Fresh Eggs: RMA Long Island IVF from a Donor’s Perspective
A Long Island woman reflects on her experience with us and offers advice to women who may be considering egg donation.
What first inspired you to donate?
A friend of mine struggled with infertility, but she was eventually able to start a family with the help of an egg donor. I saw the joy that the experience brought to her life and I wanted to be able to give that same gift to someone who needed it.
Did you learn anything about infertility or egg donation that surprised you?
The science behind the process is actually pretty amazing! I knew a little about egg donation beforehand, but I learned a lot about all that goes into the coordination of two women’s cycles. I was fascinated by how everything is carefully timed so that the embryo is transferred to the recipient at just the right time.
Was the procedure painful?
It wasn't bad at all! In fact, I donated six times. It can be intimidating to know that you are going to have to inject yourself (or have someone inject you) with medications leading up to the egg retrieval, but the needles were so small that they really didn't hurt. The retrieval procedure itself was not painful, as I was not awake for it. For a couple of days after the procedure, I did feel a bloated, heavy sensation in my abdomen, but I just took it easy for a few days and then I was back to normal.
What was the best part about choosing Long Island IVF?
Everyone (from the staff at the front desk to the nurses to the doctors) went the extra mile to make sure I was comfortable and treated me like family throughout the whole process. My health was closely monitored every step of the way. It was reassuring to know I was in good hands and that they cared just as much about me as they did about the woman who would go on to use my eggs.
What was the most rewarding aspect of egg donation?
A woman who received my eggs had an 8-year-old daughter at the time. They made a card for RMA Long Island IVF to give to me. The little girl wrote that she had the “best baby sister” because of me. I cried when I read it! To know that a family felt complete because I was able to donate eggs to them was the best reward I could ever ask for.
How has becoming an egg donor changed you?
I have always tried to do things to help others, but now I have a sense of fulfillment that I've never experienced before. I can truly say that donating eggs is one of the best things I've ever done, especially now that I have children of my own. Now I really understand what my gift meant to the recipient.
Would you do this again?
I would do it again in a heartbeat!
What advice would you give a friend who is on the fence about donating?
If you’re not sure, I would definitely recommend sitting down with the doctors or nurses at RMA Long Island IVF to ask all of your questions. It’s important to do your research so that you can make an informed decision. It’s also important to meet with the people who are overseeing the process and caring for you so that you feel comfortable.
The first time I donated eggs, I went and picked up the medications I would need for the process. It seemed like there were SO many in the bag. But then the RMA Long Island IVF nurse went over everything with me and gave me a color-coded calendar, which really helped. The process can seem overwhelming at first, but there will be so many people who are there for you. It’s okay to lean on them and allow them to help. Because you go in for monitoring often, you are always able to ask questions and confirm what the next step is. Once you've decided to do it, just consider the lives that will be changed because of YOU! The gift you are giving to someone is one of the most important gifts you can give. Just know that you are doing an amazing thing and in the end, it’s so worth it!
Considering egg donation but not sure where to start? Have a question for our team or our prior donors? Contact us any time at (866) 706-8612 or read more about the process of egg donation here.
Model used for illustration only.