Organ donation is a topic that is rarely discussed, but it should be.
It’s important to know the myths about organ donation so that you can educate yourself and make an informed decision on whether or not donating your body to science or becoming an organ donor is the right choice for you.
There are unfortunately many myths about organ donation but here are five of the most common:
It is Painful
One of the most common misconceptions about organ donation is that it is painful for the donor. In reality, the surgical process is painless. The only pain that a donor might experience would be from anesthetic injections to keep them from feeling any discomfort.
Some people think that donating organs is painful because they are not aware of the process. In reality, organ donation is a painless process.
It’s Too Risky
Organ donation is a process of transferring human organs and tissues for therapeutic purposes. The process is done to help someone who needs a new organ or tissue to survive.
There are many people who are not willing to donate their organs because they think that the risk of donating an organ is too high. They think that the risks outweigh the benefits, but this is not true.
It is important to know that there are very little to no risks in donating an organ, but there are some benefits like helping someone live a healthy life.
You’re Too Old
There are many misconceptions about being too old for organ donation. One of the most common myths is that people over the age of 65 are not eligible to donate organs.
In reality, it is possible for people over 65 to donate their organs and tissue as long as they meet certain guidelines. These guidelines may include but are not limited to: meeting certain requirements, being in good overall health, and having a physician’s approval.
Only Healthy People can Donate
In the past, people were hesitant to donate their organs due to the belief that only healthy people should be able to donate organs. This is a myth. People with all kinds of health conditions can donate organs and save lives.
People who have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and other chronic conditions can still donate their organs.
The truth is that many people who need organ transplants would never get them if there weren’t donors from all walks of life.
It Won’t Make a Difference
A lot of people think that donating their organs won’t make a difference. But it does. The number of people waiting for an organ transplant is increasing every day and the demand for organs is higher than supply. That’s why we should all be more aware and educated about this topic, so that we can do our part in saving lives.
It is estimated that there are currently more than 106,000 people on organ transplant waiting lists in the US and about 20 people die each day for want of a transplant.
People often think that their donation will not make a difference. The truth is, it can and does.
In 2021, for example, there were more than 41,000 organ transplants in the US.
Organ donations are also critical to the future of medical research. Studies have shown that organs from donors with certain diseases can provide insights into those diseases and lead to treatments or cures for others who suffer from them.