Thinking of becoming an egg donor but I’m a bit scared

[bluespreadsheet]

I decided to look into doing egg donations because I think the compensation would help me out a lot, and I generally don’t mind uncomfortable medical procedures as long as I know what’s going on and find it interesting.

That said, I have never even gone to a gynecologist before. I’ve never had vaginal sex, never used and insertive sex toys, and honestly haven’t even tried to use a tampon since I tried when I was 12 and it didn’t go in. I’m sure the doctors know what they’re doing and since they’re eager to have willing donors, they try to make the experience as non traumatic as possible, but obviously I still think it would feel invasive to me.

I still want to do it, but I am trying to think of ways I can prepare myself or learn the specifics of what will happen so I minimize the risk of me getting upset about it.

[amber]

Hi bluespreadsheet and welcome to the boards!

I wanna start by saying I am not that well informed on the entire process of egg donation. I am gonna ask our team of volunteers if anyone has personal experience/more knowledge that may help you.

What I do know is that the process is more complicated and involved than a typical pelvic exam at the gynecologist. Within the process you will most likely have that typical experience as you move forward within the process. How has the research process been for you? Have you be able to look into what the process looks like at a clinic near you?

[bluespreadsheet]

I have looked into it as well as several different agencies that present themselves as being very communicative of the whole process... This is my half-understanding so some details may be fudged or innacurate. Basically, after all the paperwork is set up and you've checked in with a mental health professional to make sure that you are able to accept the risks, for about two weeks they have you go on specific medications that give you pregnancy-like symptoms and go to a local clinic most mornings where they do checks that I think I remember the phrase "vaginal ultrasound" being used... Then after the two weeks you have to travel somewhere specific, they put you under sedation, then while you're sleeping use a needle to extract the eggs (which you shouldn't feel since you're sedated).

I need to look into the process more in general because I need to figure out specifically what these check ins entail. If you know someone that has gone through the process/know someone who has that would be really helpful!