Does Egg Donation Affect Fertility?
It’s reasonable to wonder if egg donation affects fertility. We want our donors to be fully informed as they navigate the egg donation process, and we take their questions about potential risks very seriously. We are happy to share that there is no evidence that egg donation affects future fertility or carries serious risks of any long term effects.
Egg Donation and Infertility: Will Egg Donation Make Me Run Out of Eggs?
Nope! Donating your eggs does not make you “run out” of eggs faster than you otherwise would. Most people with ovaries have about 300,000 eggs by the time they reach puberty. In each normal menstrual cycle about 15-20 eggs begin to develop in a young person, but only one of those eggs fully matures and ovulates, while the rest die off and are absorbed back into the body. During egg donation, the medications allow all or most of the eggs that start developing to mature at the same time. Basically, an egg donation cycle rescues eggs that would otherwise die. So, egg donation should not change the amount of available eggs. Similarly, donating your eggs should not cause early menopause or affect your fertility.
Does Egg Donation Cause Infertility or Other Long Term Risks?
There have been no documented long term health risks for egg donors, including infertility. Looking at the available studies and evidence, medical professionals (including our own SIMPLIFY and PWNF staff) believe any long term risks are exceedingly small, if present at all. The fertility drugs used in egg donation have not been associated with higher risks of cancer.
Will Donating Multiple Times Affect My Fertility?
We have no evidence suggesting that multiple egg donation cycles affect fertility in any way. A 2010 study followed egg donors who did multiple egg donation cycles, and the measurement reflecting egg quantity did not diminish in the donors. SIMPLIFY follows the recommendations of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) by limiting donors to no more than 6 donor cycles, to protect against any cumulative risks.
Are There Any Other Egg Donation Risks?
There are some rare short term risks, which we go over with each of our potential egg donors. The hormonal medications used in egg donation can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), although we closely monitor and adjust our donor’s medications to reduce this risk. As with any minor surgical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, or anesthesia complications with the egg retrieval process. These risks are extremely rare, and we’re happy to go over them in detail with you during the interview process.
Donate With Confidence at SIMPLIFY
At SIMPLIFY, our priority is to provide expert, personalized care to our donors and intended parents alike. Our partner fertility clinic, PNWF, ensures that our donors receive the best possible medical care during the donation process. There is no evidence suggesting that egg donation affects future fertility, or carries any serious long term risks. If you have any questions, we are happy to help - contact us today.
Resources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9118-female-reproductive-system