Myths vs. Facts: Debunking Common Misconceptions About Being an Egg Donor
Egg donation provides an opportunity to help individuals and couples build their families if they cannot produce their own eggs. However, despite growing awareness of this offering, several misconceptions still surround the process. At Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago (AFCC), we believe in educating both potential donors and intended parents about this process so they can make informed decisions. Let’s separate myths from facts when it comes to egg donation.
Myth #1: Egg Donation Causes Infertility in the Donor
Fact: Egg donation does not impact a donor’s future fertility.
Women are born with several millions of eggs, but only a small fraction are ever used during their reproductive years. During an egg donation cycle, fertility medications help mature multiple eggs that would have otherwise been lost naturally. The process does not deplete a donor’s egg supply since it only affects the eggs allotted for maturation for the month of the procedure, meaning future fertility and egg supply remain intact.
Myth #2: Egg Donors Must Have Already Had a Baby
Fact: Having children is not a requirement to become an egg donor.
While some fertility clinics may prefer donors with proven fertility, many donors have never been pregnant before. At AFCC, donors undergo thorough medical and genetic screenings to ensure they are good candidates—regardless of whether they have had children.
Myth #3: Donating Eggs is Extremely Painful
Fact: The egg retrieval process is minimally invasive and discomfort is temporary, usually lasting several days to a week.
The idea of an egg retrieval can sound intimidating, but it is a quick, outpatient procedure lasting 15-30 minutes and performed under sedation. Most donors experience some bloating or cramping afterward, similar to menstrual discomfort, lasting 1-7 days. Please bear in mind, however, that like any surgical procedure, there are risks and the experience varies between individuals. Some restriction of activity may be advised, but many can return to work the next day. Our team at AFCC ensures that all donors receive personalized care to minimize discomfort and support a smooth recovery.
Myth #4: Egg Donors Can Donate an Unlimited Number of Times
Fact: The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends a limit of six donation cycles per donor.
To prioritize donor well-being, ASRM guidelines recommend a maximum of six retrievals per donor to avoid excessive ovarian stimulation. At AFCC, we follow ASRM guidelines. We closely monitor each donor’s health and ensure they are making informed decisions about repeat donations. If all goes well, we allow egg donors to donate up to six times.
Myth #5: Egg Donation is Only for Young College Students
Fact: While many donors are in their early 20s, eligibility is based on meeting specified health criteria, not student status.
Egg donor candidates at AFCC must be between 21 and 30 years old. Donors come from diverse backgrounds, including professionals, stay-at-home parents, and individuals simply passionate about helping others. You can find our full list of requirements to become an egg donor here.
Myth #6: Donors Have Legal or Parental Rights to the Baby
Fact: Egg donors do not have any legal or parental rights over children born from their donation.
All egg donors sign a legal contract waiving any rights or responsibilities to offspring conceived from their eggs. The intended parents are legally recognized as the child’s parents, ensuring that donors are not responsible for future legal or financial obligations.
Myth #7: The Process is Long and Complicated
Fact: The egg donation process is straightforward, with full support from the AFCC team.
From the initial application to egg retrieval, a typical donation cycle lasts about two months. Our team guides donors through each step, with the aim of making the process clear, efficient, and rewarding for all donors.
Considering Egg Donation? Let’s Talk!
If you’re interested in becoming an egg donor or want to learn more, we’re here to answer your questions. You can find a list of egg donor FAQs here. Your decision to donate can change lives.
Contact us today to start your egg donor journey or fill out our donor prescreen application here!
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About the AFCC Blog
Welcome to the Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago’s blog! Here, you will find information on the latest advancements in fertility care and treatments, including IVF, IUI, third-party reproduction, LGBTQ+ family building, preimplantation genetic testing, and more. Since 1997, we’ve used our experience and continuous investment in the latest fertility technology to help thousands of patients grow their families. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a new patient appointment.