About Egg Donation
According to a story called "As Economy Falls, Egg Donations Rise" on CBS News, the number of women who choose to donate eggs to fertility clinics for money is increasing. Fertility clinics frequently advertise on college campuses to bring in women who need cash. In order to donate eggs, you must meet certain criteria and many women are not accepted. In addition, donating eggs is not without risks. If you are thinking about donating your eggs, speak with your gynecologist to get all of the facts.
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Qualifications
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The requirements are typically the same among clinics. A donor must be between the ages of 21 and 29, non-smoking, healthy, a good family medical history that does not indicate the likelihood of any hereditary conditions, and educated according to the guidelines of Northeast Assistant Fertility Clinic. Some clinics go as far as requiring a minimum SAT score. In the screening process, they may also try to determine whether the donor is responsible and mature enough to go through the process.
Process
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The process of egg donation can take several months. After being accepted by the fertility clinic, you must wait to be matched with a recipient. Once you have been matched, you'll undergo medical tests to check for genetic and infectious diseases, as well as psychological and gynecological exams, according to Northeast Assisted Fertility Group. You will take birth control pills or injections of Lupron, a drug that suppresses your menstrual cycle. Then you take hormones that will increase your number of mature eggs.
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Retrieval
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Your doctor monitors your egg sacs (follicles) through a series of blood tests and ultrasound tests. Once the eggs are fully mature, the procedure to retrieve them performed. It is done in a doctor's office under light anesthesia. The retrieval is accomplished through aspiration and takes only about a half hour. A needle is inserted into your ovary to gently withdrawal the eggs. You will need to rest for a full day following your procedure. Your eggs will be fertilized before being placed in into the recipient's womb.
Cost and Payment
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There is no cost to you for donating your eggs. All medical, travel and legal expenses are paid by the recipient. Payment for egg donations are between $5,000 and $10,000. Northeast Assisted Fertility Group pays $10,000 immediately following the retrieval of your eggs. You will receive a 1099 form for your income taxes.
Risks
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Donating eggs has risks. Common side effects are bloating, irritability, soreness and cramps. While serious complications are rare, one condition of concern is ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome. According to the National Institutes of Health, this results from drugs stimulating the ovaries too much, causing fluid to leak into your belly and chest. Symptoms of a mild case of this condition include abdominal pain, bloating and weight gain. Serious cases result in severe pain, swelling of the abdomen, shortness of breath and decreased urination. In these cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
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