Ask these Questions Before you become an Egg Donor

Egg donation is a medical-related process by which a lady, usually known as the donor, offers her eggs to the intended parents to help in the process of baby conception. It is a safe and widely acceptable approach to assisted reproduction. For ladies whose health prevents conception, egg donation and in-vitro fertilization is a good way of starting a family.

1. How does the entire process work?

It is essential to learn how to donate eggs if you choose to do so. There are four steps involves in the process of donating eggs. Remember, the steps are likely to vary depending on the healthcare facility you choose to work with.

Application and intake: If you have conducted research and reviewed the specific qualifications to become an egg donor, you have to register with the right facility. The selected candidates are usually interviewed and provided with detailed explanations of various activities involved in the egg donation process.

Matching and relevant screenings: Once you pass the intake phase, you will wait until you’re selected by an intended parent. You might be asked to commit to medication and probably retrieval schedule based on the location and healthcare facility preferred by the intended parents and their healthcare expert. You will be subjected to thorough medical screening to ascertain your health status.

The medication cycle: Once you have signed some form of a legal contract, the donor cycle will officially commence at your next period. For about ten to 14 days, the medical expert will start a series of subcutaneous injections to stimulate egg production and maturation in your ovaries. During this period, the physician will monitor your health, and you can always ask all questions that may have.

Egg retrieval: This is the last step. You will have to under ‘twilight’ anesthesia that will be administered via an IV to facilitate the egg retrieval process. The physician may use a vaginal ultrasound probe to guide a tiny needle through your vaginal wall to reach your ovaries and successfully retrieve the eggs. This is just a minor procedure.

2. What are the qualifications of becoming an egg donor?

The basic requirements to serve as an egg donor include your willingness to commit to the entire proves and good health history. Remember, other requirements might vary depending on the intended parents and the specific healthcare facility they choose to work with, for example a surrogate, because these days the information about how to become a surrogate is widely known.

• You must be 21 years or more. The maximum age limit might vary.
• You experience regular monthly periods.
• You’re emotionally and physically healthy.
• No abnormalities or any form of the reproductive disorder.
• Your BMI meets the set standards.
• You aren’t a smoker or drug user.
• You’re ready to take injectable medicine.
• You must be ready to participate in the process of helping start a family.

As mentioned earlier, these requirements will vary depending on various factors. Therefore, it’s best first to understand them before you commit to the egg donation process.

3. Is the process risky?

The advancements in medical-related technology have made the egg donation process a safe undertaking with no known side effects that could last for a long time. But this doesn’t mean you have nothing to worry about. Talk to your physician about the entire egg donation process and the possible outcomes. It would be best if you were sure of everything you intend to do.

During the preparation process, the physician may need to administer some medication. The specific associated with egg donation could cause moodiness, headache, bloating, fatigue, and more. Though rare, some medication could lead to ovarian overstimulation. Even if this condition occurs, it can be treated. Be sure to consult with your physician about the possible side effects of the medication that will be administered.

4. Is it painful?

Sometimes, the egg donation process can be slightly painful. Some of the procedures, including the ultrasounds, blood-drawing, and egg retrieval process, might cause discomfort. After donating eggs, some women have reported mood shifts. So, it’s essential to research the process and before you commit to the process, talk to your doctor about whether or not the egg donation is good for you.

The bottom line is, egg donation is a giving, rewarding process. Sometimes, it can be complicated. Be sure to get as much relevant information before you commit to the process.