Egg donors with regrets

Egg donation is loosely regulated in the United States, making it difficult to know how many women donate eggs, why they do it and what their experiences are like. A study published in the current issue of the journal Fertility and Sterility shows that two-thirds of egg donors are satisfied with the process, but the other third expressed some difficulties.

The study, from the University of Washington, examined 80 women from 20 states who had donated eggs from two to 15 years earlier. Participants, whose average age was 30, completed a detailed questionnaire. The researchers found that 16% of women complained of subsequent physical symptoms and 20% reported lasting psychological effects after donation. The physical complaints included bloating, pain, cramping, ovarian hyperstimulation, mood changes, weight gain or weight loss. Several women claimed the process damaged their ovaries, leading to a decrease or loss of fertility.

Psychological repercussions were feelings of attachment to the eggs or to the potential or resulting offspring, concern that a resulting child may want to have a relationship with them and stress resulting from the process. Some complained of being treated callously by clinic staff.

Egg donors are often college students, and they are paid an average of almost $4,000 for their services. The study showed that women who said they were motivated to donate for the money had less satisfying experiences compared with women who said they donated for altruistic reasons. About 19% said their motivations were purely financial and 32% said they just wanted to help others. The remainder of the women said both factors motivated them to donate.

The study also found that a large number of women were not aware of the possible physical risks related to donation. Twenty percent said they did not recall being made aware of the physical risks at the time of their first donation.

The study seems particularly relevant during the economic downturn, as more women might be considering egg donation as a way to make money. One Los Angeles infertility clinic employee I spoke with recently said the number of women enlisting as egg donors has quadrupled in recent months.

-- Shari Roan

From: Booster Shots: Oddities, musings and some news from the world of health

For more, go to latimes.com/boostershots

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LIVE AND BUY IN L.A.

10 tips to trim your grocery bill

Consumer groups and coupon clippers say a lot of money can slip through your fingers every time you go to the grocery store.

Here are 10 tips from Foster Farms, the poultry company, on how to reduce your grocery bill. Some of the tips are obvious, others require discipline, and all are in line with what outside consumer experts suggest.

1. Make a list: Making a list and avoiding impulse purchases adds up to hundreds of dollars in savings annually.

2. Don’t take the kids: Some moms report saving $15 per shopping trip by going solo.

3. Try couponing: The recession has spawned a new flood of coupons. But don’t buy something because it is a good deal. Stick to the items you purchase regularly.

4. Check your receipt: Make sure you weren’t overcharged. Consumer Reports found that 70% of shoppers have discovered mistakes on their receipts.

5. Write prices down: Keep track of the best prices for your weekly staples so you know which stores have the best deals.

6. Avoid snack food: You can save $40 month ($10 per trip) by forgoing just two snack items per week, according to Foster Farms. Make your own bulk snack mix when items such as raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and dried fruit are on sale.

7. Use club cards: Loyalty programs save you money. Make sure both you and your spouse are on the same account.

8. Stretch protein: Protein often is the most expensive part of a main portion. Foster Farms suggest bulking up casseroles with extra protein by adding beans or lentils.

9. Brew your own coffee: It saves you more than $1 a cup.

10. Pack your lunch: Foster Farms estimates that bringing lunch just three times a week can save you $100 per month, or $1,200 a year.

-- Jerry Hirsch

From: To Live and Buy in LA: Finding the best values this season online & in stores

For more, go to latimes.com/shop

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OUTPOSTS

White Christmas no longer a dream

A white Christmas will be enjoyed in Big Bear Lake and in mountain towns throughout the West.

The series of storms that rumbled through Southern California, along with frigid temperatures, have provided the best skiing and snowboarding conditions locally in recent memory.

Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are reporting 3 to 4 feet of fresh powder. Mammoth Mountain received more than 5 feet and the Eastern Sierra resort was set to open 100% of its terrain before this weekend.

Snow Valley in Running Springs, Mountain High in Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy above Upland have likewise been transformed into snowy wonderlands.

-- Pete Thomas

From: Outposts: Hike, surf, fish and get outdoors in Southern California

For more, go to latimes.com/outposts