You understand the process and you know all the details, but you really just want to hear from an egg donor – someone who’s already done it and can provide that invaluable personal perspective, right?
Right.
Well, we got you, girl. We recently sat down with an Ovatures egg donor to hear about what led her down this road, what it’s been like, and how it feels to help someone achieve their dream of starting a family. Disclaimer: you might need a box of tissues for this one!
Our egg donor (her name has been withheld to protect the privacy of her and her recipient) is a 29-year-old optometry assistant and mom to two young children living in Middlesex, NJ. At first blush, she looks like a healthy, regular young woman. But ask a little more, and you realize she is extraordinary: she’s given the gift of life several times.
How did you first hear of egg donation?
When I was pregnant with my son, I was talking with my husband and said, ‘I don’t want to have more kids for our family, but I’m still young enough to have kids, and I don’t want to waste my fertility – I want to help others.’ He told me he had a friend who had done egg donation in the past, and I started researching it right away. That was 2016.
Why did it appeal to you?
I knew I was young, healthy and fertile, and I really liked the idea of being able to help people – I just really didn’t want to not use what I had.
How did you hear about Ovatures?
When I started researching about egg donation in the area, Ovatures popped up, and I was really drawn to the program.
Why did you decide to go with Ovatures?
I thought the website was very inviting and informative, and I read some of the blogs they had up, including about the process, and that was helpful. Then, when I came in to see if I was eligible, the staff was so genuine and caring, and that made me very comfortable, too.
When did you do your first cycle?
My first egg retrieval was January 2017.
How was it?
I was very nervous because I had never been put to sleep before, but the nurses and everyone involved explained everything to me step by step, so they put my mind at ease. When I woke up just 15 minutes later, I felt good and was happy, and I wasn’t even in pain, so it was very pleasant. That’s when I knew I’d do it again.
How many times have you donated?
I’m about to start my sixth and last cycle, and it makes me kind of sad, honestly. I love the idea of helping others start their family, and it doesn’t hurt financially, either. I genuinely feel really good after I finish. The nurse will tell me how many eggs they got, and I feel so good knowing some family will have that many chances to get pregnant. These soon-to-be families are counting on me, and it feels good!
What’s your favorite thing about the program?
You feel like part of the family at Ovatures. All the nurses recognize me, and the doctors are really skilled and compassionate. I never feel silly for emailing my nurse with a lot of questions, either. It’s just a very warm, welcoming and pleasant environment.
Has the experience changed you?
As a result of the experience, I am going back to school to be an ultrasound technician in an OBGYN office. I’ve always loved kids, but I didn’t know how I’d incorporate that into my career – now I know. I’m actually on my way to an anatomy class right now! My future is going to be better because of Ovatures, and I can keep helping people have families!
What do you tell friends about Ovatures?
I tell them to donate. I’ve recommended it to a few people in my life. Because these people you are donating to want more than anything else in the world to complete their families, they are not going to mess up the opportunity – so I feel really good about helping bring these families in the world.
What would you tell someone considering egg donation?
I would say that you can make a huge difference in someone’s life by donating. I know how I feel about being a mom, and I can’t imagine another woman or man not being able to experience the same joy. And knowing you can give it to them – why not do it?
What is the biggest misconception about egg donation?
That it’s incredibly taxing on your body. Look, it’s not easy – there is blood work, and there are early morning appointments, but I’m totally fine, and my follicles are producing just as well as they were on my first cycle. I feel great.
Is there anything else you want women considering this to know?
Being an egg donor was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s extremely rewarding and if I could go back in time and do it all over again, I would.
Sounds pretty remarkable, right? This could be you. Start the life-changing process of egg donation today! Call 973.656.2876 or email ovatures@ivirma.com.
