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Is it painful to donate eggs?
If you are considering donating your eggs, you may be concerned about the process involved and whether it’s painful.
During the procedure, you might experience slight discomfort; however, generally, you should not feel any pain.
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The egg donation process
While it may feel overwhelming at first; the egg donation process is straightforward and will be performed under mild sedation to ensure minimal discomfort.
Book your consultation – To get started fill out an application form online, and a member of our medical team will then send you a medical questionnaire. Following that, you’ll be scheduled for a consultation and fertility assessment, which includes an AFC transvaginal ultrasound to assess your reproductive health and provide an indication of your egg supply. Based on these results, our medical team will assess your suitability to donate.
Counselling – We provide sessions to help you address any concerns and discuss the implications of becoming an egg donor before you proceed.
Donor screening – You will undergo some blood tests as part of the donor screening process to ensure that you do not have any medical conditions or serious illnesses that could affect the baby or birth parent.
Treatment – One of our nurses will discuss your personalised treatment plan with you, including information about your medication and how to use it.
Donation cycle – On the first day of your next period, you will need to schedule monitoring scans at the clinic. You will also begin a course of stimulation hormones to help mature your eggs.
Donating your eggs – You will need to fast for a few hours before your egg collection. Patients are usually discharged on the same day, and you will need to be accompanied home by a friend or family member.
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Is egg donation painful?
The procedure is performed under mild sedation, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. Afterwards, you might experience some abdominal discomfort, which is completely normal. Mild cramping and bloating can occur, but these symptoms can be managed by taking regular painkillers paracetamol.
Is the ovarian stimulation process painful?
Ovarian stimulation involves using medication to help produce several mature eggs. While the process itself is generally not painful, it can often lead to some discomfort. You may experience mild cramping, bloating and fatigue, especially as the ovarian follicles grow.
Is the egg retrieval process painful?
The egg retrieval procedure is conducted under mild sedation, so you shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort during the process. It usually lasts about 15 minutes, and patients are discharged on the same day.
Do the hormone injections hurt?
Hormone injections are given as part of your medication to stimulate your ovaries and help mature eggs. You'll administer a daily injection at home to enhance follicular growth in your ovaries and increase the number of eggs collected. This is typically a 14-day course of hormone medication.
After this, you will start a second injection at home that stops natural hormone production and controls when your eggs are released. You may feel a slight sting or pinch similar to other injections. Some patients may experience soreness, redness and bruising with the injections. If you have any concerns, contact your GP or clinic.
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What is the recovery period after egg donation?
Your egg retrieval will be performed under mild sedation, so you can expect to feel tired when you wake up. You'll be taken to a recovery room where you can rest for a few hours. Once our medical team is satisfied with your recovery, you will be discharged. We advise that you don't drive for 24 hours after the procedure, so you'll need someone to accompany you home.
We recommend avoiding strenous activities and resting as much as possible following your egg collection. However, most people can expect to return to their usual activities within a day or two.
Managing pain and discomfort
You will be sedated during your egg collection to ensure you are comfortable and do not experience any pain or discomfort. The sedation may cause mild nausea, though we advise fasting beforehand to reduce the risk of complications if you do feel sick.
After your donation, you'll likely feel tired, have mild period-like pains and some vaginal bleeding. You can take painkillers, such as paracetemol, and using a hot water bottle on your lower abdomen may relieve muscle cramps. It's also important to drink plenty of fluids to reduce bloating and to get plenty of rest.
If you experience any vomiting, severe pain, or swelling in the abdominal area contact your GP immediately. Our medical team will provide you with the guidance and advice you need to manage your pain.
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Are there any physical or emotional risks to egg donation?
Most patients won’t experience significant health problems, apart from some discomfort following the ovarian stimulation and the egg collection procedure.
You may experience side effects from the fertility medications used during your treatment, which can include tiredness, headaches and bloating. Although, rare, there is a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can occur a week after collecting your eggs. Symptoms of OHSS may include stomach pains, swelling in the abdomen area, vomiting and reduced urine.
You'll be monitored closely during your donation cycle to help avoid this. However, if you experience any serious side effects from any medication, contact your GP or fertility clinic immediately.
Donating your eggs is a life-changing decision and can significantly impact your emotional wellbeing. You may develop an attachment to your eggs and the knowledge that any children conceived from your donation can apply for your contact details once they turn 18, which may be something that you may or may not be comfortable with. This is why we offer counselling sessions to ensure you are comfortable and supported before proceeding.
Becoming a donor is a personal and rewarding decision that allows individuals to expand their families. Rest assured, we're here to guide you and help you make an informed decision about your future.
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