Donor Egg IVF: The Embryo Transfer

What to expect and how to maximize success

The embryo transfer of donor egg IVF is the exciting last stage of the donor egg fertility journey. Knowing what to expect boosts your confidence and can increase your chances for success. Here are some tips for navigating this special stage of the process.

How Does Donor Egg IVF Work?

Standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) involves:

• Ovarian stimulation

• Egg retrieval

• Fertilization

• Embryo transfer

If you are using a donor egg from SIMPLIFY for your IVF cycle, your donor will have already completed the first half of the process and their frozen eggs will be stored in the laboratory. You will only go through the fertilization and embryo transfer portion. Once you have chosen your donor egg and completed all the necessary paperwork, the donor egg IVF process involves:

• Sending a frozen sperm sample (from your partner or sperm donor) to our partner clinic, Pacific Northwest Fertility (PNWF)

• Warming and fertilizing the chosen donor egg with the sperm

• Freezing the resulting blastocyst (an early stage of the embryo)

• Taking prescribed hormone treatments to prepare your uterus to receive the embryo

• Testing to determine when your uterus is ready for the transfer

• Transferring the embryo in a quick, in-office procedure

• Waiting about 10-14 days before taking a pregnancy test

Donor egg IVF involves some complex logistics and precise timing, which can feel overwhelming. That’s what we’re here for! Here are some ways to streamline the process and maximize chances of success.

Make Sure You Understand What to Expect

The donor egg IVF experience is best when you are fully comfortable, confident, and know what to expect. Your fertility team will go over the embryo transfer process and their recommendations for before and after the procedure. If you have questions between appointments, write them down so you can ask them all in your final check-in with your team before the transfer. There are no silly questions when it comes to your fertility journey!

In addition to understanding the process, make sure you are also fully clear on any instructions from the clinic. This includes everything from medication directions to showing up with a full bladder for the embryo transfer. Each of our instructions has an important reason behind it, so if you have any questions about how to follow them, just ask.

Come Up With A Plan

The donor egg IVF process is exciting and emotional, and it’s easy to lose track of the little details. Following your clinic’s directions is easier when you have a clear plan mapped out. Sit down with your support person and go through the logistics of the embryo transfer together, and ask your fertility team any questions that come up. Some things to think about include:

• How long will it take you to get to the clinic? Maybe staying at a hotel near the clinic the night before the transfer can make your morning more pleasant and streamlined.

• If you are flying, we recommend you plan to arrive the day before the transfer and let us know when you arrive. It’s important to make sure any travel has gone off without a hitch before we thaw the embryos the morning of the transfer.

• If you have to fly, or drive a long distance, do you have all your medications ready and on hand?

• What would you like to do after the transfer? If possible, it’s nice to plan so you don’t have any pressing deadlines or responsibilities for a few days after the transfer.

• What are the next steps after the embryo transfer, for either outcome?

Practice Personal Relaxation and Distraction Techniques

Going through donor egg IVF is a great opportunity to hone your relaxation and distraction techniques. Maybe it’s walking with a friend, reading a good book, meditating, watching your favorite comedy, or learning a new skill - whatever keeps you grounded, hopeful, and in the moment.

These techniques are especially helpful during the two weeks between the embryo transfer and taking a pregnancy test, which can be very challenging to wait out. Having a toolkit of techniques to occupy your time and energy can help even out the emotional roller coaster.

The embryo transfer is an amazing culmination of your donor egg IVF journey. It is an emotional and exciting moment, and we are here to help support you at every step of the way. For more tips on the embryo transfer process, PNWF’s Dr. Lora Shahine has a very informative blog, as well as videos for before, during, and after the embryo retrieval.