Egg donation for assisted reproduction purposes is a process by which typically a woman with healthy eggs will donate to a person or persons that cannot produce healthy eggs on their own. This is typically accomplished with in-vitro fertilization technology with the eggs being fertilized in a laboratory. Egg donation should not be confused with surrogacy. A surrogate is a person that actually carries a pregnancy for another woman for the entire 9 month process. An egg donor DOES NOT carry a baby.

After being matched with a client, completing health screenings and signing legal forms the donor will start the donation cycle. The cycle itself typically takes between 2 and 3 weeks to complete.

All donors are required to go to several doctor’s appointments, take injections and have a minor out-patient (Approximately one hour) procedure to retrieve the eggs. timeliness is very important for all appointments and the taking of medications so an ability to keep to a definite schedule is required.

The most common medications used are birth control pills, Lupron or Leuprolide (to suppress your ovaries to keep from ovulating) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) to stimulate the growth of 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)

Most donors experience minimal side effects with the medications used during the process.   The most common side effects mirror common PMS symptoms, such as bloating, pelvic discomfort, water weight gain or minor mood swings. Less common side effects would include headaches, severe cramping and feeling overly tired.

Thankfully, current research suggests that egg donation does not have any long-term effects on fertility. We do suggest all donors read the New York Department of Health information on becoming a donor(http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/1127/)

Although very rare, as with any medical procedure egg donation is not without risk. About 5% of donors experience ovarian hyper stimulation after the retrieval process. This is a condition 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, the physician may need to drain the excess fluid from the donor. In most cases, however, ovarian hyper stimulation resolves on its own, and while uncomfortable, it can be easily managed.

Most donors will see their bodies go back to normal within a couple of days after retrieval. In some cases, donors feel bloated and experience slight discomfort until their next period, which is approximately 8-10 days after retrieval.

Usually our donors are paid the very next day after their retrieval but contractually it will take no longer than 7 days

So far all of our first time donors have come back to do more than one cycle due to the wonderful experience they had working with us. We would be more than happy to answer any additional questions you might have.