Real & Raw: My Egg Donation Experience

Written by Emily using answers provided by Abby. 

When you tell people you’re an egg donor (or even considering egg donation), you’ll likely be met with admiration, a few curious questions, and an ending line of “that is beautiful.” 

But is it actually “beautiful”? 

Well, the end result is, but everything between point A and point B is actually rather……. Rough.

I sat down with Abby to get her down and dirty opinions on the process, and here is what she had to share! 

QUESTION ONE: Going into the experience, what was the one aspect you dreaded most? 

Going to start on a deeper note than I imagine the rest of this post will be, but I dreaded not being able to donate as many eggs as I wanted. I dreaded there only being a few and what if those don’t take, and what if I can’t give my sister what I promised, and what would that mean for my fertility in the future, and what if what if what if. 

I was terrified that I would be unable to perform this huge service and would have to live with being unable to help my sister in this. I dreaded going in after injections and there being no eggs or there being a problem and then all the work and effort would be for nothing. And honestly, I don’t really have any advice on how not to feel that way, even after donation, I worried there weren’t enough eggs. I think the only thing you can do is listen to your doctors and hope. 

I also dreaded blood draws. I am NOT a needles girl. 

QUESTION TWO: What was the most unexpected side effect of the process?

I went into donation knowing I would probably feel bloated and shitty kind of the whole time, which was true. I was definitely not on my A game. But the most unexpected side effect came with the Novarel (stim/trigger), the final injection. I got horny. My body was trying to fertilize those eggs I had worked so hard on, come hell or high water. I was not expecting it after many, many days of feeling like the least attractive and sensitive version of myself, but it did happen. Suddenly, my mind was telling me my bloated and very sensitive tummy was probably the most gorgeous I had ever looked, and I should go find myself a man. Yet, I was still bloated, mildly constipated, and only wanted tomato soup. It was a very bizarre time. Luckily, I was prepared with a delightful romance book, so I made it to the other side just fine. 

QUESTION THREE: What was the worst side effect of the process?

Bloating. I felt like a rock and full all the time, but also starving, and only comfy pants would do.

QUESTION FOUR: Was there ever a moment when you considered stopping the donation process, meds, etc? If so, what specific moment made you want to stop everything?

Having to pee in a cup. Just kidding. I don’t think I ever wanted to give up or stop everything. I’m the type of person who commits to things in general, and I was there on a mission. Plus, our nurses were amazing and gave me lots of positive reinforcement and encouragement. 

QUESTION FIVE: Was there anything (other than the fact that you were donating to your sister) that pulled you through? 

As I said, the nurses and staff at the clinic we went to were amazing, and even when they had to press up against my veryyyyyy engorged and sensitive ovaries for the ultrasound, which did make me tear up on one occasion, they were encouraging and understanding. 

QUESTION SIX: What are your words of wisdom for someone in the trenches of donation right now? 

Go with what your body is telling you (within reason). Obviously, you still have to do the ultrasounds and blood draws (ew). Obviously, the injections are going to suc,k but you have to get them done. But I swear I ate tomato soup every day and drank more liquid IV than any person should, but I did what my body needed and was asking of me. You know you the best. 

However, also listen to your nurses when they recommend bloat drops and candies to help. God bless Preggie Pops.

Do you have more questions for Abby? Do you want more detail about one specific part of the process? Whatever your question(s) may be - send them our way! Stop by the Contact Us page to submit your questions and we will address them in their own article and/or on our social media platforms (linked at the bottom of our website).