How Long Does Egg Donation Process Take?

Egg Donation Process: Timelines, Risks & Success Rates

How long does the egg donation process take? In a nutshell, the egg donation process takes 2 weeks to complete the full procedure of stimulation and egg pick up. Egg donation is an Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) procedure that helps the infertile couple to get oocytes or eggs from another woman. The donation of eggs is when a woman gives her eggs to a recipient (intended mother) to support or enhance her chances of conceiving a baby. Egg donation is an act of kindness that makes families possible for childless couples.

If you’ve ever considered donating your eggs, you’re not alone. Many individuals are drawn to the idea for various reasons – from financial compensation to the profound act of helping someone realize their dream of becoming a parent. Whether you’re motivated by altruism or financial reward, understanding the intricate egg donation process is crucial

How you can donate eggs?

There are three main ways to donate your eggs: by an agency, by a donor clinic, or by a directed donation.

Egg donor agencies are essentially head hunters and will pay extra according to a donor’s particulars. The egg donor compensation varies from $6,000 to $15,000 based on their local costs, including loss of income, miles, car parking, and other charges. So, you can make up to $25,000 for the donation if you pass through an organization and have a good fertility indicator or fall into the high-demand egg donor bucket.

Even, without being chased by them, you can look up an organization or clinic with a donation service on your own. There is also a donation of eggs, which can be donated directly to a relative or friend, but without the agency’s procedure or the clinic.

Egg donation procedure steps

Looking at the whole process, donating your eggs is usually a 2 to 3-month preparation.

But let’s see what comes under this process –

#1. Method of application

The first step is to apply and submit your pictures of yourself and your family. Application procedure: You’ll have an interview after it has been reviewed and some test work could be required to apply.

#2. Waiting for the match

This part depends on many factors, but the good news is that while you wait, you can just maintain a normal life.

#3. Matching

It can be done within 3 months of your tests coming fine. You must also study legal contracts and meet with a lawyer during this screening process.

#4. Visits to the clinic

Once matched and ready to start the actual egg donation process, you need to see the fertility specialist and need 6 to 8 sessions. When you are paired, multiple appointments for the doctor would be required for you to participate in the clinic.

For a screening appointment, you would have to visit your physician for certain simple tests. You will also consult a counselor to ensure that you are completely aware of the donation process.

These treatments take place in a limited time, while you take fertility medicines. Around 5 to 7 visits should take place at a given time, particularly in the early morning, so we can see how your body responds and track the development of your eggs.

#5. Regulation of your hormones

Once you have completed the test, you are put on birth control pills for controlling non-ovulatory hormones and ovaries while you await the start of the stimulation process.

#6. Medication time

Around 10 to 14 days are needed for this. You should only spend about two weeks on fertility drugs and visit the clinic during routine visits during the entire cycle.

It’s the most intense part, but it’s short. During this time, you can also experience certain side effects that typically sound like PMS, which do not deter you from your regular everyday life.

#7. Egg recovery

This is where you should plan your schedule for a day or two off. The process of recovery of eggs is quick. It is non-invasive (no cuts or stitches) and the actual procedure takes only 20 to 30 minutes, but it will probably take you 2-3 hours to get ready for retrieval. The egg picks up procedure is done in mild anesthesia. After the pickup, you may feel a little tired, bloated, and crampy, as you do, but should return to normal in one or two days.

Egg donation process timeline

#1. You start taking oral contraceptive pills on day 3 after your cycle. Why does this happen? The pill holds your hormones and ovaries in a non-ovulatory condition while waiting for the stimulation to start.

#2. You will make a baseline appointment in 2-3 weeks. The IVF clinic will conduct blood tests and an ultrasound. You’ll start your medication injections if everything looks good. The medications will promote the development and maturity of several eggs in your ovaries.

#3. You must give yourself an injection every approximately 10 days. You will need to come every day for a monitoring appointment to monitor your ovaries during this period (3 to 4 visits to do a scan of the ovaries and blood tests to monitor hormones done to evaluate how is egg stimulation process is going on)

#4. When the time comes, you will obtain the HCG trigger shot according to your surveillance schedule. Your recuperation of egg began 34-36 hours after this shot has been received.

#5. The appointment for egg recovery is limited. It takes only about 20 minutes to recover. Though, an hour before your meeting, you will have to arrive and stay for 1 to 2 hours. You should, however, resume regular activities the next day.

Egg donation risks and benefits

Egg donation is a less risky medical procedure. The methods and drugs for an egg donor are the same as those that are used in the IVF process for women with their eggs and have the same risk.

Some women can experience bleeding if the needle is applied to the ovary by the doctor. Bowel, bladder, or adjacent blood vessels may be damaged in rare cases. Nonetheless, it is doubtful that there will be any significant injury or bleeding. After the removal of the eggs, an infection can also occur. To avoid this, the doctor can prescribe antibiotics.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), is a potential side effect of egg donation when a woman’s ovaries react overreact to the medication given to increase egg production. It can be mild, moderate, or extreme, and can be caused by drugs administered by a doctor to aid egg donors with their ovulation.

More resources:

Top 8 factors to consider when choosing an egg donor

All your need to know about the egg donation process?

The success rate of donating eggs

The egg donor’s age, the recovery process, sperm quality, and overall health of the recipients are the factors on which the success of egg donation depends. But it is advising to choose an egg donor or Egg donation eligibility criteria are as below:

Who is younger?
Have proven fertility – have a baby of her own or past successful pregnancy achieved in last donations
A good number of eggs in past donations, if any
Have a kind and compassionate intention to help a childless couple

Maximizing Your Experience: Tips for Preparation

Preparing for egg donation involves not only physical well-being but also emotional readiness. Prior to egg retrieval, it’s crucial to focus on maintaining a balanced lifestyle. A healthy diet comprising fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and adequate hydration is essential. Engaging in moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, contributes to your overall well-being and ensures you’re physically prepared for the procedure.

The legal aspects of egg donation are integral to the process. Regulations may vary based on your state, so consulting your clinic for accurate information is essential. While children born through egg donation are not considered your legal offspring, ensuring your rights and responsibilities are well-defined is crucial. This involves signing an egg donation legal agreement, outlining elements such as custody and parenting, anonymity preferences, medical information exchange, and financial matters.

Conclusion

Egg donation is a life-changing process for both egg donors and intended parents. If done correctly and with lots of care and compassion, it leads to a happy family. Would-be parents need to know even if they use an egg donor, the baby is there and most cherished the child.

Do not trap into finding the best egg donor for you or the perfect egg donor of your dream, as paying too much attention to minute details can make it a long and stressful process. The top priority should be to have a healthy medical and family history and good donation history of the egg donor.

We can help your selection of egg donors for you by providing the criteria to look at and also putting you in touch with the most trusted and reputed egg donor agencies.

If you’d like to learn more about IVF, Egg Donation, or surrogacy services globally, check out the rest of our website: IVF Conceptions. We offer legally secure and affordable surrogacy consulting services for FREE.

FAQs For How Long Does Egg Donation Process Take

How does the egg donation process work?

The egg donation process involves a donor providing eggs to a recipient for the purpose of getting pregnant. This recipient could be the intended parent or a surrogate who will carry the pregnancy for the intended parents.

The donor undergoes ovarian stimulation with injectable medications to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved through a minor surgical procedure. The retrieved eggs are evaluated before fertilization, and the healthiest embryos are transferred to the recipient’s uterus.

What are the steps involved in egg donation?

The egg donation process includes application and screening, hormonal medication to stimulate egg production, egg retrieval via a transvaginal ultrasound-guided needle aspiration procedure, and embryo evaluation and transfer.

The steps involve meeting certain criteria set by the fertility center, taking hormonal medications to stimulate ovaries, and undergoing the egg retrieval process under sedation.

How long does the egg screening and selection take?

The egg screening and selection process can take several weeks. It involves meeting the criteria set by the fertility center, followed by hormonal medication administration for about 10 to 12 days. The timeline may vary depending on individual factors and clinic guidelines.

What are the requirements for egg donors?

To become an egg donor, you generally need to be between 21 and 34 years old and meet specific criteria set by the fertility center.

This often includes being in good physical and mental health, not smoking, and being willing to commit to the process.

Can I work while undergoing the egg donation process?

Yes, you can usually continue working during most stages of the egg donation process. However, you may need to attend appointments related to screenings, monitoring, and the egg retrieval procedure.

Are there any risks associated with egg donation?

Yes, there are potential risks associated with egg donation, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, infection, medication side effects, and temporary weight gain.

However, when closely supervised by a medical professional, the process is generally considered safe.

How long is the recovery period after egg retrieval?

Recovery after egg retrieval typically takes a few days. While you may feel dazed after sedation, you can usually resume regular activities within a week. It’s recommended to take it easy and rest on the day following the retrieval procedure.

What are the success rates of egg donation?

Success rates of egg donation can vary depending on factors like age, health, and the recipient’s condition. On average, success rates range from 50% to 60% per embryo transfer.

How are egg donors compensated?

Egg donor compensation varies based on location and fertility clinic. Compensation often starts at a certain amount, such as $8,000 per donation, and can increase based on specific clinical factors.

Can I donate eggs multiple times?

Donating eggs multiple times is possible, but it’s essential to consider health and recovery implications. It’s recommended to allow your body to fully recover between donations and to follow medical guidelines to ensure your well-being.