Egg donor testimonials

Sarah, 21, Bristol

What first sparked your interest in donating eggs?

I saw an article on the BBC about the shortage of donors in this country which really shocked me. It seemed so sad that there are women out there who could potentially have the family they want, if only there were more people willing to donate.

What was the main reason you decided to go ahead and donate?

I started to read more about donation. Once I understood that I could become a donor and give this amazing gift to another woman, with no impact whatsoever on the chance of me being able to have a baby myself later on, it seemed such an obvious thing to do.

Which clinic did you visit for your donation? Why did you choose that one?

I did my research and found out that I could donate through the Egg Bank in CREATE Fertility’s Bristol clinic. It was close to home so the appointments were easy to get to, and I liked CREATE’s focus on tailoring treatment and medication to suit my body.

How did you find the practicalities and logistics of the process – from initial call with the Egg Bank, through arranging follow up appointments? How did it fit in with your life, work or study?

After I filled in the online registration form, one of the Egg Bank team called me within a couple of days and we ran through questions about my health over the phone. From there I was cleared to move to the next stage of the process. After that I was able to schedule in times for my scans and blood tests that fit in with my Uni lectures, so I didn’t miss anything.

How did you find the scans and tests?

It’s never that much fun having medical tests – but the team at CREATE made it as comfortable and straightforward as possible. I understand how it important it is that all donors are screened properly for any conditions that could be passed on to a baby so I knew it was worthwhile. I also appreciated the care the team took to monitor how I was responding to the medication throughout the cycle – I always felt like they were looking after me.

Did you find anything useful or surprising out about your own fertility as part of the process?

It was reassuring to find out for sure that my egg reserve is exactly where it should be for my age.

How easy did you find it to get to grips with the medication, and did you experience any side effects?

The nurse in the Bristol clinic showed me how to give myself the injections I needed. I was a bit nervous the first time, but after that it was very quick and easy, and I only needed to do the injections over the course of about 2 weeks.

How did you find the egg collection procedure? Were you physically comfortable/pain free afterwards?

When I went in for the collection I took a friend from Uni so I had someone to travel home with afterwards. The doctor talked it through with me before I met the anaesthetist. The sedation took effect really quickly so I don’t remember the actual procedure – but I was awake within an hour. I felt a little groggy but with no pain. I was back in lectures the next day and just noticed a bit of cramping which felt like period pain.

How do you feel now about the possibility your eggs will enable another woman or couple to conceive?

I can’t think of another way that right now I would have the opportunity to do something that could literally change someone’s life for ever. I feel so proud that I was able to do this.

What would you say to another young women thinking of donating?

I would say, think it through carefully and talk to people first – there’s a lot to consider and of course it’s a little more involved than say giving blood, but if it’s right for you, then just do it. For the sake of a few appointments and basic tests you are giving another woman this monumental chance of happiness. I can’t wait to hear my eggs have been matched to someone and they are expecting the baby they wanted.

Jennifer, 29, Birmingham

What first sparked your interest in donating eggs?

I first thought about egg donation when I mentioned to a friend that I was thinking of being sterilised. I had two children and wasn’t planning any more. My friend told me about egg donation and said it’s something you can do for other women who can’t have children.

What was the main reason you decided to go ahead and donate?

I looked into it and it seemed like a really good cause. My sister has always wanted children but it just never worked out – I saw how it affected her and I just couldn’t imagine going through that. I thought if I can help someone else who really wants a baby, then I will.

Which clinic did you visit for your donation? Why did you choose that one?

I contacted Egg Bank Birmingham – the clinic is just down the road from me and really convenient. I was worried I might not be able to donate because my cycle had been pretty irregular, but that wasn’t a problem. You do have to be able to go into the clinic for scans and blood tests quite a few times through the cycle – but I was able to arrange all my appointments to fit in before work and around the kids.

How easy did you find it to get to grips with the medication, and did you experience any side effects?

The clinic were really good at explaining the medication I had to take – at first I was worried about the idea of the injections – but after they showed me how and I found I could do it easily. On the day of the egg collection I came into the clinic early. I was nervous about the idea of having sedation, but again everyone was really kind and by that time I had got to know the staff well so actually it wasn’t a scary thing to do.

How did you find the egg collection procedure? Were you physically comfortable/pain free afterwards?

I’ve donated twice now – after the egg collection it can be painful, but the team looked out for me the whole time and I always felt well looked after. I’m planning to donate one more time.

How do you feel now about the possibility your eggs will enable another woman or couple to conceive?

It’s up to me whether to find out the results of my donation – I know that my eggs have already been matched to more than one family – so in a few months I can contact the clinic and ask how it went. I’ll definitely follow up to find out – I’d love to know it was all worthwhile and someone has the baby they wanted.