A woman writes in her diary, “Today I was chosen for an egg donor cycle. There are a lot of thoughts going through my head right now. I’m excited, but a bit nervous. I can’t wait to have a child of my own. I would be so upset if I couldn’t get pregnant and would definitely consider egg donation.”

Caderina Carrizosa is a 22 year-old Biological Science major and one of the many thousands of young women choosing to be an egg donor. She shares excerpts from her journal to help other women who are considering becoming an egg donor.

“The thought of helping someone who is struggling with infertility gives me a feeling of joy, but on the other hand, I know I am going to have to inject myself with shots and that terrifies me. I just have to remind myself why I am doing this. I know I would be so thankful if someone went through this for me,” Caderina adds.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since 1984, it’s estimated one in seven couples experience infertility and that 100,000 children have been born from donor eggs in the U.S.

Caderina was chosen because she met all genetic, physical and psychological screenings. While it is extremely rare, some donors drop out well into the process.

Donors must be committed to being an egg donor. They must be dependable and follow protocol. The egg donation process involves planning, expense for the recipient, effort, and emotional investment.

“If you think about what all is involved, the financial compensation is really not the incentive. I had to take time off work, get up early to go to appointments, give myself shots, and then plan for the day of retrieval, which I then had a day or two of recovery. I am normally very active. I work out everyday. I hike. I run trails. I had to change my lifestyle for a few weeks,” writes Caderina.

Egg Donor NY offers online and telephone consultation to couples struggling with infertility and can offer alternative approaches to achieving pregnancy.

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