The Science Behind Egg Donation: What Happens in Your Body?

Egg donation is a process that sees women giving some eggs from their ovarian reserve for the sake of others who cannot become pregnant using their own eggs. The continued exploration of assisted reproductive technologies has also given us great insight into the intricacies of human reproductive systems. As family structures continue to evolve, the ways in which families can be built are expanding. Our discussion here will be about what occurs inside the body during the egg donation process. 

The Role of Hormones in Egg Maturation

A menstrual cycle is divided into four phases, follicular phase, ovulation, luteal and menstruation. The follicular phase is one in which the ovary releases the eggs that will be developed for a time to maturity. In order for the follicular phase to begin, a woman’s body produces a hormone called follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) which triggers the release of the eggs onto the surface of the ovary. These eggs start out immature and are contained in fluid filled sacs called antral follicles. 

In a natural cycle when one of the eggs reaches maturity, the antral follicle holding it raptures, releasing the egg within.The rest of the eggs immediately cease their development. When hormones are used to mature the eggs, more eggs within that cycle reach maturity. This is vital for egg retrieval, because  having more eggs increases the potential number of embryos that can be developed from those eggs.  

How Ovarian Stimulation Works

Since a woman’s body already has its own sufficient supply of hormones, the use of hormones for ovarian stimulation is carefully controlled. The hormones therefore will be administered in small quantities, while keeping a close watch on the ovaries and the developing follicles. When the eggs are ready for retrieval, the healthcare provider will try to retrieve as many of the matured eggs as possible.

What Happens to Your Eggs After Retrieval?

After the eggs have been retrieved, they are placed in an incubator. At this point, they are counted and examined to see which ones are fully mature and which ones are not. The fully matured eggs are the ones that will be retained. As well, out of the total eggs retrieved, some may get damaged, and therefore they will not be used in fertility treatments. After this evaluation, all the eggs that are viable will be preserved, or fertilized ahead of preservation. 

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects on the Body

The immediate effects of egg donation in the short-term  have more to do with ovarian stimulation. An egg donor may experience side effects of the hormonal injections such as nausea, bloating, mood swings or breast tenderness. As well, there may be some discomfort at the site where the injections are administered. 

Egg retrieval is done under sedation and therefore an egg donor will not feel pain. Finally, once the eggs are retrieved, one may feel bloated or constipated, they may also have a vaginal discharge and experience some cramping. At times, egg donors may experience symptoms of a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Intra-abdominal bleeding, or a delay in becoming pregnant six to 12 months after egg retrieval are other effects of egg donation. 

There is insufficient data regarding the long term effects of egg donation. There are concerns that egg donors may experience menstrual and fertility problems, cysts or fibroids, which would require them to undergo fertility treatments if they want to build their families. Since there are other factors that influence these conditions, further study is warranted, as egg donors are not typically not followed up in the long-term.

FAQs

Will donating eggs impact my future fertility?

No. There are no links between egg donation and future fertility. The eggs that are stimulated and retrieved are limited only to those released within a specific cycle, and not those that are still within the ovaries.

What is the difference between fresh and frozen egg donation?

Fresh egg donation includes developing the recipient’s uterus in preparation to carry a pregnancy as soon as the donated eggs are fertilized. Frozen egg donation allows the eggs to be stored for use at a later date.