Egg donation is now a common practice. Couples in which the female partner struggles to conceive use the eggs. Nevertheless, as a donor, it is vital to understand the side effects of egg donation before you decide to embark on it.
Women may not be able to bear a child for many reasons.
For example, early menopause, being older than thirty-five years old, having poor quality eggs or having undergone procedures that could damage your ovaries. Such treatment can include chemotherapy.
What Happens In The Screening Process?
Firstly, you will fill out a questionnaire. The details will include information such as your background, medical, family and personal history.
If the reviews on your questionnaire are positive, you will subsequently see psychological and genetic counsellors.
Finally, laboratory tests and a physical exam will be conducted.
How Long Before You Can Get Pregnant After Egg Donation?
As one of the side effects of egg donation, your fertility will increase for two to three months. Consequently, your chances of conceiving are higher than usual.
Your fertility levels will return to normal after three months.
What Are The Restrictions During The Process?
You can easily conceive during the process. Thus, you are asked to abstain from intercourse.
During the egg donation process, your ovaries are enlarged. As a result, for your safety, refrain from high-energy activities.
Such as running or any sports that involve jumping or rapid movements.
Can You Become Infertile As A Side Effects Of Egg Donation?
Shortly, no, you cannot. The procedure does not have a connection to reducing your chances of conceiving in the future.
Women are born with more than two million eggs.
Each month a group of eggs matures, but only one egg is used. Your body absorbs the rest.
The fertility medication you receive saves some of the eggs your body was to reabsorb.
Negative Side Effects Of Egg Donation
1. It Can Cause Weight Gain
As a donor, you can gain 2 to 5 pounds. It is due to an increase in the size of your ovaries or fluid retention. Taller women can gain more weight.
The weight gain is temporary. It will go away after your first period after the egg donation.
2. It May Cause Bloating
The hormones in FSH pills cause bloating. For the most part, this symptom usually presents itself as water retention around the lower part of your stomach.
Undoubtedly, bloating is uncomfortable. Nevertheless, it should not be intense nor impair your daily duties.
Ensure you drink plenty of water to help your body remove excess fluids.
3. It Can Cause Breast Tenderness
FSH and HCG pills that are administered during the procedure cause breast tenderness. As one of the side effects of egg donation, the sensitivity you experience are the same as what you may experience during your menstrual cycle.
A support bra can be of help during this period. Avoid contact activities and impact exercises to reduce the pain you might feel in your breasts.
Studies also show that reducing your salt and caffeine intake reduces breast tenderness.
4. Headaches Can Occur As A Side Effects Of Egg Donation
The hormonal changes that the pill cause can cause your estrogen levels to fluctuate. Thus, this causes headaches. To help reduce their intensity, you could consult your egg donor doctor on painkillers.
Generally, you can also ease the headaches by indulging in self-care. This includes seeping for at least eight hours, relaxing stress and eating balanced meals.
5. It may Cause Nausea And Digestive Complications
FSH and HCG medications can also cause nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal pain and diarrhoea.
Changing your diet to bland, easily digestible foods can help reduce these effects. You might also realize that certain smells can trigger these reactions. If so, it would be best to avoid them.
6. It Can Cause Moodiness
Irritability is one of the common side effects of egg donation. Mood swings are also similar to those you would experience during your period.
During this time, ensure you take care of yourself and keep your stress levels low. It may also help if you discuss your feelings with people close to you.
They can help comfort you when you are feeling low. At times HCG medications can also cause moodiness and depression.
While it is normal to feel this way, ensure you consult your doctor if you have no one else to turn to.
7. It May Cause A Reaction At The Injection Site
Daily injections might be terrifying for some women. This can lead to anxiety and fear.
The injections can also cause infections if the needles are not sterilized or if the site is not cleaned. Additionally, injections can cause reactions.
Such as pain, redness, swelling, irritation and bruising. As the donor, you may have to go through a few practice sessions to adjust and get it down.
8. It Can Cause Bleeding And Infection
Apart from all the other side effects of egg donation, you can bleed during egg retrieval. It is rare.
During this process, a needle is inserted into your ovary. It can damage the bladder or puncture nearby blood vessels.
Blood spotting is normal after this procedure. If you bleed heavily, seek medical attention immediately.
9. It Can Cause OHSS
Some donors are hypersensitive to the medication given. This results in a swelling of the ovaries and fluid building up at the base of the abdomen and chest. It occurs in less than 5% of egg donors. Thus, it is one of the are side effects of egg donation.
When it is mild, these effects will go away after the first period after the procedure.
When intermediate, you will require bed rest, constant monitoring and pain kilers.
If it server you at risk of serious medical complications, such as kidney failure, blocking of blood vessels, fluid build up in the lungs and shock.
In this state you will be hospitalized till your recovery.
10. It May Cause Changes In Skin
The medication you use while in the process of donating an egg might cause you to experience changes in your skin.
Such as achne or an increase in oil production.
Help take care of your skin by cleaning it with mild cleansers to avoid these effects.
Your diet can also affect the condition of your skin, thus try to stick to healthy food as you go through this process.
Conclusion
The Side effects of egg donation are similar to those of mildly invasive medial procedure with a few unique exceptions. Which means it is safe.
None of the side effects listed are long term nor have the ability to reoccur.
Even so, make sure that you consult your doctor before moving forward with egg donation.
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