As an Egg Donor some of the medications and protocols may be all new information. Do not let it overwhelm you. Here is a list of the new terminology. We are always here to assist you along the way, in addition to your clinic. No question is too small!
In simplest terms, an egg donor goes through the same medication protocol as any woman does when going through IVF (In-vitro fertilization). These are hormones and there are some potential side effects. Egg Donation is a huge gift and it is a commitment. We never recommend you make the decision lightly. There are a few medications that can be used with different protocols but this should give you an idea.
Please note, you wouldn’t take all of these. There are just different combinations of medications doctors use based on their preferences as well as how they feel your body will respond to them after you complete further testing.
Fertility Drugs side effects
There are side effects to almost every medication on the market, and fertility meds have theirs as well. But in a recent article published by ASRM they state, ‘’.. Currently, there are no clearly documented long-term risks associated with oocyte donation, and as such, no definitive data upon which to base absolute recommendations. Furthermore, there is a paucity of long-term follow-up data for repeat oocyte donors. However, because of the possible cumulative risks to and future needs of an individual donor, as outlined in the preceding discussion, it may be reasonable and prudent to limit the number of stimulated cycles for a given oocyte donor to no more than six.”
This aside, fertility medications can trigger some unwanted and/or uncomfortable physical outcomes. A few of those could include headaches, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea and even fatigue. These side effects happen after retrieval. Although a very slim chance, the needle used for retrieval can also puncture or damage other organs accidentally. If this happens there could be internal bleeding, and pain requiring immediate medical attention
Those choosing to participate in an egg donation process can expect to have their personal lives inconvenienced a little until after retrieval. This process takes about a month from the start of meds to the retrieval of the eggs. There will be 8-10 required visits to the doctor. Medication has to be taken regularly, and on a strict schedule. This may very well affect your work or school. There is some flexibility on the timing of appointments and most clinics will work with you for the best collaboration.
Even though there are inconveniences and discomforts to being an egg donor, many donors welcome the opportunity to do it again. The reward of helping create a happy family overshadows the above-mentioned risks for most.
We welcome you to visit www.EggDonorInformation.com to learn more about other risks of being an egg donor.
That was a lot of information! And again, we will be here & help to guide you through this journey! If there are any questions at any time, please reach out! Thank you so much for your willingness to help create a family through Egg Donation.
We help Intended Parents Create Happy Families via Egg Donation & Surrogacy with the help of caring Egg Donors & Surrogates.
What is Egg Donation, Can I be an Egg Donor, Egg Donation Process, Common Egg Donation Questions, Becoming an Egg Donor, Qualifying as an Egg Donor, Egg Donation, Egg Donor process, Why to go through an agency?, Egg Donation Overview.
