The purpose of growing eggs from an anonymous donor is to obtain multiple, healthy, fertilizable eggs at the same time. We use a combination of injectible drugs similar to hormones produced by the body. The drugs will vary depending on which protocol is selected for you. The possible medications are: Lupron, Gonal-F, Follistim, Ganirelix/Cetrotide, and Ovidrel. These are all drugs given with a small needle in the surface or fat layer of your abdomen or upper thighs. Our nursing staff will provide injection training to you, or someone you choose, so you are comfortable with administering the needed medications. To assist in coordinating your cycle with the intended parent or gestational carrier, egg donors will also take birth control pills or us the Nuva Ring prior to starting these shots.
Follistim or Gonal-F: This injectable medicine, which is similar to the body’s own hormones, stimulates the ovaries to develop and mature follicles. Follicles are fluid filled sacs that contain an egg. One shot of this drug is taken daily for about 10-12 days. Frequent monitoring is essential to obtain the best results and avoid adverse outcomes.
For this 10-12 day time frame, you will be coming in to our office for appointments every 3-4 days. Toward the end of this growth cycle you may come in every day or every other day. At these appointments, we draw your blood to check your estrogen level and we perform a transvaginal ultrasound. The ultrasound is placed vaginally; it is occasionally uncomfortable, but does not hurt. These appointments will generally last 15-30 minutes. These appointments are done in the morning hours between 7:30AM and 11:30 AM. You will need about 4-5 office visits for ultrasounds and blood work until the day of the egg retrieval.
Side effects of these drugs include ovarian enlargement, bloating and discomfort, as well as mood swings. Severe ovarian hyperstimulation rarely (1-2%) occurs, but could require hospitalization.
Ganirelix or Cetrotide: Usually, on day 6-8 of growing the eggs, you will be instructed to use Ganirelix or Cetrotide. These medications are given to stop ovulation from happening too early. You will usually take this medication about 4-6 days. This medication should be taken in the mornings.
Lupron or Ovidrel: When it is time to retrieve the eggs, we will give you an exact time to “trigger” ovulation. You will either use 2 injections of Ovidrel or you will take 20 Units of Lupron, depending on the protocol. These medications are taken to finalize the egg maturation process. These shots are given with the same small needle as the other medications you have already taken by this point.
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