Side Effects of Egg Donation: What to Expect

Any medical process will have some side-effects associated with it and egg donation is no exception. Egg donation has different phases, each a requirement in order to ensure a smooth process overall for the egg donor. At the end of which, an egg recipient can build their family. There are risks associated with egg donation and side-effects that typically a donor is walked through before they can begin the process of donating their eggs.

Due to the nature of the process as well, egg donors may experience side-effects to different degrees. While some side-effects are common, there is no telling how adverse one side-effect may be on any donor. In this article we shall be discussing the side-effects of egg donation, complications that could arise, as well as how to manage your recovery after an egg donation cycle.

Common Short-Term Side Effects

We shall begin with the more common short-term side effects. It is important to understand that there are side effects that an egg donor can experience before egg retrieval as well as afterward.

Before Egg Retrieval

Before their eggs are retrieved, an egg donor will undergo a process called ovarian stimulation. This process usually lasts for about three to four weeks. During this time, a series of medications and hormone injections are administered. The purpose is to enable the ovaries to develop multiple eggs to maturity. 

The medications and hormones tend to have side effects which include mood shifts, bloating, mild to moderate abdominal cramps, tiredness, headaches or breast tenderness. For some egg donors these symptoms are familiar, having experienced them during menstruation. For other donors these symptoms may not be so familiar. 

As well, there may be some soreness or bruising around the site where injections have been administered. Usually these symptoms dissipate once the eggs have been retrieved. However, egg donors must inform the healthcare provider of these and any other symptoms they may experience.

During Egg Retrieval

Once ovarian stimulation is complete, an egg donor will be scheduled for an egg retrieval procedure. This procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish. As well, a vaginal ultrasound to view the ovaries and a long needle to retrieve the eggs are used during the procedure.

While the process of having vaginal ultrasound on its own may not cause any pain, the use of a needle would. Therefore egg retrieval is typically done under sedation in order to prevent discomfort to the egg donor.  

After Egg Retrieval

Immediately after egg retrieval, an egg donor may feel a bit light headed as the sedation wears off. For this, they are taken to a room where they can rest while the sedation wears off completely. Egg donors are advised to make transport arrangements from the hospital, as they are not fit to drive at that point. 

Once the sedative wears off, an egg donor may experience abdominal cramps, some light spotting and overall tiredness. For any pain a pain killer could be taken such as ibuprofen or tylenol. As well, a heating pad placed over the abdominal area can ease the pain and discomfort of the cramping feeling. Rest is recommended for a few days after egg donation. 

Rare But Serious Complications

As mentioned earlier, it is possible for an egg donor to experience more severe side-effects. These can also occur before, during or after egg retrieval.

Before Retrieval

During ovarian stimulation, a person can experience ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Though rare, it occurs as a reaction to the high amount of hormones in the bloodstream. Symptoms of OHSS are bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. In extreme cases OHSS could cause rapid weight gain, severe bloating and abdominal cramps, persistent nausea and vomiting, as well, an enlarged abdomen, shortness of breath, decreased urination and blood clots. These symptoms would require emergency medical care.

While rare, ovarian torsion is a condition one can experience during the ovarian stimulation phase. What happens is that a person's ovary gets twisted in the ovarian ligament, or the fallopian tube. This would cut off the blood supply to the ovary, and a person can end up losing the ovary. The symptoms for this are nausea, vomiting, sudden severe pain in the lower abdomen and cramping. Ovarian torsion is treated surgically and is likely to occur when a has ovarian cysts, or a history or polycystic ovaries.

During Retrieval

During egg retrieval, there may be some instances where a person may experience complications. Though this is rare, with the use of medical tools such as those used in egg retrieval, there is a risk of injury to the bladder, bowel, a major blood vessel, or the uterus. 

Complications that arise are usually attended to immediately. For egg donors, the insurance cover that is supplied for egg donation typically caters for any emergency care required should complications arise in any phase of egg donation.

After Retrieval

Once the eggs are safely retrieved, an egg donor may experience severe side effects. These are rare, but would need immediate medical attention. Should an infection develop around the area of retrieval a person may develop a fever. As well, after egg retrieval, they may experience heavy bleeding, rather than the expected light spotting.  These must be attended to by a medical professional right away in order to prevent further health complications.

How to Manage Recovery

Recovery after egg retrieval is usually simple. It primarily requires rest and following the post procedure instructions given. One ought to avoid any vigorous or rigorous activity, including sexual intercourse. As well, if any medications were prescribed, they must be taken. 

It is important for the egg donor to pay attention to their body during this time and report any additional symptoms they may experience. There may be follow up medical checkups to ensure that the body has recovered. As well, counselling to help egg donors process their experience.

Conclusion

With every medical procedure there are risks and side-effects that patients may experience. Professional healthcare providers take every precaution to ensure that these are kept to a minimum. However, because every patient is unique, there is often no way to predict the likelihood of side effects. Prior to egg donation, egg donors are advised on what to expect at every step of the way. In this way, they begin their journey informed.

If you still have questions or concerns regarding egg donation, or would like to become a donor and need guidance on how to go about it, contact San Diego Fertility Center. Our team of fertility experts is ready to walk with you on this journey, offering your support wherever you need it.

FAQ

What are the common side effects of egg donation?

The typical side-effects of egg donation include some bloating, cramping, and temporary hormonal changes during the ovarian stimulation phase.

What is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)?

OHSS is a rare condition where the ovaries over-respond to medication, causing bloating and discomfort.