testing

Before you are selected as a donor you will be required to submit to a series of tests in order to determine if you are qualified. These tests include a psychological exam, genetic testing, a blood test and an HIV test. The intended parents will want to know as much about your psychological and genetic background as possible. This can be time consuming, requiring several trips to the doctor.

doctor visits

Egg donation requires many trips to the doctor’s office. Once you begin the cycle with your injections, you will have to go in for a blood test every few days. The doctors will want to check how you are doing on the drugs and how your eggs are responding. You will have to work the frequent office trips into your schedule. If there is not a proper clinic in your area, you may have to travel.

pain, suffering and discomfort

The egg donation process is not pain-free. You will have to give yourself injections in the arm, leg or belly every day and possibly more frequently as your cycle ends. You will be injecting yourself with female hormones. These hormones may cause you to have mood swings. You will have to follow all your doctor’s instructions during this time. You may not be able to drink or smoke and exercise may become difficult. You will not be able to engage in sexual activity, as a pregnancy will void the contract. Understanding what is required of you is important before entering into the process. A thorough contract will help you to understand your rights and responsibilities.

surgery

Egg retrieval is a surgical operation. You may have to stay overnight and will probably require travel to a clinic to perform the operation. You will be put under sedation and will feel some discomfort afterward. After the procedure, you will need to be cleared by a doctor before engaging in sexual activity.

confidentiality

The contract will provide for the level of confidentiality and anonymity of the parties. Most donors do not want other people to know that they donated their eggs. The contract can provide for that. Also most donors do not want the intended parents or the future child to know who they are. For that reason, the contract can provide that the intended parents may not find out who you are or may not tell the child about you unless you give permission in the contract.