What Are the Risks of Donating Eggs for Females?

There are many couples who suffer from infertility problems. Sometimes the infertility issues are found in the man, while other times the woman may have the infertility problems. Either way, it is devastating for people who desperately want a baby. The medical world today has made it possible for couples to conceive, using an array of procedures. One of these is known as egg donation, a procedure that is similar to sperm donation. The difference is that a woman donates her eggs to another woman in hopes that she might be able to conceive with them.

Misconceptions of Egg Donation

Many women interested in donating their eggs are under the conception that they can simply walk into a clinic and ask to donate their eggs. There is, however, a more in-depth procedure that takes place to make sure that every donor and her family history is stable. The screening process involved screens for any genetic problems, whether it be physical or mental health. It screens the marital status of the donor and for such things as HIV exposure.

Considerations of Egg Donation on a Marriage

For women who are married, egg donation can be an even bigger decision. The decision will affect both husband and wife, and it needs to be approached in this way. The marriage has to be a strong and stable marriage in order to proceed with egg donation. Both parties have to agree to the terms and conditions of egg donation, and both parties need to be able to accept that they may never have contact with or know the potential child.

Potential Physical Risks

Egg donation is more involved than sperm donation in that it requires women to take medication prior to donation and involves a small surgical procedure. The hormones required are strong, and they stop the normal menstrual cycle in order to time the egg harvest just right. Any medication can cause side effects that are uncomfortable or life threatening. There is also risk involved in the harvesting of the eggs. There can be pain and discomfort, as well as a potential of trauma to other organs surrounding the ovaries at the time of harvest, such as the kidneys, the bladder and nearby blood vessels.

The Emotional Risks of Egg Donation

Egg donation means that there could possibly be a child brought into the world that could be yours. A lot of thought has to be given to this idea, and the donor should be very sure that she can handle knowing she created a child that she will not be raising. Some donors do leave their information for future contact, should the child decide he wants to meet his natural mother. It is a personal preference and should be weighed carefully before making a final decision. Professional counseling is always a good option when either considering egg donation or following an egg donation.

Monetary Considerations

Although egg donors do get paid for their time and discomfort, egg donation should not be viewed as a way of making an income. Some women may think that donating their eggs is an easy way to make a fast dollar, but the physical and emotional demands egg donation can put on a woman may not be worth the money for some.