Myth: “Donating eggs will make me infertile”

Current evidence does not show that a properly managed donation cycle routinely causes long-term infertility. Egg collection does carry medical risks, but removing eggs from one stimulated cycle does not simply empty your lifetime egg supply.

Myth: “The injections are the same as taking random hormones”

Ovarian stimulation is a controlled medical treatment. The medicines act on the same hormonal pathways involved in follicle development, but at treatment doses that recruit several follicles. That is why monitoring is essential.

Myth: “The clinic should collect as many eggs as possible”

More is not always better. The aim is a safe, appropriate ovarian response. A very strong response can increase the risk of OHSS, so dose changes or even cycle cancellation may be the safest choice.

Myth: “Donors only do it for money”

Donors have different motivations. Some are motivated primarily by helping another family; others also value compensation for their time, inconvenience and expenses. Ethical donation requires informed consent and freedom from coercion, regardless of motivation.

Myth: “If I pass the application, I am guaranteed to donate”

Initial eligibility is only the beginning. Medical testing, genetic and family-history review, ovarian assessment, infectious-disease screening and clinic-specific criteria may still affect whether a cycle goes ahead.

Myth: “Egg donation and surrogacy are basically the same”

They involve different roles. An egg donor provides eggs used to create embryos. A gestational surrogate carries a pregnancy. One person can be genetically connected to a resulting child, while the other is usually not genetically related in gestational surrogacy.

Oocyt perspective

You deserve information that allows you to make a real choice. If a programme avoids discussing risks, pressures you to proceed quickly or discourages questions, that is a reason to slow down.