Burwell added that she thought it would be easier the second time she donated. Unfortunately, she found out that she had a high tolerance for pain killers, so they were not effective. I also got a migraine headache from the prescription, which I'd never experienced before donating. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine has produced literature on other possible side effects of the gonadotropins hormones that stimulate ovulation. They say ovarian hyperstimulation, occurring in 1 to 5 percent of cycles, can result in blood clots, kidney damage, ovarian twisting and chest and abdominal fluid collections.
Ovarian cancer can also result.
Bergvall adds that at the point of aspiration, bleeding and puncturing of the bowels with needles is possible. Dr. Farzad expresses other concerns. But these risks should not be a focal point, says Bergvall. College-age women are a primary source to become potential donors. Navas says that CFA gets many students from UCLA and USC, as well as some from San Diego.