Egg Donation Risks and Side Effects

As one of the largest and most experienced egg banks in the world, we use our expertise to monitor and cycle donors carefully to mitigate any risk of complications occurring. Donor safety is always our highest priority.

With any medical procedure, there are always risks, but with egg donation they’re rare. We thoroughly counsel and inform all Fairfax EggBank donors of potential risks before they decide to donate.

The egg retrieval is a 15–20-minute outpatient procedure that takes place at one of our partner fertility clinics. Most donors resume normal activity the next day with minimal to no side effects. To learn more about what happens during the egg retrieval click here.

As you’re considering egg donation, we want to ensure all your questions and concerns about egg donation risks and side effects are answered.

Keep reading to learn more.

Risks of Egg Donation

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

Occasionally excess fluid from the ovaries will transfer into the abdominal cavity causing moderate to severe bloating. In mild to moderate cases of OHSS, the fluid is slowly reabsorbed over the course of several days. Approximately 1-3% of women will experience OHSS. To reduce this risk, donors may be given different medications or a change in protocol to help eliminate or significantly decrease the risk of donors having OHSS.

Ovarian Torsion

Very rarely an ovary can twist on itself causing a sudden onset of severe pain on one or both sides of the abdomen . The risk of ovarian torsion is just .3%. Throughout this process donors are asked to discontinue activities such as running, moderate to high impact aerobic activity, horseback riding and strenuous lifting to further decrease this risk.

Infection

The risk of infection from egg retrieval is less than 1%. To lower the risk of possible infection even further, donors will be instructed to take an antibiotic for several days following the retrieval or be administered intravenously during your egg retrieval.

Pregnancy

It’s possible that not all the eggs will be retrieved, so donors are at a high risk for pregnancy after the egg retrieval. We ask that donors practice abstinence through the donation cycle. Pregnancy is a preventable risk. Donors should always use protection if having intercourse at any time during participation.

Side Effects of Egg Donation

During the stimulation, some donors either feel nothing at all, or experience some symptoms similar to premenstrual syndrome, or PMS.
Your eggs put out the hormone estrogen, so your estrogen levels will be temporarily elevated as your follicles mature. You may experience headaches, moodiness, bloating, or breast tenderness.

After the egg retrieval, donors may feel groggy, have mild discomfort or cramping, experience some nausea, spotting or bloating. It’ll likely feel like period cramps, and most donors are fine with simply taking Tylenol. Generally, it’s not a painful procedure. Donors are placed under anesthesia during the egg retrieval.

Egg Donation Risks FAQs

Does Egg Donation Cause Cancer?

According to American Society for Reproductive Medicine, ASRM, there is no data that show any link between egg donation and cancer. Learn more here.

Does Egg Donation Affect My Future Fertility?

There are no conclusive studies indicating that egg donors are at an increased risk for experiencing infertility issues. Plenty of our donors go on to become mothers or have more children after they donate. Learn more here.

Will Donating Eggs Deplete My Own Egg Supply Quicker?

Egg donation will not deplete your own egg supply quicker. Every cycle, about 15-20 eggs are recruited to mature inside follicles. However, usually only one follicle reaches maturity and releases an egg for ovulation; the rest stop growing and are discarded by the body.

In an egg donation cycle, medications are given to fully develop all eggs naturally recruited for that cycle. We’re only able to stimulate and retrieve the recruited eggs for that month. We’re unable simulate or retrieve follicles or eggs that your body did not select for that cycle.

To become an egg donor, apply today!

Have more questions about egg donation, check out our FAQ page or contact us.