Risks associated with Egg Donation

The risks to the donor are considered to be minimal and short-term.  Such risks includethe possibility of troublesome bleeding or pelvic infection (less than a 1% chance).  Equally, there is a 1% - 2% risk of excessive ovarian stimulation (too many eggs beingproduced) despite careful monitoring.  In such a case, the donation cycle will probably be abandoned and treatment would be commenced to regularise your menstrual cycle.

What treatment does the donor have to undergo?

In essence, the treatment involved for the egg donor is much the same as that for a woman undergoing IVF treatment.  The ovaries will need to be suppressed by desensitising the pituitary gland by means of either daily nasal sprays or injections for 2- 4 weeks.  The ovaries are then stimulated by means of daily injections for around 10-14 days.

Whilst the treatment may possibly be self administered there will be a need forregular ultrasound scans (about 5 or 6) to determine the stage of the ovulation cycle, together with further blood tests.

The actual egg collection is usually performed under general anaesthetic but alternativesedation may be available according to the egg donors wishes.  Normally, egg collection is performed vaginally under ultrasound scan.  Donors can usually return home just several hours after the egg collection has been completed.

However, they need to be aware that they will suffer the normal after-effects of having had a general anaesthetic and should ensure that they are accompanied and that, if they have children or other dependants, these will need others to look to their needs, until the after-effects of the anaesthetic have worn off.