Home » Egg Donation » Using Donor Eggs

Overview of the Egg Donation Process

The oocyte recipient process can be complicated, but with information, preparation, and the support of our highly trained and experienced professional staff, the process can be made less stressful for both the patient and their partners. If you participate in our program, you will receive a detailed handbook that guides you through the four-step process:

  1. Lupron/Follicular Supression - It is important that your ovaries are suppressed so that your cycle can be closely synchronized to that of your egg donor's.
  2. Follicular Phase/Uterine Preparation Part I - Once you get your period while on Lupron, an ultrasound will be performed and estrogen replacement will begin so that you build up the lining of the uterus in preparation for the embryo transfer.
  3. Follicular Phase/Uterine Preparation Part II - When your donor is ready for ovulation induction, you will begin to increase your estrogen leading up to the embryo transfer. If you have a male partner, he will begin taking an antibiotic to help prepare his sperm for fertilization.
  4. Luteal Phase Treatment - When your donor's ovarian follicles are mature, she will be given a hormone to release the egg from the follicle and you will receive a phone call from one of our nurses to begin the last phase of treatment. Your donor will undergo an egg retrieval, which is considered day 14 of the cycle. Three to five days after her retrieval, the embryo transfer will take place and on day 28 you will take a pregnancy test.

Completing Treatment

If your pregnancy test is positive, you will be advised to return for ultrasound examination. Once a fetal heartbeat is identified, usually at 6 to 7 weeks, we will have you call your obstetrician to make an appointment.

We understand that not all cycles are successful and we are here to assist you if that is the outcome. A follow-up consultation with your doctor, either in person of by telephone, is scheduled and you may also benefit from an appointment with one of our psychologists. If you decided to try another cycle, we will make every effort to help you get to the next step on your journey to building a family.