A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO THE EGG DONATION PROCESS TIMELINE
You’ve decided to become an egg donor! What comes next? When do you start medications? What’s going on behind the scenes? These are all questions we expect you to have, and we are thrilled you’re so excited to get started. Here’s a bird’s eye view of the entire egg donation process, a timeline that walks you from where you are right now through donation day.
The first thing you do is fill out our online application. It will take the Growing Generations team about one business day to receive and review your information. On occasion, it can take a bit longer if we need extra information from you.
We’ll schedule a video consultation with you if your initial application is approved. The entire conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes. In that time we’ll give you an overview of the entire process, and you'll have time to ask us any questions you may have.
After your consultation and once we have the proper items in place, we will create and publish your profile. Your profiles outlines your traits and characteristics from the application you completed, and this is what intended parents see when reviewing our donor database. (Check out our blog post for tips on completing your egg donor profile.)
Next, we wait. This is likely the longest part of your process. While we have had intended parents choose donors the day we publish their profiles, we also have had donors wait for months to be chosen. While a longer wait time can feel disappointing, try to remember that intended parents choose donor eggs with specific criteria in mind and parents tend to be very detail-oriented in making this decision.
Once you’re selected it’s time for us to screen you. You’ll typically spend one day near the intended parents' IVF doctor's office undergoing psychological, medical, and genetic screenings.
After doctors process the test results, you’ll spend time talking with lawyers and drawing up contracts. This phase usually lasts between three and four weeks.
Now you’re ready for your medical cycle. This phase usually lasts between two and three weeks and includes injectable medications. The needles are very small and the injections are typically pain-free. The medicines will stimulate your ovaries and produce follicles. We expect you to make and keep doctor’s appointments a few times per week during this phase. These appointments are vital to ensure your body is responding to the medications appropriately and track your progress.
Finally, it's egg retrieval day. Once your body is ready for egg retrieval you will again see the IVF doctor. The doctor will insert a transvaginal ultrasound wand and pierce each follicle to retrieve your eggs. The procedure lasts about 15 to 20 minutes, but you should plan to be at the clinic for three hours. If you are traveling from out of town, you should plan to be away for five to 12 days, as we do your final monitoring appointments on site. If you are local, doctors will release you to travel home immediately following the procedure.
So, there you have it! While we can’t give you a firm answer on how long the entire process will take, know that from the moment you apply, we’re always actively working to get you matched and help you complete a successful journey.
If at any time in the process you have questions, feel free to reach out to your admissions or case specialist. They’ve helped hundreds of donors find their matches and will be able to answer any potential questions you may have.
If you haven't started the process, use our online form to complete your application today.