Who can be an egg donor??

[Roxy]

Hi - I no this thread has probably closed,

Nope - this thread is open!

I'm 20 - is that to young to donate?

It will depend hugely upon the clinic that you go through. Most like donors to be no younger than 21, but by the time you make the decision to donate, find some recipients and get things started there is a good likelihood that you'd 21 (or really close to it!) anyway.

I dont want any more children, and if I did, and I couldn't because of donating, it wouldn't bother me much.

Donating won't stop you from having further children. The risk of infertility is small (around 1%) - but to be honest I have only ever heard of one donor who went on to have issues conceiving again (but that was more due to ectopic pregnancy than the IVF drugs).

But I was wondering how it all works properly. I have been on an injection for 3 years, and had my first period not long ago. Is there an injection that can kick start my period again so I can donate?

As far as I know, there isn't an injection that will kick start your period again...it's something to chat to the specialist about, because they may be able to tailor the cycle so that you don't need to have an AF (I know of a donor who is about to cycle with an IUD and the clinic is quite happy for her to keep it in during the cycle).

Also, I'm from the UK (going back in November) is it to late to even think about it?

It's not too late, but given that you have a relatively short time frame, you may wish to approach a clinic about donating to someone on their waiting list. You can do that anonymously (where the recipients won't get too much more info apart from height, weight, eye colour etc), or you can ask to be matched to recipients who are happy to meet you and maintain some form of ongoing contact (sporadic emails, Christmas card, etc)...you just need to decide what kind of donation you want to do and go from there.

HTH!

[Roxy]

I also have some questions, hopefully wa mum of 4 will be on to help out!

I can help too!

I also kind of doubt that I'll be able to...
I have PCOS you see... I had a missed m/c at 17 weeks (took 13months to concieve), and with my DS and DD I was pregnant within 2months off the pill. So I don't know what the go is in that area! My periods are irregular though.

PCOS isn't something that will stop you from donating - it just means that you will be closely monitored for any signs of over stimulation (It's tricky to know how a PCOS lady will react to the IVF drugs - sometimes their ovaries go nuts and over produce follicles, sometimes they'll take a bit of stimming to get into action!). It doesn't matter that your periods are irregular - an IVF cycle will control all that, so the only thing that an irregular period will affect is when you commence the cycle.

Also, I'm on the implant, is that an issue?

I do believe that the Implanon is an issue for cycling (unlike an IUD), and most clinics will ask you to have it removed before commencing a cycle. That said, it's worth checking with them first before rushing off and getting it taken out...

I've talked to my DH about it, he says he doesn't agree with me even donating my blood, but he wouldn't stop me. Kind of the same thing here. Men...

Your DH needs to be in agreeance with your decision, as he needs to sign the consent forms and undergo counselling as well prior to you donating. Most clinics will also require him to have a screening blood test (STD's etc) prior to you cycling as well - and it makes it easier if he's on side to get all that done...

[maddysmummy]

Thanks Roxy
I really am considering doing it. But I want to wait until my periods are more regular before I go ahead and find someone. I think I would like just to be in the back ground, and get to no the people etc, dont no why lol
It does make u want to do it more seeing all the threads on here, I just wish I did it when I got here for a couple, I do think betime I get another period and stuff, It will be to late.
But thanks for the info I will definatly look up on it more over the next few months

[Fluffbum]

Thanks heaps Roxy!

Your DH needs to be in agreeance with your decision, as he needs to sign the consent forms and undergo counselling as well prior to you donating. Most clinics will also require him to have a screening blood test (STD's etc) prior to you cycling as well - and it makes it easier if he's on side to get all that done...

Hmmm, this might be a problem... He is dead scared of needles... I'll have to work on that!

Also, another question I forgot to ask...
Will DH have to wear condoms at all during the process?
He hates them thats all...

[Roxy]

Will DH have to wear condoms at all during the process?

Ummm....yeah, unless abstinence is his thing - it is advised that you do use another form of contraception during your cycle, JIC, and given that you are unable to take an oral contraceptive whilst stimming, DH needs to take care of that part! It's either that or just avoid penetrative sex during the 7-10 days in particular when you are injecting the FSH - you both might need to be creative.

[jag5000]

Hi ladies... it might be a silly question, but I wonder if someone could help me find the answer.

Why no donating when breastfeeding? I assume it's the meds..yeah? as in transferring through to your milk. Is that the reason?

[Roxy]

Hi Jag,

That's basically it, although I have recently heard about a donor who was still b/f'ing an older baby and was able to b/f during a cycle. Their clinic was happy for her to cycle because her baby wasn't a newborn, and her AF cycle had returned to normal.

Ideally though, clinics generally like you to wait at least 6 months, preferably 12 months, after having a baby to donate, and most women have stopped breastfeeding by the 12mths.

[jag5000]

thanks Roxy .. btw, it's so nice to you to be answering everyone's questions in here!

[Roxy]

You're welcome! There are a few of us around that can answer the ED questions - I just think that I'm the one who's here the most

[wa mum of 4]

[quote=detajach;2964026]I also have some questions, hopefully wa mum of 4 will be on to help out!
[quote]

Shucks I feel special ...Thanks for thinking of me.

I find it a bit harder to get on here as much due to this midwifery degree. detajach like Roxy said a few of us can answer your questions, and shes right Roxy is on here more than most.

It is wonderful that there are women out there that are willing to donate or at least consider it. Donating is amazing, the friendship Diana and I have developed it a true gift. I hope that others experience the same relationship with their Donors/ Recips. It is deffinatly a reward for me.
Lets just hope that those baby's stick .

to all
Sarah