Ovaries, gametes, zygotes, in vitro, fallopian tubes of death…

No, this is not a lead in to a new sci-fi flick featuring a uterus taking over the world – it’s more a terror tactic to get the attention of potential egg donors.

College newspapers advertise them and university halls welcome them, a scintillating promise of cash with the swift, magical extraction of eggs from happy ovaries. For some college-aged women, the large font seductively whispering, “Come hither, earn $8,000” appears more like a god-sent money making opportunity, than an option to help a fertility challenged family in need.

Sadly, these advertisements and boasting promises leave young women in the dark about the procedure and the risks involved with egg donation. Before diving into egg extraction bliss, or even if you are mildly considering the option, know the facts.

In an interview with Chicklit, the author of “Confessions Of A Serial Donor,” Julia Derek, said:

Personally, I don’t think any amount is worth gambling with your health, even if the chances of a stroke, inner bleedings, or cancer aren’t huge. If you still decide to do it, be careful and make sure it’s a reputable doctor and agency you deal with.

Take a look at some things to note:

It Takes Some Time

Commitment is a must. A donor has to inject themselves with hormones for several weeks to stimulate the eggs for harvesting. During this time, you must go to a doctor to get ultrasounds and blood tests (these checkups aren’t always covered by the agency). The eggs are removed in a procedure called transvaginal ovarian aspiration. After the procedure is done, it takes days to recover.

Potential Horror
The biggest risk associated with donation is playing with your own fertility. In some cases, complications have ended in hysterectomies or irreversible uterine damage.

Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome
No, this is not your ovaries with ADD. As a reaction to the hormone treatment, ovaries become “hyperactive,” retaining water. If the condition becomes severe, one or both the ovaries must be removed.

No Sex in the Egg Donation Room
Fertility drugs mean you become fertile. It is best not to have sex on the follicle stimulating hormones, a quick slip equals unwanted pregnancy multiplied (exponentially) by unwanted stress.

Do your own research, nothing is as easy as it seems. Easy money usually comes along with easy negative attachments. Some donors have amazing, fruitful experiences with rewarding results, some haven’t – take information from both sides.

Make an educated decision.