Donation cycle

In vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer requires the harvest of eggs (oocytes) from the donor who has received ovarian stimulation to increase the number of mature eggs available for retrieval, followed by the insemination of the eggs in the laboratory. Twenty-four hours later, fertilization is documented.

The early embryos are monitored for several days prior to their transfer into the uterus of the recipient. Most often, the embryo transfer is performed non-surgically, using a small catheter placed transcervically into the upper uterine cavity preferably under ultrasound guidance.

Egg donation involves these important steps:

1. Evaluating the potential recipient.
2. Selecting the donor.
3. Screening the donor.
4. Obtaining informed consent from both the recipient and the donor.
5. Synchronizing the retrieval of the egg from the donor and implantation to recipient to ensure the recipient endometrium is ready for implantation.
6. Prescribing hormone replacement for the recipient.
7. Stimulating the ovaries of the donor.
8. Retrieving the donor’s eggs (oocytes).
9. Inseminating the eggs with sperm in the laboratory.
10. Transferring the embryos into the uterus.
11. Maintaining the early pregnancy in the recipient.

Once established, the pregnancy is maintained by hormone replacement therapy throughout the first trimester. After the first trimester, the pregnancy progresses normally without any need for hormone medication.

Following the delivery, the mother can breast-feed normally.