Egg Donation
Process

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APPLICATION

Once you have completed the initial application process, you may be asked to complete a second form asking for more details. If the information you provide indicates that you would be a good candidate, you will be invited to the CCRM Minneapolis clinic for a day of tests, which includes a nurse consultation, physical exam, ultrasound, blood work and a psychological screening.

OVARIAN STIMULATION

If you pass the screening process, you will be scheduled to start the process of ovarian stimulation. This is necessary to ensure you have a successful egg retrieval. You will administer daily injections of hormones at home for 9 to 14 days to increase the number of eggs that are matured each month. Typical side effects are similar to what most women experience during a normal period. During this time, you will come to the clinic often to monitor your care and ensure the medications are working well.

The donor will take the following medications:

Birth Control Pills: Suppresses hormone production.
Gonal-F/Follistim and Menopur: Stimulates growth and the maturation of eggs.
Dexamethasone: Prevents excess secretion of male hormones to allow the maturation of eggs.
Cetrotide or Ganirelix: Prevents premature ovulation.
Lupron Trigger: Stimulates the body’s normal LH surge that triggers ovulation.
Novarel/Pregnyl/HCG Trigger: Causes final maturation of the eggs.
Doxycycline: Prevents infection after egg retrieval.
Docusate Sodium: Prevents constipation.
Tylenol with Codeine: Relieve pain and discomfort following retrieval.

The donor will not be charged for these medications.

EGG RETRIEVAL

On the day of your retrieval, you will meet with a CCRM physician and anesthesiologist who will go over any questions you may have, review your medical history and check to be sure you are ready for the procedure. Once you are sedated, the physician will use a transvaginal probe to guide a needle to remove the eggs from each follicle. Donating your eggs will not affect your own fertility. Every month, you naturally lose many early follicles, or potential eggs. Through the egg retrieval process, CCRM is only maximizing the use of eggs that would have been normally lost to the natural process.