How Long Does It Take To Donate Eggs?

If you are considering becoming an egg donor, you are probably wondering how much time it takes to donate eggs. At SIMPLIFY, we work with our donors to make sure the egg donation process fits with their schedule and is as convenient as possible. While there are certain timelines and clinic visits required to donate your eggs, it may take less time than you think. Read on to learn about the timeline for how long it takes to donate your eggs.

Note: It Takes Less Time To Donate To An Egg Bank

One major benefit of donating to an egg bank, rather than a donor agency, is the shorter time commitment. At a donor agency, even once you are accepted as a donor, you have to wait to be selected by the intended parent(s) before you can begin the actual ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval process. This can take months, or longer - and there’s no guarantee you will be matched. At an egg bank, however, the donation process is on your schedule–no waiting to be matched or synchronized with the recipient’s menstrual cycle. As soon as you are approved at an egg bank, you can begin the process with your next period.

How Long Is The Application Process to Donate Eggs?

The egg donation application process is very thorough, and on average takes about a month. The first step is the initial application. If you meet the basic requirements, the next step is an intake interview and screening appointment. This will be either at our partner clinic, Pacific Northwest Fertility (PNWF), or at an approved clinic closer to you if you live out of state. This screening is a full medical exam including physical and psychological screenings, a gynecological screening including a pelvic ultrasound and exam, blood and urine tests and genetic testing. The screening and counseling appointments each take about 2 hours, and then results from the tests take 2-3 weeks. After you’ve been approved, there is some final paperwork to set up your donor profile, and then you’re ready to start the donation process.

How Long Does Egg Donation Take?

The egg donation process usually takes about a month, with about two weeks of frequent clinic visits. These visits are usually brief and scheduled in the morning. Here is the general timeline for egg donation:

• Hormone Regulation (2-3 weeks): A few days after your period begins, you start taking a prescribed birth control pill. This regulates your hormones and prevents your body from ovulating early.

• Ovarian Stimulation (2 weeks): Your medical team at PNWF will show you how to self-administer hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries, which you will do 2-3 times every day for two weeks. While you are taking the hormones, you will also come in for frequent monitoring so we can make sure your body is responding well to the medications (usually 4-6 appointments over the course of the 2 weeks). 

• Hormone Trigger Shot (36 hours before retrieval): Once your eggs are developed enough, you receive a specific hormone shot to let your body know it’s time to release the eggs. From trigger shot to egg retrieval is 36 hours.

• Egg Retrieval (3 hours): The actual egg retrieval takes about 30 minutes at the clinic. You will need to arrive before the retrieval, and stay for a little while afterwards while the anesthesia wears off. You also will need someone to drive you home afterwards and stay with you the remainder of the day as you rest. Between the time at the clinic and resting after the retrieval, you will need to take this day off from work or class.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Egg Donation?

It’s nice to take the day off after the egg retrieval as well, although most donors feel up to going back to non-physical activities (like work or class). In general, you should feel fully back to normal within a couple days. While some bloating is normal before and after the egg retrieval, it should go away within a few days. If it does not, or if it gets worse, contact your PNWF team of nurses and doctors right away.

It’s important to note that the medications used in the egg donation process make you extremely fertile. We do ask that you abstain from sexual intercourse with partners with sperm during the donation process, and we suggest continuing to abstain or using condoms until your next period after the retrieval to avoid accidental pregnancy.

How Soon Can I Donate Eggs Again?

We are happy to discuss future donation cycles with you after your first donation. If you are approved for additional cycles, you can usually start the donation process again a couple months after your previous retrieval.

If you’re interested in becoming a donor with SIMPLIFY, contact us today!