Side Effects of Egg Donation: What to Expect

Choosing to become an egg donor is an extraordinary decision, one filled with generosity and purpose. Yet, like all medical procedures, it doesn’t come without its share of side effects. Whether you’re just beginning your research or already preparing for the journey, understanding what to expect can go a long way in easing nerves and making informed choices. In this guide, we’ll explore the common short-term reactions, the rarer but more serious risks, and how to handle recovery.

Common Short-Term Side Effects

Let’s begin with what most donors experience. Once you start taking hormonal medication to promote the production of multiple eggs (also known as ovarian stimulation), your body will begin to react. These reactions aren’t usually dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable. Here is what you can expect. 

• Mild bloating. As your ovaries enlarge, you might feel like your abdomen is puffed up like a balloon. It’s not uncommon to experience a tight, swollen sensation, particularly in the days leading up to egg retrieval.
• Cramping. This feels similar to menstrual cramps, but sometimes sharper or more persistent. It can occur both during and after hormone injections. Your ovaries are doing a lot more than usual, so some pain in your lower abdomen is to be expected.
• Breast tenderness. Hormonal fluctuations, especially increased estrogen levels, can make your breasts feel sore or unusually sensitive.
• Mood swings. Hormone surges may turn your emotions into a rollercoaster. Some donors report feeling unusually weepy, irritable, or anxious.
• Fatigue. Your body is working overtime, and you might find yourself dragging even if you’re sleeping well.
• Spotting or light bleeding. After the egg retrieval procedure, light vaginal bleeding is fairly common. It usually resolves on its own within a few days.
• Digestive issues. Constipation or diarrhea may appear as a result of the hormone medications and stress.

These side effects are usually temporary and tend to resolve within a week after egg retrieval. Still, they can be uncomfortable, and knowing they’re normal often brings a sense of calm.

Rare But Serious Complications

While most egg donations go smoothly, it would be disingenuous not to talk about the potential for rare but significant complications. Transparency matters, especially when health is involved.

• Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). Though it affects only a small percentage of donors, this condition is the most talked-about serious side effect. In OHSS, the ovaries respond too enthusiastically to fertility drugs, swelling and leaking fluid into the abdomen. Symptoms include severe bloating, rapid weight gain, nausea, vomiting, and in extreme cases, difficulty breathing or blood clots. Most cases are mild and resolve with rest and monitoring, but severe OHSS can require hospitalization.
• Ovarian torsion. This is exceedingly rare but serious. Enlarged ovaries can sometimes twist on themselves, cutting off their own blood supply. This causes intense pain and is a medical emergency that may require surgery.
• Infection. As with any procedure that involves a needle or incision, there’s a slight risk of infection following egg retrieval. However, clinics like Pacific Northwest Fertility usually take meticulous precautions to avoid this risk.
• Reaction to anesthesia. Though the sedation used during egg retrieval is typically light and safe, there's always a minimal risk of adverse reaction.

Current studies show no evidence that egg donation harms long-term fertility, but it’s a question that looms large for many donors. Talk openly with your fertility specialist about any concerns.

These complications are uncommon, and clinics perform extensive screenings to tailor protocols that minimize these risks. 

How to Manage Recovery

The recovery period after egg retrieval varies from person to person. Some donors bounce back within a day, and others take several days to feel like themselves again. Regardless, here are steps to make the post-donation phase smoother.

• Rest. Though this may go without saying, it still needs to be said. This is not the time to push through. Take the day off work or school and give your body permission to slow down.
• Hydrate. Drink plenty of water, electrolyte drinks, or clear broths to help your body flush out excess hormones and stay balanced.
• Gentle movement. While heavy exercise is off the table, light walking can help stimulate digestion and reduce bloating.
• Eat small, balanced meals. Avoid salty or processed foods that can increase bloating. Add lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables to your diet.
• Pain management. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be helpful, but always check with your egg donor clinic first.
• Monitor symptoms: Keep track of how you feel. Any signs such as severe pain, fever, or excessive bloating might indicate OHSS or infection and should be reported to your clinic immediately.

Most donors physically recover within a week, though hormonal and emotional shifts may linger a little longer. It’s important to have a solid support system to navigate any side effects you may face.

FAQ

What are the common side effects of egg donation?

Mild bloating, cramping, breast tenderness, mood swings, fatigue, spotting, and occasional digestive issues are the most commonly reported side effects. These are short-lived and tend to subside within a few days of the retrieval procedure.

What is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)?

OHSS is a rare but potentially serious condition where the ovaries overreact to fertility medications. This can cause them to swell and leak fluid into the abdominal cavity. Symptoms can range from mild bloating and nausea to more severe complications like rapid weight gain, shortness of breath, or blood clots. It typically appears after the egg retrieval, but early signs may surface during stimulation. Medical monitoring and hydration are essential.

Can egg donation affect my fertility?

No, egg donation doesn’t affect my fertility. According to current research, egg donation does not negatively impact future fertility in most cases. Each woman is born with a large reserve of eggs, and the donation process retrieves only a small fraction. However, it's important to have a candid conversation with your fertility doctor about your health and risks.

How soon can I resume normal activities after donating eggs?

Many donors return to work or school within 24 to 48 hours, but it’s wise to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least a week. Listen to your body and pace yourself accordingly.

Will I experience long-term side effects?

Long-term side effects from egg donation are extremely rare. Most donors report returning to their baseline physical and emotional state within one to two weeks.

Is egg donation emotionally difficult?

Some donors feel a profound sense of fulfillment; others may feel unexpectedly emotional. It’s a highly personal experience. Counseling before and after the procedure can be beneficial, and some fertility clinics do have this option. 

Can I donate eggs more than once?

Yes, many women donate multiple times. However, most clinics limit the number of donation cycles to reduce cumulative risk. Six donations is often cited as the maximum recommended number.

What should I do if I experience complications?

If you experience complications, always reach out to your clinic promptly. They will guide you through the next steps, whether it involves rest, medication, or, in rare cases, hospitalization. 

Bottom Line

While egg donation comes with its own set of physical and emotional experiences, most donors recover quickly and report a sense of pride in helping others build families. Armed with accurate knowledge and a strong support system, you can walk this path with confidence, compassion, and care.