How Does Egg Retrieval Work?

One of the most important steps in the egg donation process is the last step: the egg retrieval. This is a medical procedure to extract eggs from your ovaries at the end of your egg donation cycle. We understand that the egg retrieval procedure can sound intimidating, so we're here to guide you through the process to help you prepare and know exactly what to expect. To give you a firsthand look, we've also included a video from a donor sharing her experience!

Getting Ready for Your Egg Retrieval

Before undergoing egg retrieval surgery, it's important to prepare both physically and mentally. Here are some key tips to set yourself up for the best possible experience:

1. Follow Medical Advice: Your doctor will provide specific instructions on medications, a healthy diet, and activities leading up to the procedure.
2. Understand the Process: Understanding the steps involved can ease anxiety and make the experience less intimidating.
3. Arrange Support: Ensure you have someone to accompany you to the clinic and drive you home after the procedure. If you don't have a companion, Donor Nexus will hire a private nurse for you.
4. Remove Nail Polish or Acrylics: The clinic will require you to remove any nail polish or fake nails, as a monitor will be attached to your finger to measure your oxygen levels during the procedure.

The Egg Retrieval Process: What to Expect

After 10-12 days of self-injecting fertility medications, you will administer a trigger shot to prepare your ovaries for the egg retrieval. Typically about 32-36 hours after you give yourself the trigger shot, it will be time for the egg retrieval procedure.

The egg retrieval itself only takes about 20-30 minutes and is done as an outpatient procedure under monitored anesthesia care to keep you comfortable. You will be given a detailed explanation of the process from your nurse when you arrive. You are closely monitored by both your physician and anesthesiologist throughout the procedure.

As a one-on-one donor with Donor Nexus, your egg retrieval will be done at the intended parent's designated fertility clinic. As an egg banking donor with Donor Nexus Egg Bank, your egg retrieval will take place at HRC Fertility in Newport Beach, California.