Does egg donation hurt? That is one of the most common questions potential donors ask. And, unfortunately, there is no definitive yes or no answer that works for every woman. Everyone is different, and there are steps that can cause discomfort to certain donors.
So instead of trying to give you a short answer, let’s break down the process of egg donation and consider every step of the way that is potentially painful.
Medication
When you first apply for the program, you will have to go through our testing procedure. Experts will evaluate your physical and psychological health before allowing you into the program.
Once that is over, they will clear you to begin cycling. That means that, for about eight to twelve days, you will be receiving carefully measured amounts of medication that will affect your hormones. The goal of the hormonal therapy is to help your body develop all of the eggs it would naturally produce in a regular cycle.
You should bear in mind that the medication is given through shots, and you will have to administer them yourself. Furthermore, you will go through several blood tests.
So if you usually feel pain when you receive shots, you will feel it during these shots too. Our experts will show you how to administer the shots as painlessly as possible. But some pain is very likely to occur.
Overall, the pain of the shots is not that bad to go through. But if you are afraid of needles, you might not enjoy the process of egg donation.
Side Effects
The medication that you will be administering is safe to use. However, it does have some potential side effects. For example, it can cause moodiness, bloating, cramps, headaches, nausea, and other side effects. Most of our customers don’t experience any of these side effects.
Moreover, those who do experience them should know that any side effects are temporary.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
If the ovaries start creating excess fluid and transferring it to the abdominal cavity, it can cause severe bloating. Significant symptoms show up in up to 2% of women who are on this medication. This syndrome is easily treatable, and most symptoms disappear relatively quickly.
Furthermore, our doctors might change your medications or alter the protocol in order to decrease or even eliminate the risk of this syndrome.
Ovarian Torsion
Ovarian torsion is a very rare side effect that happens in around 1% of cases. It includes an ovary twisting on itself. That twisting can cause serious pain. Donors can reduce the risk by avoiding strenuous physical activity.
The Egg Retrieval
The actual retrieval procedure itself uses IV sedation and lasts for about 20 minutes. The sedatives will render you unconscious, and you won’t feel anything during the procedure. The only pain you can really expect is the moment the IV needle pierces your skin. After the procedure, you will probably experience some grogginess as the sedation wears off.
Recovery
Once the procedure is over, you should still take care of yourself and not rush. Rest for a day to avoid any potential issues. It is possible for you to experience symptoms that are very similar to usual PMS symptoms. Most of our patients go back to work the day after the procedure with no difficulties.
Conclusion
So does egg donation hurt? The answer is: it might. There are several steps that can cause pain, but they don’t necessarily do so for everyone.