By Katie
It started for me when I came across one of ARR’s ads looking for egg donors. Egg donation was something that I had contemplated on various occasions throughout college, but at the time, I wasn’t sure if I was emotionally prepared to deal with it.
After meeting with Mary Ellen, I realized that donating my eggs was something I really wanted to do. The pros by far outweighed my qualms about the procedure. So, I began my journey.
ARR asked me to provide photographs dating back to my childhood to show to prospective intended parents. I also completed medical forms detailing my personal health history and that of my family members. The other steps included a psychological evaluation and a gynecological exam.
It’s important to acknowledge that throughout this entire process, Mary Ellen responded to my questions and concerns in a prompt, professional (yet kind) manner. I never felt confused or unsure of what would be happening next.
Once I was matched with the intended parents, I started taking birth control pills to sync my ovulation schedule before starting hormone injections. Other than some initial nervousness about giving myself a shot, it was quick and painless – feeling like a light pinch.
After the egg retrieval, I felt back to normal within about 36 hours. While there are potential side effects to the procedure, ARR and my doctor made sure I was aware of the symptoms and what to do if any complications arose. (They didn’t!)
I recently contacted ARR and found that 22 eggs had been retrieved! I am quite optimistic that at least one of them was fertilized in the intended mother. It’s been less than a month since my retrieval, and though I have not heard if a pregnancy has been achieved, I wish the couple all the best and hope their dreams are fulfilled.
This experience was rewarding in so many ways! I am looking forward to donating again in the near future!
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September 12, 2008 at 12:41 am
Renee Smith
I love how we as women can give something so precious to other women who would otherwise not be able to conceive. Until now, very little is known about the potential long-term health risks of ovarian stimulation. We also know little about how egg donors feel about their experience, or what information they wish they had received at the time. Two researchers (a physician and the mother of a donor-conceived son, are seeking to get a better understanding of how egg donation affects women as time goes on, as we know of no medical studies or formal research on this topic. Please, take a look at this survey I found and tell your friends who have donated as well about it. Based on the replies, they hope to write an article for a scientific journal. Your answers will be kept anonymous, as they will only share the collective data, and no one¹s personal information. The survey results will be valuable in pushing the medical community to further investigate how egg donation physically and emotionally affects women who donate. The questions should only take a few minutes to answer. To access the survey, clink on the link below:
http://www.donorsiblingregistry.com/DSRblog/index.php
Thank you so much for reading this post. If you, a donor, fill out this survey we can better protect those who want to share the precious gift of life and joy with other women.
Renee Smith
Veritas_soleil@hotmail.com
“May the sun always reveal the truth in men’s hearts”