Egg donation has helped thousands of infertile couples realize their dream of becoming parents. Egg donors enter their information into an egg donor registry, and once selected by the Intended Parent, go through a five-phase process: initial screening, medical testing, legal process and balance of funds, synchronization and stimulation, and finally, egg retrieval. This entire process is a delicate one. During each phase, there are possible complications that potentially hinder a successful egg donation cycle.
Initial Screening
This first phase initially qualifies the donor. During the menstrual cycle, a donor’s blood sample will be drawn and tested for hormone levels. A psychological test is also performed. This initial screening will check for compliance with general egg donation requirements including age, BMI, healthy lifestyle, regular period cycles, and that the donor has two ovaries.
Medical Screening
After passing the preliminary qualifications, donors meet with a doctor who focuses on cycling for a more particular set of blood and genetic testing. These tests help to ensure there is no family history of inheritable diseases, no illicit drug use, and no presence of sexually transmitted infections. If the donor must travel to reach the cycling physician, the agency can help arrange trips for the donor to the doctor’s office.
Legal Process and Balance of Funds
After the donor has passed all screenings, legal clearance must be obtained before the donor cycle can begin. An assigned lawyer will finalize the contract between the parties. Once all parties have signed, the attorney issues a letter of clearance to the doctor allowing them to begin the donor cycle. If the terms of the contract cannot be agreed upon, the donor cycle will not be performed.
Synchronization and Stimulation
Now the donor begins taking medication. Birth control synchronizes cycles with the carrier-to-be. Then, the donor will start self-administering injectable hormones into the stomach or thigh. The first, Lupron, is meant to put the donor in a temporary menopausal state. Next, egg growth is stimulated through injections of gonadotropins. Lastly, HCG injections stimulate ovulation. Donors prone to PMS symptoms may experience similar symptoms during the hormonal process. Close monitoring is necessary throughout these injections. The case manager will arrange for close-to-home medical support in cases where the cycling doctor is geographically apart from the carrier. Poor reactions to any of the hormone treatments may stop the donor process.
Egg Retrieval
Eggs are retrieved vaginally through aspiration using an ultrasound guided needle. The donor is sedated through the 20-30 minute process that requires about two hours of post-op recovery. A trip will be arranged for the donor and a companion if the doctor is not local. Compensation is sent upon successful retrieval. Donors are extremely fertile during this process and should avoid sexual activity until they have their first menstrual period post egg extraction.
At Egg Donation Inc., we are proud to play a small role in helping you accomplish your reproductive goals, whether you are looking to start or grow your family. As the largest and oldest egg donation program in the world, we offer the choice of hundreds of exceptional and diverse donors. Our comprehensive program includes matching, screening, and coordination of all legal, medical, psychological, travel, and financial services. We have helped more than 14,000 families in our 30 years in business, including single parents, same-sex partners, and celebrities. Our clients come from over 35 countries around the world, and we assist all of our donors and recipients through every step of the process. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.