If I become an egg donor, will it hurt my chances of getting pregnant in the future?
All information currently available suggests that women who donate eggs do not have any higher or lower chance of experiencing infertility. As with the general population, about 1 in 6 couples experience a delay in the ability to become pregnant. The number of follicles that develop in a woman's cycle is the same whether she has a "natural cycle" or a stimulated cycle.

Can I donate if I have had an abortion or a tubal ligation in the past?
Yes.

How many times can someone donate eggs?
Six times is the maximum. You should wait three months between procedures to allow your body time to rest.

What is the risk involved?
Basically, the risk is low, although there is no guarantee what an individual's response will be. This process is done with tens of thousands of in vitro cycles a year worldwide and there have been no long-term effects shown to date. We provide additional information on the medical procedure and on the medicines/side effects.

During the three weeks on fertility medicines, the main side effects are usually minor and reported as feelings of fullness or bloating. Moodiness is also common.

There is a small risk for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). In this condition, the ovaries become overstimulated and enlarge beyond the acceptable range. Severe OHSS occurs in about 1-2 % of those who take infertility medicines. Serious consequences happen very rarely and can involve hospitalization with close monitoring. In very rare circumstances, surgery may be required.

The odds of infection after the egg retrieval process are 1/1000 (.001.) For this reason, a dose of antibiotics is usually given after the retrieval, and sexual abstinence is recommended until you get your next menses.

The odds of reaction to anesthesia during twilight sleep are very low, approximately 1/20,000 (.00005).

Does it hurt?
The injections are given with a very small needle, such as one used by someone with diabetes to take insulin. Most women report that this is not difficult to do. A light anesthesia is given for the 15-30 minute egg retrieval procedure and most women report minor discomfort. Mild cramping and abdominal discomfort is possible for a day or two after the procedure.

Blood is drawn a number of times throughout the donation cycle.

How will donating affect my lifestyle?
No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise is allowed for the month of the egg donation cycle.

You will be VERY fertile during the cycle month: refraining from sex is required. It is necessary to discuss this in advance with your partner, if you have one, to obtain their cooperation.

You will need to have the schedule flexibility to take injections at the time of day prescribed by the physicians and to attend office visits as required.

After the first visit, most appointments with the doctors are usually scheduled early in the morning so school or work absence is kept to a minimum. This does vary doctor to doctor. One full day is required for the egg retrieval process and rest is suggested for the remainder of the day after retrieval.

You take a prenatal multivitamin with folic acid; this helps to prevent a type of birth defect called a neural tube defect (like spina bifida). This is important information for all women to know in any case. All herbal supplements and medicines except Tylenol are prohibited during the month unless otherwise instructed.

You agree to no body piercings or tattoos for six months prior to the procedure.

If you have cumulatively spent a total of five years or more in Europe or spent a total of three months or more in the United Kingdom between 1980 and 1986 the FDA has determined someone is ineligible to go through the donation process.

Will this cost me anything?
No, all costs are covered by the intended parents.

Are there benefits to donating?
You will find out your blood type and Rh, and whether you have been exposed to various infectious agents. Your thyroid and prolactin level will also be checked. Although no studies have documented a correlation between response to fertility stimulation and future fertility, you will find out if you have a resistance to stimulation of the ovaries. You will find out the number of eggs stimulated and whether a pregnancy resulted, if you would like to know.

Many young women report a strong sense of inner satisfaction from helping another woman in such a fundamental way.

Fertility Connections is not a health care provider and we recommend discussing all potential risks and side effects with the physician in charge of the process. It is important to ask any and all questions. We provide information for education only and note that this does not take the place of informed consent obtained from the physician. We also reference educational infertility information sites on our web site for your convenience.

We believe that you will find this to be a highly rewarding experience, although not without work and commitment involved. We sincerely hope that you will become one of our generous young women willing to help. It is a gift beyond measure.

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