I have donated my eggs twice. I do not know if my procedures were successful, but I do know that I gave a couple a chance to have a family. I don't ever think about the fact (besides now) that I could have a relation out there in the world but facts are it could be possible.
Do I ever feel like I made the wrong decision? No. Do I ever worry that I may not be able to have children of my own? No.
The process was hard but very rewarding... and I mean the $8000 for each donation round I made was definitely a perk. Not the easiest money I've made, and probably the most emotional, but I do recommend it to anyone who is willing and who is able.
It takes time though, from start to finish each cycle took 3-6 months. You go through a rigorous screening of family history, medical exams, and psychological ones. It then involves going to a lab on an almost daily basis to have blood drawn, have an ultrasound or both. You must also be able to give yourself multiple shots every night. The needles are not large, but two weeks of poking yourself can get rough.
It also takes a toll on your emotions. Besides the fact that you are dramatically increasing the size of multiple eggs which makes you feel very bloated those last few days, you are injecting multiple hormones into your system. My skin looked fantastic, my emotions were all over the place. I imagine it to be a dry-run of pregnancy.
I'm happy I did it, and I encourage you all to try it as well. Monetarily it is a nice way to help with some bills, as well as helping someone have the family they want.
I encourage you to do some research to see if there is a donation facility near you. Do not hesitate to ask them questions, inquire about how their procedure works, and understand the entire process before it starts. I personally went through Weill-Cornell in NYC. Everyone there was fantastic, helpful, and did their best to make me feel as comfortable as possible each and every day.
Let me know if you have any questions!
I think that this is a really, really good thing to do. I do, however, think that the only drive behind it shouldn't be money. I mean, money is great, but I feel like donating eggs to many people is viewed as "easy money", and it needs to be understood that it's NOT EASY. So, thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteI have thought about this multiple times! I'm glad you posted this. Knowing of someone that has done it, more than once, makes me want to consider it even more in the future.
ReplyDeleteI really considered this at one point. I'm too old now but wouldn't be opposed if I was younger. The money would help!
ReplyDeleteWow, that sounds tough and I understand why the financial payoff is so huge. I don't think it's something I could ever do (needles, for starters) but people like you are so necessary so others can start their families. What an interesting testimony!
ReplyDeleteHey Rebekah!! That is pretty darn amazing!!! Wow!! I always thought to myself how a person feels after donating and potentially having ''a kid'' out there! This post lent great insight to that and now I am more aware of how the process works!! Absolutely up to the person!! Great post girl!! XO
ReplyDeleteLisa,xo
I didn't realize there was such a process behind it Kudos to you girl Im not sure I could do it.
ReplyDeleteOh wow Kudos to you. That's amazing and tough at the same time. absolutely loved this post!
ReplyDeleteWow you're an incredible person to be willing to donate your eggs!
ReplyDeleteThis is so amazing! I've always wondered about it but never knew anyone that had done it! I might pick your brain :)
ReplyDeleteThat is pretty huge! I've never really thought about donating my eggs, but since I live on Guam and the healthcare here isn't really great, I don't think we've got that kind of technology yet. Lol.
ReplyDeleteHuge kudos to you for donating your eggs! I've never done it but I admire the people who have so others can have children.
ReplyDeleteWhat a selfless thing to give. I realize you were compensated, but to the mom and dad out there needing your eggs, what you did was priceless. Happy SITS DAY
ReplyDeleteI have a few friends who did the same thing. I think it's wonderful that you have a chance to give another couple the child they've always wanted. Kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteHappy SITS day!
I've thought about doing this many times over and can't bring myself to go through with it, as I've got a bit of an obsessive personality and I would always wonder. Before having my own children, it was an automatic "must do" thing, to contribute to the greater good...now that I have my babies, have seen them, can hold them...I don't think I could live with the idea that another out there looks just like them, or belongs to part of this family (in a sense) and isn't part of our lives.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful thing you've done for someone!
Thank you! The compensation was an added bonus but I like knowing that I potentially helped someone start their own family.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It really isn't something I think about because if they are out there they are not mine. I never held them or watched them grow in my belly. I look forward to having my own children one day and am happy knowing I may have helped someone else do the same.
ReplyDelete