Creator: Dr. Reeja Tharu
Keywords: stem cells, egg donee, enucleated cell, fertility drugs, fertilization, OHSS

Written by Dr. Reeja Tharu, M.Phil.,Ph.D

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sunil Shroff, MBBS, MS, FRCS (UK), D. Urol (Lond)

Last Updated on Sep 18, 2020

Glossary

Stem cells: Cells that have the potential to regenerate and grow into any desired Cell type

Egg donee: Woman who needs donated eggs

Enucleated cell: Cell that has its nucleus removed

Fertility drugs: Hormones, like gonadotrophins, that induce eggs to grow

Fertilization: Fusion of the egg and the sperm that results in the sperm nucleus being deposited in the egg OHSS –Excessive stimulation of the ovaries resulting in an array of symptoms, like abdominal bloating, nausea, diarrhea, vomitting, weight gain and fluid imbalance

Published on Sep 04, 2014
Last Updated on Sep 18, 2020

Comments

baby2mom Saturday, October 16, 2010

The concept of egg donation risk is always relevant for egg donors and recipients of these donor eggs. The world is becoming more ethical and people do not want to embark on any thing which will pose potential harm to a person willing to do good.

For donors, their fertility is not adversely impacted. The period on hormone treatment is for a minimal period and egg donors are carefully assessed during this short period to ascertain whether the medication should be increased or lowered in accordance with her body's response to the stimulation.

In the event that a woman experiences some challenges with conception or fertility later in life after the donor program, it is not likely a consequence to this. Examples include uterine or tubal problems. The screening process for a program requires review of the ovaries, not necessarily the entire reproductive system. Also, sperm plays a role.

The actual retrieval of the eggs is a vaginal process undertaken either under sedation or general anaesthetic. This is also not a risky process. Donor eggs retrieval or harvesting is not an operation, rather an extraction of the eggs from the follicles of the ovaries. This does not involve any cutting or scarring of the ovarian tissue.

After this program, the ovaries will appear slightly different, but not unnatural, just like they have been stimulated. Egg donors are encouraged to remain in contact with the medical practitioner in the event of any concerns.

There is no increased risk for a person receiving eggs. There is extensive screening for people who donate on all levels - by the agency, social level and medical review.