Demystifying the Process for Egg Donors

Whether you’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact infertility can have on someone or you simply have an innate desire to help others in their time of need, you may be considering donating your eggs.

Egg donation is a truly altruistic thing to do. But it’s important to understand exactly what it entails before you go ahead. From the physical process to the emotions you may face, we’ll demystify the process below so you can embark on the next stage of this journey with confidence and peace of mind.

What Requirements Must An Egg Donor Meet?

There are several requirements that egg donors have to meet before they can consider donating their eggs. It’s important to note that these may differ slightly by clinic.

Egg donor screening involves a variety of in-depth tests, including drug tests, psychological assessments, a full run-through of your personal and family medical history, and questionnaires about your background, including professional and academic achievements.

Why are there so many tests and questions?

Understandably, the clinic you’re donating to needs to ensure you’re an ideal candidate for the program. This isn’t only to ensure future patients can find the perfect match but to also safeguard your health and well-being, too. Furthermore, all of the questions about you and your personality and achievements will also help people to get to know you before selecting you as their chosen donor.

Specific criteria include:

• Aged 21 to 28
• Be free of drugs and tobacco
• Negative for sexually-transmitted infections
• Be in good physical and mental health
• Have the availability to visit the clinic regularly for around three months
• Be prepared to administer injections

Ticking all of the boxes? Then you’re already halfway to becoming the ideal donor!

What Does the Egg Donation Process Involve?

Once you’ve been chosen as an egg donor, you’ll need to start taking a course of medication. This will help stimulate your ovaries to help produce mature eggs for retrieval.

During this time, you’ll need to visit the clinic regularly so they can keep an eye on you to make sure your body is responding as it should be. Tests will include bloodwork and monitoring via ultrasounds.

How many times will you need to visit the clinic?

This varies for each candidate. Some have to visit the clinic every day for a certain period while others may only need to go a couple of times a week.

All of these visits can seem inconvenient, but it’s paramount in ensuring the retrieval of eggs is successful and that you are happy and healthy throughout.

It is also crucial that you are aware of the risks.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is one of the potential complications that may arise during this process. This can lead to swelling in the ovaries which can be painful. But, your care team will monitor you closely to lower this risk as much as possible. You should refer to your care team with any questions or concerns you may have about associated risks.

What Emotions May You Face?

When you first consider egg donation, you may feel excited if a little apprehensive. It’s normal to feel a variety of emotions throughout this process. After all, there’s so much more involved in this than donating some old clothes to your local charity!

Can I cope with the idea of a child with my genes walking around without me ever knowing them? I feel fine now but will I feel OK with this later on in life?

All of these emotions and thoughts are completely natural. It can take some time to get used to the concept. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk through all of this with your loved ones while perhaps seeking the advice of professionals or your counselor.

Are you doing this for the right reason?

While there is no definitive ‘reason’ for choosing to donate your eggs, it’s important you feel 100% comfortable in your decision. Whether you want to help others who may struggle with infertility and help save money for a purchase; there is no right or wrong reason for choosing this path.

A Life-Changing Experience

Overall, egg donation is one of the most selfless choices a woman can make. To allow another woman to use your eggs to create the family she has always dreamed of is a monumentally altruistic gift. But giving someone your eggs while removing any rights to a child that is genetically yours is not an easy choice to make.

However, when you do think about the child you’ve helped create, you should take time to think about the family you’ve also built. You’ve given so much joy to a family that maybe felt like they were out of options.

By being so selfless you’ve brought an immeasurable amount of joy to an entire family–and that’s one of the most life-changing and rewarding things you could ever do.