3 Misconceptions About Egg Donation
by Julia Gregory
Despite egg donation being a commonly used means of helping people grow their family, many people shy away from it. Misconceptions about the egg donors and the process can often have an impact on whether or not families explore using a donor. To help separate the truth from fiction for both donors and potential parents, here are some of the most common misconceptions about egg donation.
Donating Eggs Is Painful
One of the most commonly believed misconceptions about egg donation is that the process is painful. In actuality, the process is not as painful as believed. In the months prior to donating, the donor has to take a series of hormone injections. The injections might cause a slight sting that lasts only a few moments.
When it comes to retrieving the eggs, the retrieval is done through the vagina. The doctor will provide the donor with a light sedative. In most instances, the donor can return to normal activities, such as work and school, the next day.
Egg Donation Is Too Time Consuming
Egg donation can take time, but the amount of time that is required is limited to only a few months. After the donor makes the decision to donate eggs, she will have to undergo a series of tests and other health assessments. The IVF clinic can schedule the appointments around the donor's schedule so that the process impacts her life as little as possible.
The donor will not need to take special time off from work or schedule during the time leading up to the retrieval. After the retrieval, a full day of recovery is needed, but the donor can return to her normal routine the next day.
The Standards for Donating Eggs Is Low
One concern that potential parents have about egg donation is the standards used to determine who can and cannot donate. IVF clinics not only have to follow standards set by the federal government, but most clinics have their own strict guidelines for donors.
For instance, IVF clinics tend to restrict donors based on age, family medical history, past sexual health history, drug use, and mental health. Some clinics go a step further and set guidelines for education. Clinics generally make their standards available to potential parents.
If you are still uncertain whether or not egg donation is right for you, consult with an IVF clinic. A counselor can answer your questions and address any concerns that you might have. Click here for more information.
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About Me
The decision to move one of my parents into assisted living was one of the most difficult I have ever made. I had extreme feelings of guilt that led to me being at the facility with my parent practically around the clock. It took a few months before I realized that I could not let my own life fall apart from the guilt I was feeling. I also learned that my parent was fine without me constantly hovering around. Since that time, I have had several friends express similar feelings of guilt. I started this blog to help others in the same situation understand not only their feelings about assisted living, but those of their parents.