Things to Consider

As with any medical procedure, there are possible side effects and risks.  Some women feel no or slight discomfort during their donation cycle. Others have varying symptoms which typically disappear following the retrieval procedure. In some cases you might feel bloating, abdominal pain, pressure and swelling, all of which will go away by your next period. Severe side effects are rare, and the doctor will explain the various risks that, although unlikely, can become part of this procedure. Egg Donation has been done since 1984, with over 10,000 retrievals annually in the U.S. alone.  Overall, there are no proven long-term effects of Egg Donation on a woman's health or fertility.

Pregnancy is another very real side effect and risk of Egg Donation, so you will be required to abstain from sex during the process. You will also be asked to refrain from drinking alcohol and taking certain medications. Your doctor will explain this to you in detail.

The average Egg Donation cycle lasts for between 3-6 weeks, not including the evaluation appointments. The time, attention to detail, and patience required of an Egg Donor is substantial.  For your time, energy and commitment, you are compensated twice; once with a financial payment and once with the sense of fulfillment you receive from helping to complete a family!  BHED Donors receive a fee of $6,500 (higher for repeat donors and/or donors with certain attributes).  Egg Donors are limited to 6 donation cycles.