subject: How The Risks Of Egg Donation Could Affect You [print this page] While most fertility treatments are based in psychological and medical procedures, there comes a time in many instances where in vitro fertilization has to be considered. This is generally the case when a woman's reproductive system is fine except she can't produce her own eggs.. A couple can have a normal pregnancy cycle that produces a healthy baby with a correctly implanted fertilized egg. However, being an egg donor, whether you're a Houston egg donor or a Los Angeles egg donor, there are risks involved that have to be considered.
Here's a quick list to think about:
1-There are hormonal treatments necessary for egg donors too. These hormones can cause allergic reactions.
2-Since the hormones are geared to increase egg production, it can trigger ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS) which can be fatal.
3-There is an increased incidence of ovarian cancer in those who have donated eggs.
4-After the procedure, there is an increased chance of bleeding.
5-Other long term effects show an effect on fertility.
6-There are psychological effects as well. While most donors have a positive psychological attitude about the donation, some have a negative one.
With payments from $5,000 up to $10,000, the financial incentives for egg donation can make it more agreeable to some to do. Unfortunately, with women who first became egg donors now becoming older, the long term effects of being an egg donor are just now becoming known.
While deaths from being an egg donor are few, they have occurred. According to studies, for every 10,000 egg donations, 1 death occurs from some aspect of the process. While there are a few deaths, whether from the hormones, OHSS or from bleeding, they do occur. Becoming an egg donor isn't something that should be taken lightly, especially with the increased chance of ovarian cancer and the effects on the donor's own fertility.
Between the financial inducements and the knowledge the donor is helping a couple have a child they ordinarily wouldn't be able to have, the positive aspects of being an egg donor are clear. What has to be weighed against these very positive aspects are the negatives outlined in the list above. While the negative viewpoints are low, they must be taken into account also. Being an egg donor can be a great thing, so consider the ramifications carefully.