Myths and Misconceptions Regarding Egg Donation

Egg donation is a life-changing act that offers individuals and couples the chance to build a family. Although more people are considering the generous gift of egg donation, there’s still a lot of misinformation surrounding the process.

At Manchester Donors, we try to educate potential donors about what to expect as understanding the journey is essential in deciding if egg donation is right for you.

Part of our mission is to offer complete transparency and accurate information to those considering egg donation and debunk any myths and misconceptions that can impact the decision-making process.

Myth #1: Egg donation affects fertility

Rest assured, the egg donation process has no lasting impact on your fertility. Your menstrual cycle and hormone levels return to normal in the weeks following the procedure. Additionally, it does not affect your egg supply or reduce your chances of having your own children. You won’t lose any more eggs than you would during a standard menstrual cycle. Whether you decide to donate again or have children in the future, the choice is entirely yours and is not impacted by the egg donation process

Myth #2: Anyone can become an egg donor

At Manchester Donors, we have specific criteria for egg donors, as it’s our duty of care to ensure the best possible chance of success for egg donor recipients. To donate your eggs, we ask that you meet the following criteria:

• Are aged between 18 and 35
• Have a BMI (Body Mass Index) between 19 and 35
• Don't smoke or have stopped using nicotine-based products for at least three months
• Are happy to change your current method of contraception if required
• Have waited 6 months since having your last child
• Have waited 6 months since last breastfeeding
• Are ready to attend regular clinic appointments (including counselling)
• Possess a clear medical history with no genetic or hereditary disorders (such as Type 1 Diabetes)
• Are willing to be identifiable to any child born using your eggs

Please check out our website for more details on eligibility criteria for potential egg donors.

Myth #3: Egg donation is painful

Although any medical procedure may involve a degree of discomfort, it's important to note that the egg donation process is generally not described as painful. The procedure is performed under light sedation and does not require an overnight stay. Our skilled medical professionals prioritise your comfort throughout the process, ensuring that any mild discomfort you may encounter is temporary and managed effectively.

Myth #4: Donating eggs will result in genetic ties or responsibilities

You may have concerns about potential genetic ties or legal responsibilities to children resulting from egg donation. It's important to reassure you that the legal and ethical guidelines governing egg donation are clear: as a donor, you bear no legal, financial, or emotional responsibilities for any child born from your donated eggs. The intended parents are the sole legal and responsible parents of the child.

Myth #5: Egg donors can't become pregnant during treatment

It's important to note that you can become pregnant during the egg donation process. For this reason, we recommend refraining from unprotected intercourse before starting hormone treatment and continuing until three weeks after your egg retrieval or after your first bleed post-egg collection. This precaution ensures that your donation cycle progresses as planned and accidental pregnancy is avoided. Rest assured, our specialised nurses will provide all the necessary information to guide you through this process.

Myth #6: Being sterilised means you can’t donate your eggs

If you have been sterilised, this doesn't stop you from being an egg donor since ovulation continues regardless of sterilisation. At our clinic, we welcome many applications from women who have completed their own families and now desire to assist others in fulfilling their dream of having a child.

Myth #7: Egg donors are driven by financial reward

While compensation is provided to all egg donors for their time, effort and commitment to the donation process, it is rarely the sole reason for their contribution. Egg donation is often a deeply personal decision, influenced by altruism, empathy and a desire to help others, alongside the compensation provided for their involvement. At our clinic and throughout the UK, egg donors receive a set amount of £750 compensation per donation to cover your time and expenses.

Myth #8: You can only donate your eggs once

Contrary to this belief, you can donate your eggs more than once, although the frequency may differ for each donor. Adhering to the ten-family limit rule, a single egg donor can help create a maximum of 10 families using her eggs. The possibility of multiple donations is tailored to your unique circumstances and preferences, and our specialists will guide you through your options.

Myth #9: You don’t get to find out what happens to your eggs

As an egg donor, you’ll be able to find out if any babies have been born as a result of your egg donation. This includes the number of children born, whether they are boys or girls and their year of birth. However, information that could potentially identify the children will not be disclosed, ensuring their privacy and confidentiality.

What next

Hopefully we have broken down some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding egg donation. So, if you’re considering becoming an egg donor and want more information, call us on 0161 300 2734 or request a callback via our website.

If you're ready to embark on this meaningful journey, complete our straightforward online application to get started today.