of having a child.
Those who could otherwise not bear children now have a chance at raising a family of their own, thanks to modern science and the selfless act of those who choose to donate eggs.
Why Does Someone Become an Egg Donor?
The first thing you need to think about before becoming an egg donor is why you have an interest in doing so.
Is it strictly for financial compensation? It might not be as easy as you think.
Are you doing it to enhance world fertility? There are many details that make up the bigger picture.
Or maybe you don’t wish to raise children of your own, but want to pass on your genes to someone who cares about bringing up the next generation.
There are countless reasons why some women choose egg donation. The most common reasons include:
- Helping infertile families in need of reproductive aid
- Financial rewards
- A chance to learn extensively about one’s body and reproduction
- In-depth medical and mental health screenings
- Unable to carry a pregnancy
- No interest in being a parent but want to give a chance to someone who does
- Support same-sex or LGBTQ individuals who can’t conceive
- Help conceivable women who want a baby but don’t wish to pass on their own genetics
Requirements for Egg Donation
There’s a long list of requirements for egg donation. This is not a quick and easy procedure. Egg donation requires a woman to have good health, undergo a lengthy screening process, agree to invasive medical procedures, ample time and effort, and often physical and emotional strain.
Among other factors, donating eggs requires women to:
- Be between 19 and 31 years of age
- Undergo an honest, lengthy online application form
- Be in good physical health
- Be drug and smoke-free
- Have a physically healthy and mentally stable medical history
- Have no major mental illness or substance abuse history in the family
- Be asked questions by professionals about personal life
- Receive genetic, psychological, and blood tests
- Have two healthy ovaries and regular menstrual cycles
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Be willing to take hormone injections and undergo surgical procedures
- Be semi-accomplished, mature, and highly dependable
- Be open to learning detailed information about reproductive medicine and the donation program they’re part of
What is Involved in the Egg Donation Process?
The standard protocol for donors and recipient takes place online, over the phone, and in a medical clinic or fertility facility.
Some donors choose to stay involved in the future child’s life, whereas others agree to remain anonymous. The full process takes six to eight weeks, on average.
Screenings
A lengthy health screening is usually the first step. Egg recipients want their eggs to come from a woman with good genes, reliable health, life ambitions, and an understanding of the special nature of the egg donation cycle. Being screened is the most time-consuming process. Only about 5%-10% of people from initial screenings qualify for full donation.
Hormone Injections
Upon acceptance as an egg donor, a woman must give herself hormone injections before donation happens. Injections can last up to 14 days. These hormones promote multiple egg maturities so they have a better chance at retrieval and fertilization.
Retrieval
During the egg retrieval procedure, the woman is sedated. An expert fertility doctor will use ultrasound technology to locate and retrieve the fertile eggs. Once the eggs are retrieved successfully, they are sent to a lab where they’re injected through IVF (Invitro Fertilization) with the selected sperm.
Transplant of the Fertilized Egg
The fertilized egg is transferred into the uterus of the selected ovulating recipient (either the mother or surrogate) to begin pregnancy. If the transfer is a success, the baby begins to grow.
What Risks Do Egg Donors Face?
Egg donation is a big decision that not everyone has the ability to make. But, if you’re considering it, here are some potential risks to keep in mind.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: One of the most serious risks caused by too many hormones, which can be extremely uncomfortable and sometimes deadly.
- Ovarian Torsion: With excess hormones, the ovaries can sometimes twist or enlarge, causing discomfort or loss of proper blood circulation.
- Uncommon Risks of Procedure: Some women react poorly to normal parts of the procedures, like anesthesia, hormones, and recovery. Internal bleeding, infection, and other risks can occur in some patients.
- Mental Stress: Egg donors often experienceintense emotions, which may come as a surprise. The process can become overwhelming with physical changes and thoughts about the child’s future.
Are you considering egg donation?
If you’re thinking about donating your eggs, talk to a fertility specialist first. Be mindful of your qualifications and avoid clinics that don’t practice professional donating procedures. Egg donation is a nerve-racking experience but can bear tremendous rewards for everyone involved.
