1. Choosing the Right Donor
Infertility may prevent a person or couple from having a biological child. Using an egg donor is one option to fulfill the dream of becoming a parent. Once you make the decision to pursue egg donation, the next step is locating a donor. Some people use a donor they know, such as a family member or friend. Many couples choose an egg donor through an agency. Profiles are available to review the donor's background and physical characteristics.
2. Are You Qualified?
If you have the desire to help a couple who can't have a biological child, becoming an egg donor may be for you. If you decide to sign up through an agency, you will need to meet their specific requirements. Program requirements may vary slightly, but most require a donor to be between the ages of 21 and 34. She must be in good health, have no genetic medical problems and have not used illegal drugs. The donor screening process will include an interview and an HIV and STD test.
3. Hormones Needed for Preparation
Once a donor is approved and selected by a recipient to be an egg donor, the preparation process begins. The donor and the recipient's menstrual cycles have to be coordinated. This allows the recipient's uterus to be ready to receive the fertilized egg right around the time of retrieval. An egg donor will receive shots of follicle-stimulating hormones to stimulate the ovaries, which makes them produce more eggs than normal. Side effects from the injections tend to be minor and include bloating, headache and mood fluctuations.
4. What to Expect With the Retrieval Process
An egg donor will have blood work and ultrasounds periodically during the process to determine when the eggs are mature and ready for retrieval. The actual retrieval is a quick process that requires only light anesthesia. A needle is inserted through the vagina and past the cervix. The eggs are aspirated out. Most women are instructed to take it easy for the rest of the day but can resume normal activities the next day.
5. Emotional Issues of Becoming an Egg Donor
If you are considering becoming an egg donor, take time to think about how you feel emotionally. A counselor from the agency will likely talk with you and determine if you are donating with a healthy understanding of the process. They will help you decide if you are accepting about having a child out there who is genetically related to you but whom you will not parent. Take time to be sure you are comfortable with that idea before you commit to the process.
