What Is the Medical Process?

There are three phases involved in the egg donation process: downregulation, stimulation, and egg retrieval. Your doctor will outline these steps in greater detail at your initial medical office visit.

Downregulation:

This phase is meant to bring your hormones "in line" and prepare your body for the egg stimulation. You will be given birth control pills at your medical exam, or arrangements will be made for you to get the pills at a later time. You will start these pills with your next period and take them for 1-3 weeks as prescribed by your doctor. You may be required to take injections of a drug called Lupron to prevent the premature release of your eggs however your fertility specialist may use an alternative medication for this purpose.

Stimulation:

A normal menstrual cycle typically involves the maturation of one egg per month. The stimulation phase matures multiple eggs at the same time.

• You will be asked to take injections of a hormone called FSH for approximately two weeks.
• You may continue taking Lupron or an alternative medication while you are taking the FSH.
• You will be asked to visit the doctor's office approximately six times during the stimulation phase. This is required in order for the doctor to see how you are feeling, check on the number and size of your egg follicles, and check your blood estrogen level.

Egg Retrieval

This is the final phase and involves the retrieval of your eggs from your ovaries.

• You will receive one final injection of the hormone HCG in order to mature your eggs.
• Thirty-six hours following this injection, you will have another appointment at the doctor's office.
• You will have IV sedation and your eggs will be retrieved using a special ultrasound probe with a needle attached.
• The eggs are retrieved through the vagina. You should feel no pain during the egg retrieval.
• The actual egg retrieval is a 10- to15-minute procedure. You should plan to be at the office for 3-4 hours (this includes pre- and post-op recovery). Because you will be receiving sedating medication, you must have someone drive you home.
• You should also plan to be off work or school for the rest of the day.