Step 2: Donor Egg Retrieval Process

Once a donor is chosen, the recipient and donor begin the egg retrieval process.  Hormone therapy is used to precisely synchronize each woman's hormone levels so that, when the donor produces eggs, the recipient's body is likely to implant those eggs once they are fertilized.  The hormones cause the recipient's body to closely mimic that of a pregnant woman, which increases her chances of successful implantation after in vitro fertilization (IVF).  The egg retrieval process is closely monitored by infertility specialists.

Synchronization

The egg retrieval process begins with synchronization, in which the donor's natural menstrual cycle is temporarily halted to synchronize it with the recipient's.  This allows a fertility specialist to synchronize the donor's egg production with the ripening of the recipient's uterus - the ideal time for implantation.   Synchronization also prevents premature ovulation by the donor.

Hormone Therapy

While the donor's natural menstrual cycle is temporarily halted, the recipient undergoes estrogen replacement therapy.  This mimics the body's natural ovulation cycle, in which the ovaries make hormones (primarily estrogen) that thicken the uterus in preparation for implantation of the fertilized egg.  The recipient takes hormone supplements for about 7 to 10 days, during which time her fertility specialist carefully observes her uterine lining and blood hormone levels.  When the recipient's uterus has thickened sufficiently, the donor is given hormones that cause her ovaries to produce several eggs at a time (donor stimulation).  By the time her eggs are ready for retrieval, the recipient's uterus is in an ideal condition for implantation.

Egg Retrieval

When the donor's ovaries have produced several eggs, she is scheduled for egg retrieval surgery, and the recipient begins taking progesterone, the final hormone the ovaries would naturally produce to complete thickening of the uterus.  The donor's eggs are retrieved and fertilized shortly afterward in preparation for IVF.

Locate an Infertility Specialist near You

The egg retrieval process requires support by talented, experienced infertility specialists.  Locate an expert near you to ensure that you have up-to-date information specific to your case and the support and guidance you need.