Will donating my eggs hurt my own fertility?

Women are born with a finite number of eggs, and each menstrual cycle, a certain number of eggs are naturally lost. During the egg donation process, a larger number of eggs are stimulated to grow and mature in the ovaries than would normally occur in a regular menstrual cycle. However, the procedure does not deplete the overall egg supply, as the eggs selected for retrieval are ones that would have been naturally lost in that particular cycle.

Is egg donation painful?

This is a minor surgical procedure performed under anesthesia, typically twilight sedation or general anesthesia. During the procedure, a thin needle is used to collect the eggs from the ovaries. While you are under anesthesia, you won't feel any pain or discomfort. However, it's common to experience some abdominal cramping, bloating, or pelvic discomfort after the procedure. This discomfort is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

What is the egg donation process like?

The egg donation process involves several steps, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and recovery. 

1. Ovarian Stimulation: The first stage involves taking fertility medications, usually in the form of injections, to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Some women may experience mild discomfort or bloating due to the enlarged ovaries. The injections themselves may cause temporary bruising or irritation at the injection site, but the process is typically manageable and should not cause severe pain.

2. Egg Retrieval: This is a minor surgical procedure performed under anesthesia, typically twilight sedation or general anesthesia. During the procedure, a thin needle is used to collect the eggs from the ovaries. While you are under anesthesia, you won't feel any pain or discomfort. However, it's common to experience some abdominal cramping, bloating, or pelvic discomfort after the procedure. This discomfort is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

3. Recovery: After the egg retrieval, you may experience mild to moderate pelvic discomfort or cramping for a few days. This is a normal side effect and should subside within a week. Your doctor may recommend pain relievers or suggest applying a heating pad to help alleviate any discomfort.