You may have seen the ads in magazines and billboards that promise you thousands of dollars if you become an egg donor. Although becoming an egg donor can be a rewarding experience that allows you to help an infertile couple, you should know as much about the process as possible before you decide to go through with it.
Function
Egg donation is a treatment used for women who can carry a baby but are unable to produce enough eggs to become pregnant on their own. It is often an option for older women in their late thirties and forties who have experienced a decline in their fertility.
Features
To become an egg donor, a woman must typically be between the ages of 21 and 35. You will then need to go through a series of examinations to determine your eligibility. A psychological screening makes sure you can emotionally handle the process of donating your eggs. The company will take a sample of blood to screen for any possible sexually transmitted or genetic diseases that could be passed onto the child. A pelvic exam is likely to be conducted as well to check for chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Types
There are various types of egg donation programs. Some programs allow egg recipients to choose their egg donor; other programs use anonymous donation. The women who donate typically have the option to either be contacted by the family that received the egg or to remain anonymous.
Process
After being accepted into the program and matched with a donor, you will be given a series of medications to increase egg production. Your normal cycle may be halted as well with drugs to better control your fertility. After monitoring your fertility, a procedure called transvaginal ovarian aspiration will be used to remove the eggs. A thin needle is inserted into your ovaries, and the eggs are suctioned out. Ultrasound technology is used to guide the doctor performing the procedure.
Warning
There are risks associated with egg donation. While taking the medications, you may experience vaginal dryness, hot flashes, mood swings, breast discomfort, cramping, fatigue and body aches. In some cases, you may develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which can cause abdominal pain, swelling, and in rare cases, kidney failure and shock. During egg retrieval, you are at risk of having the bowel or bladder punctured. Bleeding and infection are additional risks to consider.
