Information About Egg Donation

Becoming an egg donor is a very big decision that should not be made without a thorough knowledge of the process and risks. It is not a simple procedure at all, and it involves extensive medical tests. For the couple relying on a donation in order to have a child, the donor is invaluable. They typically have struggled to conceive on their own for some time before turning to alternative means. Whether you are a friend or relative who has been asked to donate or you have seen an advertisement offering payment, there are many facts about donation that you should know ahead of time.

Not all women can donate their eggs because there are specific criteria that they must meet. Firstly, the age range for acceptable donors is typically between 21 and 35. The age range is set to ensure the woman is old enough to legally give consent, but not too old to respond well to fertility treatments. Among older women, there is also more likelihood that their eggs will be abnormal, which may cause birth defects. Aside from the age range, most donation programs are extremely selective about the women they accept as donors.

Before you begin the donor selection process, make sure you fully understand the procedures and risks involved. Once you have a clear knowledge of the medical tests and requirements, you may decide against becoming a donor. It is better to make an informed decision beforehand, rather than after subjecting yourself to the lengthy screening process. Candidates usually have to endure multiple medical visits before they are chosen. The medical visits include a thorough physical exam, a gynecological exam, and blood and urine tests. The program also collects information about your medical and family history and conducts a psychological exam. Before starting any medical tests, you should find out who will be paying for them. Many infertility programs pay for and provide the tests, but this is not always true.

Depending on the program, certain physical attributes or other selection criteria are used to qualify an acceptable donor for egg donation. If you are accepted as a possible donor, make sure you discuss any questions and concerns in depth with a representative of the program. You should not agree to give your eggs without a clear understanding of your rights, as well as what you will be responsible for during the process.

After you've been accepted, the program will match you with a recipient. You will likely then begin taking a variety of fertility drugs, some of which may be injected. These drugs increase the number of eggs your ovaries produce at one time. While taking them, you will be required to have medical tests often to track your progress and ensure there are no complications. The final part of the process involves a minor surgical procedure to remove the eggs from your ovaries. After the surgery, the donor's involvement is finished. The eggs are mixed with sperm and the resulting embryos are grown in a laboratory setting. The recipient will have the embryos transferred to her uterus, and hopefully she will become pregnant.

The entire process is probably more extensive than most women realize. Without egg donations, though, many couples would not be able to have children. Whether you are considering it for monetary gain or to help a dear friend, you should learn as much as you can about it before making a commitment to participate.