How I was an egg donor 4 times: honest about everything

We asked one of our wonderful female donors about how it all really works and why she participated in the program 4 times! We bring you all the information about egg donation from the horse's mouth.

Why did you become an egg donor?

I always felt that I was ready to do something for others. I feel inspired when I can help someone become happier. And I'm not alone. Many girls want to help childless families, but are afraid because they don’t know much about the preparation and the procedure itself. Therefore, I really liked the idea of ​​participating in an interview and telling how I became an egg donor .

Does it hurt?

What exactly: puncture or preparatory injections? Everyone speaks differently. Depends on the degree of sensitivity to pain; on how the body reacts to medications. Personally, the injections did not hurt me (the doctors at the agency’s clinic taught me well), and after the puncture procedure I felt some discomfort.

How did the donation happen?

After the agency has approved your candidacy, you go to the doctor. The doctor does an ultrasound and tests. Preparation begins - daily injections of hormonal drugs (done for about 21 days). During the preparation process, several control ultrasounds are performed (this is not painful at all), and the day of the puncture is scheduled - a procedure for retrieving eggs, which takes place under anesthesia. After the puncture procedure, you will need to spend several hours in the clinic - just so that the anesthesia wears off safely. Then you can go home. Some may experience slight pain in the lower abdomen, bloating, weakness.

Injections

Many, many needles were involved in the preparation process. First - needles for blood tests. Then - injection needles. It's not as scary as it seems. The needles are thin, like those used daily by diabetics. You can give yourself an injection in the stomach, upper thigh or buttocks - the choice depends on your flexibility and creativity. I have always tolerated medications well. Once I felt a slight tingling and burning sensation at the injection site, but it quickly passed. And once I got a hematoma at the injection site: apparently, I somehow awkwardly injected myself. But this also passed in a couple of days. It was more convenient for me to give injections in the stomach. I know that many donors still try to dodge and reach their buttocks. I've heard that some people need daily help from a spouse or friend to administer the injections. I managed it myself.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is done intravaginally (through the vagina) several times during preparation. This is necessary in order to control the body’s reaction to medications and adjust the dosage. A blood test will be ordered so the doctor can be sure you are okay. Ultrasound shows the size and number of follicles in the ovaries. This gives an idea of ​​how many eggs can be retrieved. It is very important to visit an ultrasound specialist at a strictly scheduled time, since during the examination, doctors also evaluate whether the donor’s hormonal levels are at the best level or whether additional stimulation is required. For me, ultrasound has always been quick and painless; it was interesting to look at my own ovaries and the follicles in them on the monitor. I highly recommend collecting as much information as possible about what you will have to do. I read a lot of egg donor forums and articles, so I knew what to expect and was prepared.

Retrieval procedure (puncture)

This is the fastest part of the whole process, but for some reason they fear it most of all. The donor is under general anesthesia for half an hour. During this time, the finished eggs are extracted through the vagina with a special instrument. When I woke up, I was often lethargic (this is due to anesthesia), sometimes there was pressure and distension in the lower abdomen, which quickly went away on its own, without additional intervention from doctors. I was advised to take pain medication for a few days after the extraction procedure. I did this every time. I also came home and went to bed to rest for the whole day: I watched movies, ate treats, and corresponded with friends. The next day I went to work or to run errands, and a week later I no longer physically felt that I had participated in egg donation. There was discomfort in the abdomen after removal. So I didn't go to the gym for about a week. But then, having rested, I returned to classes with even greater joy!

I am often asked how I decided to do the next three times after the first. I answer: this was not a problem for me. Mild physical discomfort versus the realization that I am involved in someone’s happiness for life! It turned out that for each subsequent donation the agency offers an increased fee. This, of course, is also very pleasant!

Gratitude from the agency

We thank our honorary donor for his enormous contribution to the happiness of families. Thank you for how kind and sympathetic you are. Be healthy - this world needs you!

Are you ready to become an egg donor? Fill out application on the website.