Egg Donation Preparation and Recovery Guide

Pre-Cycle Preparation

Before Medications Begin

Preparation starts before your stimulation cycle. Use this time to optimize your health and prepare logistically:

• Clear your calendar for monitoring appointments (often early morning)
• Arrange transportation for retrieval day (you cannot drive afterward)
• Stock up on comfortable clothing—bloating is common during stimulation
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake
• Get adequate sleep and manage stress
• Stop smoking and avoid recreational drugs

Injection Preparation

Self-administering injections is intimidating at first but becomes routine. Your clinic will provide training:

• Designate a clean, well-lit area for injections
• Refrigerate medications that require it
• Set daily reminders for consistent injection timing
• Keep injection supplies organized
• Ice the injection site before to reduce discomfort
• Rotate injection sites as directed

During Stimulation (10-14 Days)

The stimulation phase involves daily injections to encourage multiple eggs to mature. Expect:

• Multiple clinic visits for blood work and ultrasounds
• Increasing bloating and abdominal fullness
• Mood fluctuations from hormone levels
• Breast tenderness
• Mild headaches in some donors
• Fatigue, especially later in stimulation

The Retrieval Procedure

What to Expect

Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure performed under sedation:

• Arrive with an empty stomach (no food or drink after midnight)
• The procedure takes 20-30 minutes
• You will be sedated and will not feel pain during retrieval
• Eggs are retrieved through a needle guided by ultrasound
• Recovery room observation for 1-2 hours post-procedure
• You will need someone to drive you home

Immediate Post-Retrieval

The first 24-48 hours are the most important for recovery:

• Rest at home for the remainder of the day
• Expect cramping similar to menstrual cramps
• Some spotting is normal
• Bloating may temporarily worsen before improving
• Take prescribed pain medication as needed
• Apply heating pad to abdomen for cramping

Recovery Timeline

Most donors recover quickly, though experiences vary:

• Day 1: Rest, mild to moderate cramping, grogginess from sedation
• Days 2-3: Cramping subsides, bloating may persist
• Days 4-7: Most symptoms resolve, bloating improves
• Week 2: Return to normal activities, period typically arrives

Common Preparation and Recovery Mistakes

Underestimating the Time Commitment

The monitoring appointments, injection schedule, and recovery require significant time and flexibility. Plan your cycle during a period when your schedule allows for early morning appointments and potential last-minute schedule changes.

Returning to Strenuous Activity Too Soon

Your ovaries are enlarged after stimulation and retrieval. High-impact exercise, twisting movements, or heavy lifting can cause ovarian torsion—a medical emergency. Wait at least two weeks before resuming intense workouts.

Ignoring Warning Signs

While most discomfort is normal, severe symptoms require immediate attention. Contact your clinic for: severe abdominal pain, significant swelling, difficulty breathing, fever, heavy bleeding, or inability to keep fluids down.

Not Planning for Bloating

Bloating during stimulation can be significant. Prepare loose, comfortable clothing. Some donors go up 1-2 pant sizes temporarily. This is normal and resolves after your period following retrieval.

Frequently Asked Questions