Q. How does egg donation work?
A donor over a course of approximately 3 weeks will self-inject hormones to stimulate her ovarian production. She is closely monitored by our physicians throughout this process. Once her eggs are “ready”, she is scheduled for a procedure to remove them from her ovaries. This procedure is done under sedation in an outpatient setting. Most donors return to work or school the following day.
Q. How does egg retrieval work?
Egg retrieval is done by the trans-vaginal ultrasound guided method, a non-surgical outpatient procedure. Egg retrievals are performed in the clinic of the fertility physician. A sedative, called twilight, is given intravenously. A vaginal probe, which is a device with an ultrasound transducer on the tip, is introduced into the vagina. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.
Q.Does it hurt?
During the stimulation phase, a donor might experience PMS-like symptoms, some bloating and minor irritability. The retrieval procedure is done under sedation so a donor will not experience pain during the procedure. After the procedure, a donor will generally feel groggy from the sedative and may experience some spotty bleeding and/or cramping. This usually subsides after a few hours.
Q. What are the risks? (No long term side effects have been reported for egg donation)
The primary risk is a condition called Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome. This is relatively rare (1-2% of IVF cases). Careful monitoring is done by your physician to avoid this possibility. Symptoms include weight gain and a feeling of extreme bloating. Also, as with any procedure, a risk of infection exists, you will most likely be given antibiotics to avoid this.
Q. How long will it take?
Once a donor is in cycle, the process is quite short, approximately 3 months from selection to the retrieval procedure. However, before beginning this process, a donor must be “selected” by an infertile couple or individual and this can sometimes take several months.
Q. Will my future fertility be affected?
No. The medications nor the procedure compromise the possibility of becoming pregnant in the future, unless infection occurs which is extremely rare. Our doctors take every precaution to ensure your comfort, health and safety throughout the process.
Q. Will I miss a lot of school or work?
Hopefully not. Most appointments are scheduled for early in the morning so a donor will have as little disruption to her schedule as possible. The procedure will require an entire day free, however. It is very important that you recognize the level of responsibility required in making and keeping these appointments, and in doing so, be very honest with yourself as to whether or not donation would be possible for you and your work, school and personal schedule.
Q. How much am I paid?
At Fertility Source Companies, our egg donors receive a base compensation that varies based on location, ranging from between Rs 8,000 and Rs 12,000 in India. Your compensation will be discussed with you during your consultation with our staff. Donors are paid their full compensation upon completion of the cycle.
Q: Is egg donation anonymous?
From its infancy to a relatively short time ago, third-party reproduction was a taboo subject and not many people talked openly about it. A completely anonymous donation was the norm and accepted by everyone involved. Now, more is known about the importance of a donor-conceived child’s need for access to their full genetic identity. Coupled with technological advances such as at-home DNA test kits, being anonymous is a thing of the past.
At Fertility Source Companies, we take the views of anonymity for Intended Parents and Egg Donors into account when helping find the best match. There are many different ways to facilitate communication and we are here to support both our Egg Donors and Intended Parents based on their wants and needs.