Medical Procedures involved in being an Egg Donor
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The Egg Donor needs to plan on about 3 weeks of cycling time.
When ready to start cycling you will be put on oral contraceptives (birth control pills) to help synchronize your body’s cycle with that of your recipient. You will start daily injections of the medication called Lupron for a period of about 2 weeks. This medication synchronizes follicle growth and prevents you from ovulating prematurely. During this time you do not need to go to the Fertility Clinic. You will start taking the stimulation medication (injectable) for a period of 10 to 12 days, and you will continue taking the Lupron. The stimulation medication; Repronex / Pergonal / Gonal-F / Follistim / will cause the development of multiple ovarian follicles. Normally, one mature follicle produces a mature egg per month. The Medications allow multiple follicles to grow and mature. |
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You will be required to drive frequently to the fertility Clinic for monitoring (approximately 3 to 4 times a week for 10 to 12 days).
These monitoring appointments cannot be missed.
The nurse coordinator at the Fertility Clinic will provide you with a detailed schedule.
Monitoring hours are usually from 7 am to 9 am, 6 days a week.
Monitoring is done to determine how the stimulation is progressing. The monitoring visits include;
The Final medication HCG; this injection will be given 34 to 36 hours prior to your egg retrieval. This is an Intra-Muscular injection; you will need to have someone give you this injection.
HCG medication MUST be injected at the proper time, timing of this injection is extremely important.
These monitoring appointments cannot be missed.
The nurse coordinator at the Fertility Clinic will provide you with a detailed schedule.
Monitoring hours are usually from 7 am to 9 am, 6 days a week.
Monitoring is done to determine how the stimulation is progressing. The monitoring visits include;
- Blood tests to asses hormone levels
- Vaginal ultrasound examination of your ovaries, to determine how your follicles and eggs are growing.
The Final medication HCG; this injection will be given 34 to 36 hours prior to your egg retrieval. This is an Intra-Muscular injection; you will need to have someone give you this injection.
HCG medication MUST be injected at the proper time, timing of this injection is extremely important.
The Final Step: Your Egg RetrievalThe Egg Retrieval is a surgical procedure is done under anesthesia and the process usually takes about 20-30 minutes, you must follow the instructions;
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Post-Retrieval
- Rest on the retrieval day
- Exercise should be limited for a few days
- You are very Fertile, use contraception
- Follow the Fertility Clinic Directions, in case of any unusual symptoms, CALL The Clinic Immediately
- Appointment for follow up after retrieval; about 2 weeks later
- You will receive your compensation at the completion of the cycle; you will be compensated for your time, effort, commitment and dedication to helping a couple achieve their dream of having a child.
Many women have told us that they felt a little sore for up to three days after the procedure, but otherwise felt fine. Most donors go back to work and normal activities the next day. You will get your period approximately 10 days after the retrieval; you then MUST to go back to the fertility doctor for a final check-up.
As with ANY medical procedure there are risks and side effects involved in the medical process of egg donation. The medical facility will explain these to you in more depth and answer any questions you have about the medical procedures. The medical procedures vary by fertility center, but are usually very similar. The medications used to stimulate the growth of eggs have been used safely for many years. Hyperstimulation OHSS (ovarian Hypestimulation Syndrome) can occur and cause the ovaries to enlarge; in 2% of cases it is sufficiently severe to require hospitalization. All donors are monitored with a check-up after the egg donation to confirm that their ovaries have returned to normal.
All medical instructions must be followed as given to insure that all medications work appropriately. The fertility center can stop the medications if there is an adverse reaction, if the donor does not comply with the medications, or if there is a concern.