Medical procedures, taking hormonal drugs can lead to complications, egg donation procedures are no exception. The risk of complications is minimal, but it does exist. What consequences can a woman expect after egg donation?
What are the risks?
Let’s list the main risks for a woman who decides to become an oocyte donor:
- Complications at the stage of oocyte puncture
- The oocyte retrieval is a minimally invasive surgical procedure which is carried out with a thin needle under ultrasound in the operating theatre. During the puncture procedure, the following complications are possible:
- An allergic reaction to anesthetic drugs;
- complications directly related to the puncture needle
- bleeding;
- damage to the bladder, abdominal organs;
- infections.
Such complications are avoided if the procedure is carried out by a qualified doctor in an operating theatre specially equipped for such purposes under ultrasound monitoring.
Ovarian overstimulation syndrome
The ovarian overstimulation syndrome (OHS) is a dangerous consequence of egg donation which can occur while taking hormonal drugs. The complication occurs when the ovaries respond excessively to stimulation.
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Symptoms occur 3 to 10 days after stimulation:
- bloating in the abdomen;
- heaviness, discomfort, pain in the lower abdomen;
- nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur.
Be aware that a slight bloating of the abdomen after the stimulation procedure is a common occurrence. If the symptom appears on its own without other manifestations, it may not signal the development of hyper stimulation.
Symptoms of severe SUI:
- dizziness;
- unbearable pain in the lower abdomen;
- rapid weight gain;
- frequent vomiting;
- infrequent urination;
- shortness of breath (caused by pressure of the ovaries and fluid on the diaphragm);
- leg pain.
If at least some of the above symptoms are present, it is necessary to seek immediate medical attention and not to take any medication without a doctor’s prescription.
Such troubles are excluded in case the doctor selects the type, the dosage, the schedule of taking hormones for a donor individually, the woman follows the recommendations on taking the drugs.
A comprehensive examination of the donor, an individualized approach and post-programmer follow-up ensure that the risk of complications is minimized.
Frequently asked questions of potential donors
Women who want to become an egg donor have a reasonable question before starting the programme: is it dangerous for the body? We answer frequently asked questions to dispel popular myths:
Can I become a mother after donation?
Yes, wait until your next menstrual cycle starts.
Will I gain weight after taking hormones?
An increase in body weight during taking hormonal preparations is excluded as long as you strictly follow the schedule drawn up by your doctor without exceeding or decreasing the doses.
Can I donate eggs again and won’t there be any consequences?
Yes, in 3 months when the body has recovered.
Will I get ovarian cancer, uterine cancer?
Any undesirable consequences occur when taking uncontrolled hormonal drugs. With hormonal treatment under medical supervision, complications are excluded.
How many times can I donate eggs?
You can be an egg donor up to 6 times in your lifetime.
To avoid unpleasant consequences after egg donation, it is sufficient to follow the doctor’s instructions, not to exceed or reduce the doses of hormonal drugs and not to donate oocytes more than 6 times in a lifetime.
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