Egg Donation Process

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) relies on donated sperm as much as it relies on donated eggs. Potential egg donors have to go through screenings and tests beforehand to determine if they are a good candidate for egg donation, as well the tests ensure that potential recipients receive quality eggs.

If you are considering donating your eggs, then keep reading. We shall discuss what egg donation means, the process of retrieving eggs for donation, how to know if you are eligible to donate your eggs, safety, as well as things to keep in mind regarding egg donation. 

What Is Egg Donation?

Egg donation is a process whereby someone undergoes treatments that enable them to donate their healthy eggs in order to assist another person to conceive a child. The person who gives their eggs is known as the donor, and the one who receives them is known as the recipient.

There are a variety of reasons recipients choose egg donation including having had a poor response to previous ART treatments, menopause, the inability to produce their own eggs, surrogacy for same-sex male couples, or mitigation against transferring genetic diseases or conditions. 

The Egg Retrieval Process

In order to ensure that those relying on egg donation get a chance at the best possible outcome, professional medical practitioners have to ensure that the eggs available are of the best possible quality. As such, donors have to go through the steps outlined below:

Pre-Retrieval Checkups

Pre-retrieval checkups are in place to make sure the eggs that are retrieved are healthy and viable for fertilization. Other factors are the quantity of eggs available in the donor’s ovarian reserves, as well the genetic predisposition of the donor.

Ovarian Stimulation

If the screening raises no inhibiting factors, ovarian stimulation using hormonal injections and medications, can begin. This causes the ovaries to develop to maturity a sufficient supply of eggs for retrieval. Whereas natural ovulation matures only one egg per cycle, ovarian stimulation matures a group of eggs per cycle. 

Egg Retrieval

The growth of antral follicles during ovarian stimulation is monitored closely. The follicles must reach a predetermined ideal size in order for egg retrieval to be done at the right time. Antral follicles are the fluid filled  sacs on the ovaries within which eggs develop and mature.

Egg retrieval is done under a general anesthesia, with the help of an ultrasound, and typically takes about 15 to 45 minutes. A probe inserted into the ovary through the uterus provides the lead for a long needle, which is used to pierce the follicles and extract the eggs without harming them. Eggs are put in a controlled environment to assess them further and potentially fertilize them.

Eligibility for Egg Donation

In order to donate your eggs, you must meet the age requirement of 21 to 31 and be in generally good health. This means that you should not be a smoker or drug user, you must not have any sexually transmitted infections or hereditary genetic conditions, and your Body Mass Index must be within a healthy range. 

Additionally, a psychological assessment is necessary to assist you in understanding your role, as well as help you manage your expectations regarding your participation in bringing a child into the world

Side Effects of Egg Retrieval

With regards to the side effects of egg retrieval, a study found that  more than 99 percent of patients did not experience complications following ovarian stimulation. Typically, medical procedures that involve the use of anesthesia and the types of medical equipment used in egg retrieval always carry some risk, but the process is generally safe.

Some of the side effects experienced by patients following the procedure are acute discomfort, nausea, milder discomfort, moodiness, and swelling, but these typically resolve within a short time. 

Although rare, at times ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome  (OHSS) can occur, with symptoms such as mild abdominal pain, swelling and weight gain. A small percentage of patients - about 1 percent - may experience a severe form of OHSS which would require medical attention. Either way, OHSS symptoms typically resolve within a week.

Legal Implications of Egg Donation

In order for egg donation to be a smooth process, donors and recipients are typically required to sign a contract defining the roles and responsibilities of both donor and recipient. 

Often, donors have no parental rights or responsibilities to the child. Additionally, the expenses and payments required for the procedure are laid out in the contract.

If a donor changes their mind about donating their eggs, they cannot be forced to proceed against their will, but they may be held liable for medical expenses incurred throughout the process. 

Professional legal counsel will assist you in understanding the legal implications of the contract you are given.

In Conclusion

Egg donation has helped many people to have a chance at building a family. The journey comes with hope, as well as some challenges and risk and a trusted partner such as Reproductive Partners Medical Group can help you navigate the process. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Egg Donation Safe?

Yes. Egg donation is generally safe. It does have some mild side effects that typically resolve within a short period. 

How Painful Is Recovery?

Recovery is typically not very painful and can be managed with Tylenol or other over-the-counter pain medication.

How often can you donate eggs?

The recommendation for egg donation is a total of six donation cycles during a person's lifetime, with a waiting period of at least two to three months between donation cycles.