It is undeniable that being an egg donor is a life-changing experience. You are not only giving hope to someone who would not be able to become a parent without your help but also being generously compensated for your time, effort, and commitment. You also undergo extensive health screening, which could empower your future. Even though it is a life-changing experience, it is not without obstacles. If you are considering egg donation, be aware of some of the more difficult aspects of the process. Many of these difficulties can be easily overcome if you know how.
Getting Matched
The Challenge
You’ve worked hard to create a stellar profile, and you’re ready to move forward with your egg donation journey, but your profile just isn’t attracting attention. The feelings of disappointment and rejection are rarely addressed.
At Emerald Donors, we do everything we can to ensure that your profile is filled out efficiently, that you have a wide selection of photos, and that you have access to a wide range of gold-standard programs.
Ultimately, however, it comes down to whether or not you’re a match for an individual or couple. When reviewing profiles, a variety of factors are considered, from the egg donor’s medical history (psychological, health, and genetics) to who the egg donor is (phenotype, hobbies, academic training, etc.).
How to Manage
What you can do:
1. Update your profile regularly:
- Include recent developments, such as new interests, achievements, a new job or promotion, a degree you just completed, or enrollment in a new educational program!
- Update your profile with new photos.
- Add a donor video to your profile.
2. Manage your expectations by realizing that it might take some time to find a match or that your profile might not be selected; it is not a guarantee.
Strict Requirements
The Challenge
Egg donors must be in good physical and mental health to achieve the best results for our intended parents and to ensure the safety of the egg donor. Each egg donor applicant must meet at least the following criteria:
- Overall healthy (physically, emotionally, and mentally)
- Between 18 and 32 years old
- BMI between 18 and 27
- At least 152 cm tall
- A non-drug or nicotine user
- Have a regular menstrual cycle
- Have no reproductive concerns
- Be prepared to undergo medical, genetic, and psychological testing
- Willing to self-administer injectable medications
How to Manage
When you apply, you should be aware that your application may be rejected for one of the reasons listed. Some of these reasons are within your control, others not at all.
To avoid disappointment, you may wish to familiarize yourself with the egg donor requirements before submitting your application.
Fill out your application completely (no blanks), include a variety of pictures, read your application thoroughly before submitting, and trust the team to make the best decision.
Possible Cancelation/Postponement
The Challenge
Potential Match: Potential match fails due to variables such as incompatible genetics, schedules, and other factors.
Postponed: A cycle is postponed due to a cyst or hormone-related concerns.
Cycle Cancelation: A low number of follicles, premature ovulation, poor or no response to medication, or OHSS concerns.
When you are so excited about the journey and then it is postponed/canceled, it can be extremely disheartening.
How to Manage
What you can do is temper your expectations and accept that many factors are beyond your control. Leading up to and during stimulation, you can:
- To prevent cycle postponement, take your birth control pills as prescribed.
- For best results, follow the directions the medication directions.
- Drink water and other non-caffeinated beverages, such as electrolyte-rich coconut water, to stay hydrated.
- To stay nourished, eat a balanced diet rich in protein, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, etc.
- To promote oxygen-rich blood flow to the ovaries, engage in regular moderate exercise, such as yoga, swimming, or walking. However, avoid strenuous exercise in the days leading up to your retrieval.
- To relieve tension and keep stress at bay, relax with light yoga, meditation, reading, or a warm bath.
Extensive Screening
The Challenge
Screening can be intimidating at times, but the Emerald team will guide you through the process and make sure you understand every step!
There is a chance that the medical screening may reveal something about your health that you were not aware of, especially something that could affect your future fertility, such as low egg reserve or genetic issues.
How to Manage
Take comfort in the fact that you are undergoing a free, comprehensive exam that could empower you to make decisions about your future.
Medication Side Effects
The Challenge
Self-injectable medications are used in egg donation. Although these medications are generally safe, they can cause side effects. These side effects are usually mild and include symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, hot flushes, and headaches. Although serious risks are rare, complications from egg donations are not unheard of and include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and ovarian torsion.
How to Manage
During stimulation, it is important that you take care of yourself by avoiding strenuous activities, eating a healthy diet, and drinking enough fluids. Inform your coordinator if you develop a fever, have excessive pain, or have difficulty eating
Although egg donors may face unexpected obstacles, at Emerald Donors you are not on your own. Despite the potential challenges, egg donors often end their egg donation journey with a sense of accomplishment and joy.
