The Donation Process

Once the screening is complete and the contract signed, you will begin the donation cycle, which typically takes between 3-6 weeks. There are two parts to a successful egg retrieval procedure: the Egg Donor’s Cycle and the Recipients’ Cycle.  The Egg Donation Cycle will begin with a few weeks of birth control pills (to synchronize your cycle with the Recipient’s), followed by injections that will temporarily halt your ovaries’ normal functioning.  An initial injection will be given to you at the doctor’s office where you will also be given instructions on how to properly administer the injections yourself.  These injections must be administered on a daily basis for one or more weeks (typically not more than 3 weeks.)

The next step is to stimulate egg production. You will be given follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) to increase the number of mature eggs your body will produce. FSH injections are similar to the natural hormones your body produces.  The FSH is typically injected just under the skin for a period of ten days. If you are unable to administer the injections yourself, you will have to arrange for someone to administer them for you.   Throughout the cycle your doctor will continually monitor you. They will run blood tests and perform ultrasound exams to determine your reaction to the hormones and the progress of follicle growth.

Once the doctor decides the follicles are mature, she will establish the date and time for your egg retrieval. Approximately 36 hours before retrieval, you will be given one more injection (of the hormone HCG) to ensure that your eggs are ready to be harvested.  The Egg Retrieval is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that requires a light general anesthetic and lasts about 20-30 minutes. The doctor will use a small ultrasound-guided needle inserted through the vagina to aspirate the follicles in both ovaries.  Immediately following the surgery you will rest in the recovery room for an hour or two. Due to the administration of general anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home. It can take one full day up to a week to fully recover, but generally Donors return to normal activities the next day.