The Truth About Egg Donation Medications
We often hear that the largest concern women have when considering egg donation is the self-administered injections it would require them to administer for 10-12 days before retrieval. These medications stimulate the ovarian follicles to produce and mature eggs and temporarily suppress ovulation. However, if this part of the process makes you nervous, keep reading. We asked three of our previous donors to share their experience with the injections and any tips that would help make new donors feel at ease.
The first donor we interviewed thought she would be too nervous about poking herself with a needle, but afterward realized it wasn’t nearly as bad as she was expecting. She has even successfully completed three donation cycles! She shares, “Before receiving the medications, TWEB will provide you with training videos. You will administer each shot like you’ve done it a thousand times before. I look forward to bringing more hope to women and families who struggle with infertility. Much love for The World Egg Bank and all that they do to make dreams come true!”
We spoke with a donor who has cycled four times and experienced administering the medication. “When I first heard that I was self-administering injections, I was super nervous,” she exclaimed. “However, it wasn’t as bad as I originally thought! It feels like a small pinch, and then it’s over. I have donated four times and have never had an issue with any of my donations. It’s an easy process. If you follow the instructions, they give you; you’ll be fine!”
Another donor wanted to share just how smoothly her injections were, even though she usually suffers from a fear of needles. “I have donated my eggs three times, and each donation has been a wonderful experience. Administering the medication is not painful at all and is very quick. Overall, this has been a great experience. I love being a donor and giving the gift of life!”
The World Egg Bank is unique regarding managing and caring for our donors. Lisa, the Director of Nursing and Clinical Services, trains each donor on how to use the medication. Before the initial appointment, she sends how-to videos to the donors, allowing them to get familiarized with the process beforehand. At that first appointment, Lisa will explain the purpose of each medication and give the donors a timeline of when to administer each injection. Our donors even have the option of completing a hands-on trial with Lisa! Should questions arise after the donor leaves our office, Lisa is always available via email for any follow-up questions.
As you can see, administering the medication is much easier than expected, even for those with a fear of needles. Our clinical team will give you detailed instructions and videos to teach you how to administer the medication. They are also available to answer questions you may have. And our previous donors all agree—this part of the process was such a small act compared to the immense joy they felt after their donations, knowing they have a chance at making a family’s dream come true!
