An Egg Donor’s Perspective on Working with Fairfax EggBank

We recently interviewed one or our donors so she can share her experience as an egg donor. Though you can watch her video, below is a transcript of her interview.

What motivated you to become an egg donor?

I was motivated to become an egg donor because of a couple at my church. They were having difficulties starting a family but they were able to have two beautiful baby boys through IVF. Just seeing how happy they were and how beautiful their family was really inspired me to want to go out and help other couples start a family of their own.

How would you describe your egg donation process?

My experience through Fairfax EggBank has been great. Prior to all this I was honestly terrified of doctors, hospitals, nurses, taking shots,  getting my blood drawn, etc. But Fairfax made me feel at ease from the start. They genuinely care about everyone that comes in through those doors. They made sure I was comfortable throughout the process and that just made me feel great. I am no longer scared of doctors and nurses – I feel confident whenever I go in there.

Did you have any schedule conflicts, due to the egg donation process?

I was able to balance my schedule pretty well. I would go into Fairfax EggBank’s office in the morning for monitoring and then I would go straight into work right afterwards. It’s about a week of that and then there is the procedure, which was the only day I had to miss work for.

What were the injections like for you?

The first time I did the needle injections was scary because I used to be terrified of needles, but I thought this would be a great opportunity to really push myself out of my comfort zone. Thankfully, the nurse at Fairfax EggBank was able to help me through the first injection. I honestly didn’t feel pain; the needle itself didn’t hurt at all. I was super shocked and surprised; I was relieved at the end of the entire process that I do pretty well with needles after all.

What was the egg retrieval like for you?

The procedure itself isn’t bad at all. I hyped it up so much in my head and I thought it was going to be this really intense process… but turns out it was a piece of cake. The doctor, anesthesiologist, and nurses came in to make sure that I was comfortable, answered my questions, and asked me a few general questions. When I was taken into the procedure room, they made sure I was comfortable. Before I knew it, twenty minutes later I woke up in the recovery room. You’ll be really groggy the rest of the day since you’re recovering from being sedated; at least that’s how I was. So I went to eat something and took a nap for the rest of the day. I had some light cramping but it’s not anything terrible – I took some Tylenol to help me out. The next day I felt totally fine and was good to go. I went right back into my daily activities and straight back to work.

Was the egg donation experience worth it?

Knowing that I could’ve helped a couple conceive is the most fulfilling and magical feeling that I have ever felt. Just knowing that I was able to create such happiness for a couple and help them start a family is amazing to me. It makes me feel so great about myself and it’s just such a great feeling. There are no words really.

What would you tell others who are thinking of becoming egg donors?

If you’re considering becoming an egg donor and you’re scared, terrified, or you’re really worried about the experience, just talk to the Fairfax EggBank team about it. They’re so great about answering every single question that you could possibly have. I probably asked the team at least 20 questions the first day and they were able to answer every single question without missing a beat.

What would you tell an egg donor recipient?

If you’re considering using an egg donor, that’s amazing! I’m really happy for you. Just know that there are so many people out there who want to help you. So don’t be nervous, it’ll all work out okay. That’s amazing that you’re taking this first step to help build your family.

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Want to view other donor interviews? Click on the links below.

• Link 1
• Link 2 

Inspired to get the donor process started? Click here to complete our application.