Egg Donation (ED)

Egg donation is a process where a woman, the donor, provides her eggs to help another woman or couple, the recipient(s), conceive a child. The donor undergoes a thorough screening process before receiving hormone injections to stimulate egg production. Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure and fertilized with sperm through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The resulting embryos are then transferred into the recipient's uterus, and if successful, the recipient can become pregnant. Egg donation offers hope to those struggling with infertility and allows donors to make a meaningful contribution to others' lives.

Who is Egg Donation suitable for?

• Good Health: Egg donors should be in good physical and mental health to undergo the donation process.
• Age: Most fertility clinics prefer egg donors to be between the ages of 21 and 35, although specific age requirements may vary.
• Willingness: Donors should be willing to undergo the screening process, take fertility medications for ovarian stimulation, and undergo the egg retrieval procedure.

What does Egg Donation involve?

• Donor Screening: The egg donor undergoes a comprehensive screening process, including medical history assessment, physical examination, genetic testing, infectious disease screening, and psychological evaluation.
• Ovarian Stimulation: Donors receive hormone injections over a period of about two weeks to stimulate their ovaries to produce multiple eggs during a single menstrual cycle.
• Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs are mature, they are retrieved from the donor's ovaries through a minor surgical procedure called follicular aspiration, which is performed under sedation.
• Post-Retrieval Recovery: After the procedure, donors may experience mild discomfort or cramping and are typically advised to rest for the remainder of the day.

What are the symptoms of Egg Donation?

• Physical Discomfort: Some donors may experience mild discomfort or bloating during ovarian stimulation due to the hormonal injections.
• Emotional Impact: Egg donation can have emotional implications for donors, including feelings of fulfillment, altruism, or temporary sadness related to the end of the donation process.
• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): In rare cases, ovarian stimulation can lead to OHSS, characterized by severe abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. This complication requires medical attention but is uncommon with proper monitoring.