|
|
 |
|
- The prospective donor contacts Fertility Connections and we conduct a phone screen to ensure that basic guidelines are met.
- We send an initial letter that gives basic information. When someone decides that they would be willing to help, we send a " donor packet " that includes an extensive questionnaire, information about the procedure, medications, sample donor calendar, frequently asked questions, and information about how the matching process works.
- An appointment is set up to meet with the donor for a face-to- face interview. We review the application and other forms and have an opportunity to get to know someone.
- After acceptance, Fertility Connections scans photos of the donor, both current and as a child. We also ask for photos of her parents and any children that the prospective donor may have. We copy her driver's license or birth certificate for our internal records . After joining our registry, the amount of time until someone is selected by an intended parent varies.
- When intended parents express interest, Fertility Connections informs the prospective donor. Intended parents may request that there be no contact, a brief phone conversation or a meeting facilitated by us (if the donor has agreed to contact.) Further questions may be asked or clarification requested. Donors may also request non-identifying information about intended parents.
- The intended parents and the donor decide they would like to work together . The information on the match request is forwarded to the infertility physician and clearance begins.
- Clearance consists of three parts.
A psychological evaluation through an interview session with a psychologist trained in the field. Psychological testing may be done.
A background check , similar to a pre-employment procedure, is run. We are happy to share any information with the donor.
Once psychological clearance is received, a medical screening appointment with the infertility clinic is made.
The date for beginning the actual egg donation cycle is now decided. Once the cycle begins, it takes approximately three weeks from start to finish.
medical process
Every physician's office has its own protocol for these procedures and will let you know on your first visit exactly how their office works.
 |
medical screening |
|
medical clearance |
|
cycles synchronized |
|
ovum donation process |
|
suppression |
|
stimulation |
|
ovulation |
 |
egg retrieval |
medical screening
-
Meeting with the physician and nurse coordinator to discuss the commitment , details of the process and future appointments. Review and clarify your detailed family and individual health history.
-
Blood test for various infectious diseases (HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Syphilis, and HTLV.) Thyroid function and prolactin levels evaluated.
-
Screening blood test as needed for such genetic diseases as cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs, or a carrier of other ethnicity based genetic diseases (a good thing to know!)
-
A pelvic exam , to check for gonorrhea, chlamydia, ureaplasma, and mycoplasma. This includes a vaginal ultrasound done with a small probe that usually causes little or no discomfort. Ultrasound uses sound waves to visualize the ovaries and no harmful radiation is used. A urine drug screen may be done.
Clearances received and then the egg donation process begins:
suppression phase
stimulation phase
-
After about two weeks of taking Lupron begins the concentrated time commitment of the donation cycle. This lasts for about 10 days. You begin giving yourself a second daily subcutaneous injection of gonadotropins called follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), ( usually Gonal-f, Follistim or Repronex .) ( Please see the medicine information page.)
You go to approximately 3-5 clinic visits during this week to monitor follicle size and blood estrogen levels. These important visits are usually early in the morning between 7 and 9 am but vary according to doctor.
ovulation phase
-
Once monitoring confirms that the follicles are large enough and the blood estradiol level (estrogen) is high enough, it is time for your final injection. hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) matures the eggs and readies them for release. When the clinic gets your blood results, they will call you to let you know the EXACT TIME to give yourself this injection.
egg retrieval
about 36 hours following the HCG injection, egg retrieval takes place.
- This is an out patient procedure in the doctor's office. You will be given intravenous sedation, "twilight" sleep, for the 15-30 minute procedure. The eggs are retrieved from the ovaries via a "suction procedure." The physician visualizes the follicles on ultrasound and uses a small catheter attached to the needle to collect the eggs and fluid from the follicles into a test tube. After all accessible eggs are retrieved, the procedure is complete. Most women sleep through this and report little discomfort during this procedure.
- The eggs are evaluated by an embryologist for size and condition. They are then combined with the prospective father's sperm (or donor sperm) to fertilize as many eggs as possible. The embryos are incubated for 3-5 days. Usually 2-3 embryos are implanted into the intended mother and the best is hoped for! Any remaining embryos can be frozen and used for another cycle. This allows for the possibility of a genetically related sibling!
- One to two hours are spent resting in the recovery room. Someone must be with you who can drive you home from the clinic and ideally stay with you overnight. It is a good idea to take it easy the rest of the day and take the time to feel good about yourself and your contribution!
- Your physician will give you a set of post-retrieval instructions. You can expect minimal vaginal bleeding and may experience some cramping, bloating or other mild side effects on the day of or day after retrieval.
- The intended parents will get the results of their pregnancy test about
two weeks after the retrieval. We can let you know what the results are,
if you would like. There is approximately a 50-60% chance of a positive
pregnancy. This is increasing every year.
- You may donate again in 3 months for a total of five to six times.
We want to let you know how much we appreciate the commitment that you are considering making to this process! You would be helping to give someone the chance to realize their dreams of a family. This is a gift beyond measure.
back to top
|
|
