What Happens During an Egg Donation Cycle?

Once you have completed screening and are approved to donate, the medical part of your egg donation cycle begins. The basic process is pretty simple: You take medications to help multiple eggs develop, your fertility team monitors you as they grow, and when the eggs are ready, you have a short procedure to retrieve them. Your donor coordinator and fertility team will guide you through every step.

You’ll take fertility medications

During a normal menstrual cycle, your ovaries typically develop one mature egg. Egg donation medications encourage multiple eggs to develop during the same cycle. You will give yourself small injections at home for about 10 to 14 days. Don’t worry if you have never given yourself a shot before. You will receive instructions and learn exactly what to do. It is important to take your medications at the right time and follow the schedule provided by your fertility team.

We’ll check how your ovaries are responding

While you are taking medications, you will have several monitoring appointments. These visits usually include a quick ultrasound and bloodwork. Your fertility team uses the results to see how your follicles are growing and determine whether your medication needs to be adjusted. As you get closer to egg retrieval, your appointments may become more frequent.

You’ll take a trigger shot

Once your follicles are ready, you will take one final medication called a trigger shot. Timing matters with this one. Your fertility team will tell you exactly when to take it because your egg retrieval will be scheduled based on the timing of your injection.

Then it’s time for egg retrieval

Egg retrieval is a short outpatient procedure. You will receive anesthesia or sedation, so you will be comfortable during the procedure. Your fertility doctor uses ultrasound guidance to retrieve the eggs directly from your ovaries. There are no abdominal incisions. You will rest for a short time afterward and then go home. You will need someone to drive you and should plan on taking it easy for the rest of the day.

Give yourself a little time to recover

Some bloating, cramping and discomfort can be normal after egg retrieval. Your fertility team will tell you what to expect, what activities to avoid and when to call if something doesn’t feel right. Most importantly, you aren’t doing any of this on your own. Your donor coordinator and fertility team will be there to answer questions and guide you from your first medication through your recovery.

FAQs About the Egg Donor Medical Process

Current evidence has not shown that egg donation reduces a donor’s future fertility. The medications stimulate a group of follicles from that month’s cycle rather than causing your ovaries to use up eggs that otherwise would have been available for future pregnancies.

Usually, yes. Most donors can continue their normal routine during much of the cycle. You will need to make time for monitoring appointments, and you may feel more bloated or uncomfortable as you get closer to retrieval. You will also need time off for your egg retrieval and recovery.

Yes. As your ovaries get larger, your fertility team may ask you to avoid strenuous exercise, high-impact activities and sexual intercourse. You will receive specific instructions about what you can and can’t do during your cycle.

Egg Donor Process