Egg donors > Risks of Egg Donation

What are the risks of going through Egg Donation?

As you probably know, all types of medical treatments and procedures have some risks associated with them. However, the risks associated with being an egg donor are very low, and at the top clinics with which we work everything possible is done to minimise these at every stage. The risks that you might have heard about with women going through IVF affect only about 1% of all women undergoing treatment. At your first appointment at the clinic, the doctor will discuss the risks with you and the likelihood that you will be affected. If you are seriously at risk in any way it is unlikely that you will be allowed to continue with egg donation.

Any complications that might arise are usually from the stimulation drugs or the procedure itself and, although uncommon, these could include:

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

Some women respond very sensitively to fertility drugs and produce many follicles. This causes the ovaries to enlarge and hormone levels to rise. It is more common in younger women and those with ‘polycystic ovarian syndrome’ (PCO).

Development of OHSS is not always predictable or avoidable. It is possible to identify if you have an increased risk by monitoring you with extra ultrasound scans and blood tests which will allow a change to your drug dose to avoid this. Symptoms of OHSS are most likely in the first few days after egg collection.

Pelvic infection

Pelvic infection can, very occasionally, follow an egg collection. Every effort is made to try to make sure this does not happen by performing the collection under very clean conditions and giving antibiotics to women who are at higher risk of infection. Since it is not possible to sterilise the vagina, where there are always some bacteria, a swab is taken at the outset and if there is any sign of infection then antibiotics may be given to minimise any risk.

Other complications

There is a very small risk that the needle used for egg collection can puncture the bladder, bowel or blood vessels. However, the needle used is so fine that it is unusual to have any complications. Any instances of vaginal bleeding can usually be stopped at the end of egg collection by applying pressure. If there is a concern that a tiny hole has been made antibiotics will be given.