Tips for donors in preparation for retrieval

 

Once a donor has been matched with a family and the initial excitement takes a back foot, most donors have plenty of questions about the next steps in the process — some even have fears leading up to the egg retrieval.  

This is all normal, but we have found that the more informed donors are, the better prepared and confident they are with the experience ahead.  We spend a lot of time educating and advising our donors, hand holding and ensuring that the process is an easy one for them.

Here are some tips that can help donors through the last steps leading up to their egg retrieval:

• Notify your employer when you receive your medication schedule and clear your time for the lead up appointments and possible travel for your donation: Many of our donors will travel for their donation. Some will be fortunate to have a local donation, but this is rare.  

• The estimated retrieval date will be on your medication schedule which is given to you from the Fertility clinic.  If you’re working full time, or in University or College, it’s important that you’re available to attend monitoring appointments and take the full day off for your egg retrieval.  

• The average time a donor will spend if traveling for their donation is 7 to 10 days, depending on the clinic. If your clinic is out of your province, your first few monitoring appointments will be locally and carefully coordinated, alternatively you may be required to travel for these appointments too.

•  As you get closer to the retrieval, travel is required if your clinic is in another province, and the remaining monitoring appointments will be done at your out-of-province fertility clinic leading up to the retrieval. Keep in mind that monitoring appointments are usually scheduled when the fertility clinic plans them and you will be required to attend these timeously. Flexibility in your schedule will be key for a successful retrieval. 

• What to know about your medications: You will be given the birth control pill first. It is used to suppress ovulation. The birth control pill is generally taken for two to three weeks. FSH is the fertility medication used to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. It contains hormones identical to those you make on your own. You will do self-injections of the hormonal medications for approximately 10 to 14 days. During this time the clinic will ask you to remain abstinent for a period, not consume alcohol, reduce any vigorous exercise, and limit caffeine intake.  Following these instructions are crucial to the success of your donation, and for your own health throughout the process. 

Major side effects of the medications are rare. A side effect, hyperstimulation of the ovaries, or OHSS, (when many eggs are produced) can cause some abdominal discomfort and bloating, but less than 1% of women will have a severe case of hyperstimulation. You will be monitored closely to avoid potential side effects. The monitoring will also confirm egg development and maturation by ultrasound examination and blood tests. Expect to have anywhere between 6 to 8 appointments in total (including your egg retrieval).  Your flexibility is crucial during this time.   

The development of follicles (fluid-filled sacs) can be measured by ultrasound. Blood tests will give a measurement of how well the eggs are developing. When conditions are optimal, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) will be given for final egg maturation, and this is called the “trigger shot.” Your eggs will be retrieved approximately 34 to 36 hours later.

With any medical procedure there are always a possibility of side effects and risks. What we hear most from the women who have donated are these side effects: 

1. Your medications may cause bloating, moodiness, headaches, hot flashes, nausea and constipation.  

2. Common side effects from your egg retrieval may include light cramping and soreness. These varying symptoms usually resolve in a few days post egg retrieval.

• If traveling for your donation: Make sure you bring your flight/travel information. Clinics require donors be vaccinated for Covid 19, so make sure you have your vaccination card handy.  

• We also recommend bringing comfortable clothes.  It’s best to be prepared to rest and take care of yourself after your retrieval. 

• Donors can work remotely or attend their online classes while traveling for their retrieval, so be sure to bring your laptop and anything else you may need. You will also have instructions from the clinic about what medications you will need to take with you.