Egg donation is a process in which a woman (the donor) provides her eggs to another woman (the recipient) to help her conceive. This procedure is commonly used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) when the recipient cannot produce viable eggs due to factors such as age-related infertility, premature ovarian failure, genetic disorders, or the effects of medical treatments like chemotherapy. The egg donation process begins with the donor undergoing hormonal stimulation to produce multiple mature eggs. These eggs are then retrieved through a minor surgical procedure called transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration. Once retrieved, the eggs are fertilized with sperm from the recipient's partner or a sperm donor through in vitro fertilization (IVF), and the resulting embryos are transferred to the recipient's uterus in hopes of achieving pregnancy. Egg donation provides an opportunity for women who cannot conceive with their own eggs to experience pregnancy and childbirth, with high success rates, especially when the donor is young and healthy. However, the process carries potential complications for the donor, including the risks associated with ovarian stimulation, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe complications like abdominal pain, bloating, and, in rare cases, life-threatening conditions. The egg retrieval process also carries risks of bleeding, infection, and injury to surrounding organs. Additionally, there are ethical and emotional considerations for both the donor and the recipient, including concerns about the anonymity of the donor, the potential for future contact, and the psychological impact of the process. Despite these challenges, egg donation remains a critical option for individuals and couples seeking to build a family.
