07 Jun What to Expect: The Complete Agency Process Timeline
Knowing the process timeline of an egg donation agency will enable aspiring egg donors and parents to understand what to expect so there are no bad surprises, and to determine how much time they may need for a particular journey. Although actual timelines will differ depending on the agency and situation, the steps in the process can be expected.
Initial Consultation and Application
In your initial consultation, we will discuss your wants and needs, and you will fill out some paperwork and tell us your medical and social history. The agency will describe its process, fees, and services. You will also fill out lots of application forms, including medical questionnaires and consent forms. During this phase, financial matters are discussed and contracts are reviewed.
Most programs need psychological clearance at this stage to make sure you’re ready for the emotional side of egg donation. You’ll also get educational materials on the process and what to expect in the months ahead.
Donor Spunk
After you’re approved, you’ll get access to the agency’s donor database. This phase can be vastly different, based on your ideal and donor availability. You will read detailed donor profiles, with medical histories, photographs, and essays about their interests and hobbies.
Weigh your options and ask your coordinator questions about donors you may have. Certain agencies permit the donors restrained communicate or provide more information on request.
Legal Phase
Once you’ve settled on a donor, the legal wheels turn. Attorneys for both parties will be kept to independently review, change, and negotiate the egg donation agreement with your California egg donation agency. This thorough covenant also includes matters involving finances, medical determinations, privacy, and contact in the future.
The legal stage specifies the rights and duties of the parties. Although it may feel like a lengthy step, proper legal preparation safeguards all parties and minimizes future issues.
Medical Sync Week
After legal agreements are signed, medical synchronization will begin. Your fertility clinic will synchronize both your cycle and the donor’s cycle to be in sync for egg collection and transfer. It requires hormonal medication for both, and regular monitoring visits.
You, in the meantime, prepare your uterine lining for the corresponding possible embryo transfer with the recipient, starting with ovarian stimulation medication. Experienced medical doctors must supervise this at the right time.
Stimulation and Monitoring
During stimulation, the donor will need close monitoring as blood and ultrasound tests will occur often to monitor the development of the follicles. This process may take 10-14 days, but the duration may differ depending on the response to drugs.
You will also be monitored to make sure your uterine lining is growing normally for the embryo transfer. Here, communication with all teams is essential to synchronize timing.
Egg Retrieval and Fertilization
Egg retrieval is conducted when the expected maturity of follicles is reached. This is an office procedure that usually takes 20-30 minutes with light sedation. Harvested eggs are then transferred to the laboratory, where they are inseminated with sperm.
Fertilization occurs within hours of collection, and the developing embryos are observed for several days. You’ll get updates on rates of fertilization and the quality of embryos.
Embryo Transfer
Fresh embryo transfers will usually occur 3-5 days following a retrieval, although some cycles will freeze all the embryos for future transfers. The transfer method is relatively easy and rarely needs sedation.
After transfer, you will go through the two-week wait before you take a pregnancy test. It is a potentially emotional time, and agencies usually provide resources and support during this process.
Post Transfer Support
Good agencies offer support regardless of your cycle result. This includes having an avenue to your medical team, emotional support tools, and help if or when questions come up.
It usually takes about 3-4 months from the time a meeting with an agency occurs until embryo transfer, but it may be longer or shorter based on individual situations and agency policies.
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Last Updated on June 7, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD
