About Nita Expertise Hi! My name is Nita. I am an egg donor myself. I have spent hours and
hours researching the rewards and risks involved with egg donation. I
have had the most beautiful experience of my life being an egg donor, I
have also had a not so good experience that did not result in an egg
donation. So, I am very aware of the psychological aspects from each end
of the spectrum. I am here to help the egg donor, to focus on you, your
concerns and your questions. Of course, I will be happy to help anyone,
any way that I can. Feel free to ask me anything, even if I don`t know,
I may be able to point you in the right direction!
Experience Hi! My name is Nita. I am an egg donor myself. I have spent hours and hours researching the rewards and risks involved with egg donation. I have had the most beautiful experience of my life being an egg donor, I have also had a not so good experience that did not result in an egg donation. So, I am very aware of the psychological aspects from each end of the spectrum. I am here to help the egg donor, to focus on you, your concerns and your questions. Of course, I will be happy to help anyone, any way that I can. Feel free to ask me anything, even if I don't know, I may be able to point you in the right direction!
Question Hi Nita
I was driving along with my husband, reading a newspaper for parents when I came across a request for an egg donor for a couple who have not been able to concieve for 7 years, I said in passing to my husband "look at this ad" (I live in Australia and haven't seen too many ad's like this before).
He said you should do it, imagine not being able to have kids.
We have two beautiful healthy gorgeous children and couldn't imagine life without them.
So it got me thinking.... what is involved? what are the positive and negative aspects of donation? what is the medical procedure like? do you have any contact with the child? do you accept money, is that right or should it be gesture from the heart?
I would love to hear about your experiences.
Cheers
Jemma
Answer Hi Jemma,
What a wonderful and thoughtful husband you must have! To answer your question of what is involved, it does require quite a committment as you must give yourself shots (and go to many Doctor's appointments) during your 'cycle' time. Now, don't let it scare you too much. I am a BIG baby when it comes to needles...I mean I PASS OUT when I get my blood taken and freak out when I get a shot. But, because this is something I wanted to do...I grinned and beared it and it wasn't that bad at all. As a matter of fact, I'd rather give myself a shot than have anyone else do anything else needle wise now!
As far as positive and negative...this is a huge area that I could probably write days on and it varies from situation to situation. You will want to think about what you want from your donation as well. Do you want contact with the IPs (Intended Parents), do you want pictures of the child, do you want to be anonymous, will you be ok if the child/children want to meet you one day? Etc. Ask yourself what you are expecting and how you expect to feel before, during and after. Most importantly - I think - is how will you feel 10, 20 years from now about it? It is a life changing decision and you want to think about how much you do or don't want it to affect your life. There will be an extensive contract and this is to protect you and the IPs. It is also the place where everyone spells out what they want and will give/receive.
The medical procedure isn't painful because you are given anesthesia. All women have a different recovery. Most feel a little discomfort but resume normal activity in a few hours. Some, like me, are down for the rest of the day and just fine the next day. They actually use a long needle attached to a vaginal ultrasound device to extract the eggs one by one.
Money...in the US women do accept a fee for their pain and suffering. Usually, for a first time donor, the average fee is 3000-5000. Second time plus is 4000-6000. In Australia, I believe it is illegal to accept payment for your egg donation. I think that IPs there do tend to give some material things for the pain and suffering, but you may want to check into this.
I truly would love to hear what you decide and if you proceed I would LOVE to know about that. You also might take a look at www.surromomsonline.com. There is a TON of information there on the boards with lots of support!
Good luck and let me know if I can help you in any other way.
