Fortunately, side effects are usually minor. You also discuss all potential risks and side effects with the infertility specialist in charge of the egg donation cycle. We encourage you to ask any and all questions you may have.

There are three main categories of medications used in ovum donation.

1. GnRH-agonist (controls ovulation through the pituitary gland)
   
   The GnRH-agonist is usually Lupron (or a similar drug.) It is used in infertility treatment to control the menstrual cycle. It does this by limiting the ability of the pituitary gland, the "master" gland located in the head, to stimulate the ovary. Lupron also causes the follicles containing the eggs to develop more equally in size.
   
   Lupron is taken for around two to three weeks total and can cause menopausal type symptoms while being taken. The effects are reversible when the cycle is finished.
   
   possible side effects

   Hot flashes, moodiness, or headaches have been reported by some women but many have no complaints. An active lifestyle is reported to help.
   
   Osteoporosis (bone loss) has been associated with long-term use of Lupron over many years. No cases of this type have been reported in the context of ovum donation.

2. Gonadotropins (stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs)
   
   This medication is a follicle-stimulating hormone such as Follistim or Gonal-F. The follicle contains the immature egg in the ovary, which needs to grow and mature in order to become capable of being fertilized. In a "natural cycle," one or two eggs a month are stimulated to ovulation. Many start to develop but never complete the maturation cycle.
   
   In the ovum donation cycle, these eggs are also encouraged to mature because when there are multiple eggs to fertilize, the chances of a successful outcome are increased.
   
   possible side effects

   Moodiness, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and mild cramping occur in some women.

   The most significant concern in the ovum donation process is OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.) This is a rare occurrence and happens in less than 1 to 2% of ALL in-vitro fertilization cycles. In OHSS, the ovaries have an exaggerated response to the follicle-stimulating hormone leading to excessive enlargement, abdominal discomfort and fluid retention. Hospitalization and minor surgery to relieve pressure in the abdomen due to fluid accumulation could be needed. The incidence in ovum donors may actually be lower, since most of these statistics are measured in cycles where both ovarian stimulation and pregnancy take place in the same person. It is known that pregnancy increases the rate of occurrence of OHSS.
   
   A mild over-response to the medications is not uncommon (15% +/-) and may require careful monitoring and regulation by the doctor. Most are managed on an outpatient basis with close monitoring by the overseeing physician.

   The occurrence of OHSS can be minimized with careful screening. It is very important to keep all doctor appointments to ensure that blood levels of estrogen (estradiol) are measured and an ultrasound is done to assess the response of the ovaries. These two pieces of information allow the doctor to regulate how much follicle stimulating medication to give and when to give the next medication, hCG. Either giving or withholding hCG (see below) can significantly control the risk of OHSS.

3. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) - (triggers the follicles to complete maturation and ovulation to occur)
   
   hCG is chemically similar to the leutenizing hormone (LH), that is naturally produced in the body by the pituitary gland and causes ovulation. This is a one time (and last!) injection and you can expect the egg retrieval process within 34 -36 hours.
   
   possible side effects

   Usually none, but headache, fatigue, moodiness, or bloating may occur.

other information

The egg retrieval process is a minor procedure that is safe for most young women. There is a rare possibility of infection or reaction to the anesthesia. Please review " Medical Procedure" and "frequently asked questions."

Medical literature to date does not support the belief that fertility medications increase the risk of either breast or ovarian cancer. These medications are continuing to be studied but no long-term side effects have been shown to date.

summary

Every woman has her own physiology and each donor will have her own experience when she donates. This said, we believe that ovum donation is a safe procedure that can be beneficial for all involved.

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