Did you know that 95% of South African egg donors say that their egg donation experiences have been wonderfully positive? The joy that comes from being part of someone’s journey to a family they’ve always wished for cannot be adequately described. It can only be felt, and it is felt by thousands of women each year. If you’re thinking about exploring egg donation, this article is just for you. We’re discussing five things you should do – and three things you shouldn’t do – when becoming an egg donor.
What egg donors should do
1. Work with the experts
Egg donation is a complicated process involving regulatory issues, medical procedures, and other considerations. Partnering with a trusted, well-known egg donor agency means you are being looked after by egg donation experts. These are people who understand exactly what you are about to go through better than anyone else. Many of them have been egg donors themselves!
2. Stick to a healthy diet
Eating healthily is important at any point of your life, but it becomes really important during an egg donation cycle. Drink plenty of water. Try and include as much leafy greens and anti-oxidant foods as possible. Try avoiding those sugary, fatty and high-carb foods during your donation cycle.
3. Have realistic expectations
Many potential egg donors come into the experience unaware of what it actually involves. Thorough research into what you can expect will give you a clearer picture of the risks and rewards involved with egg donation. A great starting point would be to visit our website and especially the FAQ page which has lots of excellent information about exactly what is involved in egg donation. Another great source of valuable information is to speak to women who have gone through the process themselves.Make sure the egg donor agency arranges a one-on-one information session with you to go over all your questions in detail BEFORE you get chosen to donate.
4. Show up for appointments
Your rewarding egg donor journey is going to include a bunch of medical appointments you’ll need to attend. These are to ensure that your eggs are happy, healthy, and growing the way they should and that you are safe and healthy throughout the process. Each appointment is an important step, so showing up to them all,on time shows that you’re committed to the process.
5. Rely on your support base
Becoming an egg donor and navigating the whole experience on your own is not nearly as much as fun as when your friends and family cheer you on from the side-lines. You’ll have egg donation experts with you at every stage holding your hand throughout the process, but what about your personal support base? Speak to your family and friends about your intentions, and rely on those who support your decision throughout your egg donation journey.
What egg donors shouldn’t do
1. Don’t rush into anything
Donating your eggs is a big decision that shouldn’t be made lightly or out of desperation. Rushing into something like egg donation could lead to disappointment later on, so make 150% sure this is what you want to do before jumping in. If you are uncertain about anything, ask!
2. Don’t make it about the money
Egg donation is done altruistically – you are not allowed to be paid for your eggs. It is true that you are compensated for your time and your effort when you donate your eggs, but doing so solely for the money isn’t the idea. This is a gift of love and intended parents want to know that their donors care; about their health, the health of their eggs, and the future family they are donating to.
3. Don’t let disapproval dissuade you
When you decide to donate your eggs in order to help intended parents have the baby they have wished for, you might encounter disapproval. This can come from acquaintances, friends, and even your closest family members. Uninformed people might say things like “How can you give your baby away?!” Tell them that you are donating an egg, you are not donating a baby. They might also come from a place of concern where they say things like “Aren’t you scared that you won’t be able to have a baby of your own one day?” You can remind them that by being an egg donor, you are simply donating excess eggs that would have gone to waste every month. Becoming an egg donor is admirable and rewarding – regardless of what people may say to dissuade you.
Work with SA’s most successful, longest running egg donor agency
The one thing you need to know about egg donation, above all else, is that you’re not alone on this journey. We have walked this walk with countless brave women, and we’re excited to start walking it with you. Please connect with us if you’d like to discover more about Nurture and becoming an egg donor.
