Becoming an egg donor is a way for a fertile woman to help an infertile woman carry and give birth to a child. Before a woman can donate her eggs, she must have a complete medical exam and screening. If she is deemed emotionally and physically healthy enough to donate, she will be given injections of fertility medications to stimulate her ovaries. When the eggs are mature, a doctor will remove them for in vitro fertilization. Women considering egg donation should be fully aware of the dangers involved.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation
The drugs that cause your body to produce more eggs cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in about 10 percent of women. In OHSS, the ovaries create too much fluid, which can leak into the abdominal cavity and cause health problems. In some women, the symptoms are mild and may include bloating, abdominal discomfort and some weight gain. Rarely, women have severe symptoms, including severe pain, shortness of breath and decreased urination. Very rarely, OHSS can cause blood clots, kidney problems and excessive fluid build-up in the chest or abdomen. Mild cases of OHSS usually resolve on their own when you begin your menstrual period, but moderate to severe cases may require medical treatment.
Damage to Reproductive Organs
Rarely, egg donors may experience damage to their ovaries from the medications and procedures necessary for donating. The egg retrieval process is a surgical procedure, and there is always a risk of allergy to the anesthesia. Occasionally, an egg donor sustains injury to her bladder, bowel or reproductive organs during the procedure itself. Infection is a possibility, which can lead to infertility if not treated properly.
Other Side Effects
Some women experience mild side effects from the medications associated with egg donation. These include mood swings, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and bruising. These usually go away on their own after the donation cycle is over.
Lupron, one of the medications given to stimulate the ovaries, can cause strokes and exacerbate pituitary tumors in women with pre-existing health conditions. It is very important to have a complete medical examination before beginning the egg donation procedure.
