Five common concerns about egg donation
Lots of women in the UK could have the baby they long for with the help of an egg donor, but too few women come forward to help them. The shortage of egg donors is leaving many couples with a long and anxious wait and some may never become parents because that wait will be too long.
So why are so few women becoming egg donors? One reason is that they don’t know they can. Many people we’ve met hadn’t realised it was something they could do and were unaware of the need for more egg donors. Others know about it but have concerns.
Here are five of the most common questions people ask us:
1. Will I be anonymous as an egg donor?
As far as the recipient couple are concerned, if you decide to become an Altrui egg donor then you can be assured that we will only disclose to the recipients the information that you want us to. Occasionally both sides like to know who the other is, but this information is only given with the consent and agreement of everyone involved.
As far as any children that may result from egg donation are concerned, they do have the right once they are 18 to contact the HFEA to request details of their donor. See the page ‘Egg donor privacy‘ for further information.
2. Will donating my eggs affect my own fertility?
It is very unlikely that becoming an egg donor will affect your future plans for your own family or your health. Altrui donors are given the best information and care every step of the way and any concerns specific to you can be discussed with our fertility experts before and during treatment.
3. How will my eggs be used?
Altrui is unique because your eggs will be used exclusively by one recipient. They will not be shared between several women. Altrui’s service is extremely personal and individual. You will be matched with someone very similar to you and the fact that your eggs are going to one recipient gives them the best chance of success.See the page ‘Matching donors with recipients‘ for further information.
4. Isn’t IVF a stressful procedure to undergo?
Women who go through IVF treatment because they have had problems conceiving are already under enormous emotional pressure and much of the stress involved is a result of the desire to have a successful outcome. This will not be the case for you. See out post on ‘Stress does not affect IVF outcome‘
5. Wouldn’t I be giving away my baby?
IVF is a process and your eggs, instead of being naturally lost each month, become part of this fertility process. Any baby that results from the IVF will have been fertilised by dad and grown by mum. The donor is an amazing, essential and yet temporary part of this process.