As thousands of Canadians rely on egg donors to complete their journey to parenthood, it is crucial to expose the numerous myths about egg donation.
Egg donation is a key component in assisted reproductive technology (ART) for those who are infertile, cannot have a healthy pregnancy due to diminished quality or quantity of eggs, or are a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Egg donation is legal in Canada but a donor cannot be “paid” for her eggs. The Assisted Human Reproduction Act (AHRA) outlines reimbursement of expenses allowed under law for the egg donor. These can include but are not limited to travel, legal, counselling, and medical expenditures.
Eggs can be donated by a known donor such as a family member or friend, an anonymous donor chosen by a fertility agency, or from an egg bank.
This article takes a close look at the common misconceptions, fallacies, and false information found across the board.
Debunking Common Misconceptions
Misconception: Universal Eligibility
There is no universal eligibility for egg donors due to the strict criteria for donor selection. A donor must undergo and pass medical and psychological evaluations as egg donation is a huge decision. The age, health history, and lifestyle factors of the donor are closely scrutinized to ensure it is a well-thought-out choice for the physical and mental health of the donor, the recipient, and the baby.
Common restrictions include: the donor must be 19 to 33 years old, have a body mass index of 18 to 29.9, be free from recreational drugs, be a non-smoker, and have not undergone any piercings or tattoos within the previous 12 months.
Misconception: Depletion of Egg Supply
It is important to focus on the egg supply when debunking egg donation myths. Women are born with all of their egg cells, numbering in the thousands. Of these egg cells, only 300 to 500 mature throughout a woman’s lifetime.
During a natural egg production cycle, 15 to 20 follicles (which contain immature eggs) are stimulated to grow each cycle. Typically, only one egg reaches maturity and is released during ovulation.
During the egg donation process, a woman is prescribed medication to encourage numerous eggs to reach maturity. This controlled stimulation allows for 10 to 20 eggs to be retrieved, all of which are naturally produced by the body. There is minimal impact on future fertility as the body will continue to produce eggs naturally.
Misconception: Unlimited Donation Cycles
Many fertility treatment facilities have limitations on how many donations a donor can provide in order to protect the donor’s health. Donors must wait at least three to six months in between donations and donors can only undergo six lifetime donations and retrieval procedures.
The lifetime limitation is set by the Canadian Fertility & Andrology Society and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Prior to each donation, the donor is monitored to check her hormone levels and her overall well-being.
Misconception: Required Relationship with the Baby
The benefit of choosing an egg donor is that the recipient can determine the terms related to the donation. Most egg donations are confidential, meaning all parties involved agree to anonymity. In some cases, the parties involved may want the donor to have a relationship with the baby. But many donors have altruistic motivations in offering their eggs to friends, family, or a donor bank.
In Canada, the donor has no legal responsibility with respect to communication, finances, or other obligations. The donor and recipient can form a legal agreement with the help of a professional counsellor and lawyer.
Misconception: Infertility as a Consequence
Egg retrievals and/or egg donations do not cause infertility. In fact, there is no evidence to suggest undergoing an egg retrieval could affect future fertility. The hormones used during an egg retrieval procedure are similar to the naturally produced hormones a woman’s body produces.
An egg donor can have successful pregnancies after a donation as soon as her hormone levels return to normal, which could take a month or two. Long-term studies have shown that egg donors who choose to have their own children in the future have had success with no complications related to donating their eggs.
Misconception: Painful Egg Retrieval Procedure
The egg retrieval procedure is minimally invasive and is completed using localized anesthesia or conscious sedation so that the patient is comfortable and at ease. The recovery period is short, although patients may experience bloating or cramping. These side are temporary and can be managed by applying a warm compress on the lower abdomen.
As with all medical procedures, women must be advised of all possible risks and complications, including the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Misconception: Access to Personal Information
To protect the donor and recipient, many fertility treatment centres across Canada recommend creating a donation agreement, regardless of whether the donor is anonymous or not. Fertility centres adhere to strict confidentiality protocols that protect the donor’s identity and privacy by sharing limited information with recipients.
In some cases, seeking legal counsel may be advised depending on the expectations of all parties involved.
Learn About ONE Fertility’s Comprehensive Fertility Treatments
The fertility specialists at ONE Fertility Kitchener Waterloo offer compassionate and comprehensive assessments and treatments tailored to your needs. We understand the importance of having a personalized fertility treatment plan based on scientific evidence and research.
Call us today at (519) 650-0011 or email us at info@onefertilitykw.com for a consultation with our team of professionals.
