The Donation Process

“I was honored to be selected by Egg Donor America. Working with them made the process go smoothly. I’m so thankful that I was given this amazing opportunity.”

Initial Screening

• Medical Screening: This involves testing for AMH, blood type, infectious diseases, drug use, and general health.
• Genetic Screening: Family history will be evaluated to raise awareness of possible hereditary diseases or genetic disorders. Testing consists of blood tests for genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and more.
• Psychological Screening: The Donor will be asked to speak with a psychologist to make sure she fully understands the benefits and risks of egg donation and has proper motivations for becoming a Donor.

Cycle Synchronization

• To begin the egg donation cycle, the Egg Donor will be put on birth control pills.
• After the third week of her cycle, the Egg Donor will begin daily self-injections of hormones. Self-injections will be administered for 7-14 days.
• Next, a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) will be self-injected for approximately 8-10 days to grow the egg follicles.
• Egg Donors are monitored daily during the FSH injections to measure the follicle growth and make sure it is within a healthy and appropriate range. The Fertility Center uses vaginal sonograms and blood tests to monitor follicle growth.
• Another STI (sexually transmitted infections) screening will be given to the Egg Donor before retrieval.

Retrieval

• Once the follicles have matured enough for retrieval, an injection of HCG is administered. HCG prepares the Egg Donor’s ovaries to release the eggs.
• Egg retrieval will take place approximately 36 hours after the HCG injection.
• The Donor will be given a light IV sedation for the egg retrieval procedure to ensure their comfort. Under ultrasound guidance, the physician will pass a needle through the vaginal wall and aspirate the follicle fluid which contains the eggs.
• Egg retrieval is a short procedure, generally lasting 30 minutes or less. After the retrieval, the Donor will be monitored for an hour or two before being discharged.

Post-Retrieval

• The Donor can return to their normal routine one day after retrieval, with the exception of physically strenuous activity or exercise.

Note:

Health insurance coverage is provided to our Egg Donors during the course of their treatment. This insurance is for the purposes of any unforeseen complications related to the treatment cycle. Every procedure has its risks; while donating eggs is an extremely low risk, the health and safety of our Egg Donors is a priority.