Expenses
As a Donor, your Prospective Parents are responsible for the expenses incurred as a result of the egg donation cycle, in addition to your Donor compensation. These expenses include the following:
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All Medical Expenses
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Donor Compensation
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Tiny Treasures’ Agency Fee
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Attorney Fee
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Accidental Donor Insurance
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Reasonable Travel Expenses (if travel is required for the egg donation):
(1) Excessive mileage/gas: Paid to any Donor required to drive over 60 miles one-way to attend required appointments for the egg donation cycle (paid @ $0.50 cents/mile, which includes gas coverage).
(2) Airfare or train fare for both Donor and a travel companion (travel companion only covered for retrieval; travel companion not covered for screening, unless his/her attendance is required for partner screening).
(3) Hotel Room (to be shared by Donor and travel companion).
(4) Rental Car (plus applicable insurance).
(5) Taxis/shuttles.
(6) Non-Accountable/Flat Rate Per Diem Meal Expenses (paid @ $50 per overnight stay).
Side Effects/Risks
There are several side effects and risks that may be associated with being a Donor. These side effects and risks are as follows:
Side effects that Donors may or may not experience from the medications include: headaches, mood swings, bloating, nausea, and/or temporary stinging where the injection was administered. Donors can expect to feel particularly bloated during the immediate period before and after the retrieval, since the hormone medications they take will cause their ovaries to swell and produce many eggs. Donors may also experience temporary weight gain (e.g., several lbs.) until their next menstrual cycle, as a result of this bloating.
If the Donor over-stimulates she may run the risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, which is quite rare (occurs in less than 5% of Donors). Severe cases of this syndrome may result in damage to the Donor's ovaries. In less severe cases, Donors may experience severe bloating and strong cramping. If you show symptoms consistent with hyperstimulation, your physician may reduce your medication dosage or terminate the egg donation cycle to avoid medical complications.
With regard to the retrieval procedure, Donors are exposed to the same risks as they would be if they were undergoing any other routine invasive procedure utilizing anesthesia. Donors will be instructed to rest the day of the retrieval, but most Donors return to their normal daily activities, with the exception of physically strenuous activities or exercise, the day following the retrieval.
Becoming an egg donor begins as an emotional decision to give a part of yourself to an egg recipient in need. You are seen as a valuable gift by the women and couples who search through our donor roster for someone to replace their own genes. You are cared about, and your donation is appreciated more than you can imagine.
