FAQs for Prospective Egg Donors
1.) What types of medications are used for egg donation? How are they taken?
The most common medications used are birth control pills, Lupron or Leuprolide (to suppress your ovaries to keep from ovulating) and FSH (follicle stimulation hormone) to stimulate the growth of more follicles/eggs. These are taken via subcutaneous injection, which is a small needle that is injected into fatty tissue (usually your thigh, buttocks or stomach). Your nurse specialist will show you how to do this and act as support for you if you have any questions throughout the cycle.
2.) Will I experience side effects with the medication?
Most donors experience minimal side effects with the medications used during the process. The most common match PMS symptoms, such as bloating, pelvic discomfort, water weight gain or minor mood swings. Less common side effects would include headaches, severe cramping, tiredness.
3.) Will egg donation affect my future fertility?
Current research suggests that egg donation does not have any long-term effects on your fertility.
4.) Are there any complications that I should be aware of if I donate my eggs?
Although rare, as with any medical procedure it is not without risk. There is always the small risk during the retrieval process that the needle used to extract your eggs could cause internal bleeding or infection. Additionally, about 5% of donors experience ovarian hyperstimulation after the retrieval process, in which the ovaries become filled with an excess amount of fluid causing severe bloating and discomfort. A water weight gain of several pounds as well as pelvic pain may occur. In severe (and very rare) cases, there may be hospitalization required to drain the excess fluid.
5.) How much will I get paid for my time and efforts involved in being an egg donor?
Egg donors generally get paid between $5000 – $10,000. Previous successful cycles command higher fees, meaning donors fee increases with each subsequent cycle.
6.) How many eggs are typically retrieved?
Usually cycles result in between 10 – 20 eggs retrieved. In some cases, more than 20 eggs are retrieved.
7.) How soon will my body return to normal after I’ve had the egg retrieval?
Most donors will go back to normal within a couple of days after retrieval. In some cases, donors feel bloated and slight discomfort until the time of their next period, which is approximately 8-10 days after retrieval.
8.) What types of families do you work with?
At Gifted Journeys we feel strongly that LOVE makes a family and work with families of all types including gay, lesbian, single, transgendered and heterosexual.
