Understanding the Egg Donation Process
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- Written By: Mark Denker, M.D.
Becoming an egg donor is a decision that requires a substantial amount of thought and consideration. Hospital visits, procedures, and medications are all aspects of egg donation that you will face. Before applying, it’s important that you understand what the process entails. In this blog, our Boca Raton fertility doctor describes the egg donation process.
Donor Qualification
If you’re a first-time egg donor, you’ll need to be scheduled for a screening visit at the doctor’s office. During this visit, you’ll have your blood drawn – should your hormone test results come back normal and optimal, you will then undergo a psychological screening that will take around 3 or 4 hours.
Medical and Genetic Screening
Once your pre-testing results are cleared, you’ll meet with the doctor so that he or she can conduct their own medical and genetic screening. Typically, these screenings are looking for any sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, hepatitis, and drug or nicotine usage.
Medications
You will likely be given a comprehensive calendar that dictates which medications you should take and when they should be taken. These medications will stimulate your ovaries and encourage egg production and growth. While on the medications, you will be monitored to ensure that your body is responding in a positive way.
Egg Retrieval
Once the eggs have matured, you will be scheduled to have them retrieved. The entire procedure takes only 20-30 minutes to complete, and you will likely need a couple of hours for postoperative recovery. You will be placed under light sedation – once the anesthesia wears off after the surgery, it’s normal to experience some cramping and light spotting.
At Palm Beach Fertility Center, we have had a 75% pregnancy rate with the use of donor eggs. Your decision to donate eggs can change the lives of prospective parents struggling with infertility. If you’re ready to become a part of this incredible journey, we invite you to visit our office today.
Contact Palm Beach Fertility Center today at (888) 819-5177 to learn more!