The act of egg donation is a selfless and vital part of the surrogacy journey. Your decision to donate eggs profoundly impacts you and our Growing Generations’ intended families. We commend you if you’ve decided to donate your eggs to help others build their forever families. However, we also encourage you to keep these simple and vital egg donation “do's and don’ts” in mind as you embark on your egg donor journey with us.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Being informed is the best way to prepare for your egg donation. Here’s how you can prepare yourself for every aspect of the egg donor experience:

• Research the egg donation process.

• Educate yourself on egg donor requirements.

• Understand the risks, benefits, and potential challenges so that you can make informed decisions.

• Ask questions (no question is ever too big or small).

If you have any reservations, talking to someone who’s been through the egg donation process can be helpful. Contacting us with your questions can also put your mind at ease. It is better to thoroughly understand what you are diving into before you even consider applying to become an egg donor.

DO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

The medical procedures that accompany becoming an egg donor can potentially impact your physical health. You can prioritize your physical and overall well-being throughout the egg donation journey by taking these steps:

• Follow all medical recommendations and protocols provided by healthcare professionals, attend regular check-ups, and be proactive about any concerns and discomfort you may experience.

• Eat a healthy diet, including fueling your body with protein and fiber.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Get adequate sleep.

• Practice rest and relaxation techniques to better manage stress.

DO BE FLEXIBLE

Again, egg donation is a selfless act that requires your ongoing flexibility. Keep in mind that egg donors are required to travel for screenings and the egg retrieval process. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the following before agreeing to become an egg donor:

• Your schedule must allow for all the appointments, consultations, and meetings that accompany your egg donation commitment.

• Overcommitting can cause stress and tension during the egg donation experience. While it’s commendable to want to help others, understand your personal limits and be realistic about your availability during the entire egg donation process.

DON’T ENGAGE IN RISKY BEHAVIOR

As an egg donor, taking care of your reproductive health during the egg donation process is essential. Alcohol, drugs, and smoking can cause hormonal imbalances and negatively impact your egg quality. To make the process safe and smooth for all parties, it’s essential for egg donors to:

• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.

• Prioritize your health by avoiding risky behaviors that may jeopardize your overall well-being and the egg donation process.

DON’T VIOLATE CONFIDENTIALITY

The surrogacy process is built on trust. It takes everyone involved to build and maintain said trust throughout this journey. This includes not only surrogates and intended parents but also egg donors. Respecting the privacy of all involved parties is not just a rule; it is an expectation.

DON’T IGNORE MENTAL WELLNESS

It is crucial to acknowledge that the egg donation experience may impact you physically, emotionally, and mentally. Amid appointments and medical procedures, prioritize your overall well-being throughout the egg donor process by:

• Paying attention to and listening to your body.

• Dedicating time to self-care and activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, exercise, creative pursuits, or other enjoyable activities or outlets.

• Recognizing that your overall wellness is essential to a successful and emotionally satisfying egg donation journey.

Becoming an egg donor is a significant contribution to those wanting to build and grow their families. By following these egg donation best practices, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to a positive and life-altering experience for all involved parties. Remember, a well-informed and supported egg donor is better equipped to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Are you interested in becoming an egg donor? Contact us at (323) 965-7500 or email us at family@growinggenerations.com  for any questions. You can also sign up here.