Egg Donation Process

Egg donation, just like sperm donation, is a vital part of assisted reproductive technology (ART). It allows people to have a child, who otherwise cannot use their own eggs due to different reasons including, infertility or the risk of passing on genetic diseases and conditions.

Egg donation provides an alternative option of carrying a baby to term, but requires a bit of vetting to ensure that donors are healthy and that they do not carry a predisposition to inheritable diseases, thus extensive testing is conducted. Let us dive in and share what egg donation is all about. 

What Is Egg Donation?

The process of egg donation is one in which healthy eggs are taken from someone’s ovaries to help another one conceive a child. The first recorded live birth from egg donation was recorded in Australia, in 1983.

Recipients seeking egg donation do it because of issues such as  not responding well to hormonal treatment, or in-vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, menopause, or being unable to produce their own eggs. 

Other reasons may include surrogacy for individuals or same-sex male couples. Recipients could also have a predisposition to certain genetic conditions, or be carrying a genetic disease which they do not want to transfer to their child. 

Egg Retrieval

Before egg retrieval, medical check-ups will be conducted to ensure the health of the donor. Once check-ups confirm eligibility, hormonal treatments will be administered in order to stimulate their ovaries, and then the eggs will be retrieved.

Pre-Retrieval Checkups

The tests that are done before egg retrieval ensure that the eggs are both healthy as well as viable for fertilization. Blood is also drawn and checked for any anomalies as well as genetic conditions that could potentially have a negative impact. Additionally,  the quantity of eggs available in the donor’s ovaries is also checked.

Ovarian Stimulation

If no issues of concern are found in the results, the next step is to stimulate the ovaries to allow for the retrieval of multiple mature eggs at the same time.

In normal menstrual cycles, only one egg reaches full maturity, therefore hormonal injections and medications are administered to increase this supply, making eggs mature simultaneously, and creating a sufficient amount of viable eggs which will be extracted as a group. 

Egg Retrieval

When hormonal treatments begin, a period of monitoring follows. Eggs usually grow within follicles on the surface of the ovary. As the eggs grow, so do the follicles, and they must reach a predetermined size in order to be retrieved. 

When the required size is reached, a final hormone shot is administered and the actual egg retrieval process can begin. Egg retrieval is a safe process compared to many other medical procedures. 

Carefully - using an ultrasound for guidance - a probe is inserted into the ovary through the uterus. A long needle serves a dual purpose, to puncture the follicles containing mature eggs (without damaging the eggs), and extracting them through the needle. 

The retrieved eggs are put in a stable environment immediately for further assessment and potential fertilization. Egg retrieval usually takes about 15 to 45 minutes and the donor is usually under general anesthesia. Any eggs that are not used immediately are typically frozen and used for other ART treatments.

Eligibility for Egg Donation

Organizations typically look for egg donors who are healthy and aged between 21 and 31. The screening criteria may vary from one facility to another, but generally, donors must be clear of medical conditions that would impact both the health and viability of their donated eggs.

From a medical perspective, donors are ideally non-smokers with no hereditary diseases. Additionally they will be screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, HIV, syphilis and others. As well, the donor would need to be within a certain Body Mass Index (BMI) range.

Psychologically, screening  prospective donors is necessary to evaluate how different factors regarding their contribution towards the creation of a child might affect them mentally. Additionally, a study showed that there are better outcomes for donors when they are well informed before donating their eggs.

Side Effects of Egg Retrieval

The use of anesthesia and the types of equipment involved in medical procedures always carries some risk. 

As far as the actual side effects go, acute discomfort from the process usually resolves within a day or two, while nausea following the procedure resolves within a few hours. Any additional mild discomfort, moodiness, or swelling, usually resolve themselves by the beginning of the donor’s next menstrual cycle. 

A relatively rare condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome  (OHSS) has sometimes occurred following egg retrieval. It is characterized by mild abdominal pain, swelling, and weight gain. A more severe form of the condition, may be experienced, but by less than one percent of donors, which would require medical attention. Even then, the symptoms rarely last more than a week.

Legalities of Egg Donation

Both donors and recipients are required to sign a contract defining the nature of the donor’s relationship to a child born from one of their eggs by the fertility clinic. This is very necessary because it outlines the roles and responsibilities of each.

Many contracts also stipulate that the donor has no parental rights or responsibilities toward the child, outlining the nature of expenses and payments required for the procedure.

A donor cannot be forced to undergo any medical procedures against their will, and thus can back out of the agreement at any time, but they may be held liable for the medical expenses incurred during the process. 

Professional legal counsel can assist you to navigate your options and help you understand how your choices could affect you in the future.

In Summary

Egg donation has helped many people to fulfil their dream of having children. The process, just like any parenting journey comes with hope, challenges, as well as risks. Fertility is delicate, and can be challenging for many people trying to conceive.

Nevada Center For Reproductive Medicine has been a trusted partner and a beacon of hope in this journey. Using the latest advancements in medical science, we personalize your care, tailor our cutting-edge treatments to each unique fertility journey, offering comprehensive support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Egg Donation Safe?

Egg donation is considered safe. There can be mild side effects associated with the process, most of which resolve quickly. 

How Painful Is Recovery?

Typically, recovery is not painful. Some minor discomfort may follow the retrieval procedure, but can be alleviated with Tylenol or other over-the-counter pain relief medication and some doctors may prescribe painkillers in some cases.

How often can you donate eggs?

Six total donation cycles during a person’s lifetime is the general recommendation. Further, clinics typically require a donor wait at least two to three months between donation cycles.