If you are thinking about donating your eggs, then odds are you’re doing so because you want to help someone else achieve their dream of having a baby. Egg donation is an incredibly generous act that is not without its share of rewards, both in terms of emotional fulfillment and the financial compensation.
However, donating eggs is not like donating blood. It’s a lot more involved and requires more than just an hour or two of your time. As such, it’s important to make an informed decision about whether becoming an egg donor will be worth it for you.
Egg donation is a major decision
Egg donation is not a quick or easy process. It requires multiple doctor’s appointments, a series of medical testing and screenings (which include physical exams, psychological screenings, genetic testing, ultrasounds, and more), weeks of medication administered by injection, and an invasive surgery called egg retrieval (in which the eggs are removed from the ovaries).
The entire process can take upwards of two months to complete. Throughout this time, you will have to commit to attending all of your scheduled appointments and following all the instructions given to you.
This may include temporarily adjusting your lifestyle habits, such as eating a healthier diet and abstaining from sexual intercourse (as there is a high risk of pregnancy during this time).
Not to mention that you may have to deal with some of the potential side effects and risks of the injections and surgery, which can include everything from mood swings to bloating. Other side effects may include pelvic pain and, in rare cases, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
OHSS may cause mild to moderate symptoms that include bloating, abdominal discomfort, nausea, tenderness, diarrhea, and vomiting. However, it’s important to note that in rare cases (especially in cases that are left untreated).
OHSS symptoms can become more severe, and may include more significant abdominal pain, weight gain, nausea, vomiting, and even blood clots. In some cases, hospitalization is required.
So, before you decide to become an egg donor, you need to be sure that you’re properly informed about the process and ready to make the commitment.
The reasons egg donors donate
Despite the one- to two-month commitment that is required, countless women still decide to become egg donors. There are many reasons why women choose to donate their eggs.
For some, it’s simply about wanting to help give someone the chance to start a family, while others donate for financial compensation. Some women may have friends or family members who have struggled with infertility, so are motivated by helping people in similar situations.
Of course, there are also plenty of women who choose to donate for both emotional fulfillment and compensation. We do want to point out that here at KindEos, we find that donors who are intrinsically motivated to donate their eggs tend to feel more fulfilled by their decision to do so.
Intrinsic motivation
Intrinsic motivation is when someone is driven to do something because they personally want to, not because they feel like they have to or because they’re being paid to do it. Those with intrinsic motivation are motivated by a personal desire to achieve something, not by external factors.
When it comes to egg donation, intrinsic motivation is one of the best reasons to donate. Women who are driven by a desire to help others achieve their dreams of parenthood tend to have a more positive experience throughout the egg donation process.
As a result, they are more likely to complete all of their appointments, follow all of the instructions from the medical team, and find the process worth the time and effort.
It’s important to note that according to a survey conducted by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the majority of egg donors were happy with their decision, whether they donated for compensation or simply to help couples and individuals who couldn’t conceive on their own.
The financial rewards of egg donation
Egg donors are compensated for their time, effort, and commitment. The compensation varies depending on the fertility clinic, but it is generally very good.
Egg donation takes upwards of two months, and it can be quite a demanding process. If you are donating for the money, it can end up taking a toll on you. Women who are driven by a desire to help others achieve their dreams of parenthood tend to have a more positive experience throughout the egg donation process.
Compounding Compensation With Each Donation
Although the compensation varies from clinic to clinic, we use a compounding compensation system. This means you are compensated more for each additional donation you make.
At KindEos Conception, we offer an initial compensation of $8,000. For every subsequent egg donation you make, we increase that compensation by $500. You can donate up to six times in your lifetime, meaning you can earn $10,500 the sixth time you donate.
This is our way of thanking our donors for their time and commitment. We understand that egg donation is a big decision, and we want to make sure our donors are properly compensated for their efforts.
Understanding the process is key to making an informed decision
Donating your eggs is a major decision. After all, the eggs you donate will likely result in the birth of a child. As such, it’s crucial that you understand all the implications of your decision. Do your research, talk to friends and family, and reach out to our experts if you have any questions about the process.
We also recommend talking with your primary care physician about the decision to donate your eggs. Additionally, consulting a psychologist and an experienced reproductive lawyer is important to ensure that you have as much information as possible and understand the implications of your decision.
Consider your motivation before deciding to donate eggs
If you are considering egg donation, ask yourself if you have intrinsic motivation to do so. Keep in mind that egg donation is a significant commitment that requires a lot of time and energy, and there are some physical and emotional risks to be aware of as well.
Those who are intrinsically motivated to donate their eggs are more likely to have a positive experience and feel the decision to donate is worth it.
As long as you are fully aware of all the potential benefits as well as consequences, you can make an informed decision as to whether or not egg donation is right for you. If you decide to donate your eggs, you’ll be rewarded with the knowledge that you are helping others create a family.
