Egg Donation Process:
01. Ovarian Stimulation
Once selected, the egg donor undergoes controlled ovarian stimulation using hormonal medications. This stimulates the ovaries to produce multiple eggs during a single menstrual cycle, enhancing the chances of a successful egg retrieval.
02. Monitoring and Egg Maturation
The donor's response to ovarian stimulation is closely monitored through blood tests and ultrasounds. Once the eggs reach optimal maturity, a trigger shot is administered to induce final egg maturation.
03. Egg Retrieval:
The egg retrieval is a minimally invasive procedure performed under sedation. A thin needle is guided through the vaginal wall to access the ovaries. This procedure typically takes about 20-30 minutes.
04. Sperm and Fertilization
The collected eggs are fertilized with sperm through in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques. Fertilization is confirmed by observing the formation of embryos.
05. Embryo Culture and Selection
The resulting embryos are cultured for a few days, during which time they are closely monitored for quality and development. The embryologist and the physician selects the healthiest embryos for transfer.
06. Embryo Transfer
In a subsequent phase, the selected embryos are transferred into your uterus. This process involves a thin catheter to carefully place the embryos, increasing the likelihood of a successful implantation.
07. Luteal Phase Support
Hormonal support, such as progesterone, is often provided to support the uterine lining during the luteal phase, optimizing conditions for embryo implantation.
08. Pregnancy Testing and Follow-Up
Approximately two weeks post-embryo transfer, a pregnancy test is conducted to determine the success of the procedure. If successful, ongoing prenatal care follows to monitor the pregnancy's progression.
Success rates:
To this day, it is the assisted reproductive treatment with the highest pregnancy rates.