Many young women are interested in egg donation. Egg donation offers the unique opportunity to help others achieve their dream of parenthood. While egg donation can be a deeply rewarding experience, it is natural to have concerns about the process. Potential egg donors frequently wonder if egg donation is painful.
Fertility specialists from CCRM Fertility, help individuals understand the egg donation process at our nationwide network of fertility clinics. Our doctors also prepare donors for any side effects they may experience throughout treatment.
What to Expect during Egg Donation
Egg donation takes place in three phases. First, potential donors undergo a screening process to determine if they are ideal candidates for the procedure. Women are evaluated on their physical and fertile health, as well as their emotional well-being. It is important that donors have a good reserve of quality eggs to donate, and that they have an emotionally healthy attitude about the process.
If a woman is a good candidate for egg donation she undergoes ovarian stimulation prior to the egg retrieval procedure. During this phase of treatment, women are prescribed fertility medications. The medications are self-administered (usually via injection) over the span of several weeks. Fertility medications promote the production of multiple mature eggs. Prior to egg retrieval patients give themselves a final trigger shot that stimulates the release of mature eggs.
The final phase of egg donation is egg retrieval. During this procedure, a thin, hollow needle is inserted into the vagina. The needle is guided through the cervix and into the uterus via ultrasound imaging. Using a small suction device, eggs are drawn into the needle for collection. Patients are sedated throughout this procedure, so they remain comfortable.
Will I Experience Pain?
Most of the egg donors that we work with at our Scottsdale fertility clinic do not describe egg donation as a painful experience. However, there are some parts of the process that are likely to result in side effects. Some of these side effects can cause minor irritation or discomfort.
Side Effects Experienced during Egg Donation
Egg donation side effects may develop during ovarian stimulation or following the egg retrieval process. Most side effects of egg donation tend to be minor, but donors should be prepared for what they may experience during each stage of treatment.
- Ovarian stimulation – Ovarian stimulation alters a woman’s hormone levels to encourage egg production. The injections themselves may cause mild discomfort, especially for those who are uncomfortable with needles. In addition, fluctuating hormone levels can lead to side effects such as bloating, cramping, breast tenderness, nausea, and mood swings.
- Egg retrieval – Egg donors are sedated during egg retrieval, so the process is completely comfortable. However, minor side effects are common during the first few days following treatment. Possible side effects include mild cramping and light bleeding.
