Is there an age requirement with InVia Fertility’s program?
You must be between the ages of 21 and 29 to be considered for egg donation.
Can I donate if I’ve had a tubal ligation?
Absolutely. Having a tubal ligation does not affect the quality of your ovaries or your eggs.
Will I experience any side effects from the fertility medications?
Side effects from the fertility medications are similar to the symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Bloating and pelvic discomfort are common side effects.
Will donating my eggs affect my own fertility or my ability to have children in the future?
Egg donation does not appear to have any long-term effects on a donor’s fertility.
How will donating my eggs affect my personal lifestyle?
Once you have been selected by and contracted with a recipient, you will begin taking fertility medications. You must be very careful not to get pregnant by using condoms for the duration of the donation cycle. If your tubes are tied or your partner has a vasectomy, there is no concern for pregnancy. From start to finish you are likely to have eight to twelve visits to our offices. Most of these appointments will be morning monitoring appointments that consist of a blood draw and an ultrasound, and are normally scheduled between 6:30am and 9:00am.
Do I have to have my own health insurance or pay for any of my office visits?
No, you do not need to have your own medical insurance nor will we ask you for it. All of your appointments are covered by the recipients or their insurance plan. You have no financial obligation at all by being an egg donor.
How much time will I have to miss from school or work?
Mostly it depends on how your body responds to the stimulation medications. You will need to miss one day for the actual egg retrieval. Your initial donor consultation takes about an hour and the morning monitoring appointments usually take about a half hour.
What is the chance of a recipient achieving a pregnancy through egg donation?
A recipient couple generally has approximately a 75% chance of achieving pregnancy with the help of a young, healthy egg donor.
How long does an average cycle normally take?
You can expect the actual cycle of egg donation to take approximately four to six weeks. The first few weeks will involve taking birth control pills or using the Nuva Ring.
How long does it take to get matched?
Unfortunately, this is the most unpredictable part of your cycle. We have no way of knowing how long it will take a donor to be selected, or what exactly it is that makes a recipient choose their donor. It is common for recipients to try to find someone who has similar features or ethnicities, but that is not always the case. Some donors are chosen almost immediately and others are available for quite some time before they are chosen.
What exactly will the recipient couple know about me as their egg donor?
Nothing that would be considered "identifying". They will know characteristics about you, but not your name or any other information that could lead to your identification.
What are my responsibilities to the child(ren) that may be born from my donated eggs?
You have no responsibilities to any child or children that may be born from your egg donation. The intended parents assume all responsibility.
Will I be more or less fertile after an egg donation?
In the month that follows your egg donation, you will be more fertile than normal. After one month, your fertility will return to normal.
How many eggs does the average donor produce?
The average donor produces 12-15 eggs, but it all depends on the individual and how they respond to the stimulation medications. The number of eggs produced by a donor can be as few as five or as many as thirty or more.
What kind of anesthesia am I put under for the egg retrieval?
You are put under light anesthesia by IV. After the retrieval, you may experience light to moderate pain, although most donors tolerate the procedure very well. You will be instructed to rest for 24 hours after the procedure and are told not to drive or operate any heavy machinery during that time.
What is the recovery time after my egg retrieval?
You will be put on moderate bed rest for 24 hours and then may resume normal activities after that time.
What are some of the medical risks and complications that may occur from an egg donation?
The egg retrieval is performed under ultrasound guidance. There is a slight risk that the needle may puncture the surrounding tissue or organs, causing injury, bleeding, or infection. There is also a small risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). During OHSS the ovaries become enlarged and fluid may collect in the abdominal cavity causing bloating and in some cases severe pelvic discomfort and/or pain. Hospitalization may be required if it progresses to a severe state, but this is very rare
How long will it take my body to return to normal after the egg retrieval?
You should expect a menstrual period within 14 days after the egg retrieval. The first period is likely to be unusually heavy compared to your average period, but this is to be expected and is a side effect of the stimulation medication. Following your next period, your body should be completely back to normal.
What is involved with taking the medications?
The medications you will need to take in preparation for the egg donation are self-injectable medications. You will be required to give yourself injections, and the nurse will teach you how to do this, in the thigh or stomach. You will take injections once daily for about two weeks before the egg retrieval. All the needles and the medications are injected just under the skin.
How often can I donate?
Per the guidelines set forth by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), a donor is allowed to undergo six cycles of egg donation.
Will there be a lot of pain or bleeding after my egg retrieval?
You may experience some discomfort similar to menstrual cramps immediately after the egg retrieval, but this should go away within hours of the procedure. You may also experience some light spotting, but you should not have any heavy bleeding. There is always a physician on call to answer questions or treat any problems that may arise.
Can I donate if I just had a baby?
You cannot be an egg donor if you are currently breastfeeding. You would need to wait until after your first period after you complete breastfeeding to be an egg donor. If you are not breastfeeding, you would need to wait until after your first normal period after delivering your baby.
