Oocyte donation, also known as egg donation, is a process in which a woman (the donor) provides her eggs to another woman (the recipient) to help her conceive. This procedure is commonly used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) when a recipient cannot produce viable eggs due to conditions such as premature ovarian failure, age-related infertility, genetic disorders, or previous medical treatments like chemotherapy. The process begins with the donor undergoing hormonal stimulation to produce multiple mature eggs, which are then retrieved through a minor surgical procedure called transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration. The retrieved eggs are then fertilized with sperm from the recipient's partner or a sperm donor through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The resulting embryos are cultured for a few days, and one or more are transferred to the recipient's uterus for potential implantation and pregnancy. Oocyte donation offers a significant opportunity for women who cannot conceive with their own eggs to achieve pregnancy, and it has a high success rate, particularly when the donor is young and healthy. However, the process does carry potential complications for the donor, including risks associated with ovarian stimulation, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and in severe cases, more serious health issues. The egg retrieval process itself also carries risks of bleeding, infection, and injury to surrounding organs. For the recipient, there is a risk of multiple pregnancies if more than one embryo is transferred, as well as the usual risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth. Despite these risks, oocyte donation remains a valuable option for many individuals and couples seeking to build a family.
