Egg donation is the process by which a woman provides one or several eggs (ova, oocytes) for the purpose of assisted reproduction or biomedical research. For assisted reproduction purposes, egg donation involves the process of in vitro fertilization as the eggs are fertilized in the laboratory. After the eggs have been obtained, the role of the egg donor is complete. Egg donation is part of the process of third party reproduction as part of ART.
For the egg donor, the process of egg donation is as follows-
Before the process starts, first, it will be necessary for the egg donor to undergo a thorough medical examination. This includes a pelvic exam, blood draw to check hormone levels and to test for infectious diseases, and an ultrasound to examine her ovaries, uterus and other pelvic organs. In addition, she will be referred to a psychologist who will evaluate if the donor is mentally prepared to undertake and complete the process. These evaluations are necessary to ensure that the egg donor is fully prepared and capable of completing the egg donation cycle, safely and successfully. These evaluations will be done at no cost to the donor.
Once the screening is completed, the donor will begin the egg donation cycle, which typically takes between 3-6 weeks. There are two parts to a successful egg retrieval procedure: the Egg Donor’s Cycle and the Recipients’ Cycle. The Egg Donation Cycle will begin with a few weeks of birth control pills, followed by a series of injections. There are different medical protocols currently used, but all of them include medication that makes the ovaries produce a number of eggs. At the doctor’s office, the donor will be given instructions on how to properly administer the injections herself. These injections must be administered on a daily basis for one or more weeks.
