I remember a long time ago my girlfriend had told me that she was considering donating her eggs in order to pay off her debt. We were young and childless, but I still couldn’t grasp my head around the idea. She saw it as an easy way to make some cash. I saw it as giving a part of myself to someone I didn’t know. Then we began researching what the risks are when you donate your eggs. There are not only medical risks but,donating can take up much of your time. The process takes months and involves many doctors appointments over the course of time. Appointments with counselors are also part of the process, as it can be mentally draining as well. The procedures can be uncomfortable. You really need to be invested in this procedure before you begin. and do your research.
There are several short term egg donation risks. You need to give yourself daily injections to suppress your reproductive hormones. These medications are known to cause mood swings, headaches, abdominal bloating, weight gain, nausea, and stinging pain at the injection site for some women. Once the egg donor’s and recipient’s menstrual cycles are synchronized, it’s time for ovulation induction. That is when the donor’s ovaries are stimulated to produce many eggs. This process involves a different injection. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a medical condition which can range from mild symptoms such as bloating to severe ones like kidney failure, and even death is the biggest risk involved in ovulation induction. Although there are medical treatments for it, there still is a risk still as high as 10 percent. Egg retrieval is invasive surgery, and donors can suffer injury to the organs near the ovaries.
How about long term egg donation risks? There have been no studies to determine if any long term risks are directly linked to egg donation. Donors are required to go through vigorous psychological testing and counseling. Do your research and get your questions answered by medical professionals before making a decision. My friend never went through with it, but several families out there are grateful for receiving donated eggs.
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Ruth says
I have gone through ivf and iui to get my children. Yes, this is a time consuming and physically intrusive, although not really painful (uncomfortable, but not painful). No matter what part of a body someone chooses to donate (kidneys, eggs, ..) it is a risk and it is a gift that is not repayable by even the most heartfelt thank you, because it is a gift of life.
I think donors are incredible people.
chelesa sims says
i thought about in the past because fertility was never been a problem for me but i never took it seriously.i didn’t know all this was involved(egg donation) in it .WOW. I had my tubes tied and iam really glad I did before I have a small armyLOL Just kidding. thank you for this post .