If you’re considering donating eggs in the United States, you might be wondering: Will there be side effects? or Does it hurt? These are some of the most common concerns among egg donors.
In this article, we’ll address these questions based on real, accurate information—helping you understand the process clearly before making a decision. Whether you’re worried about potential health impacts or emotional stress, we’ll share practical advice so you can prepare with confidence and peace of mind.
Why Do So Many Women Choose to Donate Eggs in the U.S.?
With the rise of same-sex marriages and the trend of women delaying childbirth, more intended parents are seeking egg donation to build their families.
However, in Taiwan, same-sex couples and single individuals still face legal restrictions when it comes to assisted reproduction.
In contrast, the United States offers one of the world’s most advanced and legally protected systems for assisted reproduction. Its IVF (in vitro fertilization) programs—including second- and third-generation techniques with PGS/PGT-A genetic testing—are highly developed and strictly regulated.
American fertility clinics must meet national certification standards, ensuring the highest level of safety and success.
The U.S. remains the global leader in egg donation, IVF, and surrogacy, offering not only advanced medical technology and extensive donor resources but also comprehensive legal protections that safeguard the rights of donors, recipients, and intended parents alike.
What is PGS? For a detailed explanation, please refer to Chi Mei Hospital [Health Education Information Network]
Legal Protection and Medical Services in U.S. Egg Donation
When it comes to egg donation, the United States is undoubtedly one of the most trusted choices. It offers comprehensive legal protection, including formal contracts, attorney consultations, and psychological counseling throughout the process.
During the donation, U.S. clinics conduct extensive medical screenings, such as genetic and chromosomal testing, ultrasound evaluations, and tests for infectious diseases and drug use. The U.S. maintains one of the strictest and most complete medical screening standards in the world. Egg donation in the U.S. is fully legal, supported by advanced reproductive technology and comprehensive donor medical insurance that ensures donor safety.
Additionally, while compensation for egg donors in the U.S. is relatively high, the selection process is more competitive.
For those interested in becoming donors,Global Egg Donor, a trusted third-party fertility agency, provides professional assistance.
You only need to submit clear childhood and adult photos, a short video, and a completed application form with your previous donation or medical records.
Once approved, online international matching can begin, with all required medical screenings conveniently completed in Taiwan before traveling abroad.
The Perfect Combination of Egg Donation and Travel in the U.S.
In addition to being a fully legal and well-regulated process, egg donation in the United States also offers a unique opportunity for travel and exploration.
The U.S. is a country that values freedom and human rights, with vast landscapes and diverse cultures. During the 2–3 weeks of your egg donation stay, you can enjoy leisure time—rent a car, go sightseeing, or shop nearby. The pace of life is more relaxed compared to the crowded and fast-paced environment of Taiwan, allowing you to experience both purpose and pleasure on your journey.
Before You Go: Check if You Meet the U.S. Egg Donation Requirements
The most important factor for eligibility is age.
A woman’s ovarian reserve and egg quality naturally decline with age—after age 30, both quantity and quality drop sharply. Therefore, most egg donation and egg-freezing programs set the age limit at under 30.
To confirm whether you qualify, you’ll need two key tests:
- AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) blood test – to evaluate ovarian reserve and egg quantity.
- Transvaginal ultrasound during your menstrual period – to assess the number and condition of follicles.
These evaluations help determine whether your ovarian health meets the requirements for U.S. egg donation eligibility.
What is the AMH index? For a detailed explanation, please refer to ☛TFC Taipei Obstetrics and Gynecology [News on Egg Freezing]
Basic Requirements for Egg Donation in the United States
In general, U.S. egg donation programs have clear and structured eligibility criteria. Donors must typically be at least 155 cm (about 5’1″) tall and have a high school or college education, since many intended parents hope their future child will be both tall and intelligent.
In the U.S., photos are a key part of the donor selection process. Recipients can view the donor’s photos—especially childhood pictures—to assess facial similarity. Donors with double eyelids and large eyes are often more popular, so submitting clear, natural, and appealing photos, particularly from childhood, can make a strong impression.
Health and Lifestyle Requirements Before Donation
Before traveling to the U.S. for egg donation, donors may be asked to take birth control pills to regulate their cycle. It’s essential to treat this period as a pre-pregnancy preparation phase, maintaining a clean and healthy lifestyle:
- No smoking or drinking alcohol
- Avoid sexual activity
- Refrain from taking any unapproved medication
These precautions help ensure the highest egg quality during the donation cycle.
Medical Screening and Genetic Testing
As part of the U.S. egg donation process, donors must undergo chromosomal and genetic testing to confirm they are free from major hereditary conditions. These tests are usually conducted through bloodwork or saliva samples.
☛ If the donor tests positive for certain genetic traits—such as thalassemia minor (carrier status) or G6PD deficiency (favism)—it may limit potential matches with intended parents seeking specific genetic compatibility.
Further reading: Egg donation information, egg donation conditions, egg donation process, and a quick guide before egg donation!
Does Egg Donation in the U.S. Hurt?
Many women wonder: “Does egg donation hurt?”
In most cases, it doesn’t.
After passing all medical screenings and meeting the eligibility criteria, the most important part of the U.S. egg donation process—besides taking birth control pills to regulate your cycle—is injecting ovulation-stimulating hormones.
These hormone injections are customized by your doctor based on your hormone levels and how your body responds to the medication. The injection phase typically lasts 7–12 days, depending on how your follicles grow and mature.
During this time, some donors may experience mild bloating or abdominal pressure, but significant discomfort is rare. To protect follicle growth and prevent complications, you should avoid:
- High-impact lower-body exercises
- Amusement park rides (like roller coasters)
- Hot baths or saunas
- Swimming
These activities could increase the risk of premature ovulation (“egg release before retrieval”) and affect your results.
U.S. Egg Retrieval Procedure and Key Reminders
Once your follicles reach the right size, your doctor will instruct you to take a trigger shot (hCG injection)—usually at a specific time (sometimes even at midnight!). The egg retrieval procedure typically takes place about 36 hours later.
The retrieval is performed under IV sedation, meaning you’ll fall into a short, painless sleep.
- The entire procedure takes around 30 minutes.
- After waking up, you’ll rest in the clinic for a short period before being discharged.
- Most donors feel well enough to go home within 1–2 hours after surgery.
Only about 1% of donors experience Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)—a temporary condition where the ovaries react strongly to medication. Symptoms may include mild bloating, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath, but this usually happens only when a large number of eggs are retrieved.
Overall, the U.S. egg donation process is generally painless and safe. As long as you follow medical advice—avoid smoking, alcohol, and icy foods, and maintain a balanced diet—your recovery will be smooth and uneventful.
What is OHSS (Ovarian Stimulation Syndrome)? For a detailed explanation, please refer to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital.
Further reading: Beware of OHSS! What is Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome? How can egg donors prevent it?
U.S. Egg Donation: Follicle Count Standards May Affect Compensation
In the United States, egg donation compensation (allowance) is partly determined by your follicle count and egg quality. Before starting the donation cycle, you’ll undergo bloodwork and ultrasound exams to evaluate ovarian reserve.
If, on day 3 of your menstrual cycle, your ultrasound shows fewer than 20 baseline follicles, or if your follicle count drops from 20+ to fewer than 12 by the time of egg retrieval, your final compensation may be reduced. This is because clinics and intended parents typically set minimum follicle standards to ensure a successful cycle.
Supporting Healthy Follicle Growth Through Nutrition
During the early ultrasound (on day 3), if a donor shows about 20 follicles, maintaining a balanced and protein-rich diet usually helps sustain healthy development. However, to optimize follicle growth during ovarian stimulation, doctors strongly recommend the following lifestyle habits:
- Eat more protein – include eggs, fish, chicken, tofu, or high-protein shakes.
- Take fertility-supporting supplements, such as CoQ10, DHEA, and prenatal multivitamins.
- Sleep early and rest well – avoid late nights to support hormone balance.
- Avoid strenuous exercise – to prevent ovarian torsion or reduced follicle response.
Follicles thrive when the body receives enough nutrients and rest, which is why intended parents are willing to offer higher compensation to donors who maintain good health and egg quality. The more healthy follicles retrieved, the higher the chance of successful fertilization and embryo formation.
Why Proper Care Matters
If your follicles respond poorly to stimulation medications, or your egg count remains low, the clinic may reduce or cancel your compensation—often cutting it by half if the number of mature eggs is below standard.
So, if you’re planning to donate eggs in the U.S., remember:
👉 Eat well, sleep well, and nourish your body daily.
Healthy habits not only improve your egg quality but also help you maximize your compensation and complete the donation safely.
Are There Any Side Effects After Egg Donation? How to Care for Yourself Post-Procedure
Are there lasting side effects after egg donation?
According to more than 30 years of clinical research in the United States, egg donation does not cause long-term side effects or infertility. However, due to temporary ovarian stimulation, some donors may experience a “pseudo-period” — a lighter or shorter menstrual flow following the procedure. This is completely normal and usually resolves on its own.
Doctors generally recommend allowing at least one full menstrual cycle before considering another donation to let your body fully recover.
Post-Donation Recovery Guidelines for U.S. Donors
During the first week after the egg retrieval, donors should take special care to let their bodies rest and recover properly:
- Avoid intense physical activity – no running, jumping, or high-impact exercise.
- Refrain from sexual activity – the ovaries are still enlarged and sensitive.
- Do not lift heavy objects – to prevent strain or ovarian torsion.
- Stay hydrated – drinking plenty of coconut water or fluids helps flush out medication and support ovarian recovery.
Summary
Overall, while mild bloating or temporary hormonal changes can occur after egg donation, these symptoms are short-lived and reversible.
With adequate rest, hydration, and a healthy lifestyle, most donors recover quickly without any long-term health concerns.
Global Egg Donor— The No.1 Choice for U.S. Egg Donation
For over five years, Global Egg Donor has been the leading choice for women interested in egg donation, especially as the demand for overseas IVF programs continues to rise. Many first-time donors in Taiwan choose to apply with Egg Love to complete their first U.S. egg donation, due to America’s advanced genetic reporting systems and comprehensive legal and medical protections — ensuring safety, transparency, and peace of mind throughout the process.
For donors interested in second or third donations, Global Egg Donor also helps arrange international matches in other countries, allowing participants to travel abroad with free airfare and accommodation, turning their donation journey into a meaningful and memorable experience.
Why Choose Global Egg Donor?
Global Egg Donor is a legally registered U.S. company with extensive overseas matching resources and a highly efficient coordination system. We take data privacy seriously and ensure that every donor’s personal information is handled with the highest level of confidentiality.
To help increase your matching opportunities, we even provide free professional outdoor photo and video sessions, showcasing your natural charm and personality to potential intended parents.
Global Egg Donor is continuously expanding international partnerships with fertility centers around the world — and most importantly,
💛 we never charge donors any fees.
You can apply with full confidence, knowing that Global Egg Donor will support you every step of the way.
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