StemCell Therapy

There are a number of reasons you might consider donating your eggs. For some, the choice is monetary, as you may be well-compensated for your donation. For others, its the act of helping a couple have a baby. And it can certainly be both.

Whatever your motivation, the egg donation process is relatively straightforward and takes place over a 2-month period, according to the Center for Reproductive Health & Gynecology. Once you pass the initial application and legal hurdles, youll use medications to prepare your eggs for the egg procedure.

Keep reading to learn more about the egg donation process, including the possible risks and some tips for ways to prepare yourself before, during, and after the procedure.

Egg donation involves a donor who provides eggs to a recipient for the purpose of getting pregnant. Sometimes this recipient is the intended parent, and other times, it may be a surrogate who will carry a pregnancy for the intended parents.

A 2017 study showed that typically, between 5 to 24 eggs will be retrieved per cycle. The number of eggs retrieved is based on how many you produce and any specific guidelines the clinic follows.

Compensation for egg donation varies by area and fertility clinic. ConceiveAbilities, which has offices across the United States, shares that donor compensation begins at $8,000 per donation. This amount can go up based on various factors specific to each clinic.

The egg donor will receive various injectable medications throughout their menstrual cycle. These medications stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Specific medications may include:

First, you will receive a dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is sometimes called a trigger shot. A doctor will remove the eggs in a procedure called egg retrieval. This is performed using a special needle attached to a transvaginal ultrasound device. The needle is passed through your vaginal wall and into your ovary. The eggs are suctioned (aspirated) out and sent to an embryologist for evaluation before fertilization.

Here is a step-by-step overview of the entire process:

Next, the eggs can either be frozen or mixed together with the intended fathers sperm to create embryos. The embryos are then transferred and implanted into the uterus of the birth parent or surrogate.

Yes. Egg donation when closely supervised by a medical professional is generally a safe process and does not carry any long-term health risks. This includes fertility issues, provided you dont develop complications.

A 2015 research review showed that most young adult females have around 400,000 eggs. So, taking even up to 24 eggs per donation cycle for several cycles will leave many to spare for the future.

However, there are some short-term risks to be aware of during the donation cycle. These risks include:

Its not easy to predict the discomfort you may experience before, during, and after the retrieval process. Many factors may contribute to pain, including your personal tolerance level, your bodys reaction to the different medications, as well as any complications you may experience.

Symptoms you may have after the egg retrieval include:

The good news is that you can expect your discomfort to improve as soon as the day or a few days after the retrieval procedure.

Your doctor will advise you about over-the-counter (OTC) medications you can take for pain, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. A heating pad may also help ease abdominal discomfort.

If you develop a fever, heavy bleeding, or any other symptoms of infection, call your doctor as soon as possible.

Preparing your body for egg donation is similar to preparing your body for the in vitro fertilization process. First, youll want to take good care of yourself by following a healthy lifestyle.

Fertility clinics, like the CNY Fertility Center, recommend paying special attention to the following areas for 3 months before retrieval for the best quality eggs:

Its also a good idea to create a support network for yourself. Egg donation can be challenging both physically and emotionally, so having trusted friends or family members nearby can help. Your support network can also help if you need transportation to and from appointments or any other assistance during the process.

Above all else: Ask questions. A 2020 survey of egg donors revealed that 55 percent of women did not feel they were well educated on the long-term risks of donation. Your doctor or fertility clinic can give you specific advice and resources to both understand and lower your risk of complications.

There are both state and federal regulations surrounding egg donation. Specifics vary depending on your state, so be sure to check with your clinic for any specific information that applies where you live.

Children born through egg donation are not considered your legal children, despite their genetic relation to you. The intended parent is listed as the guardian on any legal documents, like the birth certificate.

These details should be clearly stated in any contracts that you sign before the physical process begins. Working with lawyers to come up with an egg donation legal agreement can help protect you and ensure youll be fairly compensated.

Areas covered by the egg donation contract may include:

Be sure to ask yourself how much (if any) involvement you would want after your donation. Your rights are protected once you sign your agreement. And as the donor, you should have your own attorney. Tulip Fertility says that this does not come as a cost to you. Instead, the intended parents should cover these fees.

The egg donation process involves various physical, emotional, and potentially legal challenges. Along with doing your own research, reach out to a local fertility clinic for more specifics about your location and your personal situation.

Theres a lot to consider, but donating your eggs can be incredibly rewarding and financially empowering. Once you understand the risks and rewards, you can make the right choice for yourself and your future.

See the rest here:
Egg Donation Process: From Application to Recovery - Healthline

This entry was posted on July 6, 2021 at 1:57 am and is filed under Legal Issues Genetic Medicine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |