How Egg Donation Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

Egg donation is often a deeply personal and generous choice that enables people to enjoy the joys of parenting where previously there had been no hope whether medically or otherwise. It is generally an anonymous process even though in some cases known donors like family or friends may be used. It is a reproductive process where the donor, usually a woman, gives her eggs to a person or a couple who have challenges conceiving naturally.

This process is often used in situations where an individual has little ovarian reserve, genetic issues or for other medical conditions that are a hindrance to natural conception. The donated eggs are then fertilized in the laboratory with sperms and the resulting embryo is implanted in the recipient’s uterus, through a process known as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). 

Egg donation is a process that is widely used in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) to help couples achieve pregnancy when natural conception proves futile. It has helped many individuals and couples to achieve their dream of parenthood. We shall look at the general guidelines on how egg donation works, from the screening to the egg retrieval stage.

What Is Egg Donation?

Egg donation is a wonderful gift to those desiring parenthood. It is a process where a healthy individual, usually anonymous, donates their eggs to an individual or a couple who have challenges conceiving naturally. Prospective candidates have to go through a careful selection process where factors like age, experience, physical and lifestyle factors as well as medical conditions are considered before the eggs can be collected. Below is a step by step guide on what to expect during the egg donation process.

Step 1: Screening & Eligibility Requirements

Not everyone can be an egg donor. There are rigorous steps followed before one can be considered an eligible candidate. Even after qualifying the process of egg donation does not begin until you are matched with a prospective recipient. The screening and eligibility tests may  include: 

• Age: Most clinics accept egg donations from donors between the ages of 18 and 35 as this range has the most suitable quality for successful fertility treatments.
• Health: The donor must be in good health without any history of acute health challenges such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders. They are subjected to blood and drug tests as well as physical examination to establish their health and fertility condition. They should also be emotionally stable to be able to understand the contractual obligations they are entering into.
• Genetic tests: Genetic tests are performed to check for inherited health conditions such as sickle cell anaemia.
• Reproductive health: The donor's ovarian reserve is checked through a pelvic ultrasound to determine their ovarian reserve and uterine health. 
• Lifestyle: A donor should not have a history of drug and excessive alcohol consumption as well as smoking.
• Hormone Testing: This is done to check for Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and Estradiol to assess ovarian reserves and fertility. 
• Infectious Disease Screening: Tests for common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), as well as HIV and Hepatitis B & C are done to ensure the safety of the intended recipient and any children conceived using the donor eggs. 
• Medical History Review: Individuals’ family and personal medical histories are assessed to check for any genetic or reproductive health concerns.

Step 2: Hormone Stimulation & Monitoring

The initial step in the egg donation process is hormone injection with tiny needles in the abdomen to stimulate the ovaries and encourage multiple egg production. The donor will need to continue with these injections at home for a period of about 2 weeks prior to egg retrieval. These injections are easy to administer and a specialist from our Fertility Associates of Memphis (FAM) clinic will be able to guide you on how to perform the injections.

These hormone injections enable the ovaries to enlarge and produce multiple eggs leading to an increased production of estrogen than the normal levels the body produces. This may cause bloating, nausea and retention of fluids as well as pelvic pain associated with the enlarged ovaries. During this period donors are encouraged to avoid strenuous activities such as running or sexual intercourse as they may lead to ovarian torsion due to the increase in size.

Careful monitoring ensures that the ovarian stimulation is optimized and multiple mature eggs are successfully retrieved from the donor. Blood may be drawn for several mornings from the donor to check for estrogen levels and a vaginal ultrasound performed to get a clear picture of the  follicles to check for growth and how the ovaries are responding to the stimulation.

Step 3: Egg Retrieval Procedure

Once the donor has shown positive results after the follicle stimulation and monitoring process, the egg retrieval process begins. It involves a surgical procedure where the donor is mildly sedated intravenously. The donor’s legs are placed in stirrups and a virginal ultrasound is performed. A thin needle is then inserted through the vaginal wall into each ovarian follicle and a gentle suction is used to draw out the fluid and the eggs contained therein. 

The eggs are then taken to the embryologist who determines the number and viability of the eggs. They may then be frozen or used immediately. If used immediately the egg retrieval is coordinated with the recipient’s cycle. The recipient is put on hormonal medication to prepare the uterus for implantation even as the donor’s ovaries are stimulated to produce multiple eggs. Implantation is done immediately once fertilization takes place through IVF.

Step 4: Recovery & Aftercare

The egg retrieval process is an outpatient process that may take about 30 minutes. The donor is advised to take the day off to let the anaesthesia wear off after the procedure although they may return to normal activities on the next day. It is advisable for the donors to continue abstaining from strenuous exercises and sexual intercourse for at least one week after the egg retrieval process. Some individuals report some pelvic cramping and light bleeding but significant post retrieval pain is unusual. Most people take over the counter pain medication for the pain and are able to return back to normal after a few days.

Egg donation is a selfless gift that enables individuals and couples struggling with infertility to achieve their dream of parenting. It is a safe procedure that enables recipients to sire children they could not have conceived naturally. Care is observed throughout the screening, hormone stimulation, and egg retrieval processes to ensure a successful conception is achieved. 

Whether you’d like to become a donor or desire to explore egg donation as a means to start your own family, the first step is to reach out to a fertility specialist. Our experts at the Fertility Associates of Memphis are able to answer any questions you may have concerning the egg donation process ensuring you achieve your fertility goals. Book your appointment today and turn your dreams into reality.

FAQs About the Egg Donation Process

What is egg donation?

Egg donation is a procedure in which a healthy woman donates her eggs to support another individual or couple in achieving pregnancy.

Who can become an egg donor?

Eligible donors are typically between 19-35 years old, have a healthy BMI, and meet specific medical and lifestyle criteria.

How long does the egg donation process take?

The entire procedure, from initial screening to egg retrieval, generally spans two to three months.

Is the egg retrieval procedure painful?

The procedure is conducted under light sedation, ensuring donors do not experience pain during egg retrieval. However, some may feel mild cramping afterward.

What happens after egg retrieval?

Following egg retrieval, donors typically require 1-2 days for recovery before returning to their usual activities.