Understanding The Ovaries And Egg Development

Your ovaries contain all the eggs that are ovulated during your life.

Every month, during the early part of the menstrual cycle, the ovaries recruit multiple eggs. These eggs develop in fluid-filled follicles. Although several eggs are initially recruited, typically only one egg matures and is ovulated during a usual menstrual cycle, while the others simply wither away.

When you donate eggs, medication is provided to help ensure multiple eggs mature instead of just one. Egg donors usually begin to take the medication on day 3 of their menstrual cycle, with day 1 being when their period starts.

The fertility specialists who are part of your egg donation support team will prescribe the right hormone medications, to be taken for around 10 days before egg retrieval to encourage the growth of more mature eggs.

The medications usually include self-administered injections of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and sometimes luteinising hormone (LH), depending on factors like your age, ovarian reserve, and medical history.

Many first-time donors may feel apprehensive about self-injections, but these are administered with a fine needle into the lower abdomen and are generally not painful.

Alongside the hormone stimulation, donors also take medication to prevent premature ovulation. This is often a progesterone-based tablet, such as Duphaston, which has been safely used for many years.

Monitoring And Timing The Retrieval

Around 8 or 9 days after an egg donor has started taking the medication, the fertility specialists will begin monitoring the follicles through ultrasound scans. These scans track the size and development of the follicles. Once the follicles are large enough, the eggs inside are nearly ready to be collected.

The exact timing of egg retrieval is carefully managed. Egg retrieval day is usually around day 14 of the cycle, but it may be on day 16 for egg donors who have many eggs that need to grow a bit bigger.

When the eggs are ready, a “trigger shot” is administered, usually late at night. This injection, either HCG or Lucrin (depending on individual response), prepares the eggs for collection.

Leading up to the egg retrieval procedure, donors may feel a sense of pressure or mild cramping in the lower abdomen, which is completely normal.

The Egg Retrieval Procedure

Egg retrieval takes place at the fertility clinic in the morning, and donors must arrive without having eaten or drunk anything. After arriving, you are guided to the theatre area, where the team prepares you and answers any final questions. You will also meet the anaesthetist, who will administer a light sedation so that you remain comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.

Using ultrasound guidance, a fertility specialist inserts a needle into each follicle to collect the fluid, which ideally contains an egg. The procedure is efficient and carried out while you are sedated, so you will not feel any pain or remember the process.

Recovery And Aftercare

While most donors can resume daily activities shortly after, it is recommended to rest on the day of the procedure and, if possible, the following day as well. Post-retrieval, it is common to feel bloated or slightly uncomfortable for a couple of days. Pain relief is provided to ease any discomfort.

Depending on the type of trigger shot used, your next period typically arrives within 5 to 10 days. It may be heavier than usual, but your cycle will soon return to normal, and your fertility will not be affected.

A Safe And Caring Environment

Whether donating eggs, undergoing IVF, or freezing eggs, it is essential that egg retrieval is performed at a certified medical clinic. Cape Fertility provides a caring, professional environment where your safety is prioritised.

With decades of experience and thousands of successful egg retrievals, We are dedicated to individualised care. Our egg donation team includes expert fertility specialists and dedicated support specialists who ensure every donor receives personal attention and support throughout the journey.

Your care is our priority and attention to your medical safety during the process is our primary concern when you have eggs retrieved in a friendly, relaxed and caring environment at our advanced, purpose-built facilities in the beautiful city of Cape Town.

To find out more or to apply to donate with us, simply fill in your contact details here or contact us on 066 22 55 003 (WhatsApp) or email donors@capefertility.co.za.

Remember, your information is 100% confidential and will under no circumstances be made available to anybody else.
You can rest assured of world-class care from our expert team.