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[anarchlien]

Hi,
My name is Stephanie, I am 22-years-old and live in WA.
Since early high school I have always considered becoming an egg donor, I just didn’t know how to begin to go about it – and I still don’t, I’ve only just stumbled across this site.

I have recently been talking to my uncle about egg donation, he mentioned one of his friends over in VIC does it and said he could get me some information on it. Of course that won’t be until he heads home in 3 weeks, which is annoying, as I’d like to start donating as soon as I can!
 
I can safely say that I am personally not interested in having children and I never have been, though I would love to be able to give my eggs to someone else in need, to make another couple’s dream of having a child a reality.

Also seeing as I am lacking in the information department of becoming an egg donator, if anyone has any information at all when it comes to donating eggs, I would LOVE to hear about it ASAP – then again, if anyone needs an egg donor, well I’m you’re girl!
I’ve been told 101 and one different things from my uncle and his boyfriend (saying that you get paid to donate eggs) and then I have heard from other people that it is illegal in Australia. Also how much pain the procedure involves, how often you can donate and how common the risks of becoming infertile from doing so?
Those are all questions I would love to have answered before hand, as I am slightly confused about it all now after hearing SO many things.

–
Steph.

[Fiona]

Hi Stephanie - you can't be paid if you donate in Australia but the people you donate to would probably cover all of your out of pocket expenses - exactly what is covered is sorted on a case by case basis.

You might like to join the Aussie Egg Donor site - I think you can join and read for a short while before you post - so you can pick up information before you launch in.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[dadams]

Hi Stephanie
welcome to the forum.
Egg donating is an extremely BIG decision to undertake, so rather than try and donate as soon as possible. Please do your research and find out as much information as possible first.
It is also not without possible serious side effects which need to be weighed up. As you mentioned it has occured where the donor has become sterile afterwards, there is a problem called Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome which can have a rainbow of effects (a quick google will give you some info on this). One thing that is not well researched is the effects of the large doses of hormones. As a scientist I know that hormones have the possible affect of inducing cancers, however we don't have a lot of data linking fertility treatment drugs to cancer as there is not a lot of follow up with donors a year or two or more down the track. This is not meant to scare you off, just to show that things aren't without risks, just as many drugs and treatments have risks.
As Fiona has correctly stated you will not get paid for donating but your medical expenses will be covered.
Under NH&MRC guidelines the child born will be entitled to know who you are once they reach the age of 18.
Currently there is a Federal Inquiry underway investigating donor conception practices so the whole thing could change dramatically which is another thing to consider.
Western Australia changed their legislation relatively recently, please also look in the following thread which contains info that Caroline Lorbach from the Donor Conception Support Group kindly put together on legislation in the various states:
http://australiandonorconceptionforum.org/index.php?topic=41.0
The clinics in your state will provide counselling so that you are aware of the procedure, responsibilities, possible adverse reactions etc.
Regards
Damian