What Are the Side Effects and Risks of Donating Eggs?
Another common question from prospective egg donors: "What side effects should I expect? Are there risks I should know about?” We’re so glad you’re asking! At Futura we encourage all donors to ask questions and be fully comfortable with the process before becoming an egg donor. We never want to mislead or sugar coat anything, we will be 100% transparent about the potential risks of egg donation, and thankfully there are only a few very rare risks! Egg donation is generally safe—but it’s important to be informed. Let’s break down what to expect.
Hormonal Medications
During the cycle, you’ll take injectable hormone medications to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs. These are taken daily, usually for 10-12 days.
Common side effects include:
Bloating
Mood swings
Fatigue
Breast tenderness
Mild abdominal discomfort
Most donors describe it as feeling like a strong PMS week. These side effects are temporary and resolve after the retrieval.
Monitoring Visits
You'll visit the clinic for transvaginal ultrasounds and bloodwork throughout your cycle. These are quick visits, typically in the early morning to minimize disruption to your day. These are quick and painless.
Egg Retrieval Procedure
The retrieval itself is a short, outpatient procedure done under light sedation. You won’t feel pain during the procedure, but you may feel crampy or tired afterward. Most donors take 1-2 days to recover.
Rare Risks
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): This occurs when the ovaries react too strongly to the medications. At Futura, our clinical partners and your Futura agent will monitor closely to catch early signs and adjust medications to reduce the risk.
Infection or bleeding: These are very rare but possible, as with any procedure.
Your Safety Comes First
At Futura, your health is our top priority. That’s why all donors are prescreened and monitored closely. You’ll have direct access to our care team and coordinators who can answer questions, address concerns, and make sure you always feel supported.
Egg donation isn’t without side effects, but for most people, the experience is empowering and manageable—especially when you know what to expect. Apply to become an egg donor today!