A. A couple has approximately a 65 % chance of achieving a successful pregnancy with the help of a young, healthy egg donor.
Q. How long does it take to complete an entire cycle?
A. Once you have been chosen by a recipient couple, the time period can range anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months. It takes time to coordinate and complete psychological and medical screenings. In addition, your menstrual cycle needs to be coordinated with the menstrual cycle of the intended parent.
Q. Are there any side effects to the medication?
A. Each woman has their own individualized response to the medication. Some women do not experience any side effects while others suffer from heightened PMS symptoms such as cramping, breast tenderness, and bloating, etc.
Q. Will I be able to have children after egg donation?
A. Yes, your body has hundreds of thousands of eggs. A donor cycle can yield between 5 to 30 eggs. Many donors donate multiple times and then have children of their own.
Q. What if I am using an IUD for birth control? Can I still be a donor?
A. Yes, you can still be a donor. The IUD will need to be removed during the retrieval process and then later replaced.
Q. Can I be an egg donor if my tubes are tied?
A. Yes, the aspiration of your eggs occurs before the eggs are released by your body. Therefore, even if you only have one tube, you are still eligible to donate.
Q. Do I need to abstain from intercourse for the entire three month process?
A. No, we only ask that you abstain from sexual intercourse during the stimulation process which lasts approximately 10 days and also three weeks directly following the retrieval. You will be extremely fertile during these periods of the cycle.
Q. Since the procedure is non-surgical, how are the eggs retrieved?
A. The egg retrieval process is an outpatient procedure similar to that of a pap smear. However, prior to the procedure you will be sedated or general anesthesia will be administered. A vaginal probe is placed into the vagina and fluid from the follicles is collected. This procedure will take approximately 30 minutes with a one to two hour recovery time. It is required that someone drive you home after the retrieval.
Q. Is the non-surgical egg retrieval painful?
A. There may be minor cramping which can easily be treated with over the counter pain medication. You will need to relax for the rest of the day after the retrieval, but can return to your normal routine the following day.
Q. Who will pay for the medical costs? What if I need to seek medical attention on my own during the process?
A. All costs are the responsibility of the recipients, unless the donor violates the contract. Donors are supplied with temporary, short-term health insurance coverage for the complete cycle. They will carry a health insurance card and can obtain assistance when they feel necessary.
